Patent ID: 8624202

Claim:
A portable sterilization device utilizing direct UV-C radiation for sterilizing the bottom of footwear from known multiple sources of contamination including bacteria and viruses, molds, dust mite, and fleas, the portable sterilization device comprising: a low-profile base having a glass platform which allows the UV-C radiation to radiate through it; a UV-C bulb assembly which includes a parabolic reflector within the low-profile base that directs the UV-C radiation to the bottom of the footwear; a protective shield over the glass platform for shielding from exposure to the UV-C radiation, the protective shield having a set of protective brushes that allow the person to step on to the glass platform and that simultaneously close around the person's ankle; and further comprising spring-loaded actuators, calibrated to sense the presence of a person's weight stepping on the glass platform, activating the UV-C bulb assembly responsive the presence of the person's weight stepping on the glass platform, wherein the spring-loaded actuators comprise micro-switching devices whereas the portable sterilization device is activated by a person stepping upon the glass platform, thereby exposing the bottom of the footwear to the UV-C radiation, thereby rendering bacteria and viruses harmless.