Patent Publication Number: US-2015086597-A1

Title: Antimicrobial copper or copper alloy products and method for manufacturing same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/882,885; filed Sep. 26, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1.0 Field of the Disclosure 
     The present disclosure is directed generally to a method and apparatus related to an antimicrobial surface and, more particularly, the disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus that provides an antimicrobial surface that includes a copper or copper alloy composition. 
     2.0 Background 
     Currently, there exists large variety of strains of antibiotic resistant virulent microbes. The microbes cause diseases such as, e.g., methicillin-resistant  staphylococcus aureus  (MRSA), that, if left untreated, can lead to sickness and even death. This problem is especially prevalent in settings, e.g., hospital, public schools, elderly homes, and the like, where virulent microbes can easily spread among its inhabitants. There is a need to frequently sanitize and/or disinfect surfaces that people may touch in many environments including homes, hotels, hospitals, places of work, and the like. 
     There are several types of antimicrobial agents that are currently available. These agents may include, e.g., chemical antimicrobial agents, e.g., disinfectants. However, these chemical antimicrobial agents are often harmful to both the environment and the person coming into contact with them. Also, many of them can lose their antimicrobial activity within a short time period. 
     There is an unfulfilled need for a novel mechanism that protects every day and specialty surfaces from antimicrobial agents. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, a copper or copper alloy product is provided, as well as a process for manufacturing a copper or copper alloy product. The product may include copper or copper alloy containing a minimum of 60% copper. The product may include an antimicrobial copper, such as, for example, the antimicrobial copper identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The product may include, but is not limited to, for example, MD-Cu 29 ™ antimicrobial copper or copper alloy. The antimicrobial copper or copper alloy which contains an antimicrobial touch surface should effectively kill bacteria within about two hours of exposure to the bacteria. 
     The product may include a material having a temper that may range from soft to hard. 
     The product may include any product used in, for example, healthcare care, extended care, residential or commercial facilities, public or private facilities, public or private vehicles, or anywhere else where germs may be transferred through contact of or exposure to a surface. 
     The products may include, but are not limited to, e.g., a bed or any part thereof (e.g., a bedrail, a footboard, an over-bed table, or the like), a table or any part thereof, a handle or any part thereof (e.g., a knob, a pull bar, a push plate, a pull plate, a fluted knob, a knurled knob, a push/pull knob, a T-handle, a tapered knob, a ball knob, or the like), a handrail, a wall panel, a cart or any part thereof (e.g., a hospital cart, a computer cart, a record cart, a phlebotomy cart, a shopping cart, or the like), a kick plate, a mop plate, a stretcher plate, a sink or any part thereof, a spigot, a drain, a faucet, a drain control lever, a water fountain, a bubbler head, a drain strainer, an alcohol sanitizer dispenser, a paper towel holder, a facial tissue holder, a toilet paper holder, an air hand dryer, a control and/or push button on an air hand dryer, a hydrotherapy tank (e.g., a whirlpool tank), a shell, a cover, a headrest, a grab bar (e.g., in a bathroom shower or bathtub), a panic bar on a door, a towel bar, a showerhead, a countertop, a hinge, a lock, a latch, trim, a floor stop, a protector guard, a toilet, toilet hardware, a urinal, urinal hardware, a lever, a push button, a toilet seat inlay for lifting of seat, a vertical locking arm, a vertical cover guard, a protection bar, a light switch, a switch plate, a chair, an armrest, a chair frame, a thermostat cover, a telephone handset, a keypad, any kitchen surface (where the kitchen surface may include any non-prep food area, so that food does not contact the antimicrobial surface), a microwave handle, a refrigerator handle, a stove handle, a cabinet door, a backsplash, a hood, an appliance control knob, a floor tile, a ceiling tile, a wall tile, an instrument handle, a housing/control/handle for a monitoring system, a stand, a light fixture, an intravenous (IV) pole, a base, a hanger, a clip, a tray, a bedpan, a walker, a wheelchair or any part thereof, a computer or any part thereof, exercise/rehabilitation/physical therapy equipment or any part thereof, a chart holder, clipboard, a shelf (e.g., storage shelf), a child seat or any part thereof, an ATM machine or any part thereof, an elevator or any part thereof, a soap holder or any part thereof, a soap dispenser or any part thereof, a toilet paper dispenser or any part thereof, a window or any part thereof, a light switch or any part thereof, a laundry hamper or any part thereof, a container or canister or any part thereof, a magazine rack, a signage, a coat rack and hook, a shower curtain ring, a radiator cover, a badge clip, a name tag, a vending machine or any part thereof, a gang wall plate (e.g., toggle switch, rocker switch, duplex outlet, or the like, or any combination of the foregoing), a tile (a self-adhesive tile or a grouted tile), a flat sheet for a baby changing table, a toilet brush cleaner, and the like. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method is provided for disinfecting or killing bacteria. The method includes providing an antimicrobial copper or copper alloy; forming or making a product using the antimicrobial copper or copper alloy; and providing the product to a location to kill bacteria that may be transferred through surface contact, wherein the antimicrobial copper or copper allow includes at least 60% copper, or the composition values disclosed hereinbelow. Where appropriate, the method may further include affixing the product at the location. The product includes EPA registered antimicrobial copper. The product may include MD-Cu 29 ™ antimicrobial copper or copper alloy. The antimicrobial copper or copper alloy should effectively kill bacteria within about two hours, more or less of contact with the bacteria. The product may be located in any location that is likely to be contacted (or touched) by a person, such as, e.g., a person entering or exiting a space, or while in a space, such as, but not limited to, for example, a hospital room, a bedroom, a bathroom, a meeting room, a utility room, or the like, or a moveable space, such as, but not limited to, for example, a train car, a bus, an automobile, or the like. 
     According to a further aspect of the disclosure, a method is provided for manufacturing a product according to the principles of the disclosure. The method includes: providing a material including EPA registered antimicrobial copper; forming a product from the provided material using a forming device; optionally applying an adhesive to a surface on a side (e.g., bottom side) of the product; optionally applying a potential protective coating layer to the adhesive layer; and forming the material into a finished product. The applying an adhesive may include applying the adhesive such as, e.g., the material is unrolled from a reel, or further downstream as the material travels to, e.g., a punch press. The step of applying the adhesive may be done after the finished product is formed. This application of the adhesive may be done to a freestanding item as well. The method may further include applying a removable protective coating to a contact surface of the product, which may be removed by the consumer to expose the antimicrobial properties of the product surface. 
     The forming device may include a punch press, an abrasive waterjet, a die, a manual shearing apparatus (e.g., scissors, or the like), a bender, or the like. The product may be made through any of the following processes, for example, but not limited to, a deep drawing process, an extrusion process, a stamping/cutting process, a cast forging process, a welding process, a brazing/etching process, or the like. 
     In one aspect, an antimicrobial apparatus may be provided comprising a device configured with a formed antimicrobial copper layer comprising at least 60% copper. The antimicrobial copper layer may be a separate layer formed to match a surface contour of the device. The antimicrobial copper layer may be attached to the device with an adhesive layer. The copper layer comprises a copper alloy. The copper alloy may comprise nickel. The copper alloy may comprise a percentage of nickel selected from the range of about 1% to about 40%. The percentage of nickel may be one of: about 3.8%, about 8.7%, about 27%. The copper alloy may comprise copper being a percentage selected from a range from 60% to about 90%. 
     In one aspect, a method of disinfecting or killing bacteria, the method comprising: forming a surface for a product using EPA registered antimicrobial copper, comprising at least 60% copper. The method may further comprise the step of shipping the formed surface to be applied to a surface of a device. The method may further comprise the step of applying an adhesive layer to the formed surface. The method may further comprise applying the formed surface to a surface of a device. 
     Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the disclosure may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following attached detailed description and drawing. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the disclosure and the following attached detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the disclosure as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. No attempt is made to show structural details of the disclosure in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the disclosure and the various ways in which it may be practiced. In the drawing: 
         FIG. 1  shows a process of making a product, according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  shows a process of making a product, according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating a product or device or apparatus constructed according to principles of the disclosure; and 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a device  310  constructed according to principles of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The present disclosure is further described in the detailed description that follows. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The embodiments of the disclosure and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following attached description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawing are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the disclosure. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the disclosure may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure, which is defined solely by the appended claims and applicable law. Moreover, it is noted that like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     The terms “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof, as used in this disclosure, mean “including, but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     The terms “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used in this disclosure, means “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The term “about” refers to within +/−10%, when referring to a percentage. 
     Although process steps, method steps, or the like, may be described in a sequential order, such processes and methods may be configured to work in alternate orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of the processes or methods described herein may be performed in any order practical. 
     When a single device or article is described herein, it will be readily apparent that more than one device or article may be used in place of a single device or article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is described herein, it will be readily apparent that a single device or article may be used in place of the more than one device or article. The functionality or the features of a device may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly described as having such functionality or features. 
     The product according to the present disclosure may include, e.g., any of the products mentioned earlier herein. 
     The product must contain at least 60% copper or copper alloy. A few non-limiting examples of a product that is constructed according the principles of the disclosure include as shown in Table 1 (“other” in Table 1, Table 2 and Table 3 may refer to, e.g., nickel): 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Product 
                 Composition 
                 ASTM # 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 3.5 × 15 Push Plate Screw On 
                 96.2% Copper 
                  3.8% Other 
                 C11000 
               
               
                 3.5 × 15 Push Plate Screw On 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C26000 
               
               
                 3.5 × 15 Push Plate Screw On 
                 91.3% Copper 
                  8.7% Other 
                 C70600 
               
               
                 3.5 × 15 Push Plate Screw On 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C71500 
               
               
                 3.5 × 15 Push Plate Self 
                 96.2% Copper 
                  3.8% Other 
                 C11000 
               
               
                 Adhesive 
               
               
                 3.5 × 15 Push Plate Self 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C26000 
               
               
                 Adhesive 
               
               
                 3.5 × 15 Push Plate Self 
                 91.3% Copper 
                  8.7% Other 
                 C70600 
               
               
                 Adhesive 
               
               
                 3.5 × 15 Push Plate Self 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C71500 
               
               
                 Adhesive 
               
               
                 3.5 × 15 Pull Plate Screw On 
                 96.2% Copper 
                  3.8% Other 
                 C11000 
               
               
                 3.5 × 15 Pull Plate Screw On 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C26000 
               
               
                 3.5 × 15 Pull Plate Screw On 
                 91.3% Copper 
                  8.7% Other 
                 C70600 
               
               
                 3.5 × 15 Pull Plate Screw On 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C71500 
               
               
                 4 × 16 Push Plate Screw On 
                 96.2% Copper 
                  3.8% Other 
                 C11000 
               
               
                 4 × 16 Push Plate Screw On 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C26000 
               
               
                 4 × 16 Push Plate Screw On 
                 91.3% Copper 
                  8.7% Other 
                 C70600 
               
               
                 4 × 16 Push Plate Screw On 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C71500 
               
               
                 4 × 16 Push Plate Self 
                 96.2% Copper 
                  3.8% Other 
                 C11000 
               
               
                 Adhesive 
               
               
                 4 × 16 Push Plate Self 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C26000 
               
               
                 Adhesive 
               
               
                 4 × 16 Push Plate Self 
                 91.3% Copper 
                  8.7% Other 
                 C70600 
               
               
                 Adhesive 
               
               
                 4 × 16 Push Plate Self 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C71500 
               
               
                 Adhesive 
               
               
                 4 × 16 Pull Plate Screw On 
                 96.2% Copper 
                  3.8% Other 
                 C11000 
               
               
                 4 × 16 Pull Plate Screw On 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C26000 
               
               
                 4 × 16 Pull Plate Screw On 
                 91.3% Copper 
                  8.7% Other 
                 C70600 
               
               
                 4 × 16 Pull Plate Screw On 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C71500 
               
               
                 1 Gang Wall Plate Toggle 
                 96.2% Copper 
                  3.8% Other 
                 C11000 
               
               
                 Switch 
               
               
                 1 Gang Wall Plate Toggle 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C26000 
               
               
                 Switch 
               
               
                 1 Gang Wall Plate Toggle 
                 91.3% Copper 
                  8.7% Other 
                 C70600 
               
               
                 Switch 
               
               
                 1 Gang Wall Plate Toggle 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C71500 
               
               
                 Switch 
               
               
                 1 Gang Wall Plate Rocker 
                 96.2% Copper 
                  3.8% Other 
                 C11000 
               
               
                 Switch 
               
               
                 1 Gang Wall Plate Rocker 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C26000 
               
               
                 Switch 
               
               
                 1 Gang Wall Plate Rocker 
                 91.3% Copper 
                  8.7% Other 
                 C70600 
               
               
                 Switch 
               
               
                 1 Gang Wall Plate Rocker 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C71500 
               
               
                 Switch 
               
               
                 1 Gang Wall Plate Duplex 
                 96.2% Copper 
                  3.8% Other 
                 C11000 
               
               
                 Outlet 
               
               
                 1 Gang Wall Plate Duplex 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C26000 
               
               
                 Outlet 
               
               
                 1 Gang Wall Plate Duplex 
                 91.3% Copper 
                  8.7% Other 
                 C70600 
               
               
                 Outlet 
               
               
                 1 Gang Wall Plate Duplex 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C71500 
               
               
                 Outlet 
               
               
                 2 Gang Wall Plate Toggle 
                 96.2% Copper 
                  3.8% Other 
                 C11000 
               
               
                 Switch 
               
               
                 2 Gang Wall Plate Toggle 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C26000 
               
               
                 Switch 
               
               
                 2 Gang Wall Plate Toggle 
                 91.3% Copper 
                  8.7% Other 
                 C70600 
               
               
                 Switch 
               
               
                 2 Gang Wall Plate Toggle 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C71500 
               
               
                 Switch 
               
               
                 2 Gang Wall Plate Rocker 
                 96.2% Copper 
                  3.8% Other 
                 C11000 
               
               
                 Switch 
               
               
                 2 Gang Wall Plate Rocker 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C26000 
               
               
                 Switch 
               
               
                 2 Gang Wall Plate Rocker 
                 91.3% Copper 
                  8.7% Other 
                 C70600 
               
               
                 Switch 
               
               
                 2 Gang Wall Plate Rocker 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C71500 
               
               
                 Switch 
               
               
                 2 Gang Wall Plate Duplex 
                 96.2% Copper 
                  3.8% Other 
                 C11000 
               
               
                 Outlet 
               
               
                 2 Gang Wall Plate Duplex 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C26000 
               
               
                 Outlet 
               
               
                 2 Gang Wall Plate Duplex 
                 91.3% Copper 
                  8.7% Other 
                 C70600 
               
               
                 Outlet 
               
               
                 2 Gang Wall Plate Duplex 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C71500 
               
               
                 Outlet 
               
               
                 2 Gang Wall Plate Toggle 
                 96.2% Copper 
                  3.8% Other 
                 C11000 
               
               
                 Switch/Rocker Switch 
               
               
                 2 Gang Wall Plate Toggle 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C26000 
               
               
                 Switch/Rocker Switch 
               
               
                 2 Gang Wall Plate Toggle 
                 91.3% Copper 
                  8.7% Other 
                 C70600 
               
               
                 Switch/Rocker Switch 
               
               
                 2 Gang Wall Plate Toggle 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C71500 
               
               
                 Switch/Rocker Switch 
               
               
                 2 Gang Wall Plate Toggle 
                 96.2% Copper 
                  3.8% Other 
                 C11000 
               
               
                 Switch/Duplex Outlet 
               
               
                 2 Gang Wall Plate Toggle 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C26000 
               
               
                 Switch/Duplex Outlet 
               
               
                 2 Gang Wall Plate Toggle 
                 91.3% Copper 
                  8.7% Other 
                 C70600 
               
               
                 Switch/Duplex Outlet 
               
               
                 2 Gang Wall Plate Toggle 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C71500 
               
               
                 Switch/Duplex Outlet 
               
               
                 2 Gang Wall Plate Rocker 
                 96.2% Copper 
                  3.8% Other 
                 C11000 
               
               
                 Switch/Duplex Outlet 
               
               
                 2 Gang Wall Plate Rocker 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C26000 
               
               
                 Switch/Duplex Outlet 
               
               
                 2 Gang Wall Plate Rocker 
                 91.3% Copper 
                  8.7% Other 
                 C70600 
               
               
                 Switch/Duplex Outlet 
               
               
                 2 Gang Wall Plate Rocker 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C71500 
               
               
                 Switch/Duplex Outlet 
               
               
                 Self Adhesive Tile 
                 96.2% Copper 
                  3.8% Other 
                 C11000 
               
               
                 Self Adhesive Tile 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C26000 
               
               
                 Self Adhesive Tile 
                 91.3% Copper 
                  8.7% Other 
                 C70600 
               
               
                 Self Adhesive Tile 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C71500 
               
               
                 Grouted Tile 
                 96.2% Copper 
                  3.8% Other 
                 C11000 
               
               
                 Grouted Tile 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C26000 
               
               
                 Grouted Tile 
                 91.3% Copper 
                  8.7% Other 
                 C70600 
               
               
                 Grouted Tile 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C71500 
               
               
                 Round 17 × 7 Single Wall 
                 96.2% Copper 
                  3.8% Other 
                 C11000 
               
               
                 Drop In Sink 
               
               
                 Round 17 × 7 Single Wall 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C26000 
               
               
                 Drop In Apron Sink 
               
               
                 Round 17 × 8 Double Wall 
                 91.3% Copper 
                  8.7% Other 
                 C70600 
               
               
                 Sink 
               
               
                 Oval 19 × 14 × 5 Scallop 
                     73% Copper 
                 27.0% Other 
                 C71500 
               
               
                 Drop In Sink 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The product may include copper, brass, copper-nickel, or the like. The product must contain at least 60% copper or copper alloy. The product includes EPA registered antimicrobial copper. 
     A few non-limiting examples of a product that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure include: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Bar Sinks 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Kitchen/Bathroom 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                 Sinks 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Refrigerator Pulls 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Over the bed table 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                 (top) for hospitals 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Microwave pulls 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Kick Plates 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Flat sheet for baby 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                 changing tables 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 copper flooring 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Soap Dispensers 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Toilet Brush 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                 Cleaner 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Over-bed tables 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Bed-side tables 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Equipment carts 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Sinks 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Water fountains 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Hydrotherapy tanks 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Door handles, 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                 doorknobs 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Countertops and 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                 tabletops 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Chair: armrests 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Table tops, counter 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                 tops, handles 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Wall tiles 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Trays 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Computer 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                 keyboards: 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Laundry hampers, 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                 trash canisters, and 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 other containers 
               
               
                 Soap holder 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Pens 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Electrical wall 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                 plates 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Water dispensers 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Soap dispenser 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Electrical wall 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                 plates 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Handrails 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Air circulation 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                 products 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Sports equipment 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Personal care items 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Toilet Brush 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                 Cleaner 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 Toilet Flusher 
                 96.2% 
                 3.8% 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                 Handle 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The product may include the following further attributes: 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Cabinet Pulls 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 LENGTH 
                 HEIGHT 
                   
               
               
                 cm/in. 
                 cm/in. 
                 Composition 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 12.40/4.88 
                 3.10/1.22 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 15.60/6.14 
                 3.10/1.22 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 18.80/7.40 
                 3.10/1.22 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 22.00/8.66 
                 3.10/1.22 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 25.20/9.92 
                 3.10/1.22 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                  31.60/12.44 
                 3.10/1.22 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 12.20/4.80 
                 3.60/1.42 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 15.50/6.10 
                 3.60/1.42 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 18.60/7.32 
                 3.60/1.42 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 10.50/4.13 
                 3.50/1.38 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 13.75/5.41 
                 3.50/1.38 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 16.95/6.67 
                 3.50/1.38 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 20.15/7.93 
                 3.50/1.38 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 10.66/4.20 
                 3.20/1.26 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 13.89/5.47 
                 3.20/1.26 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 17.06/6.72 
                 3.20/1.26 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                 20.29/7.99 
                 3.20/1.26 
                 73% 
                 27.0% 
                 91.3% 
                 8.7% 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Copper 
                 Other 
                 Copper 
                 Other 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The product may include, for example, but is not limited to MD-Cu 29 ™ antimicrobial copper or copper alloy. The antimicrobial copper or copper alloy should effectively kill bacteria within about two hours of exposure to the bacteria such as, for example, but not limited to  Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes , Methicillin-Resistant  Staphylococcus aureus  (MRSA),  Escherichia coli  O157:H7, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and, Vancomycin-Resistant  Enterococcus faecalis  (VRE). 
     The antimicrobial copper or copper alloy may kill about 99.9% or more of, for example, the bacteria listed above, within about two hours of contacting (or being infected by) the bacteria. If scratched, the area where scratched will remain antimicrobial. 
     The product may include a material having a temper that may range from soft to hard. 
     The product may have the afore-noted dimensions and compositions. 
     The product may include an adhesive layer that is provided on a portion of, or an entire surface of a side of a product. The product may further include a barrier layer, such as, e.g., a plastic, that is affixed to the adhesive layer. The barrier layer may be removed (e.g., peeled away) from the product to expose the adhesive layer, which may then be used to adhere the product to a surface, such as, a portion of, e.g., a floor, a wall, a door, a window, a furniture item, an appliance, or the like. 
     The product may further include a removable protective coating to a contact surface of the product, which may be removed by the consumer to expose the antimicrobial properties of the product surface. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided for plating an existing product with an EPA registered antimicrobial copper or copper alloy. The copper or copper alloy should contain a minimum of 60% copper. The copper content may be less than 99%. The percentage of copper may be one of: about 73%, about 91.3% and about 96.2%. In this regard, the thickness of the copper plating should be sufficient to withstand scratches, or other damage to the plating that may result in penetration of the entire thickness of the plating. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided for creating a product with copper or copper alloy that contains a minimum of 60% copper through die casting method. This copper or copper alloy may include EPA registered antimicrobial copper. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, a method is provided for killing bacteria in areas that may involve contact with the bacteria. The method includes: providing a material including EPA registered antimicrobial copper; forming a product from the provided material using a forming device; optionally, applying an adhesive to a surface on a side (e.g., bottom side) of the product; optionally, applying a potential protective coating layer to the adhesive layer; and forming the material into a finished product. The applying an adhesive may include applying the adhesive as, e.g., the material is unrolled from a reel, or further downstream as the material travels to, e.g., a punch press. The step of applying the adhesive may be done after the finished product is formed. This application of the adhesive may be done to a freestanding item as well. The method may further include applying a removable protective coating to a contact surface of the product, which may be removed by the consumer to expose the antimicrobial properties of the product surface. The antimicrobial copper or copper alloy should effectively kill many species of bacteria within, for example, about two hours, or less (or more) of contact with the bacteria. The product may be located anywhere where it is likely to be contacted (or touched) by a person, such as, but not limited to, for example, healthcare care, extended care, residential or commercial facilities, public or private facilities, public or private vehicles, or anywhere else where germs may be transferred through contact of or exposure to a surface. 
     The product may include, for example, but is in no way limited to the following: 
     Healthcare Facilities 
     
         
         
           
             Bedrails, footboards 
             Over-bed tables 
             Bed-side tables in hospitals, extended care facilities, senior housing etc. (knobs, pulls, handles; surfaces) 
             Handrails, (corridor/hallways) (Senior housing), automatic door push plates 
             Stair rails, handrails, tubular railing, and supports, rail fittings T&#39;s, elbows and brackets 
             Bedrails, assistance rails 
             Toilet safety rails 
             Carts 
             Hospital carts (table surfaces, handles, legs) 
             Computer carts 
             Record carts 
             Phlebotomy carts 
             Other Carts (tables/surfaces, shelving, railings, handles, pulls) 
             Equipment carts (horizontal surfaces, frames, handles) 
             Door push plates, kick plates, mop plates, stretcher plates 
             Sinks: spigots, drains, sinks themselves 
             Faucet: handles, spigot, drain control lever 
             Water fountains: bubbler head, drain strainer, handle 
             Alcohol sanitizer dispenser, handle 
             Paper towel holders, facial tissue holders, toilet paper holders 
             Air hand dryer, controls and push buttons on air hand dryers 
             Hydrotherapy tanks (whirlpool tanks): shells, covers, headrests, drain fittings (outer surfaces without water contact) 
             Door handles, doorknobs (outer touch surfaces) 
             Grab bars in bathrooms showers and bathtubs 
             Panic bars on emergency room doors 
             Towel bars 
             Showerheads 
             Countertops and tabletops (non-food use only) 
             Hinges, locks, latches, and trim 
             Door stops, door pulls, and protector guards 
             Toilet and urinal hardware, levers, push buttons 
             Toilet seat inlay for lifting of seat 
             Closures 
             Vertical locking arms 
             Vertical cover guards 
             Protection bars 
             Light switches, switch plates 
             Visitor chairs: armrests, metal frames 
             Thermostat covers, control knobs and wheels 
             Telephone handsets and surfaces (housings), keypad 
             Kitchen surfaces (non-food contact only): table tops, counter tops, handles (microwave, refrigerator, stove), cabinet doors, cabinet hinges, pulls, backsplash, hoods, control knobs (appliances, fans) 
             Floor tiles 
             Ceiling tiles (non-porous) 
             Wall tiles 
             Instrument handles 
           
         
       
    
     Medical Equipment Knobs, Pulls and Handles for: 
     
         
         
           
             Drug delivery systems 
             Monitoring systems 
             Hospital beds 
             Office equipment 
             Operating room equipment 
             Stands and fixtures 
           
         
       
    
     Types of Knobs: e.g., Prong, Fluted, Knurled, Push/Pull, T-Handle, Tapered, and Ball Knobs 
     
         
         
           
             Intravenous (IV) poles, bases, hangers, clips 
             Trays (instruments, non-food contact) 
             Pans (bed) 
             Walkers, wheelchair handles, and tubular components 
             Computer keyboards: keys, housings, computer mouse surfaces 
             Exercise and rehabilitation equipment, handles, bars 
             Physical therapy equipment: physical therapy tables, treatment chairs and portable taping tables 
             Chairs (shower chairs, patient chairs, visitor chairs): rails, backs, legs, seats 
             Lighting products: X-ray illuminators, operating rooms, patient examination rooms, surgical suites, and reading lamps for hospital rooms and assisted living facilities etc. Components can include bases, arms, housings, handles, hinges) 
             Headwall systems: the unit themselves, outlet covers, knobs and dials, lighting units (lamp housings and adjustable arms), CRT monitors with rotating knobs and levers and adjustments. Baskets, monitor housings, knobs, baskets, tables, IV poles 
             Critical care cart: Table top, drawer, drawer pull, lock, copper wire baskets for storage of equipment and charts 
             Bedside lavatory: sink, faucet, handles, drawer pulls, toilet seat, toilet seat cover, toilet handle, door and cabinet facings, counter tops 
             Medical records: Chart holders, clipboards, filing systems 
             Storage Shelving: wire shelving etc. for medical supplies 
             Grab handles on privacy curtains 
             Lids of laundry hampers, trash canisters, and other containers 
             Bedside pitchers 
             Closet rods and hangers 
             Television controls: knobs, buttons, remote 
             Monitor (television, computer, etc.) housing 
             Cup Holder 
             Toothbrush holder 
             Soap holder, dispenser 
             Magazine rack 
             Signage 
             Coat rack and hooks 
             Shower curtain rings 
             Radiator cover 
             Bracelets 
             Pens 
             Badge clips 
             Name tags 
             Patient gown snaps 
             Window sills, pulls and locks 
             Electrical wall plates 
           
         
       
    
     Community Facilities (Including Various Public and Commercial Buildings) 
     
         
         
           
             Shopping cart handles, child seats, handrails 
             Cash registers: housing, keypads 
             ATM machines: keys, housing 
             Gym/Health club lockers, locker handles, locker shelving, trainers&#39; tables 
             Exercise equipment, handles, bars 
             Ice and water dispensers (outer surfaces without water contact) 
             Elevator: handrail, control panel, buttons, interior walls, floor tiles, exterior call button plate 
             Paper towel dispensers. Housing itself, (turn) handle, (push) handle 
             Soap holder 
             Soap dispenser (wall mounted): push bar and dispenser itself 
             Soap dispenser (sitting on counter): dispenser housing itself, push mechanism 
             Toilet paper dispenser (housing) 
             Windows (crank), Locking mechanism, pull handles 
             Window treatments (cord pulls), Venetian blinds (wands, cord pulls) 
             Jalousie Windows (crank) 
             Casement (cranks, levers, hinges) 
             Single and double-hung windows (locks and pulls) 
             Light switches, switch plates 
             Lids of laundry hampers, trash canisters, and other containers 
             Magazine rack 
             Signage 
             Coat rack and hooks 
             Shower curtain rings 
             Radiator cover 
             Bracelets 
             Badge clips 
             Name tags 
             Vending machines (non-food contact only) 
             Window sills 
             Electrical wall plates 
             Clip boards 
             Office supplies: paper clips, staplers, tape dispensers 
             Gym/Heath Club items including locker room seats or benches 
             Water fountains: knobs, buttons, handles, drains, push bar, basin 
             Restrooms: toilet flush valves, flush buttons, faucet handles, hand dryer activation buttons, soap dispenser push bar or button 
             Massager, hand-held: buttons, handle, knobs 
             Multi-surface push/pull device 
           
         
       
    
     Residential Buildings (Including Homes, Apartments, Apartment Buildings and Other Residences) 
     
         
         
           
             Kitchen surfaces (non-food contact only): table tops, counter tops, handles (microwave, refrigerator, stove), cabinet doors, cabinet hinges, pulls, backsplash, hoods, control knobs (appliances, fans) 
             Bedrails, footboards 
             Handrails 
             Stair rails 
             Door push plates 
             Sinks: spigots, drains, sinks themselves 
             Faucet: handles, spigot, drain control lever 
             Paper towel holders, facial tissue holders, toilet paper holders 
             Door handles, doorknobs (outer touch surfaces) 
             Grab bars in bathrooms showers and bathtubs 
             Towel bars 
             Showerheads 
             Countertops and tabletops 
             Hinges, locks, latches, and trim 
             Door stops, door pulls, and protector guards 
             Toilet and urinal hardware, levers, push buttons 
             Toilet seat inlay for lifting of seat 
             Light switches, switch plates 
             Thermostat covers, control knobs and wheels 
             Telephone handsets and surfaces (housings), keypad 
             Floor tiles 
             Ceiling tiles (non-porous) 
             Wall tiles 
             Computer keyboards: keys, housings, computer mouse surfaces 
             Exercise equipment, handles, bars 
             Windows (crank), Locking mechanism, pull handles 
             Window treatments (cord pulls), Venetian blinds (wands, cord pulls) 
             Jalousie Windows (crank) 
             Casement (cranks, levers, hinges) 
             Single and double-hung windows (locks and pulls) 
             Television control knobs and buttons 
             Lids of laundry hampers, trash canisters, and other containers 
             Bedside pitchers 
             Closet rods and hangers 
             Television remote 
             Cup Holder 
             Toothbrush holder 
             Soap holder, dispenser 
             Magazine rack 
             Coat rack and hooks 
             Shower curtain rings 
             Radiator cover 
             Window sills 
             Electrical wallplates 
             Baby cribs: rails, fittings, brackets, supports 
             Bowl stands 
             Office supplies: paper clips, staplers, tape dispensers 
             Monitor (television, computer, etc.) housing 
           
         
       
    
     Mass Transit Facilities 
     
         
         
           
             Handrails 
             Stair rails, tubular railing, and supports; elbows and brackets 
             Door push plates, kick plates 
             Door handles, door knobs (outer touch surfaces) 
             Grab bars and handles 
             Tiles: wall, floor, ceiling (non-porous) 
             Chairs and benches: rails, backs, legs, seats 
             Window sills, pulls, and handles 
             Signage 
             Vending machines (non-food contact only) 
             Elevator buttons 
           
         
       
    
     Laboratories 
     
         
         
           
             Incubator interior and outside surfaces, including culture chambers, walls, shelving and support brackets, handles, circulating fan assemblies, pan 
             Laboratory surfaces: table tops, counter tops, handles, cabinet doors, cabinet hinges, pulls, 
             backsplash, hoods, control knobs 
             Laboratory carts, trays, and pans 
             Door handles, knobs, latches and locks 
             Laboratory equipment: safety cabinets, enclosures, vent hoods 
           
         
       
    
     Other 
     
         
         
           
             Play area equipment (indoor only): bars, handles, chains, push plates, handrails, stair rails and risers, wheels, knobs, flooring 
             Chapel pews 
             Eye glass frames and protective eye wear 
             Pens 
             Combs 
             Ashtrays 
             Cell phones 
             Stylus for touch screens 
             Smartphone and tablet covers 
             Multi-surface push/pull device 
             Personal headphone touch surfaces 
             Hand-held door opening device 
             Bottle openers 
             Water fountains: knobs, buttons, handles, drains, push bar, basin 
             Restrooms: toilet flush valves, flush buttons, faucet handles, hand dryer activation buttons, soap dispenser push bar/button 
           
         
       
    
     The forming device may include a punch press, an abrasive water jet, a die, a manual shearing apparatus (e.g., scissors, or the like), a bender, or the like. The product may be made through any of the following processes, for example, but not limited to, a deep drawing process, an extrusion process, a stamping/cutting process, a cast forging process, a welding process, a brazing/etching process, or the like. 
       FIG. 1  shows an example of a process for manufacturing a product according to the principles of the disclosure, starting at  100 . At step  105 , providing or loading a material including at least 60% copper or antimicrobial copper. The material may comprise an alloy such as, e.g., including nickel and copper. In one aspect, the nickel portion may be a percentage selected from the range of about 1% to about 40% (or as any of the percentages as shown as “Other” in Table 1, Table 2 or Table 3, e.g., the nickel may be about 3.8%, about 8.7%, about 27%). The copper may be a percentage selected from a range from 60% to about 90%. At step  110  a product may be formed from the provided material using a forming device. Optionally, at step  115 , an adhesive may be applied to a surface on a side (e.g., bottom side) of the product. At step  120 , optionally, a barrier layer may be applied to the adhesive layer. At step  125 , the material may be formed into a finished product. Alternatively, the block representing step  125  may also represent an apparatus, as described herein that is formed by step  125 . Step  115  may include applying the adhesive as, e.g., the material is unrolled from a reel, or further downstream as the material travels to, e.g., a punch press. Step  120  may be done after the finished product is formed. The product may be shipped to and installed at a location, such as, e.g., a home, a business, a hospital, a retirement home, or the like. 
     According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the adhesive layer may be provided together with the barrier layer and the adhesive with barrier layer (or adhesive-barrier film) may be applied in a single step to the product. In this regard, the adhesive-barrier film may be rolled off a roll (not shown) and applied onto the product. The exposed adhesive side of the adhesive-barrier film may adhere to the product and the other side of the adhesive-barrier film will expose the barrier layer that may be peeled off, e.g., by the consumer at the time of installation. The adhesive-barrier film may also be applied to a free standing item or an item that is welded. 
     The adhesive layer may include any one or more adhesives available on the market for adhering a metal to, e.g., a metal, a wood, a plastic, a painted item, or any other surface, as is known by those skilled in the art. 
     The barrier layer and/or the protective layer that may cover the antimicrobial surface may include, e.g., a plastic film, or the like. 
       FIG. 2  is an example of a process, the steps performed according to the principles of the disclosure starting at  200 . At step  205 , a copper material containing at least 60% copper or antimicrobial copper may be loaded or prided on a reel. The material may include nickel in about any of the percentages as shown as “Other” in Table 1, 2 or 3 above. At step  210 , the material from the reel may be fed to a forming device. At step  215 , the material may be formed into a finished product. Alternatively, the material may be formed into a part of a product that has a surface that is accessible by a human touch during use. At step  220 , the product may be any of the products listed herein. At step  220 , the product or part thereof may be shipped for sale or installation. At  225 , the process may end. 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating a product or device or apparatus constructed according to principles of the disclosure. The product or device  300  or part of the device  305  may be constructed so that the device  300  illustratively represents any of the devices of products described herein comprising at least 60% copper or antimicrobial material as also described previously herein. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a device  310  constructed according to principles of the disclosure. The device  310  (representing any device or product described previously herein) may be constructed with a formed layer  320  of copper or copper alloy as described herein. The formed layer  320  is shown in an unapplied state. When applied to a device  310 , an antimicrobial surface for the device is created. The formed layer  320  may be constructed according to requirements of surface characteristics of the device  310  so that the formed layer  320  matches a size and/or contour of the device surface (which may be an entire surface area or a portion of the surface area). The formed layer  320  may have any number of curves or shapes. An adhesive layer  315  and one or more barrier layers  316 ,  317 . The barrier layer  316 ,  317  may be removed by a user to adhere the formed copper or copper alloy layer  320  to a device  310 . The formed layer  320  may comprise at least 60% copper or antimicrobial material, as described previously. The formed layer  320  may be a copper alloy as described herein. 
     While the disclosure has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure can be practiced with modifications in the spirit and scope of the appended claims. These examples given above are merely illustrative and are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all possible designs, embodiments, applications or modifications of the disclosure.