Abstract:
Disclosed herein are devices, designs, and methods of using a device for sanitizing feet, shoes, or other surfaces in contact with the floor. The apparatus is capable of detecting the presence of a user and automatically spraying the feet of a user with a sanitizing fluid. Fluid is expelled through an elevated grate, which allows the user to stand on an elevated grate and have their feet sanitized without exposing their feet to a dirty pool of liquid.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application relates to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/285,907, which was filed Nov. 11, 2015 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Harmful microbes are generally unwanted in places such as hospitals, greenhouses, infant daycares, and concentrated animal feeding operations. These microbes may cause disease or even kill. In a medical setting, such as an intensive care unit, immunocompromised patients may be negatively impacted by unwanted pathogens that often enter the room on a visitor&#39;s shoes. 
         [0003]    Daycares are also concerned with unwanted pathogens entering the facility because infants do not have fully developed immune systems until they are around six months old. But, infants are often cared for in daycares where they are allowed to crawl on the floor. Infants put items such as bottles, toys, and pacifiers in their mouths even if these items have been in contact with the floor. Infants also put their hands in their mouths. Because infants lack fully developed immune systems, unwanted pathogens on the daycare floor may make infants sick. It is difficult to keep the floors free from outside debris and pathogens because parents, visitors, and teachers enter and leave the room many times a day. 
         [0004]    The food industry also must address unwanted pathogens in processing facilities. Animals such as pigs, chickens, turkeys, and cows are often raised in controlled environments. Animals raised in these concentrated animal feeding operations may not have fully developed immune systems. Disease in these animals may have detrimental consequences. Farmers, visitors, and other workers must enter these concentrated animal feeding operations to feed animals, maintain equipment, and take care of animals. People who enter concentrated animal feeding facilities may unknowingly bring in unwanted pathogens on their feet, potentially exposing livestock to harmful or deadly disease. This type of contamination is also a problem to be solved in greenhouses and food processing facilities. 
         [0005]    Booties or other foot coverings are often used for keeping contaminants out of medical settings and infant day cares. But, these booties require a user to have their hands free for placing the booties on their feet. Additionally, bootie placement takes time. Furthermore, booties must be washed or disposed after use. 
         [0006]    Traditional disinfectant mats have been used in concentrated animal feeding operations, food processing facilities, and greenhouses to keep these facilities free of unwanted pathogens. These traditional mats require a time consuming process for setting up a pool of disinfectant for users to stand in. First a sanitizing liquid is mixed and poured into a pool. Then the mat is carefully placed over the pool, avoiding splashing or contacting the skin with the liquid. Next, additional sanitizing fluid is poured over the mat, readying the traditional mat for a user to stand atop the mat. While standing on the mat, users move their feet back and forth to remove debris and disinfect their feet. 
         [0007]    The same pool of disinfectant is used for each user. This reuse of disinfectant may degrade the efficacy of the solution. After several uses, the traditional disinfectant mat becomes grimy and full of debris that must be cleaned. Because a used mat has an open pool of dirty contaminated liquid, the pool is difficult to move without spilling or splashing the contaminated liquid. 
         [0008]    Cleaning these traditional mats, usually by hand, is a time consuming and dirty process that takes several steps. First, the dirty mat must be removed from the pool of contaminated liquid. Then, the pool of dirty liquid must be disposed and the pool must be cleaned. Next, the mat must be cleaned using running water. Then, the wet mat must be dried. While the mat is drying, another mat may be used in the pool, or the user must wait until the cleaned mat is dry. 
         [0009]    What is needed is a hands-free device that a user can stand on and have their feet sanitized without exposing their feet to a dirty pool of liquid. The device should be easy and fast to use by anyone who enters a facility, regardless of training. Cleaning the mat should also be easy and fast. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present application relates to a sanitizing mat for the sanitization of shoes or other surfaces in contact with a floor. The sanitizing mat functions by spraying a sanitizing liquid onto the feet of a user in response to the user standing on the mat. The sanitizing mat recognizes the presence of a user by using a sensor. Once the presence of a user is detected, the sanitizing mat sprays the user&#39;s feet with a sanitizing fluid. In many embodiments, the sanitizing mat has an elevated grate standing surface that keeps the user from standing in a pool of liquid. The elevated mat grate standing surface also allows debris and excess liquid to fall through the grate onto a debris catching tray. After the sanitizing process is complete, the sanitizing mat provides a signal that the process is complete. The sanitizing indicator may be a sound or a light that is in communication with the electrical circuit. Once the process is complete, the user may step off of the mat. 
         [0011]    The structure of the sanitizing mat generally has a fluid delivery system and sensors for detecting the presence of a user. The fluid delivery system has a reservoir, configured to store a sanitizing fluid, connected to a pump. The pump is used to pump sanitizing fluid to a plurality of fluid outlets. The fluid outlets are generally designed and dimensioned to spray sanitizing fluid onto a surface. The fluid outlets may be a combination of diffusers and nozzles. In particular, the pump is configured to transfer fluid from the reservoir to the fluid outlets. 
         [0012]    The fluid delivery system is controlled by an electrical circuit that is in communication with a sensor that detects the presence of a user. In response to a user&#39;s presence, the sensor sends a signal to the electrical circuit, which activates the fluid delivery system, causing fluid to be expelled from the reservoir to the fluid outlets. The fluid exits the fluid outlet and passes through a plurality of apertures in the standing surface to contact the feet of a user. The fluid sanitizes the feet and may also cause removal of debris. The excess fluid or debris falls through the apertures in the standing surface and are collected by a tray that is beneath the standing surface. The sanitizing mat may also include a frame. The frame can be a rectangular member that has two sets of opposed edges. 
         [0013]    The sanitizing mat may have a first bracket affixed to two side housing units and the frame. The mat also has a second bracket that opposes the first bracket. Both of these brackets have a ramp affixed to them. The sanitizing mat may also have a center column rotatably affixed to the brackets. The center column has a first face opposite a second face. The center column also has a first pair of opposing edges and a second set of opposing edges. The first set of opposing edges are affixed to the brackets and the second set of opposing edges are attached to a first and a second grate. 
         [0014]    The first and second grate are configured to support the feet of a user standing on the grates. Each grate has a bottom face and a top face. The grates have a plurality of apertures that allow fluid to pass through the grates. The grates also have fluid outlets connected to the bottom faces of the grates. These fluid outlets are a combination of nozzles configured to spray a stream of liquid onto the feet of the user, and diffusers configured to spray a mist onto the feet of the user. 
         [0015]    The sanitizing mat has at least one sensor that detects the presence of a user. Once the sensor detects the presence of a user the sensor sends a signal to an electrical circuit which activates the pump, causing fluid to be pumped from the reservoir to the fluid outlets. 
         [0016]    Because the fluid sprayed onto the foot of a user may result in fluid and debris falling from the user&#39;s foot, the sanitizing mat may include a removable tray configured to catch debris or liquid. The removable tray is located opposite the bottom face of the grates. 
         [0017]    The sanitizing mat further has a first side housing member and a second side housing member configured to receive the pump, the reservoir, or the electrical circuit. The side housing members are affixed to the brackets, with each side housing further comprising a first and a second compartment. Each of these compartments may have a side door pivotally attached. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of the sanitizing floor mat in one embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of the sanitizing floor mat in one embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  illustrates a view of the sanitizing floor mat with the side housing open. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  illustrates a view of the sanitizing floor mat&#39;s side housing holding a reservoir and pump. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  illustrates a view of the sanitizing floor mat&#39;s electronic components. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  illustrates several views of the sanitizing floor mat&#39;s nozzle rails and nozzles. 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  illustrates a top view of the sanitizing floor mat without side housings or ramps. 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of the sanitizing floor mat without side housings or ramps. 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  illustrates a bottom view of the sanitizing floor mat without side housings or ramps. 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  illustrates the center column and pivot joints of the sanitizing floor mat. 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  illustrates the center column and ramp connectors of the sanitizing floor mat. 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  illustrates a first view of the sanitizing floor mat in an open disposition. 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  illustrates a cut away view of the sanitizing floor mat showing the nozzles and nozzle rails. 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  illustrates a second view of the sanitizing floor mat in an open disposition. 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  illustrates a view of a fluid outlet holder. 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  illustrates a view of a rib of the sanitizing mat. 
           [0035]      FIG. 17  illustrates a view of a fluid outlet. 
           [0036]      FIG. 18  illustrates the base plate of the sanitizing mat. 
           [0037]      FIG. 19  illustrates the debris tray of the sanitizing mat. 
           [0038]      FIG. 20  illustrates a view of the center column of the sanitizing mat. 
           [0039]      FIG. 21  illustrates a view of the open side housing units of the sanitizing mat. 
           [0040]      FIG. 22  illustrates the side housing base. 
           [0041]      FIG. 23  illustrates a side housing wall. 
           [0042]      FIG. 24  illustrates a side housing door. 
           [0043]      FIG. 25  illustrates a first view of the side housing bracket. 
           [0044]      FIG. 26  illustrates a second view of the side housing bracket. 
           [0045]      FIG. 27  illustrates a fluid reservoir holder. 
           [0046]      FIG. 28  illustrates an electronics holder. 
           [0047]      FIG. 29  illustrates a pump ramp corner. 
           [0048]      FIG. 30  illustrates a side for a pump ramp corner. 
           [0049]      FIG. 31  illustrates a first portion of a ramp member for the pump side. 
           [0050]      FIG. 32  illustrates a first portion of the ramp member. 
           [0051]      FIG. 33  illustrates the corner brackets. 
           [0052]      FIG. 34  illustrates a side face of the ramp. 
           [0053]      FIG. 35  illustrates a center ramp bracket. 
           [0054]      FIG. 36  illustrates a ramp connecter. 
           [0055]      FIG. 37  illustrates a center bracket connecter. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0056]    The invention is to a sanitizing floor mat  100  as shown in  FIGS. 1-37  and a method of using the sanitizing floor mat system for sanitizing feet or surfaces in contact with the floor. Specifically, the invention is to a sanitizing floor mat system that is an improvement of traditional sanitizing floor mats that have the user step into a pool of sanitizing liquid. The instant sanitizing floor mat is designed such that a sanitizing fluid can be delivered to a user&#39;s feet without having the user stand in a pool of liquid. Additionally the sanitizing floor mat allows any debris on the feet of the user to fall into a tray, instead of back into the pool of sanitizing liquid. 
         [0057]    The sanitizing floor mat  100  has a base  115  that supports the sanitizing floor mat  100 . For example as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 14 , the sanitizing floor mat  100  may have a collection tray  102  that is configured to collect any debris or fluid that results from the foot being sprayed with a sanitizing fluid. Grates  120 A-B attached to the center column  180  are configured for a user to stand on the grates  120 A-B. The sanitizing floor mat  100  additionally has a side housing  140 A-B. The side housing  140 A-B is configured to hold a pump  150 , a fluid reservoir  152 , and electronics  154 . Beneath the grate  120 A-B, the sanitizing floor mat  100  has a plurality of fluid outlets  160 . The fluid outlets  160  are attached to the grate  120 A-B using one or more ribs  162 . Additionally, the sanitizing floor mat  100  may have a center column  180 . The center column  180  is attached to ramps  190 A-B using ramp connectors  192 A-B and corner brackets  116 A-D. The center column  180  is attached to the standing surface  120  via grate connections  184  that receive grate bolts  188 . 
         [0058]    The sanitizing floor mat  100  may have a frame that has a rectangular configuration. Because the frame provides support for the sanitizing floor mat, the frame is a made of a material that is rigid enough to provide support. The frame  110  may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as a metal or a plastic, or a combination of metals and plastics. The frame  110  preferably has a rectangular shape, but other shapes such as square could be selected. The frame also has a top face  1101  and a bottom face  1102 . The bottom face  1102  of the frame is configured to rest on the floor, supporting the other components of the sanitizing floor mat  100 . The frame&#39;s edges may be configured to engage a set of brackets. The frame may include a base. For example as shown in  FIG. 12 , the base  115  may be a sheet of rigid material that rests between both sets of the frame&#39;s opposing edges. Like the bottom face of the frame, the bottom face of the base is configured to be in contact with the floor. The base  115  may be attached to each edge of the frame  110 . The frame  110  may have only one set of opposing edges that are connected by the base  115 . One of skill in the art will appreciate that the frame  110  may have any suitable shape, including a square or triangle. The frame should have dimensions that are appropriate for accommodating various sizes of user feet. As a non-limiting example, the frame may be a 24 inch by 15 inch rectangle. The frame may also be a 30 inch by 20 inch rectangle. 
         [0059]    The base  115  has a top face  1152  and a bottom face  1154 . For example as shown in  FIG. 18 , the base is a rectangular sheet that has a first set of edges  1156 A-B and a second pair of opposing edges  1157 A-B. Both edges of the second set of opposing edges  1157 A-B, may have rectangular notches  1158 A-B near the center of the second set of opposing edges  1157 A-B. The bottom face  1154  is configured to rest on a floor or other similar surfaces. The base may be configured to receive a tray  102  on the top face  1152  of the base  115 . The base  115  has a plurality of apertures  1155  that are configured to accept screws, bolts, or other fasteners for securing components of the sanitizing mat  100  thereto. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the base  115  may have any suitable shape, including circle, square, or triangle. 
         [0060]    The sanitizing mat  100  may have side housings  140 A-B attached to it. In this regard, the side housings  140 A-B act as a frame for constructing the sanitizing mat  100 . For example as shown in  FIGS. 21-26 , each side housing  140 A-B may be made of two side housing sections  141 A-D. The side housing sections  141 A-D may consist of a side housing base  146 , a side housing bracket  1400 , a pair of opposing side housing walls  147 A-B, and a U-shaped side housing door  142 . Each side housing base  146  is a rectangular sheet that has a first set of edges  1460 A-B and a second pair of opposing edges  1462 A-B. The side housing base  146  has a top face  1464  and a bottom face  1466 . The side housing base  146  has a plurality of apertures  1469  for accepting screws, bolts, or other fasteners for securing side housing base  146  to the sanitizing mat base  115 . The side housing base  146  may also have a plurality of apertures  1468 A-C for accepting protrusions  1440 A-C from a side housing bracket  1400 . The side housing walls  147 A-B have a curved top edge  1471  opposite a flat bottom edge  1470 . The side housing walls  147 A-B also have a pair of parallel straight edges  1472  and  1473  opposite each other. The side housing walls  147 A-B also may have a minor edge  1475  that is opposite and parallel to the flat bottom edge  1470 . The first edge  1472  joins the curved top  1471  and the flat bottom  1470 . The second edge  1473  joins the minor edge  1475  and the bottom edge  1470 . The top of the side housing walls  147 A-B may have a curve that has the same radius as the U-shaped door  142 . The side housing wall  147  may also include apertures  1478 A-B configured to accept screws, bolts, or other fasteners for securing the side housing wall  147  to a corner bracket  116 . The side housing wall  147  may also include apertures  1479 A-B configured to accept side housing bracket protrusions  1402 . One of skill in the art will appreciate that the side housings  140 A-B and side housing sections may have any shape that is suitable for housing a pump  150 , a reservoir  152 , or an electrical circuit  154 . 
         [0061]    The side housing bases  146  are affixed to the sanitizing mat base  115  with the bottom face  1466  of the side housing base  146  opposite the top face  1152  of the sanitizing mat base  115 . The side housing bracket  1400  is a rectangular member that has a first set of opposing edges  1409 A-B and a second pair of opposing edges  1430 A-B. The side housing bracket  1400  also has a first face  1401  and a second face  1403 . For example as shown in  FIG. 26 , the side housing bracket  1400  has a second set of edges  1430 A-B. Of the second set of opposing edges  1430 A-B, a base edge  1430 A has a plurality of protrusions  1440 A-C configured to be accepted by the bracket apertures  1468 A-C in the side housing base  146 . The side housing bracket  1400  is affixed to the side housing base  146  by inserting the bracket protrusions  1440 A-C into the bracket apertures  1468 A-C. This allows the side housing bracket  1400  to be perpendicular to the side housing base  146 . Of the second set of opposing edges  1430 A-B, a hinge edge  1430 B has a configuration that is hingedly attached to the side housing door  142 . Each edge of the first set of opposing edges  1409 A-B has protrusions  1402  that are configured to be accepted by the apertures  1479 A-B in the side housing walls  147 A-B. The side housing bracket  1400  may also have a plurality of apertures  1420 A-B for allowing fluid lines to connect the fluid delivery system components held inside the side housings to fluid outlets  160  that line the bottom face of the grate  120 A-B. The second face  1403  of the side housing bracket has a plurality of protrusions that are configured to act as rib acceptors  1410 A-C. The rib acceptors  1410 A-C may be a single protrusion. 
         [0062]    Once the side housing base  146 , side housing bracket  1400 , the pair of opposing side housing walls  147 A-B, and U-shaped side housing door  142  are assembled, the assembled side housing members  140 A-B may serve two purposes, first as a frame for the sanitizing mat components, and second as a housing for various components. For example as shown in  FIGS. 4-5 , the side housing members  140 A-B may be configured to house one or more components chosen from a group that includes, but is not limited to a pump  150 , a reservoir  152 , and an electrical circuit  154 . Side housing member  140 A-B may include a fluid reservoir holder  151  for holding a fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir holder  151  generally as a bottom face  1510  that is opposite a top face  1511 . The fluid reservoir holder  151  also has a top face that has a plurality of protrusions  1512 A-D configured to hold a fluid reservoir  152 . For example as shown in  FIG. 27 , protrusions  1512 A-D may be curved to hold a cylindrical fluid reservoir. One of skill in the art will appreciate that these protrusions  1512 A-D may be any shape that is capable of accepting a fluid reservoir  152 . Some of the side housing members  140 A-B may include electronics holders  156 . The electronics holder  156  is a rectangular member that has a first set of opposing edges  1565 A-B, and a second set of opposing edges  1567 A-B. The electronics holder  156  has a bottom face  1561  and a top face  1563 . The bottom face  1561  is secured to the top face  1563  of the side housing base  146 . The top face  1563  of the electronics holder is configured to hold electronics  154  that control the sanitizing mat  100 . One of skill in the art will appreciate that the side housing members  140 A-B may be any shape that is appropriate for housing a fluid reservoir  152 , a pump  150 , or an electrical circuit  154 . The side housing members  140 A-B may remain empty. Each side housing member  140 A-B may be attached to opposing edges of the frame  110 . Each side housing member  140 A-B may be a unitary housing. Each side housing member  140 A-B may be divided into two or more side housing sections  141 A-D. The doors  142 A-D of the side housing members may be rotatably attached to the side housing sections  141 A-D. The side housing doors  142 A-D are attached to the side housing by inserting the hinge rod  144  through the side housing hinge  1445 . The doors of the side housing members  140 A-B provide an access point to the reservoir  152 , pump  150 , or electrical circuit  154  held inside the side housing member. The side housing doors  142 A-D may have apertures that act as side housing door handles  143 . The pump  150  and the fluid reservoir  152  are in communication with one another. The pump  150  and the reservoir  152  are also in fluid communication with the fluid outlets  160 . The side housing  140 A-B is configured to allow the fluid reservoir  152  and the pump  150  to be in fluid communication with one another. The side housing  140 A-B is also configured to allow the electrical circuit  154  to communicate with the pump  150  and the reservoir  152 . The side housings  140 A-B may be made of plastic or some other rigid or semi-rigid material. In other embodiments, the side housing  140 A-B may be made of a metal. By way of non-limiting example, the side housing sections  141 A-D may have a height of about 5 inches and a width of about 5 inches. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the side housings  140 A-B and side housing sections  141 A-D may have dimensions that are appropriate for housing a pump  150 , reservoir  152 , or electrical circuit  154 . 
         [0063]    The side housing walls  147  may have corner brackets  116  attached thereto. These corner brackets  116 A-D may have a triangular shape. For example as shown in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 37 , each corner bracket  116 A-D may have a front face  1162 , a bottom face  1160 , a rear face  1167 , an inner face  1163 , and an outer face  1164 . Each corner bracket  116 A-D may have inner faces  1163  and outer faces  1164  that oppose each other. The corner brackets  116 A-D may also include a flat top face  1169  opposite the bottom face  1160 . Additionally, the rear face  1167  may extend beyond the inner face  1163  and outer face  1164  to form a pair of flanges  1167 A-B. The front  1162 , bottom  1160 , and rear faces  1167  of the corner brackets  116 A-D may meet one another to form a triangle. The corner brackets  116 A-D may also have a first set of apertures  1168 A-B through the front face  1162  and the rear face  1167 . These apertures  1168 A-B are configured to receive screws, bolts, or other fasteners for securing the side housing wall  147 A-B. The corner brackets  116 A-D may also have a second set of apertures  1168  C-D that run through the inner face  1163  and outer face  1164 . The inner  1163  and outer faces  1164  of the corner brackets may also include protrusions  1165 C-D. 
         [0064]    The corner bracket&#39;s rear face  1167  is attached to the side housing wall  147 A-B using a fastener. The front face  1162  of the corner brackets  116 A-D may include a pair of protrusions  1165  that are configured to be accepted by a ramp member apertures  1915 . The front faces  1162  of the corner brackets  116 A-D may be slanted. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the corner brackets  116 A-D may have any shape known in the art for attaching members to one another in different planes. The corner brackets  116 A-D may be made of steel, aluminum, or hard plastic. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the corner brackets  116 A-D may be made of any material known the art. 
         [0065]    The sanitizing mat  100  may also include a pump holder  118 . The pump holder  118  is configured to hold a pump  150  inside of a side housing section  141 . For example as seen in  FIG. 29 , the pump holder  118  has a bracket section  1181 . The pump holder  118  has an inner face  1180  opposite an outer face  1182 . The pump holder  118  also has a top face  1184  opposite a bottom face  1186 . The pump holder  118  also has a pair of side faces  1185 A-B opposite one another. The bracket portion  1181  of the pump holder  118  is configured to perform the same function as the other corner brackets  116 . The pump holder  118  may replace a wall  147  of one of the side housing sections  141 . 
         [0066]    The sanitizing mat  100  may include a center column  180 . The center column  180  may act as center support for a standing surface  120 A-B. For example as shown in  FIGS. 7-10  and  FIG. 20 , the center column  180  may have a bottom face  1802  opposite a curved top face  1801 . The center column  180  may have a first pair of opposing edges  183 A-B and a second set of opposing edges  184 A-B. The second set of edges  184 A-B are flanges that include a plurality of apertures  1841 A-H configured to accept screws, bolts, or other fasteners for securing center column  180  to the standing surface  120 A-B. The first set of opposing edges  183 A-B may be configured to be attached to ramp connectors  192 A-B. The first set of edges  183 A-B may include apertures  1805  configured to accept screws, bolts, or other fasteners for securing center column to ramp connectors  192 A-B. These ramp connectors  192 A-B are configured to communicate with center ramp brackets  193 A-B. 
         [0067]    Each center ramp bracket  193 A-B may have a pair of side faces  1935  that oppose each other. The center ramp brackets  193 A-B may also include a bottom face  1930 , a front face  1931 , and a rear face  1933 . The front  1931 , bottom  1930 , and rear faces  1933  of the center ramp brackets  193 A-B may meet one another to form a triangle. Additionally, the front face  1931  may include a pair of apertures  1932 A-B configured to receive screws, bolts, or other fasteners for securing ramp members  191 A-B and ramp connectors  192 A-B and center column connector  197 A-B. 
         [0068]    The ramp connectors  192 , as shown in  FIG. 35 , are rectangular members that have an inner face  1920 , a rear face  1921 , a first set of opposing edges  1923 A-B, and a second set of opposing edges  1924 A-B. The ramp connectors  192 A-B also may include a plurality of apertures  1925 A-B configured to receive screws, bolts, or other fasteners for securing ramp members  191 A-B, ramp connectors  192 A-B, and center column connector  197 A-B. 
         [0069]    The center column connectors  197 A-B, as shown in  FIG. 36 , are rectangular members that have an inner face  1970 , a rear face  1971 , a first set of opposing edges  1973 A-B, and a second set of opposing edges  1974 A-B. The inner face may have two planes, a lower plane  1970 A and an upper plane  1970 B. The center column connectors  197 A-B also may include a plurality of apertures  1975 A-B configured to receive screws, bolts, or other fasteners for securing ramp members  191 A-B and ramp connectors  192 A-B and center column connector  197 A-B. The center column connectors  197 A-B may also include apertures  1976 A-B, for accepting protrusions  1934 A-D from the center ramp brackets  193 A-B. 
         [0070]    The center ramp brackets  193 A-B have a front face that is configured to be attached to a ramp member  190 . The ramp connectors  192 A-B may be rotatably attached to the center ramp brackets  193 A-B. One or both of the ramp connectors  192 A-B may be removably attached to the center ramp brackets  193 A-B. When the sanitizing mat  100  is in a closed disposition, the center ramp connectors  192 A-B are coplanar with the front faces  1162  of the corner brackets  116 . In this regard, the center ramp connectors  192 A-B and the front faces  1162  of the corner brackets  116  are all configured to receive a ramp member  190 A-B. The center ramp brackets  193 A-B and the ramp connecters  192 A-B may be made from a metal or a hard plastic. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the center ramp brackets  193 A-B and the ramp connecters  192 A-B may be made of any suitable material. 
         [0071]    The pump  150  and the reservoir  152  are in fluid communication with the fluid outlets  160  to form a fluid delivery system. The fluid delivery system may be controlled by the electrical circuit  154 . The electrical circuit  154  may be configured to receive a signal from the sensor and respond to the signal by making the fluid delivery system pump fluid from the reservoir  152  to the fluid outlets  160 . 
         [0072]    The sanitizing mat  100  may include a ramp member  190 A-B for aiding a user in stepping onto the standing surface without tripping. The ramp member  190 A-B may be two rectangular ramp sections  191 A-B. Each ramp section  191 A-B has a front face  1901 A-B, a rear face  1902 A-B, and a first set of opposing edges  191 A-B. The ramp  190  may be fixedly attached to the center ramp connector  193 A-B with the rear face  1902  of the ramp  190 A-B being in contact with the center ramp connector  193 . The rear face  1902  of the ramp  190 A-B may be connected to the sanitizing mat  100  with the rear face  1902  of the ramp member being in direct contact with the front face  1162  of two of the corner brackets  116 . The ramp  190 A-B may be made of a rigid material that can support the weight of a user. In other embodiments, the ramp member  190 A-B may be made of any rigid material known in the art. 
         [0073]    The mat may include a pump corner ramp member  200 . For example as shown in  FIG. 31 , the pump corner ramp member  200  has a front face  2001 , a rear face  2002 , a first set of opposing edges  2006 A-B, and a second set of opposing edges  2004 A-B. The pump corner ramp member  200  may be fixedly attached to the center ramp connector  193 A-B with the rear face  2002  of the ramp  190 A-B being in contact with the center ramp connector  193 A-B. 
         [0074]    The bottom face of the standing surface  120 A-B may have a plurality of ribs  162  attached thereto. For example as shown in  FIG. 6 , each rib  162  may have a fluid outlet holder  167  connected to a surface. The ribs  162  may be fixedly attached to the bottom face of the standing surface  120 A-B. The fluid outlets  160  may be configured to deliver fluid through the standing surface  120 A-B. The inner edges of the frame may have a plurality of protrusions configured to accept the edges of the rib members  162 . The communication of the rib member  162  and the protrusions on the inner edges of the frame may provide additionally support for the standing surface. 
         [0075]    The mat may also include a plurality of flat brackets  189 . Each flat bracket  189  may have a pair of side faces  1894 A-B that oppose each other. The flat brackets  189  may also include a bottom edge  1890 , a front edge  1891 , and a rear edge  1893 . The bottom edge  1890 , the front edge  1891 , and the rear edge  1893  of the flat brackets may meet one another to form a triangle. The flat brackets may have a top edge  1896  opposite the bottom edge  1890 . The flat bracket may include apertures  1895 A-B for receiving screws, bolts or other fasteners. The flat bracket may also include apertures  1897  for receiving a protrusion from a corner bracket. 
         [0076]    One of the flat brackets may be configured to be placed in the same corner as the pump  150 . Because the pump corner may have different dimensions from the other corners, a pump corner flat bracket  194  may serve the same purpose as the other flat brackets  189 . The pump corner flat bracket  194  may have a pair of side faces  1944 A-B that oppose each other. The pump corner flat bracket  194  may also include a bottom edge  1940 , a front edge  1941 , and a curved rear edge  1943 . The bottom edge  1940 , front edge  1941 , and curved rear edge  1943  of the pump corner bracket may meet one another to form a triangular shape. The pump corner flat bracket may include apertures  1945 A-B for receiving screws, bolts or other fasteners. The pump corner flat bracket may also include apertures  1947  for receiving protrusions  1165 A-B from a corner bracket  116 . 
         [0077]    The sanitizing mat  100  may include a plurality of ribs  162  that extend from the center column  180 . For example as shown in  FIG. 6 , the ribs  162  may have a top face  1621  and a bottom face  1620 . The bottom face  1620  may include an I-beam structure  1626 . The ribs  162  may also have a first end  165  that is configured to be attached to an edge of the center column  180 . The ribs  162  may have a second end  166  that is configured to be received by an inner edge of the frame. The ribs  162  may also have an oblong aperture  169  configured for having fluid outlet holders  167  slidably engaged to the ribs  162 . The ribs  162  may serve at least two purposes. First, the ribs  162  provide additional support for a standing surface that may rest atop the top face  1621  of the rib. The bottom face  1620  of the rib  162  may have a plurality of fluid outlet holders  167  attached thereto. The ribs  162  may be made of a rigid material such as plastic or metal. In some embodiments the ribs  162  do not provide additional support for a standing surface  120 A-B. In such embodiments, the ribs  162  may be used exclusively for holding fluid outlets  167 . 
         [0078]    The center column&#39;s second set of opposing edges  184 A-B may have a standing surface  120 A-B affixed to each edge  184 A-B of the center column  180 . The edges  184 A-B of the center column  180  that are attached to brackets are fixedly attached to each bracket. The edges of the center column  180  may be pivotally attached to one or more brackets. In other embodiments the edges  184 A-B may be removably attached to one or more brackets. 
         [0079]    The sanitizing mat  100  has a standing surface  120 A-B that is attached to at least one bracket. In some embodiments the sanitizing mat  100  may have two standing surfaces. For example as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 and 7-9 , the standing surface  120 A-B may each have a bottom face  1200 A-B and a top face  1201 A-B. Each standing surface  120 A-B may have a rectangular shape with a first set of opposing edges consisting of an outer edge  1202 A-B and an inner edge  1204 A-B. The standing surfaces also include a second set of opposing edges  1203 A-D. The inner edges  1204 A-B may have a plurality of apertures  122  configured to be attached to a first end  165  of the ribs and an edge of the center column. The inner edges  1204 A-B of each standing surface, first end  165  of the ribs, and an edge  184 A-B of the center column  180  may be configured to be attached to one another by a bolt, screw or other fastener. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the inner edges  1204 A-B of each standing surface, first end  165  of the ribs, and an inner edge  1204 A-B of the center column may be attached to one another without any fastener. The standing surface  120 A-B may be one unitary member. The standing surface  120 A-B may also be two members, each member attached to an edge of the center column  180 . 
         [0080]    The standing surface  120 A-B may be any surface that allows fluid to pass from the fluid outlets  160  to a user&#39;s feet standing on the top face  1201 A-B of the standing surface  120 A-B. For example as shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , the standing surface  120 A-B may have a plurality of apertures that allow fluid to pass through. The standing surface  120 A-B may be a pair of grates  120 A-B connected to the center column  180 . The apertures of the standing surface  120 A-B may be one uniform size or a distribution of sizes. 
         [0081]    The standing surface  120 A-B may have dimensions that are appropriate for a user&#39;s feet to fit inside each standing surface  120 A-B. Each standing surface  120 A-B should have dimensions that are appropriate for accommodating various sizes of user feet. As a non-limiting example, each standing surface  120 A-B may be a 12 inch by 15 inch rectangle. Each standing surface  120 A-B may be a 10 inch by 20 inch rectangle. The standing surface  120 A-B may be one unitary member that may be a 30 inch by 20 inch rectangle. 
         [0082]    The sanitizing mat  100  may include a removable tray  102  configured to catch debris or liquid. For example as seen in  FIG. 19 , the rectangular tray  102  has a top face  1020 , a bottom face  1021 , and two pair of opposing edges. The first set of opposing edges  1024 A-B are raised. The second set of opposing edges  1026 A-B are also raised. In a closed disposition, the top face  1020  of the tray  102  is opposite the bottom face  1200 A-B of the standing surface  120 A-B. The tray  102  may be a rectangular member that has dimensions that allow the tray  102  to be received by the frame  110 . The tray  102  may be made of a disposable material allowing the user to dispose of the tray  102  once it is filled with debris and fluid. In other embodiments, the tray  102  may be made of a plastic, a metal, or a rubber or any combination thereof. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the tray  102  may be made of any material that is appropriate for catching debris and fluid. One of skill in the art will also appreciate that the tray may have a circular, square, or any other shape known in the art. 
         [0083]    The sensor may be configured for detecting the presence of a user. In response to the presence of a user, the sensor may send a signal to the electrical circuit  154 , which activates the fluid delivery system. Activation of the fluid delivery system causes fluid to be pumped from the reservoir  152  to the fluid outlets  160 . The sensor may be a pressure sensor, a light sensor, a proximity sensor, or a thermal sensor. One of skill in the art will appreciate that any sensor known in the art may be used. One of skill in the art will also appreciate that more than one sensor may be used. One of skill will also appreciate that the sensor may be attached to any surface of the sanitizing mat  100 . In some embodiments the sensor may be placed at a location that is not on a surface of the sanitizing mat, but where the sensor can still detect the presence of a user. As a non-limiting example, the sensor may be placed at an entryway or above the sanitizing floor mat  100 . In some embodiments a user or a third party may manually activate the sanitizing mat  100  by using a remote control or other method for sending a signal to the electrical circuit, which activates the fluid delivery system. 
         [0084]    The sanitizing mat  100  has a plurality of fluid outlets  160 . The fluid outlets  160  may be nozzles for delivering a stream of fluid. For example as shown in  FIG. 6 , the fluid outlets  160  may be held opposite the bottom face of the standing surface  120  by the fluid outlet holders  167 . The fluid outlets  160  may be diffusers for delivering a mist of fluid. The sanitizing mat  100  may have a combination of nozzles and diffusers. For example as shown in  FIGS. 15-17 , the fluid outlet holder may have an upper portion  1671  that is configured to slide onto the I-beam portion  1626  of a rib member  162 . The fluid outlet holder  167  may also have a holder portion  1672  that is configured to receive the main body portion  1603  of the fluid outlet  160 . The fluid outlet may have one or more apertures  1600  for dispensing fluid. The fluid outlet  160  may also have one or more inlets  1601 A for accepting fluid from the pump. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the fluid outlets  160  may be any nozzle, diffuser, or other apparatus for delivering fluid known in the art. 
         [0085]    The reservoir  152  is configured to hold a fluid. The fluid may be a sanitizing fluid. Accordingly, the reservoir  152  is made of a material that can safely store the sanitizing fluid held within the reservoir. The reservoir  152  may be outside of the sanitizing mat  100 . The reservoir  152  is in fluid communication with a pump  150  that is configured to pump fluid from the reservoir  152  to the fluid outlets  160 . The pump  150  may be any type of pump known in the art, including centrifugal or displacement type pumps. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the pump  150  may be powered by battery, AC power, or any other power source known in the art. 
         [0086]    The sanitizing mat  100  may have a sanitization indicator. The sanitization indicator is configured to indicate when sanitization is complete. The sanitization indicator may be located on a top surface of the sanitizing mat  100 . One of skill in the art will appreciate that the sanitization indicator may be located anywhere where the user can receive notice that sanitization is complete. The sanitization indicator may be in communication with the electrical circuit  154 . The sanitization indicator may be configured to illuminate once a sanitization event has completed. In other embodiments the sanitization indicator is configured to make an audible sound once a sanitization event has completed. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the sanitization indicator may use any means known in the art to notify the user that the sanitization process is complete. 
         [0087]    The sanitizing mat  100  may be used for sanitizing a bottom surface of a user&#39;s feet. The sanitizing mat  100  may be used for sanitizing the bottom surface of a user&#39;s shoes. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the sanitizing mat  100  may be used for sanitizing any surface that contacts the mat  100 . 
         [0088]    The sanitizing mat  100  delivers a sanitizing fluid to the feet of a user. The sanitizing fluid may include water. The sanitizing fluid may also include one or more fast drying antiseptics such as alcohols. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the alcohol does not have to be fast drying. The sanitizing fluid may include an aldehyde, a phenolic compound, a quaternary ammonium compound, a silver compound, a thymol-based compound, or sodium hypochlorite. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the sanitizing fluid may include any antimicrobial composition known in the art. 
       Method: 
       [0089]    The sanitizing mat may be used to sanitize the feet of a user. The sanitizing mat may be used by first placing a user&#39;s feet on the standing surface of the mat. The presence of a user is detected by a sensor. The sensor then sends a signal to the electrical circuit, which causes the circuit to activate the fluid delivery system causing fluid to be pumped from the reservoir to the fluid outlets. While fluid is being delivered to the user&#39;s feet, the user stands on the standing surface until the sanitization indicator provides a signal that sanitization is complete. Once the sanitization process is complete, the user may step off of the sanitizing mat. The user may step onto a towel or other surface configured to dry the users feet. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the drying surface may utilize any method of drying, including but not limited to suction, blowing, heat, or absorption. The user may remove their feet without receiving a signal from the sanitization indicator. 
         [0090]    It may be desirous to decontaminate a user&#39;s feet upon leaving a facility such as a food processing facilities. Because the sanitizing mat may have a ramp on each side, a user may walk onto the sanitizing mat from either side. Accordingly, a user leaving a facility, may step onto the sanitizing mat and sanitize their feet according to the same method used for sanitizing feet upon entering a facility. 
       Example 
       [0091]    It is often desirous to sanitize the feet or shoes of a person entering an aseptic environment. For example, an intensive care unit of a hospital may require that doctors, patients, or visitors sanitize their feet prior to entering the room. The sanitizing floor mat may be used for sanitizing the feet of entrants into an aseptic environment. 
         [0092]    By way of non-limiting example, the reservoir of the sanitizing floor mat was loaded with a sanitizing fluid. The sanitizing floor mat was placed at the entrance of an intensive care unit. As a person entered the room, the person stepped onto the grate of the apparatus. The weight of the person caused a pressure sensor to send a signal to the apparatus processor. The processer then sent a signal to the reservoir-pump system causing the reservoir-pump system to discharge a predetermined amount of sanitizing fluid through the fluid outlets. The sanitizing fluid exited the fluid outlets in a combination of mist and spray. The sanitizing mist and spray then contacted the persons feet, killing or incapacitating a statistically significant amount of microbes. After standing on the grate for a predetermined time, the sanitizing floor mat provided a signal that the person&#39;s feet had been sanitized. The person then entered the aseptic room with their feet free of debris and microbes.