Abstract:
A sterilization system is configured to emit energy, such as UV radiation, for sterilizing a surface, such as a door handle, faucet handle, elevator button, or other target surfaces known in the art. The sterilization system is configured to operate automatically in response to detection of a user&#39;s hand interfacing with the handle. After a user releases a handle, the sterilization system is actuated to sanitize the handle for subsequent users.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/966,563, entitled STERILIZATION SYSTEM USING ULTRAVIOLET AND INFRARED RAYS, filed Aug. 14, 2013, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/683,002, filed Aug. 14, 2012, the contents of each of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Field of Invention 
         [0004]    This invention relates in general to a sterilization system, and more specifically, to a sterilization system which utilizes optical energy, e.g., light, for killing germs and bacteria on a door handle or other surfaces routinely grabbed or manually actuated, particularly in public locations. 
         [0005]    Description 
         [0006]    The transfer of germs, bacteria and viruses and other contaminants is well-known to lead to the development of a cold or other disease/illness. Such transfer is particularly prevalent in public areas, where several individuals interact with each other and the surrounding environment. For instance, manually actuated devices, such as door handles, faucet handles, elevator buttons, and the like tend to be common areas for transfer of such contaminants, as they are regularly engaged by several individuals during the course of a given day. 
         [0007]    Such health concerns are well-known, and typically combated through routine cleaning. For instance, a cleaning staff typically cleans such areas on a regular basis, which may be daily or even more frequent. The contaminants may be killed or removed through the use of cleaning agents/detergents, wherein such cleaning agents may be sprayed or wiped on the surface of the door handle, etc. 
         [0008]    Although the practice of using cleaning agents is helpful in trying to maintain a clean, sanitary environment, there are several deficiencies associated with such practice. One deficiency is that it is difficult to maintain sanitary conditions for extended periods of time. For instance, if a cleaning staff is scheduled to clean an area once a day, several contaminants may build-up on the surfaces of the handles, etc., throughout the day and may be transferred to people who interface with those handles while the contaminants are present. In this regard, there are logistical and cost issues associated with continually maintaining public areas in a sanitary condition. 
         [0009]    Another deficiency is associated with the cleaning agents used by the cleaning staff. More specifically, such cleaning agents may be toxic to one&#39;s health and may cause harm to the environment. 
         [0010]    Yet another shortcoming associated with conventional sterilization practices is that several areas may be overlooked for sterilization. It is difficult to sanitize every handle, or every elevator button, etc. within a building on a routine basis. 
         [0011]    As such, there is a need in the art for an improved sterilization system which is configured to maintain more sanitary conditions in more cost effective and environmentally friendly conditions. The present invention address this particular need, as will be discussed in more detail below. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0012]    According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sterilization system configured to emit optical energy, e.g., light, for sterilizing a surface, such as a door handle, faucet handle, elevator button, or other target surfaces known in the art. The sterilization system is configured to operate automatically in response to detection of a user&#39;s hand interfacing with the handle. In other words, after a user releases a handle, the sterilization system is actuated to sanitize the handle for subsequent users. 
         [0013]    According to one embodiment, there is provided a sterilization system configured for use with a door having a user actuated opening mechanism (such as a handle). The sterilization system includes a motion sensor configured to detect placement and removal of a hand of a user adjacent the opening mechanism. A controller is in communication with the motion sensor, and is configured to generate a sterilization cycle command in response to detection, by the motion sensor, of placement and removal of the hand of the user adjacent the opening mechanism. A first sanitizing light element is in communication with the controller for receiving the sterilization cycle command and is positionable in optical range of the opening mechanism. The first sanitizing light element is sized, configured and adapted to emit a first optical sterilization signal toward the opening mechanism for sterilizing the opening mechanism in response to receipt of sterilization cycle command. To that end, it is contemplated that the first sanitizing light element will extend perpendicularly outward from the door and oriented downward toward the handle a distance from one to three inches, with two to three inches being preferred. 
         [0014]    A second sanitizing light element may be in communication with the controller for receiving the sterilization cycle command and may be positionable in spaced relation to the first sanitizing light element and in optical range of the opening mechanism. The second sanitizing light element may be sized, configured and adapted to emit a second optical sterilization signal toward the opening mechanism. The second sanitizing light will be oriented such that the same will extend perpendicularly outward from the door a distance of at least three inches to thus enable the sanitizing light to more broadly project upwardly upon the surfaces to be sterilized. The first and second optical sterilization signals may thus collectively sterilize the opening mechanism in response to receipt of sterilization cycle command. 
         [0015]    The sterilization system may include a housing assembly coupled to the first sanitizing light element and include a shield and a chassis coupled to the shield. The first sanitizing light element may be coupled to the chassis, and the shield may be configured to block light emitted away from the opening mechanism. 
         [0016]    The first sanitizing light element may be configured to emit ultraviolet light, such as C-spectrum ultraviolet light. The first sanitizing light element may also be configured to emit infrared light. The first sanitizing light element may be configured to emit light at a wavelength of approximately 240-270 nanometers, with 253.7 nm being preferred. 
         [0017]    The controller may be configured to generate a stop command in response to detection of placement of the hand of the user adjacent the opening mechanism during emission of light by the first sanitizing light element. The first sanitizing light element may be configured to stop emitting light in response to receipt of the stop command. 
         [0018]    The motion sensor may be configured to detect placement and removal of the hand of the user within approximately 5 inches of the opening mechanism. 
         [0019]    The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view of door having a sterilization system constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention coupled thereto; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the door depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the door depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a partial, enlarged, upper perspective view of the door depicted in  FIG. 1 , illustrating a lower sterilization assembly; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a partial, enlarged, lower perspective view of the door depicted in  FIG. 1 , illustrating an upper sterilization assembly; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of a housing assembly; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a schematic view of the electrical components according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0028]    Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to indicate like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention. 
         [0030]    According to various aspects of the present invention, and referring now to the drawings, there is provided a sterilization system  10  configured to emit optical energy, e.g., light, for sterilizing a door handle  12 . One or more sanitizing light elements  14  are mounted in close proximity to the handle  12  for emitting light at a sanitizing light frequency to kill bacteria, viruses or other contaminants which may be present on the door handle  12 . The sterilization system  10  may be configured to detect the presence of the user&#39;s hand grabbing the handle  12 , and automatically initiate a sterilization cycle in response to the user releasing the handle  12 . 
         [0031]    According to one embodiment, the sterilization system  10  is configured for use with a door  16  having a user actuated opening mechanism  12  including a gripping surface/target surface  18  which is interface with a user for opening the door  16 . As used herein the term “opening mechanism” may refer to a door handle, a faucet handle, an elevator button, a biometric security device, a keypad/keyboard, or other handles, buttons or other grippable/engageable elements known by those skilled in the art. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1 , the opening mechanism  12  includes a rotatable handle having an elongate gripping portion defining a target/gripping surface  18  which is grabbed by the user to actuate the handle  12 . 
         [0032]    The exemplary sterilization system  10  includes a first, upper sterilization assembly  20  coupled to the door  16  and positioned above the handle  12 , and a second, lower sterilization assembly  22  coupled to the door  16  and positioned blow the handle  12 . Each sterilization assembly includes a shield  24 , a chassis  26 , and at least one sanitizing light element  14  for emitting light at a sanitizing wavelength. The sterilization assemblies  20 ,  22  are coupled to the door  16  in close proximity to the handle  12  such that the sanitizing light elements  14  are in effective range of the handle  12 . Typically, the sanitizing light elements  14  are positioned approximately one to five inches away (i.e., above or below) from the handle  12 , which provides suitable space for a user to grab the handle  12  and actuate the handle  12 . In a most highly preferred embodiment, discussed more fully below, the lower sterilization assembly  22  will extend outwardly from door  16  a length greater than upper sterilization assembly  20  to thus enable the sanitizing light assembly disposed therein to have a greater projection of sanitizing light relative the sanitizing light element  14  disposed within upper sanitizing light assembly  20 . However, in other embodiments, the sanitizing light elements  14  may be positioned closer to the handle  12  or farther away from the handle  12  without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0033]    Each sanitizing light element  14  is preferably comprised of a light emitting diode (LED) configured to emit light at a sterilizing wavelength. As used herein, the term “sterilizing wavelength” refers to any wavelength which can kill, neutralize or otherwise remove a contaminant, such as bacteria, viruses, germs or other contaminants known in the art. According to one embodiment, the sterilizing wavelength is in the range of approximately 240 to 270 nanometers, with 253.7 nm being most highly preferred, although other wavelengths known in the art may also be used. The sanitizing light elements  14  may be configured to emit ultraviolet light, preferably in the C-spectrum, or infrared light, although those skilled in the art will recognize that other types of light may also be emitted. 
         [0034]    The sanitizing light elements  14  are coupled to a chassis  26 , which includes a mounting portion  28  and a bracket portion  30 . The mounting portion  28  includes one or more mounting tabs  32  for engaging with respective ones of the sanitizing light elements  14 . Each mounting tab  32  includes an aperture configured to receive a sanitizing light element  14 . The tabs  32  extend outwardly from the bracket portion  30  to position the sanitizing light elements  14  in an optimal position for sanitizing the handle  12 . To that end, the sanitizing light elements will preferably be positioned a distance one to five inches away from handle  12 , whether above or below, and also will be selectively oriented a distance extending perpendicular from the door  16  such that the sanitizing light element  14  of the upper sterilization assembly  20  extends approximately one to three inches perpendicular from the door, with approximately two to three inches being most preferred and the lower sterilization assembly  22  being mounted such that the sanitizing light element  14  thereof extends a distance of at least three inches perpendicular from door  16  a distance of at least three inches, and preferably within the distance of three to five inches. 
         [0035]    The bracket portion  30  is specifically sized and configured for connecting the chassis  26  to the shield  24 . In the exemplary embodiment, the bracket portion  30  is sized and configured to be nested within a housing  34  which is connectable to the door  16 . In this regard, the bracket portion  30  includes an upper bracket wall  36  and a rear bracket wall  38  that is complimentary to an upper housing wall  40  and a rear housing wall  42 . When the bracket portion  30  is nested within the housing  34 , the upper bracket wall  36  is positioned adjacent the upper housing wall  40 , and the rear bracket wall  38  is positioned adjacent the rear housing wall  42 . The housing  34  additionally includes a pair of sidewalls  44  disposed on opposed ends of the housing  34 , wherein each sidewall  44  includes a slot  46  formed therein for mounting the housing  34  within the shield  24 , as will be described in more detail below. 
         [0036]    The shield  24  is positioned next to the sanitizing light elements  14  to block sanitizing light emitted away from the handle  12 , and preferably to reflect light toward the handle  12 . In the exemplary embodiment, the shield  24  includes an arcuate wall  48  disposed between two opposed shield end walls  50 . The arcuate wall  48  extends approximately 90 degrees and includes a lower edge  52  which is positionable adjacent the door  16 , and an upper edge  54  which extends away from the door  16  to define an opening therebetween through which sanitizing light may be emitted. Each shield end wall  50  includes an aperture formed therein which is sized and configured to receive a mechanical fastener  56 , such as a screw, nail, rivet, etc. The mechanical fastener  56  is advanced through the respective shield end wall  50  and is configured to slide within the slot  46  formed within the housing sidewall  44  to connect the housing  34  to the shield  24 . 
         [0037]    The sterilization system  10  additionally includes a motion sensor  58  configured to detect placement and removal of a hand of a user adjacent the handle  12 . The motion sensor  58  is preferably mounted to the chassis  26  on a mounting tab  32  to position the motion sensor  58  in close proximity to the handle  12 . The motion sensor  58  may employ detection means known in the art, such as infrared detection, sonar detection, or the like, for detecting placement and removal of the user&#39;s hand adjacent the handle  12 . When the motion sensor  58  detects the user&#39;s hand, the motion sensor  58  may generate a first detection signal, and when the motion sensor  58  detects removal of the user&#39;s hand, the motion sensor  58  generates a second detection signal. The first and second detection signals may be used to control operation of the sanitizing light elements  14 , as described in more detail below. 
         [0038]    Referring now specifically to  FIG. 7 , the sterilization system  10  preferably includes a controller  60  in operative communication with the motion sensor  58  and the sanitizing light element(s)  14  for controlling operation of the sterilizer(s)  14  based on information received from the motion sensor  58 . According to one embodiment, the controller  60  includes the memory capacity and processing power to generate a sterilization cycle command in response to detection, by the motion sensor  58 , of placement and removal of the hand of the user adjacent the handle  12 . In other words, the controller  60  generates the sterilization cycle command upon receipt of the first and second detection signals. 
         [0039]    The sanitizing light elements  14  are in communication with the controller  60  for receiving the sterilization cycle command and are adapted to emit respective optical sterilization signals toward the handle  12  for sterilizing the handle  12  in response to receipt of sterilization cycle command. 
         [0040]    The controller  60  may be configured to generate a stop command in response to detection of placement of the hand of the user adjacent the handle  12  during emission of light by the first sanitizing light element  14 . The first sanitizing light element  14  may be configured to stop emitting light in response to receipt of the stop command. 
         [0041]    It is contemplated that the sterilization system  10  may include a local power source  62 , i.e., battery, for providing power to the controller  60 , motion sensor  58 , and sanitizing light elements  14 . Alternatively, the sterilization system  10  may receive power from an outside power source, such as a power outlet or through a hard wire connection to a building&#39;s power line. 
         [0042]    The sterilization system  10  may be retrofitted onto existing doors  16  or walls to provide sterilization to existing handles  12 , knobs, buttons, etc. Alternatively, the sterilization system  10  may be incorporated into new doors  16  or building structures during initial construction thereof. 
         [0043]    With the primary structural elements of the sterilization system discussed above, the following will focus on operation of the sterilization system  10 . Operation of the device  10  is initiated via placement of a user&#39;s hand within a detectable field adjacent the handle  12 . The detectable field is defined by the motion sensor  58 , which detects the user&#39;s hand as the user reaches for and grabs the handle  12 . When the motion sensor  58  detects the placement of the user&#39;s hand adjacent the handle  12 , the motion sensor  58  generates the first detection signal, which is then communicated to the controller  60 . At this point, the controller  60  may be placed on standby to wait for removal of the user&#39;s hand. Once the motion sensor  58  detects removal of the user&#39;s hand from the detectable field, a second detection signal is generated and communicated to the controller  60 . 
         [0044]    Upon receipt of the second detection signal, the controller  60  initiates the sterilization cycle. According to one embodiment, the sterilization cycle defines a prescribed period of time which the sanitizing light elements  14  irradiate the handle  12  for sanitizing the handle  12 . The controller  60  emits a sterilization cycle command to the sanitizing light elements  60 , which causes the sanitizing light elements  14  to emit light at the sanitizing wavelength for the prescribed period of time. After passage of the prescribed period of time, the sanitizing light elements  60  cease the emission of light and the cycle is complete. 
         [0045]    During the sterilization cycle, the motion sensor  58  continues to detect placement of a user&#39;s hand in close proximity to the handle  12 . If the motion sensor  58  detects a user&#39;s hand during the sterilization cycle, the motion sensor  58  generates the first detection signal which is communicated to the controller  60 . Furthermore, if the controller  60  receives a first detection signal during the sterilization cycle, the controller  60  generates and transmits a stop signal to the sanitizing light elements  14  to stop emitting light. Once the motion sensor  58  detects removal of the user&#39;s hand from the handle  12 , and away from the detectable field, the controller  60  initiates the sterilization cycle. 
         [0046]    When the sterilization is complete the device  10  will remain on standby mode, ready to be activated upon detection of the user&#39;s hand by the motion sensor. 
         [0047]    According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device  10  sterilizes the handle of 99% of germicidal properties using the sterilization techniques described above. In this regard, the sterilization device  10  substantially maintains a sterile surface upon which a user may interact with by sterilizing the surface after each use. 
         [0048]    The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.