WO2009065128A2 - Germicidal cleaning device - Google Patents

Abstract

A germicidal cleaning device includes a housing, at least one UV light source, and a switch. The housing defines an opening. The at least one UV light source is mounted to the housing and is adapted to emit UV radiation out of the opening. The switch is electrically connected to the at least one UV light source and is selectively manipulable between a first position, wherein the at least one ultraviolet light source is energized, and a second position, wherein the at least one ultraviolet light source is not energized. So configured, the UV radiation kills or deactivates harmful germs or transmissible diseases disposed on objects located adjacent to the housing, thereby preventing the harmful germs or transmissible diseases from spreading and causing harm.

Description

GERMICIDAL CLEANING DEVICE CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The priority benefit of each of the following U.S. Provisional Patent Applications is claimed and the entire contents thereof are hereby incorporated herein by reference: (1 ) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/003,481 , filed November 16, 2007; (2) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/990,141 , filed November 26, 2007; and (3) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/991 ,961 , filed December 3, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a device for performing a germicidal cleaning operation using at least ultraviolet radiation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Germs from Shoes

[0003] When a person walks outside in a city or suburbs or grass or paved sidewalk or streets or dirt road, shoes pick up a multitude of unwanted hangers-on. These could be:

- Remnants of feces from dogs, cats, rodents, birds, other wildlife and sometimes, even humans.

- Urine from the same sources.

- Excretions such as saliva, mucus, sweat and sometimes, blood or vomit.

- Remains from insects and rodents.

- Remnants of garbage including food waste and toxic cleaning products.

[0004] Even indoor spaces such as the floors of restrooms are frequently contaminated with urine and hospitals or doctors' offices are fertile hotspots for a variety of germs that may end up on shoes.

[0005] Although these items may be on the ground in very small deposits that are unnoticeable to the naked eye, if those shoes are worn inside a home, there is a risk of spreading these unsanitary matters to carpets and even hard-surfaced floors. [0006] These unsanitary residues from humans, animals, and garbage most likely contain viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and other pathogens that can cause staph infection, hepatitis, herpes, E. coli, tetanus, rabies, strep, hantavirus, cold and flu. And, these germs are brought indoors such as healthcare facilities, hospitals, athletic facilities, homes, nurseries, and schools etc and spread from one person to many individuals who come in contact.

Germs at Home

[0007] Shoes worn outside of a house carry in much debris. In particular when a household also raises a pet dog or a cat, the risk of exposure to harmful germs rises as these pets venture in and out of the house. No one knows what these pets may have stepped on. It is not difficult to imagine when an individual walks barefoot or even in socks in the house is at risk of contracting highly transmissible disease causing germs through contact on the floor. Thus it may be a good suggestion to sanitize one's feet now and then from harmful germs that may have gotten on from the floor now and then, in particular when the individual is at risk of infection due to lowered immune conditions such as diabetes, AID, lupus, scratch or punctured wounds on the feet, etc.

[0008] Once inside the home, contaminated shoes become a conduit for disease, spreading these germs to carpets and hard-surfaced floors. When persons walk on those floors later without shoes, the germs can spread to socks and feet and be carried to other places such as your bed. In particular, when people put their shoes back on after tracking these germs on the feet, the trouble starts to multiply.

[0009] All of us sweat from the almost quarter of a million sweat glands in each foot. Our feet perspire about a pint of water per day to try to stay cool. However, the sweat cannot evaporate when our feet are smothered inside shoes. What happens to that pint of sweat each foot perspires every day, inside your shoes? It becomes a swamp! It breeds all sorts of harmful bacteria, fungus, and anything any microorganism that is available that wants to blossom! These germs can cause infection. These germs that thrive and multiply in this damp and warm environment produce chemical metabolites that give off foul sour, sweaty, stinky, odor. [0010] After cleaning the feet with soap and water and when the shoes are put back on, you are back to where you left off to restart the whole cycle of farming those germs in side the shoes and spreading the germs elsewhere you take off your shoes. This cycle will continue unless all the germs inside the shoes are taken cared of. Therefore, preventing microbial build-up will be the most sensible action one can take from spreading harmful germs. One of the main reasons people dreads taking off shoes at the security checkpoint of an airport is "I do not want to step on a place someone else stepped on because I do not want get that someone else's germs on me and be contaminated."

[0011] If any of the opportunistic pathogens happen to find the right environment inside shoes of a person, now it can become a breeding ground for a disease and infection. Thus, keeping inside of shoes clean of potentially harmful germs is of vital importance for evading contracting and spreading of disease.

Germs in Gym

[0012] Most people go to the gym to get healthy, but they may not realize that there are hidden bacterial dangers where they work out. A warm environment full of sweating bodies and exposed skin makes the gym a haven for bacteria and fungi growth. There could be more than 100 million bacteria per square inch on floors. The average gym mat contains 100,000 bacteria per square centimeter, and some contain fecal bacteria (that could causes tummy upsets). Working out in unsupportive and sweaty shoes carries risk of injury and fungal infection. There are 100 times more yeasts and molds in old boots and trainers than in a flushed toilet bowl. The human skin is covered with millions of germs, so when anyone sweats, the germs come pouring off. All of that exposed skin and sweat can create a perfect breeding ground for spreading infections. It's primarily the moisture from the sweat that causes problems by helping germs grow.

[0013] According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a bacteria called methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was recently found in recreational athletes. Although, MRSA is a version of the common staph bacteria, it is resistant to the methicillin antibiotic, which makes it especially hard to treat. While "normal" staphylococcus aureus is a microbial skin infection easily treated with antibiotics, MRSA is more difficult to treat and can infect the blood and bones— a potentially life threatening complication. MRSA's antibiotic resistance also makes it more likely to spread, since the normal course of treatment does not eliminate it and the infected person remains a carrier. The CDC cites close physical contact and equipment sharing as reasons for outbreaks. Researchers have also found E. coli, strep-bacteria and the influenza virus in gyms and on athletic equipment.

[0014] More than half of us carry the 'old type' of Staphylococcus aureus on our skin and can be treated without antibiotics. Anyone with broken skin - cuts, wounds or abrasions - is at risk of contracting a staph infection from someone else. But in the past few years, resistant staphylococcus, called MRSA, is becoming increasingly common in student athletes participating in close-contact sports, like basketball, wrestling and soccer, and in gyms.

[0015] Sports facility and shared equipment has been linked to the spread of a new type of MRSA in athletic and sports teams. Every workout places is of the risk of the new strains of community-acquired MRSA. An outbreak of MRSA was discovered among football players at Western Carolina University in 2004. It was traced to the locker room, shared towels, equipment and mats. It was found that community-acquired strains of MRSA are quite different from the hospital type. These germs have acquired the ability to produce a potent tissue toxin called Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL), which can lead to skin and soft tissue infections, including flesh-eating forms. MRSA is spread through direct physical contact or indirect touching of contaminated objects. It usually presents itself as some type of skin or soft tissue infection, such as pimples, abscesses or boils.

[0016] Fungi are more complex single-celled organisms that flourish in places with lots of moisture. Podiatrists also blame dirty exercise mats and floors of sports facility for a rise in athlete's foot and veruccas. Fungus thrives in moist environments, so if they are not kept spotless, mats can be the perfect breeding ground.

[0017] Common types include athlete's foot and jock itch. Depending upon the chemical make-up of one's body, certain people are more likely to get one of these fungi. The majority fungal microorganisms are found in the locker rooms of the gym, where people are walking around barefoot. One of the most common diseases lurking in gyms is tinea pedis or athlete's foot (i.e., a fungal skin infection). Its symptoms include cracked, blistered skin along with an itching or burning sensation. If this goes unchecked, it can lead to toenail fungus characterized by blackening of the nails. Onychomycosis is another infectious fungal disease hiding on shower and locker room floors. Its symptoms include yellow, brittle toe- and fingernails.

Germs in the Kitchen

[0018] The kitchen harbors more germs than any other room in the home. And these germs — the same ones that can cause a cold or flu to spread through a household like wildfire - lurk everywhere. While bathrooms get a bad rap when it comes to germs, it's the kitchen that actually harbors more bacteria than any other room in the home. Next to the kitchen floor, countertops are one of five key "hot zones," or sites with the highest bacteria counts. The floor is the dirtiest. The floor test revealed about 2 million bacteria per square inch. Thus kitchen countertops and floor require most cleaning.

[0019] It is known that one single bacteria cell can become more than 8 million cells in less than 24 hours. The number of bacteria it takes to make people sick can range from as few as 10 up to millions. And infections spread when germs are transferred from a contaminated item (items picked up from the kitchen counter) to your hands to your body.

Germs in the bathroom

[0020] The bathroom (countertop and floor) can easily become the dirtiest and most dangerous room if not cleaned and taken care of properly. The bacteria, dirt and moisture that collect in the bathroom countertop and floor can be prevented from becoming a health hazard fairly easily. A clean bathroom is essential to maintaining indoor environmental quality in a building. A contaminated bathroom is not only a health hazard to those who use it, but it can become a healthy house hazard since people share bathrooms and then go on to other areas in the facility. The germs can easily spread from the bathroom to the entire facility. Germs in hospitals

[0021] Life-threatening germs are an inevitable fact of hospital life. The infections from hospitals kill as many people each year in our country as AIDS, breast cancer and auto accidents combined. It is well known that some of the nastiest bacteria actually breeding in hospitals because of the sick patients, and those same sick patients are more susceptible to these bacteria. There are about two million people who acquire infections in the hospital each year and become sick. Most don't die, but some do. It really is quite astounding when you think about it. Two million people is a whole lot of people. According to the CDC, approximately 100,000 people died of a hospital-acquired infection in 2002, though experts believe the number is actually higher.

[0022] It was found the popular healthcare workers' bootlace-like necklaces that clip to identification cards carry more disease-causing bacteria than standard clip-on badges, and are more likely to be contaminated with antibiotic resistant microbes.

[0023] Why is this so? This is because people come in and out of the hospital on shoes without sanitizing the shoes everytime coming into the building. All the germs coming into the hospital on people's shoes from outside of the building and spread all over the hospital floors. The amount of filth and disease that comes in this way is astounding. So the floors are dirty. Surgeons and nurses walk on those same floors. None knows what kind of germs get into a hospital that way. Imagine that the same thing happens with clothing, especially kids clothing.

Staph Infection

[0024] Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) belongs to the large group of bacteria known as Staphylococci, often referred to as Staph. About 25%- 30% of all people have Staph within the nose, but it normally does not cause an infection. In contrast, only about 1 % of the population has MRSA. Since the 1960s, hospitals and other institutional health-care settings, such as nursing homes, where they tend to strike older people, those who are very ill, and people with a compromised immune system have been battling MRSA infection. In health-care settings, MRSA is a frequent cause of surgical wound infections, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections (sepsis), and pneumonia. MRSA outbreaks, however, are appearing increasingly in the community where people who have not been hospitalized or had a medical procedure performed in the past year, and who do not have immune deficiency. These infections are termed community-associated MRSA infections (CA-MRSA). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 12% of MRSA infections are now community-associated, although this percentage can vary by community and patient population. Recent reports show that CA-MRSA is finding new homes in the community, particularly among kids. Over the past month, schools have shuttered their doors, sanitized their hallways, and alerted parents to the presence of the spreading drug-resistant bacteria in locker rooms and on wrestling mats. At least three students have died of the infection. Last month Center for Disease Control (CDC) and prevention released a report on invasive MRSA that in 2005, there were 32 cases per 100,000 people in the U.S. and that 14% of these occurred without previous visitation to hospitals and institutional health-care settings.

[0025] Staph infection is most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus that is a spherical bacterium, frequently living on the skin or in the nose of a person, that can cause a range of illnesses from minor skin infections, such as pimples, impetigo, boils, cellulitis and abscesses, to life-threatening diseases, such as pneumonia, meningitis, endocarditis, Toxic shock syndrome (TSS), and septicemia.

[0026] MRSA is a variation of the common bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus. It has evolved the ability to survive treatment with beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillin and methicillin. The organism is especially troublesome in hospital- acquired (nosocomial) infections. In hospitals, patients with open wounds and weakened immune systems are at greater risk for infection than general public. Hospital staff who do not follow proper sanitary procedures may inadvertently transfer bacterial colonies from patient to patient. MRSA was discovered in 1961 in the UK. It is now found worldwide. MRSA is popularly termed (in the press) a superbug, or staph infection connection.

[0027] Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) may also be known as: multiple-resistant Staphylococcus aureus oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ORSA) community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) hospital-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA) Epidemiology

[0028] Worldwide, an estimated 2 billion people carry some form of S. aureus; of these, up to 53 million (2.7% of carriers) are thought to carry MRSA. In the United States, 95 million carry S. aureus in their noses; of these, 2.5 million (2.6% of carriers) carry MRSA. A population review conducted in three U.S. communities showed the annual incidence of CA-MRSA during 2001-2002 to be 18- 25.7/100,000; most CA-MRSA isolates were associated with clinically relevant infections, and 23% of patients required hospitalization.

[0029] Cystic fibrosis patients are often treated with multiple antibiotics, which must be administered in a hospital setting. Frequent hospital visits can increase exposure to MRSA, potentially increasing the rate of life-threatening MRSA pneumonia in this group. The risk of cross-colonization has led to the increased use of isolation protocols among these patients. In a hospital setting, patients who have received fluoroquinolones are more likely to become colonized with MRSA; this is probably because many circulating strains of MRSA are fluoroquinolone resistant, which means that MRSA is able to colonize patients whose normal skin flora have been cleared of non-resistant S. aureus by fluoroquinolones.

[0030] In the United States, there have been increasing numbers of reports of outbreaks of MRSA colonization and infection through skin contact in locker rooms and gymnasiums, even among healthy populations. MRSA has also been found in the public school system of Indianapolis, Indiana (IPS). MRSA is also becoming a problem in pediatric settings, including hospital nurseries. A 2007 study found that 4.6% of patients in U.S. health care facilities were infected or colonized with MRSA.

[0031] MRSA causes as many as 20% of Staphylococcus aureus infections in populations that use intravenous drugs. These out-of-hospital strains, or CA-MRSA, are more easily treated, though more virulent, than HA-MRSA. CA-MRSA apparently did not evolve de novo in the community but represents a hybrid between MRSA that spread from the hospital environment and strains that were once easily treatable in the community. Most of the hybrid strains also acquired a factor that increases their virulence, resulting in the development of deep-tissue infections from minor scrapes and cuts, as well as many cases of fatal pneumonia.

[0032] As of early 2005, the number of deaths in the United Kingdom attributed to MRSA has been estimated by various sources to lie in the area of 3,000 per year. Staphylococcus bacteria account for almost half of all UK hospital infections. The issue of MRSA infections in hospitals has recently been a major political issue in the UK, playing a significant role in the debates over health policy in the United Kingdom general election held in 2005.

[0033] During the summer of 2005, researchers in Netherlands discovered that three pig farmers or their families were infected by MRSA bacteria that were also found on their pigs. Researchers from Radboud University Nijmegen are now investigating the extent of the MRSA bacteria in pigs and whether it will become characterized among the zoonoses.

[0034] It was recently observed that MRSA can replicate inside of Acanthamoeba, increasing MRSA numbers 1 ,000-fold. Because Acanthamoeba can form cysts that are easily picked up by air currents, these organisms can spread MRSA via airborne routes. Whether control of Acanthamoeba in the clinical environment will also help to control MRSA remains an area for research.

GERMICIDAL ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT What is ultraviolet?

[0035] Ultraviolet light is part of the light spectrum, which is classified into three wavelength ranges:

- UV-C, from 100 nanometers (nm) to 280 nm

- UV-B, from 280 nm to 315 nm

- UV-A, from 315 nm to 400 nm

What is germicidal ultraviolet?

[0036] UV-C light is germicidal - i.e., it deactivates the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens and thus destroys their ability to multiply and cause disease. Specifically, UV-C light causes damage to the nucleic acid of microorganisms by making them form covalent bonds between certain adjacent bases in the DNA. The formation of such bonds prevents the DNA from being unzipped for replication, and the organism is unable to reproduce. In fact, when the organism tries to replicate, it dies. UVC has extremely low penetrating ability and does not penetrate past the dead-cell layers of the skin. However, UVC will cause eye irritations or burns after prolonged exposure.

What are the beneficial uses of germicidal UV?

[0037] Ultraviolet technology is a non-chemical approach to disinfection. In this method of disinfection, nothing is added which makes this process simple, inexpensive and requires very low maintenance. Ultraviolet purifiers utilize germicidal lamps that are designed and calculated to produce a certain dosage of ultraviolet (usually at least 16,000 microwatt seconds per square centimeter but many units actually have a much higher dosage.) The principle of design is based on a product of time and intensity - you must have a certain amount of both for a successful design. Germicidal UV has been used in water disinfection systems for many years. As stated by the American Water works Association, "... UV light disinfection process does not use chemicals. Microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and algae, are inactivated within seconds of UV light disinfection... Ultraviolet is effective in inactivating Cryptosporidium, while at the same time decreasing chlorinated disinfection by-products... U.S. cities currently using or planning to use UV light water disinfection include: Seattle, Washington, New York City, Central Lake County, Illinois, Albany, New York, Tempe, Arizona ..."

Here are just a few of the current applications...

Drinking Water Food Processing

- under sink installs & water vending - brewery & winery machines - soft drinks, fruit drinks and juices

- aircraft, boats & recreational vehicles - bottling facilities

- water wells & water cisterns - diary processing

- swimming pool & hot tubs - liquid sugars, sweeteners and edible

- farms, ranches & trailer parks oils schools & hotels water based lubricants aquarium, hatcheries and nurseries pure wash water ice making

Medical Industries

- pharmaceutical production - cosmetics and electronic production

- laboratories, hospitals and clinics - pond & lake reclamation

- maternity labor and delivery areas - laundry water

- pathology labs, kidney dialysis

- animal husbandry

[0038] Numerous health studies have shown that germicidal ultraviolet light - UVC - is very effective against allergies, asthma, mold, mildew, fungi and any DNA based airborne viruses, bacteria and spores. UV light can play a great role in secondary allergy prevention especially where airborne allergens are concerned. It can reduce suffering from allergies. The UV air cleaners help control germs that make asthma worse. UVC has been proven to kill or inactivate tuberculosis in the indoor air. UVC lamps are used for indoor air quality control - upper-room air and in-duct ultraviolet germicidal irradiation. Many airborne pathogens, such as Anthrax and its spores, can be removed from the indoor air by the use of germicidal ultraviolet air purifiers.

[0039] Germicidal UV light (UVC) has been successfully utilized in hospitals and public buildings to inhibit microbial growth, spreading of infections and to increase the indoor air quality. UVC can also help against mold problems by rendering airborne mold particles and mold spores non-viable and even sterilizing surface mold colonies if they are directly irradiated with UVC light. Even the dead mold spores and mold particles can be allergenic or toxic so it is strongly recommended to always use germicidal UVC light in conjunction with a HEPA filtration system. How does ultraviolet light work?

[0040] Germicidal ultraviolet lamp is a short wave low pressure mercury vapor tubes that produces ultraviolet wavelengths that are lethal to micro-organisms. Approximately 95% of the ultraviolet energy emitted is at the mercury resonance line of 254 nanometers. This wavelength is in the region of maximum germicidal effectiveness and is highly lethal to virus, bacteria and mold spores. Therefore, the genetic material of the micro-organism that is exposed to the germicidal ultraviolet light and is deactivated, which prevents them from reproducing and renders them harmless.

[0041] Germicidal UV light has been successfully utilized in hospitals and public buildings to inhibit microbial growth, spreading of infections and to increase indoor air quality. UVC can also help against mold problems for mold remediation and mold inhibition by rendering airborne mold particles and mold spores non-viable and even sterilizing surface mold colonies if they are directly irradiated with UVC light.

[0042] The following external resources present more information on mold/mildew cleaning and different mold remediation tips:

[0043] Please note that many variables take place in a real world environment that make actual calculating of the UV dosage very difficult (air flow, humidity, distance of microorganism to the UV light and time). However, it is proven that UV light will kill any DNA-based organism given enough UV dosage and that UV light breaks down DNA on a cumulative basis. The UV light helps to reduce incidences of inhaled pathogens for persons who reside or work in indoor environments.

[0044] The following are incident energies of germicidal ultraviolet radiation at 253.7 nanometers necessary to inhibit colony formation in microorganisms (90%) and for complete destruction:

UV Tests

[0045] Tests conducted by Light Sources lnc - Orange, CT and verified by American Ultraviolet Company - Lebanon, IN revealed that American-Lights^® produces 800 microwatts @ 1 foot with 534 feet per minute air flow @ 55° F. To compute time needed to sterilize germs in the following chart at 1 foot distance from the light, divide the dosage required by 800. Example: for 90% kill factor of Bacillus subtilis spores:11 ,600 divided by 800 = 14.5 seconds.

[0046] The UV light disinfection process does not use chemicals.

[0047] Microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and algae, are inactivated within seconds of UV light disinfection, but all are not equally sensitive. Generally, viruses and algae are more resistant to disinfection by UV light.

[0048] Mold and mold spores adversely affect indoor air quality (IAQ). Health conscious people or those suffering from the presence of mold in their homes need a certain level of knowledge and a lot of effort to clean and keep their environment healthy. Different types of mold - black mold, toxic mold, allergenic mold - are present all the time around us and in the air we breathe. In low levels, molds and mold spores are generally harmless but if their levels increase they can affect people; especially people with allergies, asthma and respiratory conditions or suppressed immune system.

Athlete's foot fungi

[0049] A group of mold-like fungi called dermatophytes causes athlete's foot. These organisms sprout tendril-like extensions that infect the superficial layer of the skin. In response to this fungal growth, the basal layer of the skin produces more skin cells than usual. As these cells push to the surface, the skin becomes thick and scaly. Most often, the more the fungi spread, the more scales your skin produces, causing the ring of advancing infection to form.

[0050] "Athlete's foot causes dry, scaly skin, particularly between the toes, and can lead to splits in the heel. "As fingernails are one of the dirtiest parts of the body, I've seen serious secondary bacterial infections as a result of scratching and breaking the skin."

Where medicinal treatments may be used in conjunction with ultraviolet light treatment:

[0051] For mild conditions, your doctor may advise you to apply a prescription or over-the-counter (nonprescription) antifungal ointment, lotion, powder or spray. Most infections respond well to these topical agents, which include: Terbinafine (Lamisii AT) Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) Miconazole (Micatin)

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

[0052] An infectious disease is a clinically evident disease of humans or animals that damages or injures the host so as to impair host function, and results from the presence and activity of one or more pathogenic microbial agents, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, multicellular parasites, and aberrant proteins known as prions. Transmission of an infectious disease may occur through several pathways; including through contact with infected individuals, by water, food, airborne inhalation, or through vector-borne spread.

[0053] A contagious disease (also called a communicable disease) is an infectious disease that is capable of being transmitted from one person or species to another. Contagious diseases are often spread through direct contact with an individual, contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals, or with objects that the infected individual has contaminated.

[0054] The term infectivity describes the ability of an organism to enter, survive and multiply in the host, while the infectiousness of a disease indicates the comparative ease with which the disease is transmitted to other hosts. An infection however, is not synonymous with an infectious disease, as an infection may not cause clinical symptoms or impair host function.

Classification

[0055] Among the almost infinite varieties of microorganisms, relatively few cause disease in otherwise healthy individuals. Infectious disease results from the interplay between those few pathogens and the defenses of the hosts they infect. The appearance and severity of disease resulting from any pathogen depends upon the ability of that pathogen to damage the host as well as the ability of the host to resist the pathogen. Infectious microorganisms, or microbes, are therefore classified as either primary pathogens or as opportunistic pathogens according to the status of host defenses. [0056] Primary pathogens cause disease as a result of their presence or activity within the normal, healthy host, and their intrinsic virulence (the severity of the disease they cause) is, in part, a necessary consequence of their need to reproduce and spread. Many of the most common primary pathogens of humans only infect humans, however many serious diseases are caused by organisms acquired from the environment or which infect non-human hosts.

[0057] Organisms which cause an infectious disease in a host with depressed resistance are classified as opportunistic pathogens. Opportunistic disease may be caused by microbes that are ordinarily in contact with the host, such as bacteria or fungi in the gastrointestinal or the upper respiratory tract, and they may also result from (otherwise innocuous) microbes acquired from other hosts (as in Clostridium difficile enterocolitis) or from the environment as a result of traumatic introduction (as in surgical wound infections or compound fractures). An opportunistic disease requires impairment of host defenses, which may occur as a result of genetic defects (such as Chronic granulomatous disease), exposure to antimicrobial drugs or immunosuppressive chemicals (as might occur following poisoning or cancer chemotherapy), exposure to ionizing radiation, or as a result of an infectious disease with immunosuppressive activity (such as with measles, malaria or HIV disease). Primary pathogens may also cause more severe disease in a host with depressed resistance than would normally occur in an immunosufficient host.

[0058] One way of proving that a given disease is "infectious", is to satisfy Koch's postulates (first proposed by Robert Koch), which demands that the infectious agent be identified only in patients and not in healthy controls, and that patients who contract the agent also develop the disease.

Transmission

[0059] An infectious disease is transmitted from some source. Defining the means of transmission plays an important part in understanding the biology of an infectious agent, and in addressing the disease it causes. Transmission may occur through several different mechanisms. Respiratory diseases and meningitis are commonly acquired by contact with aerosolized droplets, spread by sneezing, coughing, talking or even singing. Gastrointestinal diseases are often acquired by ingesting contaminated food and water. Sexually transmitted diseases are acquired through contact with bodily fluids, generally as a result of sexual activity. Some infectious agents may be spread as a result of contact with a contaminated, inanimate object (known as a fomite), such as a coin passed from one person to another, while other diseases penetrate the skin directly.

[0060] Transmission of infectious diseases may also involve a "vector". Vectors may be mechanical or biological. A mechanical vector picks up an infectious agent on the outside of its body and transmits it in a passive manner. An example of a mechanical vector is a housefly, which lands on cow dung, contaminating its appendages with bacteria from the feces, and then lands on food prior to consumption. The pathogen never enters the body of the fly.

[0061] In order for germs to be spread from one person to another, three things must happen.

1. Germs must be present in the environment, either through a person carrying the germ or through infectious body fluids, such as discharge from the eye, nose, mouth, or digestive (gastrointestinal) tract; in the air, or on a surface.

2. A person who is not immune to the germ must come in contact with or be exposed to the germs.

3 The contact or exposure must be in a way that leads to infection.

How Some Infectious Diseases Are Spread Method of Transmission

Direct Contact Respiratory Fecal-Oral Blood with infected person's Transmission Transmission Transmission skin or body fluid (passing from the (touching feces or lungs, throat, or nose objects contaminated of one person to with feces then another person touching your mouth) through the air)

Chickenpox^* Chickenpox^* Campylobacter^** Cytomegalovirus Cold Sores Common Cold E CoIf OI 57*^* Hepatitis B* Conjunctivitis Diphtheria Enterovirus Hepatitis C Head Lice Fifth Disease Giardia HIV Infection Impetigo Bacterial meningitis^* Hand-Foot-Mouth Ringworm Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease

Disease Hepatitis A^* Scabies \ Impetigo Infectious Diarrhea

Influenza^* Pinworms

'Measles* Polio^*

Mumps^* Salmonella^**

Pertussis^* Shigella

Pneumonia ^■< Rubella^*

^*Vaccιnes are available for preventing these diseases

^*Often transmitted from infected animals through foods or direct contact.

[0062] As the table shows,

• Skin infections may be spread by touching fluid from another person's infected sores.

• Respiratory-tract infections with symptoms such as coughs, sneezes, and runny noses are spread mainly through exposure to fluids present in or expelled from another person's mouth and throat (saliva or mucus), often when an uninfected person touches these discharges with their hands and then touches their mouth, eyes, or nose.

Intestinal tract infections, including some types of diarrhea, usually are spread through exposure to germs in the feces. Many of the germs discussed herein are spread through what is known as "fecal-oral" transmission. This means that germs leave the body of the infected person in the feces (poop) and enter the body of another person through the mouth. In most situations, this happens when objects (including toys, fingers, or hands) that have become contaminated with undetectable amounts of feces are placed in the mouth. Fecal-oral transmission can also occur if food or water is contaminated with undetectable amounts of human or animal feces, and then is eaten or drunk. Improperly prepared foods made from animals (for example, meat, milk, and eggs) are often the source of infection with Campylobacter, E.coli 0157, and Salmonella.

Some infections, like infection with Salmonella and Campylobacter, may be spread through direct exposure to infected animals.

Blood infections are spread when blood (and sometimes other body fluids) from a person with an infection gets into the bloodstream of an uninfected person. This can happen when infected blood or body fluid enters the body of an uninfected person through cuts or openings in the skin; the mucous membrane that lines body cavities, such as the nose and eye; or directly into the bloodstream, as with a needle.

• Some diseases, such as chickenpox, impetigo, and hand-foot-and mouth disease, can have more than one transmission route. For example, they may be spread through air or by direct contact with the infectious germ.

Molds

[0063] Different types of mold - black mold, toxic mold, allergenic mold - are present all the time around us and in the air we breathe. In low levels, molds and mold spores are generally harmless but if their levels increase they can affect people; especially people with allergies, asthma and respiratory conditions or suppressed immune system.

[0064] Allergenic mold and mold spores are normally not dangerous to humans in low amounts, but they cause allergic or asthmatic symptoms. Generally, these types of mold can be relatively easy and safely cleaned and removed. Note that even dead mold spores or mold particles can trigger allergy symptoms or allergic reactions.

[0065] Mycotoxic mold and mold spores are those containing toxins in the cell wall. These types of mold can cause serious health problems in humans and animals. These molds range from short-term irritation to immunosuppression, to cancer and even death. If toxic molds are identified, it is suggested that you seek advice from an Industrial Hygienist or other mold professional for guidance. The average homeowner should NOT attempt the abatement of these types of mold.

[0066] Pathogenic mold is the type of mold that causes infections. Pathogenic molds can cause serious health effects in persons with suppressed immune systems, those taking chemotherapy, and those with HIV/AIDS, or autoimmunity disorders. If any pathogenic molds are identified, it is suggested that you seek advice from an Industrial Hygienist or other mold professional. The average homeowner should NOT attempt the abatement of this type of molds.

[0067] Hyphae & hyphal elements are single, unidentifiable fragments of mold. Although they might not be traceable to a specific mold species, these fragments can be responsible for allergic reactions in some people and may indicate previous or current growth. Ascospores and basidiospores are clusters of spores that may not be easily identified as a specific species, but may represent a mold problem in the property.

LIST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES THAT MAY BE OF CONCERN: Viral infectious diseases

[0068] AIDS - AIDS Related Complex - Chickenpox (Varicella) - Common cold - Cytomegalovirus Infection -Dengue fever - Ebola haemorrhagic fever - Hand, foot and mouth disease - Hepatitis - Herpes simplex - Herpes zoster - HPV - Influenza (Flu) - Lassa fever — Measles - Marburg haemorrhagic fever - Infectious mononucleosis - Mumps - Poliomyelitis - Progressive multifocal leukencephalopathy - Rubella - Smallpox (Variola) - Viral encephalitis - Viral gastroenteritis - Viral meningitis - Viral pneumonia - West Nile disease - Yellow fever

Bacterial infectious diseases

[0069] Anthrax - Bacterial Meningitis - Botulism - Brucellosis - Campylobacteriosis — Cat Scratch Disease — Cholera - Diphtheria - Epidemic Typhus - Gonorrhea - Impetigo- Legionellosis - Leprosy (Hansen's Disease) - Leptospirosis - Listeriosis - Melioidosis - MRSA infection - Plague - Pneumococcal pneumonia - Psittacosis - Q fever - Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) - Salmonellosis - Scarlet Fever - Shigellosis - Syphilis - Tetanus - Trachoma - Tuberculosis - Tularemia - Typhoid Fever - Typhus; Urinary Tract Infections

Parasitic infectious diseases

[0070] African trypanosomiasis - Amebiasis - Ascariasis - Babesiosis - Chagas Disease - Clonorchiasis - Cryptosporidiosis - Cysticercosis - Diphyllobothriasis - Dracunculiasis - Echinococcosis - Enterobiasis - Fascioliasis - Fasciolopsiasis - Filariasis - Free-living amebic infection - Giardiasis - Gnathostomiasis - Hymenolepiasis - lsosporiasis - Kala-azar - Leishmaniasis - Metagonimiasis - Myiasis - Onchocerciasis - Pediculosis - Pinworm Infection - Scabies - Taeniasis - Toxocariasis - Toxoplasmosis - Trichinellosis - Trichinosis - Trichuriasis - Trichomoniasis - Trypanosomiasis Fungal infectious diseases

[0071] Aspergillosis - Blastomycosis - Candidiasis - Coccidioidomycosis - Cryptococcosis - Histoplasmosis - Tinea pedis

Methods of Control

[0072] Communicable diseases occur only when the causative agent comes into contact with a susceptible host in a suitable environment. Prevention and control efforts for communicable diseases may be directed to any of these three elements. Communicable diseases affect both individuals and communities, so control efforts may be directed at both. Treatment of persons with communicable diseases with antibiotics typically kills the agent and renders them noninfectious. Thus, treatment is also prevention. A simple way to prevent the occurrence of communicable diseases is to eliminate the infectious agent through, for example, cooking food, washing hands, and sterilizing instruments between uses.

[0073] For most communicable diseases there is an interval between infection and occurrence of symptoms (the incubation period) in which the infectious agent is multiplying or developing. Some persons who are infected may never develop manifestations of the disease even though they may be capable of transmitting it (in apparent infection). Some persons may carry (and transmit) the agent over prolonged periods (carriers) whether or not they develop symptoms. Treatment during the incubation period may cure the infection, thereby preventing both disease and transmission.

[0074] The environment may be rendered less suitable for the occurrence of disease in a variety of ways. Reduction of crowding and appropriate ventilation can reduce the likelihood of droplet or airborne transmission.

Diagnosis and therapy

[0075] Diagnosis of infectious disease sometimes involves identifying an infectious agent either directly or indirectly. In practice most minor infectious diseases such as warts, cutaneous abscesses, respiratory infections and diarrheal diseases are diagnosed by their clinical presentation. Conclusions about the cause of the disease are based upon the likelihood that a patient came in contact with a particular agent, the presence of a microbe in a community, and other epidemiological considerations. Given sufficient effort, all known infectious agents can be specifically identified. The benefits of identification, however, are often greatly outweighed by the cost, as often there is no specific treatment, the cause is obvious, or the outcome of an infection is benign.

[0076] Specific identification of an infectious agent is usually only determined when such identification can aid in the treatment or prevention of the disease, or to advance knowledge of the course of an illness prior to the development of effective therapeutic or preventative measures.

Impact of Communicable Diseases

[0077] Epidemics of "crowd" diseases such as measles and influenza resulted from person-to-person transmission.

[0078] Improvements in sanitation have dramatically reduced the burden of water- and food-borne diseases. Specific therapies such as antibiotics and anti-parasitic drugs have had a significant impact on deaths due to infectious diseases as well as having some impact on the occurrence of the diseases by shortening the period in which an infected person is infectious to others.

[0079] The most dramatic improvements have been seen in the United States and other developed nations. Although significant progress has also been made in developing nations, the World Health Report 2000 reports that 14 million deaths (25 percent of all deaths in the world in 1999) resulted from infectious diseases or their complications.

[0080] Much of the continuing toll of communicable diseases could be reduced by more effective use of existing vaccines and other tools for control of infectious diseases. However, new tools will be needed to bring about maximum control of some diseases. Because microorganisms are continually evolving, they may change enough so that prior experience (infection) with the infectious agent does not provide protection.

Mortality from infectious diseases [0081] The World Health Organization collects information on global deaths by International Classification of Disease (ICD) code categories. The following table lists the top infectious disease killers which caused more than 100,000 deaths in 2002 (estimated). 1993 data is included for comparison.

[0082] The top three single agent/disease killers are HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria. While the number of deaths due to nearly every disease have decreased, deaths due to HIV/AIDS have increased fourfold. Childhood diseases include pertussis, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, measles and tetanus. Children also make up a large percentage of lower respiratory and diarrheal deaths.

Emerging diseases and pandemics

[0083] In most cases, microorganisms live in harmony with their hosts. Such is the case for many tropical viruses and the insects, monkeys, or other animals in which they have lived and reproduced. Because the microbes and their hosts have co- evolved, the hosts gradually become resistant to the microorganisms. When a microbe jumps from a long-time animal host to a human being, it may cease to be a harmless parasite and become pathogenic.

[0084] With most new infectious diseases, some human action is involved, changing the environment so that an existing microbe can take up residence in a new niche. When that happens, a pathogen that had been confined to a remote habitat appears in a new or wider region, or a microbe that had infected only animals suddenly begins to cause human disease.

Preventive Measures

[0085] Chemoprophylaxis. Chemoprophylaxis refers to the practice of giving anti- infective drugs to prevent occurrence of disease in individuals who are likely to be exposed to an infectious disease or who might have already been infected but have not developed disease.

[0086] Antibiotics and Resistance. Antibiotics are compounds that are produced by microorganisms that kill or inhibit the growth of other microorganisms. Those that kill bacteria are called bactericidal; those that prevent multiplication (and rely on the body's defense mechanisms to deal with the limited number of living organisms) are called bacteriostatic. Some antibiotics are effective against a limited number of microorganisms, others may have more widespread effect.

[0087] Because microorganisms are continually in a state of evolution, strains may evolve that are resistant to a particular antibiotic. In addition, resistance characteristics can be transferred from some microorganisms to others (this is particularly true of organisms that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract). The likelihood that resistance will develop is increased if antibiotics are used in an indiscriminate manner and in inadequate amounts (either in terms of individual dosage or in length of therapy). Antimicrobial resistance is a growing problem: organisms that once were exquisitely sensitive to a particular antibiotic may now have developed significant (or total) resistance to it. This necessitates either increasing the dose of the antibiotic administered (in the case of partial resistance) or developing totally new drugs to treat the infection (in the case of total resistance). A few microorganisms (such as enterococcus, an organism that lives in the intestinal tract and is particularly likely to cause infections in gravely ill patients with compromised immune systems) have developed such widespread resistance that it is a real challenge to treat them effectively, resulting in a need to develop even more antibiotics.

DESCRIPTION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND CONDITIONS THAT DIRECTLY AFFECT FOOT

[0088] Foot infections can be difficult problems for physicians to treat due to the biomechanical complexities of the extremity and the underlying circumstances that cause the infections. Typically, they follow a traumatic event or tissue loss with contamination by foreign materials and/or colonization by bacteria. When a healthy patient or one without metabolic or peripheral vascular disease (PVD) presents with pedal infections, a traumatic process usually is involved. However, the more common presentation is that of a patient whose health is compromised with a metabolic or peripheral vascular defect that complicates optimum successful treatment.

[0089] Treatment strategies for foot infections have been changing and evolving as a result of pharmacologic and technical breakthroughs. Plastic and reconstructive techniques for limb salvage have altered the course of treatment for foot infections, with a goal towards functional restoration and a major decrease in amputation rates.

[0090] Physicians need to be aware of the many different types of foot infections that exist. Some foot infections are very simple, and others are quite complex. They are categorized into 3 groups including soft tissue, bone, and those associated with patients with diabetes. Foot infections in persons with diabetes can be unpredictable and are typically polymicrobial; therefore, they are discussed in their own venue.

[0091] Soft tissue infections of the foot consist of any infectious process affecting the skin, subcutaneous tissue, adipose tissue, superficial or deep fascia, ligaments, tendons, tendon sheaths, joints, and/or joint capsules. Considering that there are more than 20 joints, 44 tendons, approximately 100 ligaments, 4 major compartments, and numerous fascial planes in the normal foot, one can easily recognize the potential for complex problems.

[0092] Many events can be responsible for these soft tissue infections. A description of soft tissue infections includes simple, moderate, and severe infections, which includes but is not limited to the immunocompromised patient, infections associated with PVD, emergency soft tissue infections, and infections associated with trauma.

[0093] Bone commonly is involved when any type of infectious process is present in the foot. Bone is predisposed to this because of its close proximity to the skin and lack of a thick, soft tissue, protective layer throughout most parts of the foot. This process with its diagnostic and treatment strategies is described in detail in this article.

[0094] Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been diagnosed in approximately 14 million US citizens. It can produce a complex clinical picture due to its involvement in numerous different organ systems. The combination of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and compromised distal vascularity act synergistically putting these patients at high risk for pedal complications. Individuals with diabetes tend to develop ulcerations in the feet, which often lead to infection of the soft tissue and bones.

Cellulitis

[0095] Cellulitis is often the first sign of a soft tissue infection of the foot. In most cases, this marker represents an isolated localized skin infection but may represent a more severe process. Cellulitis usually originates from minor cuts and abrasions but also comes from more severe puncture wounds or trauma. Group A streptococci is the most common bacterial contaminant responsible for soft tissue infections, and Staphylococcus aureus is the second most common. Each is present in natural skin flora.

[0096] Initial treatment for simple cellulitis as a result of an abrasion in a host who is not immunocompromised includes oral antibiotics using first-generation cephalosporins, aminopenicillins, or quinolones. Group A streptococci is the most common pathogen and is usually susceptible to penicillin V and cephalexin. In more severe cases, oxacillin 2 g administered intravenously every 4 hours or cefazolin 1 g administered intravenously every 8 h can be used. Simple cellulitis usually responds well to antibiotics, rest, and elevation of the extremity. However, in more severe cases invasive treatment with debridement of necrotic tissue becomes necessary if septic embolization ensues.

Paronychia [0097] Paronychia is a more common soft tissue infection with inflammation of the periungual area adjacent to the nail grooves and borders. It can be initiated by a traumatic event such has dropping objects on the toes or having them stepped on; more often, paronychia results from an ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis). Underlying onychomycosis also can be a predisposing factor, which results in paronychia.

[0098] Initial treatment should include antibiotic therapy and warm soaks to the affected digit. Antibiotic therapy should be directed toward the offending pathogens, which are commonly skin flora. When onychocryptosis is the underlying etiology, that portion of the nail should be removed to address the soft tissue reaction. A partial nail avulsion involves removing the border of the ingrown nail. Chronic recurrent paronychias can be treated in a surgical manner both chemically and via local excision.

Puncture wounds

[0099] Puncture wounds occur more than 50% of the time on the planter surface of the foot with more than 90% of these involving penetration of a nail. Other objects in this category include wood, metal, plastic, glass, and animal and human bites. Puncture wounds have the potential to inoculate deep spaces of the foot, including bones, joints, tendons, and deep fascia, and serious complications can arise. Therefore, the depth of penetration is one of the most important factors in determining if a wound will resolve without complex intervention. Degree of infection can depend on location, type of penetrating object, retained foreign bodies from pieces breaking off, and penetration through shoes and socks.

[00100] The most common organisms implicated in penetrating wounds are S aureus, beta-hemolytic streptococci, and various anaerobic bacteria. Pasteurella multocida is typical in dog and cat bites or claw puncture wounds. Viridans streptococcus is responsible for most problems related to human bites. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is usually responsible for infection when the injury is due to object penetration through shoes and socks.

Immunocompromise

[00101] Pedal infections in patients who are immunocompromised can be difficult to diagnose and treat due to comorbidities, which often alter the presentation and require treatment. This group of patients includes persons with HIV, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and high-dose corticosteroid use, DM, and asplenia. These patients can have impaired host defenses and are at higher risk of acquiring infections.

Human immunodeficiency virus

[00102] Patients with HIV are more susceptible to fungal and viral pedal infections. Tinea pedis and onychomycosis often are observed in this population. Human papilloma virus, manifesting itself as verruca plantaris, occurs at a higher rate than in the normal population. Fungal infections usually can be managed with a variety of antifungal creams. Verrucae can be more challenging to treat. The condition often requires several modalities for complete resolution. Common therapies include salicylic acid application, cryotherapy, blistering agents, and surgical excision.

Systemic lupus erythematosus

[00103] Individuals with SLE are predisposed to infection due to their impaired humoral immunity and lowered Tlymphocyte- mediated immunity, which results from immunosuppressive therapy. Lupus flares can be mistaken for an infection and the differential diagnosis must be evaluated carefully. SLE skin and soft tissue infections most commonly are caused by S aureus and less commonly by group A streptococci. The absence of a true leukocytosis may create a confusing environment for the diagnostician.

Rheumatoid arthritis

[00104] Patients with systemic arthropathies such as RA are often on long-term corticosteroid therapy, which suppresses cell-mediated immunity; thus, a higher risk of infection results. Classic presentations include synovitis, pannus formation, and periarticular bone and cartilage destruction. These local manifestations of systemic disease can be confused with soft tissue infection. Approximately 20% of patients with RA have rheumatoid nodules. They frequently occur over pressure areas, which tend to rupture in the foot causing skin breakdown, erythema, and infection. Therefore, patients with RA presenting with possible pedal infections require a thorough workup to exclude the conditions discussed above. Diabetes

[00105] Persons with diabetes are truly compromised due to their impaired host defenses, decreased perfusion to the lower extremities, and diminished sensation in the feet secondary to peripheral neuropathy. This group of patients is very challenging to treat; treatment is covered in greater detail in Diabetic Foot Infections.

Asplenia

[00106] The spleen is the primary site for immunoglobulin M (IgM) synthesis, which is the first early response of the body. This places patients with asplenia at higher risk for all infections. They are at a particular high risk for infection with encapsulated bacterial organisms. It is important to determine if they have joint implants or internal fixation in the feet because of the organisms' affinity for seeding these areas. For fractures requiring open reduction and external fixation (ORIF). prophylaxis against these pathogens is appropriate. Typical pedal infections in these patients are clinically indistinguishable from those in healthy hosts, except that they are often more severe.

[00107] Antibiotic coverage should be directed towards the encapsulated pathogens and consist of third- or fourth-generation cephalosporins, lmipenem should be used in the patient who is allergic to penicillin. If hardware is present and has become colonized, it should be removed for complete resolution of the infection.

Peripheral vascular disease

[00108] The poorly perfused or ischemic foot is prone to more frequent and severe infections due to low oxygen tension. The inflammatory response to stress can be reduced. Decreased local perfusion, edema formation, and neutrophil infiltration are present. Small abrasions in these patients can become quite problematic because the lesions do not have sufficient blood supply to heal properly. Prolonged healing time leaves the patient more susceptible to infection and complications. Ischemic feet are also prone to ischemic-type ulcerations that have an extended healing time and an increased chance of infection.

Necrotizing fasciitis [00109] Necrotizing fasciitis is characterized by widespread necrosis of fascia and deeper subcutaneous tissues, with initial sparing of skin and muscle. Eventually, skin involvement is noted, with cellulitis evolving into cutaneous gangrene. The most common underlying risk factor is being a patient with DM. One recent study by Elliott reported that foot ulcerations and infections associated with diabetes were the second most common cause of necrotizing fasciitis; thus, 15.2% of cases of necrotizing fasciitis are due to foot ulcerations and infections associated with diabetes.

[00110] Surgical wounds and infections resulting from intravenous drug abuse or "skin popping" also can lead to necrotizing infections. Aerobic streptococci are typical pathogens in addition to Bacteroides species, staphylococci, and enterococci, which all play a role in the infectious process. E coli and Proteus species are facultative anaerobic gram-negative rods that often are cultured from these wounds.

Gas gangrene

[00111] Gas gangrene or clostridial myonecrosis is considered a surgical emergency. It includes a rapid culminating course, severe toxin-related systemic toxicity, a vast level of tissue destruction, and a high mortality rate. Rapid diagnosis and aggressive management are crucial with respect to limb preservation.

[00112] Six different species of Clostridia can be responsible for the soft tissue destruction; however, Clostridium perfringens is the most common. C perfmgens produces t2 active tissue toxins responsible for the syndromes of gas gangrene. Clostridia organisms are saprophytes and are quite ubiquitous. Infections leading to gas gangrene require an opportunistic environment. Prerequisites include a wound, contamination with Clostridia organisms, and a depressed oxygen state at the site of inoculation. This accounts for the increased incidence of gangrene noted in patients with diabetes and patients with PVD. The decreased oxygen state also can be observed postoperatively from local edema and dressings.

Chronic osteomyelitis

[00113] Chronic osteomyelitis is defined as the presence of bone infection for more than 6 weeks. In the foot, it is most commonly observed in the diabetic population because their compromised immunity and vascular insufficiency predispose them to deep bone infections. Osteomyelitis also can be associated with open fractures, PVD, immunocompromised hosts, and improper treatment of the acute condition.

Pedicures Salons

[00114] Mycobacterium fortuitum: The Ugly Secret of In 2000, an outbreak of Mycobacterium fortuitum furunculosis affected customers using whirlpool footbaths at a nail salon.

[00115] Mycobacterium fortuitum is a type of rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) and is classified as (an atypical) mycobacteria, which encompasses all mycobacteria outside of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Mycobacteria are unicellular, Gram-positive cells with a thick hydrophobic cell wall that aids in the prevention of desiccation. The growth of bacteria depends on temperature and a variety of nutrients. The pathology of Mycobacterium fortuitum is somewhat simplistic. The bacterium is not spread from person to person. Rather, humans acquire it from the environment. Once humans have been infected with M. fortuitum, it can become harmful. According to Eduardo Nagore, M. fortuitum causes soft-tissue and skeletal infections due to direct inoculation of contaminated materials via injections, surgery, and penetrating trauma. To add, these contaminated materials usually pick up M. fortuitum through unintentional contact with water. The strength of ones immune system can also influence how at risk a person is to getting a disease due to a M. fortuitum infection. E. Leoni noted that people with suppressed immune systems have a greater chance of developing an infection. Consequently, everyone is at risk to some degree of contracting an infection due to M. fortuitum, because it is present in water, water sources, and soil, which everyone comes in contact with on a daily basis.

[00116] One of the largest outbreaks of Mycobacterium forfuitum took place in a California nail salon. In September 2000, a dermatologist in Northern California reported to the state health department that four of her patients had persistent boils on their legs below the knee and a common factor between all of them was that they received pedicures from the same nail salon. Dr. Kevin L. Winthrop and his colleagues investigated the situation and performed the first case study on the outbreak of M. fortuitum in a nail salon. They found that 110 customers had furunculosis, which caused boils on the nail salons clients shins and of those people, 34 of them tested positive for M. fortuitum. All of the women had the same symptoms for the bacterium. After getting pedicures, small sores developed on their lower legs and after several weeks or months, they became large, tender, boils with some even progressing to skin ulcers. Additionally, each infected client had between one and thirty-seven boils on each leg. The Federal Centers for Disease Control concluded that the size of the boils ranged from as small as a nickel to as large as a half dollar. With all this information, the next step was to determine the exact source of this outbreak. Through a series of tests it was discovered that a single strain of M. fortuitum was responsible for the follicular infections, which caused the boils. The bacterium got into the salon through a water source. It was concluded that the bacterium entered the salon through the tap water, grew in the accumulated debris of hair, skin, and nails behind the footbath inlet screens, which were never cleaned, and multiplied rapidly due to the warm, nutrient rich environment. In fact, this incident most likely could have been avoided had the organic debris, behind the screens, been cleaned out.

[00117] In the case of furunculosis resulting from the outbreak of M. fortuitum at the nail salon, some of the customers were left with extensive scaring due to the boils after being treated with antibiotics to kill the bacterium. The removal of the scars would require skin grafts or laser surgery. As one can see, infections caused by M. fortuitum are treatable, but it can be a long, agonizing process.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[00118] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a germicidal cleaning device that includes a housing, at least one ultraviolet light source, and a switch. The housing defines an opening. The at least one ultraviolet light source is mounted to the housing and is adapted to emit ultraviolet radiation out of the opening. The switch is electrically connected to the at least one ultraviolet light source and is selectively manipulable between a first position, wherein the at least one ultraviolet light source is energized, and a second position, wherein the at least one ultraviolet light source is not energized. So configured, the ultraviolet radiation kills or deactivates harmful germs or transmissible diseases disposed on objects located adjacent to the housing, thereby preventing the harmful germs or transmissible diseases from spreading and causing harm.

[00119] One embodiment further includes a screen mounted to the housing and covering at least a portion of the opening.

[00120] Another embodiment further includes an arm connected to and extending away from the housing, as well as either a handle or a base plate. The handle is connected to the arm opposite the housing and is for enabling a user to manually manipulate the housing. The base plate is connected to the arm opposite the housing and is adapted to support the device in a stand-alone manner or to be mounted to a wall.

[00121] In one embodiment, the arm is movably connected to at least one of the housing, the handle, and the base plate such that the housing can be moved between a plurality of different positions relative to the handle or the base plate.

[00122] In one embodiment, the housing is cup-shaped and the screen comprises a tubular portion disposed proximate to the housing and a domed portion disposed distal to the housing. So configured, the screen is adapted to be disposed in a shoe.

[00123] In one embodiment, the housing can include a plurality of housings, each connected to a corresponding screen and at least one ultraviolet light source.

[00124] In another embodiment, the housing is generally box-shaped.

[00125] With the box-shaped housing, one embodiment includes a plurality of wheels mounted to the housing for facilitating moving the device about a surface.

[00126] In one embodiment, the wheels can be mounted on the bottom of the housing, while in another embodiment, the wheel can be mounted on the sides of the housing.

[00127] In one embodiment, the at least one ultraviolet light source comprises a plurality of ultraviolet light bulbs arranged in an array in the housing.

[00128] In another embodiment, the device further includes a power socket coupled to the housing and adapted to receive a conventional power plug. [00129] In yet another embodiment, the device further includes a reflector disposed within the housing, the reflector being adapted to direct the ultraviolet radiation out of the opening.

[00130] In another embodiment, the device further includes a ballast mounted in the housing, the ballast being electrically connected to the at least one ultraviolet light source for regulating the flow of electrical current to the at least one ultraviolet light source when the switch is in the first position.

[00131] In another embodiment, the device further includes a powering device for providing electrical power to the at least one ultraviolet light source when the switch is in the first position, the powering device comprising one of a battery holder for receiving one or more batteries, or a power cord for plugging into a conventional power outlet.

[00132] In one embodiment, the power cord is connected to either the housing or the handle.

[00133] In another embodiment, the device further includes a solution dispenser mounted to the housing and adapted to dispense a solution that kills or deactivates harmful germs or transmissible diseases disposed on objects located adjacent to the screen, thereby preventing the harmful germs or transmissible diseases from spreading and causing harm.

[00134] In one embodiment, the solution dispenser contains a liquid solution comprising a germicidal chemical such as an antibiotic chemical, for example.

[00135] In one embodiment, the at least one ultraviolet light source comprises a UV-C light source, a UV-B light source, a UV-A light source, or any combination thereof.

[00136] In another embodiment, the device further includes at least one vent formed in the housing for facilitating airflow through the housing.

[00137] In another embodiment, the device further includes a fan coupled to the housing for circulating air therethrough.

[00138] In another embodiment, the housing is mounted adjacent to a countertop or a floor. [00139] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of killing or deactivating harmful germs or transmissible diseases disposed on a surface or carried inside of a shoe. The method generally includes generating ultraviolet light radiation with one or more ultraviolet light sources mounted within a housing. Additionally, the method includes emitting the ultraviolet light radiation out of an opening in the housing and onto the surface or into the shoe such that the radiation interacts with and kills or deactivates harmful germs or transmissible diseases disposed on the surface or in the shoe.

[00140] In one embodiment, the method further includes circulating air through the housing and toward the one or more ultraviolet light sources.

[00141] In another embodiment, the method includes emitting a germicidal chemical in an area occupied by the ultraviolet light radiation such that the germicidal chemical interacts with and kills or deactivates harmful germs or transmissible diseases disposed on the surface or in the shoe.

[00142] In still another embodiment, the method includes manually moving the housing about the surface by grasping a handle connected to the housing and pushing and pulling the housing across the surface.

[00143] In another embodiment, the method includes positioning the shoe onto a screen that is connected to the housing such that the screen is disposed at least partly inside of the shoe and supports the shoe adjacent the opening in the housing.

[00144] In another embodiment, the method includes mounting the housing adjacent to a floor or a countertop.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00145] The attached drawings are representative ideas and designs of the germicidal floor system. The system is designed to protect individuals from direct exposure of UV lights to their eyes while effectively covering areas exposed to foot traffic. As one can clearly see, the devices can be of many different designs.

[00146] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a germicidal cleaning device constructed in accordance with the present invention, which includes a handheld germicidal shoe gun adapted to accommodate a single shoe; [00147] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a germicidal cleaning device constructed in accordance with the present invention, which includes a hand-held germicidal shoe gun adapted to accommodate two shoes;

[00148] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a germicidal cleaning device constructed in accordance with the present invention, which includes a stand-alone germicidal shoe gun adapted to accommodate two shoes;

[00149] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a germicidal cleaning device constructed in accordance with the present invention, which includes a wall-mounted germicidal shoe gun adapted to accommodate four shoes;

[00150] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a germicidal cleaning device constructed in accordance with the present invention, which includes a germicidal mat cleaning device;

[00151] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a germicidal cleaning device constructed in accordance with the present invention, which includes another germicidal mat cleaning device;

[00152] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a first embodiment of a bottom of either of the germicidal mat cleaning systems depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6;

[00153] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a second embodiment of a bottom of either of the germicidal mat cleaning systems depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6;

[00154] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a germicidal cleaning device constructed in accordance with the present invention, which includes yet another germicidal mat cleaning device;

[00155] FIGS. 10A-10D are perspective views of various alternative forms of an eighth embodiment of a germicidal cleaning device constructed in accordance with the present invention, each of which includes a hand-held mat cleaning device;

[00156] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of a germicidal cleaning device constructed in accordance with the present invention, which includes a surface-mountable cleaning fixture; and

[00157] FIGS. 12A-12E are perspective views of various locations where the surface-mountable cleaning fixture of FIG. 11 can be mounted. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00158] The present invention relates to germicidal device(s) that are designed to eradicate, kill, or compromise the potentially pathologic germs inside shoes. The present invention also relates to germicidal devices that are designed to protect individuals from contracting diseases or transmitting diseases through contact through foot and shoes and related thereof. The invention also provides germicidal devices that can prevent the germs from spreading through contact with socks and/or bare feet with the shoes for various reasons. The invention further provides means to deter and/or stop the spreading or transmission of disease causing or harmful microorganisms or spores thereof from infected individuals to other individuals. Specifically the invention provides devices that use germicidal ultraviolet light to kill or deactivate harmful germs (mold, fungi, bacteria, viruses) inside the shoes from spreading and causing harms to people or animals that come in contact.

[00159] The invention is not only limited to using germicidal ultraviolet lights alone but also in the presence for chemicals such as antibiotics or chemicals with germicidal properties that in contact with germs will kill or deactivate the microorganisms or spores thereof. For example, when people needs to take off their shoes from daily activities, they run into possibilities of transmitting germs from one person to another or several individuals. These germs could be highly toxic mold, fungi, bacteria, viruses and spores thereof. These problems culminate because the environment inside the shoes is most ideal for these germs to grow and multiply. Wherever people need to take off their shoes and walk on common area such as home, gym, swimming pool areas, athletic facility locker rooms and etc., the germs are now being spread and contaminating everyone who comes in contact, unless these problem is resolved.

[00160] The invention relates to devices that will kill or deactivate not only one or more germs that cause diseases but an array of all known and yet to be discovered disease causing microorganisms using ultraviolet light (UV-C) alone and/or in combination with germicidal chemicals that could be transmitted through contact through foot and/or socks and/or shoes and/or related thereof. The disease causing microorganisms is not limited to those deactivated or killed by UV-C alone but also other ultraviolet lights such as UV-A and UV-B or in combinations ultraviolet lights thereof. In addition, the target disease causing germs are not limited to those that are deactivated or killed by UV-C alone but also other ultraviolet lights such as UV-A and UV-B but also those that are further deactivated or killed by germicidal chemicals.

[00161] One aspect of the present invention is directed to devices that are designed to protect individuals from contracting or transmitting diseases through floor contact and shoes and related thereof.

[00162] Another aspect of the invention is to provide protection to people who run into possibilities of transmitting germs from one person to another or several individuals because they put on or take off their shoes for various reasons in everyday life.

[00163] Another aspect of the invention is to provide protection to people who run into possibilities of contracting or transmitting germs from one person to another or several individuals because, they need to take off their shoes and walk on a common area with foot traffic, either barefoot or with socks on.

[00164] Another aspect of the invention is to provide germ-free clean shoes for people who put on or take off their shoes for various reasons throughout the day.

[00165] Another aspect of the invention provides means to deter andlor stop the spreading or transmission of disease causing or harmful microorganisms or spores thereof from individuals to other individuals because their feet was inside a germ infested shoe.

[00166] Another aspect of the invention provides devices that use germicidal ultraviolet light to kill or deactivate harmful germs (mold, fungi, bacteria, parasites, viruses, and spores thereof) from spreading and causing harms to people or animals that come in contact.

[00167] Another aspect of the invention provides devices that use germicidal ultraviolet light to kill or deactivate harmful germs (mold, fungi, bacteria, parasites, viruses, and spores thereof) inside a shoe or shoes.

[00168] Another aspect of the invention is not only limited to using germicidal ultraviolet lights alone but also chemicals such as antibiotics or chemicals with germicidal properties that in contact with germs will kill or deactivate the microorganisms or spores thereof.

[00169] Another aspect of the invention relates to applications in combinations of germicidal ultraviolet light and germicidal chemicals thereof.

[00170] Another aspect of this invention deals with germs that could be highly toxic mold, fungi, bacteria, viruses and spores thereof.

[00171] Another aspect of the invention relates to devices that will 'kill or deactivate not only one or more germs that cause diseases but an array of all known and yet to be discovered disease causing microorganisms using germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) alone.

[00172] Another aspect of the invention relates to devices that will kill or deactivate not only one or more germs that cause diseases but an array of all known and yet to be discovered disease causing microorganisms using germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) alone and/or in combination with germicidal chemicals.

[00173] Another aspect of the invention relates to disease causing microorganisms is not limited to those deactivated or killed by germicidal UV-C alone but also other ultraviolet lights such as UV-A and UV-B or in combinations of ultraviolet lights thereof.

[00174] Another aspect of the invention relates to disease causing germs not limited to those that are deactivated or killed by germicidal UV-C alone but also other ultraviolet lights such as UV-A and UV-B and also those that are further deactivated or killed by germicidal chemicals.

[00175] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to devices that are designed to use various sizes of the ultraviolet light sources.

[00176] Another aspect of the invention is directed to devices that are designed to use various numbers and sizes of the ultraviolet light sources.

[00177] Another aspect of the invention is directed to devices that are designed to use various sizes and strength of the ultraviolet light sources.

[00178] Another aspect of the invention is directed to devices that are designed to use various numbers and sizes and strength of the ultraviolet light sources. [00179] Another aspect of the invention is directed to devices that are designed to easily replace the ultraviolet light sources when device malfunction occurs.

[00180] Another aspect of the invention is directed to devices that are designed to protect the light bulb and other electronic parts from impact damage.

[00181] Another aspect of the invention is directed to devices that are of different width and length to accommodate the requirement and need to be effective and cost efficient.

[00182] Another aspect of the invention is directed to devices that are of different width and length to accommodate individual home use.

[00183] Another aspect of the invention is directed to devices that are of different width and length to be held units or stand alone units or wall mount units.

[00184] An alternative aspect of the present invention relates to germicidal devices that are designed to protect individuals from contracting diseases or transmitting diseases from contact through exercise mats at sports facilities and gyms. In this respect, the invention also provides germicidal devices that can prevent the germs from spreading through contact with socks and/or bare feet with exercise mats at sports facilities and gyms. The invention further provides means to stop the spreading or transmission of disease causing or harmful microorganisms or spores thereof from infected individuals to other individuals. Specifically the invention provides devices that use germicidal ultraviolet light to kill or deactivate harmful germs (mold, fungi, bacteria, viruses) on exercise mats at sports facilities and gyms from spreading and causing harms to people or animals that come in contact.

[00185] This invention relates to handheld and/or hand-push standing devices with a unit that houses wheels or bottom and germicidal UV-C light source(s) and/or that in combination with UV-A and/or UV-B light source(s) that also includes electrical components such as ballasts and sockets with switches for electric power connection.

[00186] This invention relates to handheld and/or hand-push standing devices of various sizes and shapes made out of different material such as plastics, fiber glasses, graphite, metals etc, and/or in combinations thereof, with a unit that can house wheels or bottom and one to many germicidal UV-C light source(s) and/or that in combination with UV-A and/or UV-B light source(s) of various sizes (inches to several feet) to apply effective germicidal function on exercise mats at sports facilities and gyms.

[00187] One aspect of the present invention is directed to hand-held or stand alone hand-push with wheels on the bottom devices that are designed to protect individuals from contracting or transmitting diseases through contact with exercise mats in sports facilities and gyms related thereof.

[00188] Another aspect of the invention is to provide protection to people who run into possibilities of contracting germs because they walk and/or come in contact with feet, shoes on and/or off and/or barefoot and need to take off their shoes and walk on a common area with foot traffic, either barefoot or with socks on.

[00189] Another aspect of the invention provides hand-held or stand alone hand- push with wheels on the bottom devices that use germicidal ultraviolet light to kill or deactivate harmful germs (mold, fungi, bacteria, parasites, viruses, and spores thereof) from spreading and causing harms to people or animals that come in contact.

[00190] Another aspect of the invention provides hand-held or stand alone hand- push with wheels on the bottom devices that use germicidal ultraviolet light to kill or deactivate harmful germs (mold, fungi, bacteria, parasites, viruses, and spores thereof) on exercise mats in sports facilities and gyms related thereof.

[00191] Another aspect of the invention is not only limited to using germicidal ultraviolet lights alone but also in combination with chemicals such as antibiotics or chemicals with germicidal properties that in contact with germs will kill or deactivate the microorganisms or spores thereof.

[00192] Another aspect of the invention relates to hand-held or stand alone hand- push with wheels on the bottom devices that will kill or deactivate not only one or more germs that cause diseases but an array of all known and yet to be discovered disease causing microorganisms using germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) alone. [00193] Another aspect of the invention relates to hand-held or stand alone hand- push with wheels on the bottom devices that will kill or deactivate not only one or more germs that cause diseases but an array of all known and yet to be discovered disease causing microorganisms using germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) alone and/or in combination with germicidal chemicals.

[00194] Another aspect of the invention relates to disease causing microorganisms is not limited to those deactivated or killed by germicidal UV-C alone but also other ultraviolet lights such as UV-A and UV-B or in combinations of ultraviolet lights thereof.

[00195] Another aspect of the invention relates to disease causing germs not limited to those that are deactivated or killed by germicidal UV-C alone but also other ultraviolet lights such as UV-A and UV-B and also those that are further deactivated or killed by germicidal chemicals.

[00196] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to hand-held or standalone hand-push with wheels on the bottom devices that are designed to use various sizes of the ultraviolet light sources.

[00197] Another aspect of the invention is directed to hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on the bottom devices that are designed to use various numbers and sizes of the ultraviolet light sources.

[00198] Another aspect of the invention is directed to hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on bottom the devices that are designed to use various sizes and strength of the ultraviolet light sources.

[00199] Another aspect of the invention is directed to hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on bottom the devices that are designed to use various numbers and sizes and strength of the ultraviolet light sources.

[00200] Another aspect of the invention is directed to hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on bottom the devices that are designed to easily replace the ultraviolet light sources and other electronic components when device malfunction occurs. [00201] Another aspect of the invention is directed to hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on bottom the devices that are designed to protect the light bulb and other electronic parts from impact damage.

[00202] Another aspect of the invention is directed to hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on bottom the devices that are of different width and length to accommodate the requirement and needs of sports facilities and gyms and related thereof to be effective and cost efficient.

[00203] Another aspect of the invention is directed to hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on the bottom devices that are made of various materials but not limited to plastics, fiberglass, graphite, metals and etc that house electrical components and UV light bulbs, switches and other necessary components with different width and length to be hand-held units or stand alone hand-push wheels on the bottom units.

[00204] A still further alternative aspect of the present invention relates to germicidal devices that are designed to protect individuals from contracting diseases or transmitting diseases from contact through the countertop and floor of kitchen, bathroom, work areas in health facilities, hospitals, nurseries, public facilities, etc but not only limited to what is listed herein. The invention also provides germicidal devices that can prevent the germs from spreading through contact with hand, food, socks and/or bare feet with the countertop and floor of kitchen, bathroom, work areas in health facilities, hospitals, nurseries, homes, public facilities, etc but not only limited to what is listed herein. The invention further provides means to stop the spreading or transmission of disease causing or harmful microorganisms or spores thereof from infected individuals to other individuals. Specifically the invention provides devices that use germicidal ultraviolet light to kill or deactivate harmful germs (mold, fungi, bacteria, viruses) on the countertop and floor of kitchen, bathroom, work areas in health facilities, hospitals, nurseries, public facilities, etc but not only limited to what is listed herein from spreading and causing harms to people or animals that come in contact.

[00205] This invention relates to devices mounted under cabinets and/or on the floor wall and/or the base of counters equipped with germicidal UV-C light source(s) and/or that in combination with UV-A and/or UV-B light source(s) that also includes electrical components such as ballasts and sockets with switches for electric power connection.

[00206] This invention relates to devices mounted under cabinets and/or on the floor wall and/or the base of counters with various sizes and shapes made out of different material such as plastics, fiber glasses, graphite, metals etc, and/or in combinations thereof, equipped with germicidal UV-C light source(s) and/or that in combination with UV-A and/or UV-B light source(s) of various sizes (inches to several feet) to apply effective germicidal function on the countertop and floor of kitchen, bathroom, work areas in health facilities, hospitals, nurseries, homes, public facilities, etc but not only limited to what is listed herein.

[00207] One aspect of the present invention is directed to devices that are designed to protect individuals from contracting or transmitting diseases through contact with the countertop and floor of kitchen, bathroom, work areas in health facilities, hospitals, nurseries, public facilities, etc but not only limited to what is listed herein.

[00208] Another aspect of the invention is to provide protection to people who run into possibilities of contracting germs because they walk and/or come in contact with items from the countertop and floor of kitchen, bathroom, work areas in health facilities, hospitals, nurseries, public facilities, etc but not only limited to what is listed herein.

[00209] Another aspect of the invention provides devices that use germicidal ultraviolet light to kill or deactivate harmful germs (mold, fungi, bacteria, parasites, viruses, and spores thereof) from spreading and causing harms to people or animals that come in contact.

[00210] Another aspect of the invention provides devices that use germicidal ultraviolet light to kill or deactivate harmful germs (mold, fungi, bacteria, parasites, viruses, and spores thereof) on the countertop and floor of kitchen, bathroom, work areas in health facilities, hospitals, nurseries, public facilities, etc but not only limited to what is listed herein. [00211] Another aspect of the invention is not only limited to using germicidal ultraviolet lights alone but also in combination with chemicals such as antibiotics or chemicals with germicidal properties that in contact with germs will kill or deactivate the microorganisms or spores thereof.

[00212] Another aspect of the invention is directed to devices that are of different width and length to accommodate the requirement and needs of the countertop and floor of kitchen, bathroom, work areas in health facilities, hospitals, nurseries, public facilities, etc but not only limited to what is listed herein to be effective and cost efficient.

[00213] Another aspect of the invention is directed to devices that are made of various materials but not limited to plastics, fiberglass, graphite, metals and etc that house electrical components and UV light bulbs, switches, timers, and other necessary components with different height, width and length.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00214] Referring now to the figures attached hereto, FIG. 1 depicts a first embodiment of a germicidal cleaning device constructed in accordance with the present invention, and which includes a germicidal shoe-gun 100. The shoe-gun 100 generally includes a handle 102 and a disinfecting fixture 104. The handle 102 is adapted to be grasped by a user as desired, and the fixture 104 is adapted to be inserted, at least partially, into a shoe. So configured, the fixture 104 can be energized for killing germs, transmissible diseases, etc., which may reside within the shoe, as will be described.

[00215] The handle 102 and the fixture 104 are connected via an arm 106. In this embodiment, the arm 106 has a first end 106a pivotally connected to the handle 102 and a second end 106b pivotally connected to the fixture 104. As such, the handle 102 can be adjustably positioned relative to the fixture 104, and the fixture 104 can be adjustably positioned relative to the handle 102, as may be desired by a user.

[00216] The fixture 104 includes a housing 108, at least one ultraviolet light source 110, and a screen 112. The at least one ultraviolet light source 110 can include a single ultraviolet light bulb 111 coupled to a socket (not shown) disposed within the housing 108. The socket is electrically connected to a power delivery device 116, which in this embodiment includes a conventional plug 116a adapted for use with a standard 110-volt or 220-volt power supply, for example. In other embodiments, the power delivery device 116 could include a battery holder instead of a plug 116a, or could include both.

[00217] The power delivery device 116 includes a cord that forms a circuit between the plug 116a and the socket for the light bulb 111. The cord passes through the handle 102 and the arm 106 of the shoe-gun 100 to the housing 108. Connected to the cord is a switch 120 mounted on the handle 102. The switch 120 is manually manipulable between a first position to close the circuit between the power delivery device 116 and the light bulb 111 , thereby energizing the light bulb when the plug 116a is connected to a power supply, and a second position to open the circuit, thereby preventing energization of the light bulb 111. In one embodiment, the shoe-gun 100 can further include a ballast 118 electrically connected between the switch 120 and the light bulb 111 for regulating current flow thereto.

[00218] The housing 108 is generally cup-shaped and defines an opening 114. In the disclosed embodiment, the opening 114 is generally circular. As mentioned above, the housing 108 can contain the socket for the light bulb 111 , as well the ballast 118. The screen 112 of the present embodiment includes a mesh screen preferably constructed of a metal material that is formed into a generally elongated shape. Specifically, the screen 112 includes a tubular portion 112a and a domed portion 112b. The tubular portion 112a includes an open end fixed to the housing adjacent to the opening 114. The domed portion 112b is positioned at the end of the tubular portion 112a that is disposed opposite the housing 108. Therefore, it can be said that the tubular portion 112a is disposed proximate to the housing 108 and the domed portion 112b is positioned distal to the housing 108. In the disclosed embodiment, the tubular portion 112a of the screen 112 includes a generally cylindrical shape of uniform dimension, and the domed portion 112b includes a partial spherical shape. In other embodiments, however, the screen 112 could be shaped differently. For example, in one embodiment, the screen 112 could be shaped to more closely resemble the inside shape of a shoe, similar to a conventional shoe tree, for example. Other shapes are also intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. As such, it should be appreciated that the screen 112 both operates to protect the light bulb 111 from impact damage as well as provide support structure for a shoe that may be disposed on the shoe-gun 100 without interfering with the transmission of ultraviolet radiation from the bulb 111. So configured, the ultraviolet radiation can effectively kill germs, transmissible diseases, etc. residing in the shoe.

[00219] In one embodiment, the shoe-gun 100 can further include a reflector (not shown) lining an interior of the housing 108 adjacent to the bulb 111. The reflector can be constructed of a polished metal material or a mirrored glass material, for example, and can operate to optimize the intensity of the ultraviolet radiation directed out of the housing 108.

[00220] To further enhance the functionality of the shoe-gun 100, one embodiment can be equipped with a ventilation system for moving air through the screen 112 and housing 108. This movement of air can operate both to provide fresh air to the shoe, as well as help lower the temperature of the bulb 111 to increase its operating efficiency. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 , the ventilation system can include a fan 122 mounted within the housing 108. In other embodiments, the fan could be mounted elsewhere such as outside the housing 108, in the screen 112, in the arm 106, etc. Moreover, the housing 108 can include a vent, which includes a plurality of slits 124 formed in the housing 108. The slits 124 are for facilitating the flow of air through the housing 108.

[00221] Further still, another feature for enhancing the functionality of the shoe- gun 100 includes a solution dispenser 126 mounted within the housing 108. The solution dispenser 126 generally includes a liquid solution reservoir and an emitter such as a nozzle for spraying or otherwise emitting a germicidal chemical into the region of the screen 112 but away from the bulb 111. In one embodiment, the solution dispenser 126 can be electrically operated and connected to the switch 120, for example, for automatically and intermittently emitting a pulsed spray of solution while the ultraviolet light source 110 is energized. In other embodiments, the solution dispenser 126 could be equipped with a manually squeezable ball or other device for enabling a user to selectively emit the solution. In any event, the germicidal chemical can operate in conjunction with the ultraviolet radiation to kill germs, transmissible diseases, etc. that may reside in the shoe. [00222] While the shoe-gun 100 has thus far been depicted as including a single fixture 104, alternative embodiments can include multiple fixtures for cleaning multiple shoes simultaneously. For example, FIG. 2 depicts one alternative embodiment of a shoe-gun 200 including first and second fixtures 204a, 204b connected to a handle 202 via an arm 206. For the sake of illustration, the first fixture 204a is shown supporting a shoe.

[00223] The remainder of the shoe-gun 200 depicted in FIG. 2 is identical to the shoe-gun 100 described above, except for the particular configuration of the arm 206. Instead of including a single straight arm, the arm 206 includes a straight portion 207 and a U-shaped portion 209. The straight portion 207 includes a first end 207a pivotally connected to the handle 202 and a second end 207b pivotally connected to the U-shaped portion 209. The U-shaped portion 209 includes a pair of legs 211a, 211b that are pivotally connected to the fixtures 204a, 204b, respectively. So configured, the position of the handle 202 can be adjustably positioned relative to the U-shaped portion 209 and the fixtures 204a, 204b; the U-shaped portion 209 can be adjustably positioned relative to the handle 202 and the fixtures 204a, 204b; and the fixtures 204 can be adjustably positioned relative to the U-shaped portion 209 and the handle 202, as desired by a given user.

[00224] While the shoe-guns 100, 200 have thus far been described as being hand-held, alternative embodiments can be supported in other manners. For example, FIG. 3 depicted another alternative embodiment of a shoe-gun 300 that is a stand-alone shoe-gun 300 adapted to clean two shoes simultaneously. The shoe- gun 300 is generally identical to the shoe-gun 200 depicted in FIG. 2 except that instead of a handle, it includes a base plate 302 connected to first and second fixtures 304a, 304b via an arm 306. The base plate 302 includes a generally flat plate adapted to be positioned on a flat surface such as a table top, for example, to support the entire shoe-gun 300. The base plate 302 in this embodiment is rigidly fixed to a straight portion 307 of the arm 306. In this embodiment, the base plate 302 accommodates a switch 320 for operating the shoe-gun 300 because there is no handle. Otherwise, the shoe-gun 300 depicted in FIG. 3 includes all of the same feature, optional or otherwise, as those described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. [00225] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a shoe-gun 400, which includes a wall-mountable shoe gun. The wall-mountable shoe-gun 400 includes first through fourth fixtures 404a-404d connected to a base plate 402 via corresponding first through fourth arms 406a-406d. The first through fourth arms 404a-404d each includes an elbow 403 for enabling the arm 406a-406d to articulate for adjusting the position of each of the fixtures 404a-404d relative to the base plate 402 independently. In another embodiment, the arms 406a-406d can be rigidly fixed and not adjustable. Similar to the shoe-gun 300 depicted in FIG. 3, the shoe-gun 400 depicted in FIG. 4 includes a switch 420 mounted on the base plate 402 for controlling the energization of the fixtures 404a-404d. In one embodiment, the switch 420 could be operable to enable a user to turn on all four fixtures 404a-404d at the same time, or each one independently. In another embodiment, the shoe-gun 400 could include a separate switch for each of the fixtures 404a-404d. Otherwise, the shoe-gun 400 depicted in FIG. 4 includes all of the same feature, optional or otherwise, as those described above with respect to FIGS. 1-3.

[00226] FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment of a germicidal cleaning device constructed in accordance with the present invention, and which includes a mat cleaning device 500. The mat cleaning device 500 generally includes a handle 502 and a disinfecting fixture 504. The handle 502 is adapted to be grasped by a user to push/pull the fixture 504 across a flat surface such as a floor or a mat, for example, in a manner similar to a vacuum cleaner.

[00227] The handle 502 and the fixture 504 are connected via an arm 506. In this embodiment, the arm 506 includes a movable arm with a first end 506a rigidly connected to the handle 502 and a second end 506b pivotally connected to the fixture 504. As such, the angle of the handle 502 can be adjustably positioned relative to the fixture 504, as may be desired by a user. FIG. 6 depicts an alternative embodiment of a mat cleaning device 600, where an arm 606 thereof is similar to the arm 206 of the shoe-gun 200 depicted in FIG. 2. That is, the arm 606 includes a straight portion 607 connected to a handle 602 and a U-shaped portion pivotally connected to a housing 608. All other aspects of the device 600 are identical to those that will be described with respect to FIG. 5. [00228] The fixture 504 includes a housing 508, at least one ultraviolet light source 510 (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8), and a screen 512 (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8). The at least one ultraviolet light source 510 can include one or more ultraviolet light bulbs 511 arranged in an array within the housing 508 and coupled to a corresponding number of sockets (not shown) disposed within the housing 108. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment with six elongated bulbs 511 disposed parallel to one another and arranged in a row that extends along the greater dimension of the housing 508. In contrast, FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment with three elongated bulbs 511 disposed parallel to one another and arranged in a row that extends along the smaller dimension of the housing 508.

[00229] The sockets are electrically connected to a power delivery device 516, which in this embodiment can includes a conventional plug 516a extending from the handle 502 or the housing 508, and adapted for use with a standard 110-volt power supply. In other embodiments, the power delivery device 516 could include a battery holder instead of a conventional plug 516a, or could include both.

[00230] The power delivery device 516 includes a cord that forms a circuit between the plug 516a and the socket for the light bulbs 511. The cord can pass through the handle 502 and the arm 506 to the housing 508 in on embodiment, or directly through the housing 508 in the embodiment where the plug 516a extends from the housing 508. Connected to the cord is a switch 520 mounted on the handle 502. The switch 520 is manually manipulable between a first position to close the circuit between the power delivery device 516 and the light bulbs 511 , thereby energizing the light bulb when the plug 516a is connected to a power supply, and a second position to open the circuit, thereby preventing energization of the light bulbs 511. In one embodiment, the mat cleaning device 500 can further include a ballast 518 electrically connected between the switch 520 and the light bulbs 511 for regulating current flow thereto.

[00231] The housing 508 is rectangular box-shaped and defines an opening 514 (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8). In the disclosed embodiment, the opening 514 is generally rectangular and disposed of the bottom of the housing 508. As mentioned above, the housing 508 can contain the socket for the light bulb 511 , as well the ballast 518. The screen 512 of the present embodiment includes a mesh screen preferably constructed of a metal material that is formed into a rectangular shape that is identical to the shape of the opening 514. As such, the screen 514 is fixed to the housing 508 such that it covers at least a portion of the opening 514. It should be appreciated that the screen 512 operates to protect the light bulb 511 from impact damage without interfering with the transmission of ultraviolet radiation from the bulb 511. In addition to the screen 512, the bottom of the housing 508 is equipped with a plurality of wheels 528. The plurality of wheels 528 support the housing 508 above a surface to be disinfected and enable a user to more easily push/pull the mat cleaning device 500 thereacross.

[00232] In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, the housing 508 is equipped with six wheels, however, alternative embodiments can be equipped with any number of wheels suitable for serving the intended purpose. Alternative embodiments also may not be equipped with wheels at all. In still a further embodiment, the position of the wheels 528 relative to the housing 508 can be adjusted, thereby enabling a user to adjust the height at which the housing 508 is disposed above the surface to be cleaned. While the wheels 528 have thus far been depicted and described as being disposed beneath the housing 508, FIG. 9 depicts one alternative embodiment of a meat cleaning device 900 that is generally identical to the mat cleaning devices 500, 600 previously described, but with wheels 928 disposed on the sides of a housing 908. These wheels 928 too could be adjustable to adjust the height of the housing 908.

[00233] With the mat cleaning device 500 configured as described, the ultraviolet radiation generated by the bulbs 511 can effectively kill germs and/or transmissible diseases residing on a surface disposed immediately beneath the housing 508 adjacent the screen 512.

[00234] In one embodiment, the device 500 can further include a reflector (not shown) lining an interior of the housing 508 adjacent to the bulbs 511 similar to the embodiments described above. The reflector can be constructed of a polished metal material or a mirrored glass material, for example, and can operate to optimize the intensity of the ultraviolet radiation directed out of the housing 508. [00235] To further enhance the functionality of the device 500, one embodiment can be equipped with a ventilation system for moving air through the screen 512 and housing 508. This movement of air can operate both to provide fresh air to the surface being disinfected, as well as help lower the temperature of the bulb 511 b to increase their operating efficiency. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the ventilation system can include one or more fans 522 (shown in FIG. 5) mounted within the housing 508. In other embodiments, the one or more fans could be mounted elsewhere such as outside the housing 508, in the arm 506, etc. Moreover, the housing 508 can include a vent, which includes a plurality of slits 524. The slits 524 are for facilitating the flow of air through the housing 508.

[00236] Further still, another feature for enhancing the functionality of the device 500 includes a solution dispenser 526 (shown in FIG. 5) mounted within the housing 508. The solution dispenser 526 generally includes a liquid solution reservoir and an emitter such as a nozzle for spraying or otherwise emitting a germicidal chemical into the region of the screen 512 but away from the bulbs 511. In one embodiment, the solution dispenser 526 can be electrically operated and connected to the switch 520, for example, for automatically and intermittently emitting a pulsed spray of solution while the ultraviolet light source 510 is energized. In other embodiments, the solution dispenser 526 could be equipped with a manually squeezable ball or other device for enabling a user to selectively emit the solution. In any event, the germicidal chemical can operate in conjunction with the ultraviolet radiation to kill germs, transmissible diseases, etc. that may reside in the shoe.

[00237] FIGS. 10A-10D depict further embodiments of cleaning devices 1000a- 1000d similar to the mat cleaning device 500, 600 described above with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6. Instead of being adapted to be movably supported on a surface, however, the mat cleaning systems 1000a-1000d depicted in FIGS. 10A-10D are adapted to be hand-held. That is, the overall dimensions of the devices 1000a- 1000d depicted in FIGS. 10A-10D are smaller than those of the devices 500, 600 depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[00238] Each device 1000a-1000d includes a handle 1002 connected to a disinfecting fixture 1004 via an arm 1006. In the disclosed embodiments, the handle 1002, arm 1006, and fixture 1004 are all rigidly connected together, but other embodiments could have movable or adjustable components. Similar to the mat cleaning device 500 described in connection with FIG. 5, the fixture 1004 includes a housing 1008 defining an opening (not shown) covered at least partially by a screen (not shown). Moreover, the housing 1008 contains at least one ultraviolet light source (not shown) and optionally a solution dispenser and ventilation fan. To facilitate the movement of airflow through the housing 1008, slits 1024 are included to provide a vent. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 10B includes slits 1024 not only on the top of the housing 1008, but also in the sidewalls of the housing 1008. Finally, the devices 1000a-1000d are provided with power delivery devices 1016 in the form of conventional power plugs 1016a, but could also be equipped with battery holders, alternatively or in conjunction with the power plugs 1016a.

[00239] As shown, the housings 1008 can take various shapes, and as such, so can the openings. Different shapes may be more effective for cleaning different areas of a location.

[00240] In one embodiment, the devices 1000a-1000d depicted in FIGS. 10A-10D could further be equipped with wheels 1028, as depicted in FIG. 10A, for example. The wheels 1018 could advantageously assist a user in establishing an optimal distance between the housing 1008 and the surface to be cleaned. The wheels 1028 could be fixed in position or adjustable to adjust the height of the housing 1008.

[00241] FIG. 11 depicts yet another embodiment of a cleaning device constructed in accordance with the resent invention and which includes a surface-mountable cleaning fixture 1100. Similar to the above-described devices, the fixture 1100 is adapted to kill germs, transmissible diseases, etc. by radiating ultraviolet light, alone, or in combination with emitting a germicidal chemical, and/or circulating air. As illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12E, one or more of the fixtures 100 are adapted to be mounted at various locations in a room to be disinfected such as kitchen, for example, as depicted in FIG. 12A. Specifically, as depicted in FIG. 12B, one or more fixtures 1100 can be mounted under an upper cabinet of the kitchen. As depicted in FIG. 12C, one or more fixtures 1100 can be mounted along the base board of a base cabinet in a kitchen. As depicted in FIG. 12D, one or more fixtures 1100 can be mounted along the back splash of a countertop in a kitchen. And, as depicted in FIG. 12E, one or more fixtures 1100 can simply be mounted along the floor of a kitchen. Of course, one or more fixtures 1100 could also be mounted in other rooms such as bathrooms, laboratories, garages, basement workrooms, athletic facilities, etc.

[00242] Referring back to FIG. 11, the fixture 1100 generally includes a housing 1108, at least one ultraviolet light source 1110, and a screen 1112. The at least one ultraviolet light source 1110 can include one or more ultraviolet light bulbs 1111 arranged within the housing 1108 and coupled to a socket (not shown) disposed within the housing 1108.

[00243] The socket electrically connected to a power delivery device 1116, which in this embodiment can includes a conventional plug 1116a extending from an end of the housing 1108, and adapted for use with a standard 110-volt power supply. In other embodiments, the power delivery device 1116 could include a battery holder instead of a conventional plug 1116a, or could include both.

[00244] The power delivery device 1116 includes a cord that forms a circuit between the plug 1116a and the socket for the light bulb 1111. Connected to the cord is a switch 1120 mounted on the housing 1108. The switch 1120 is manually manipulable between a first position to close the circuit between the power delivery device 1116 and the light bulb 1111 , thereby energizing the light bulb when the plug 1116a is connected to a power supply, and a second position to open the circuit, thereby preventing energization of the light bulb 1111. In one embodiment, the fixture 1100 can further include a ballast 1118 electrically connected between the switch 1120 and the light bulb 1111 for regulating current flow thereto.

[00245] The housing 1108 is an elongated box that defines an opening 1114. In the disclosed embodiment, the opening 114 is generally rectangular and disposed on one side of the housing 1108. As mentioned above, the housing 1108 can contain the socket for the light bulb 1111 , as well the ballast 1118. The screen 1112 of the present embodiment includes a mesh screen preferably constructed of a metal material that is formed into a rectangular shape that is identical to the shape of the opening 1114. As such, the screen 1112 is fixed to the housing 1108 such that it covers at least a portion of the opening 1114. It should be appreciated that the screen 1112 operates to protect the light bulb 1111 from impact damage without interfering with the transmission of ultraviolet radiation from the bulb 1111.

[00246] With the mat cleaning fixture 1100 configured as described, the ultraviolet radiation generated by the bulb 1111 can effectively kill germs and/or transmissible diseases, etc., residing on a surface disposed in front of the screen 1112.

[00247] In one embodiment, the fixture 1100 can further include a reflector (not shown) lining an interior of the housing 1108 adjacent to the bulb 1111 similar to the embodiments described above. The reflector can be constructed of a polished metal material or a mirrored glass material, for example, and can operate to optimize the intensity of the ultraviolet radiation directed out of the housing 1108.

[00248] To further enhance the functionality of the fixture 1100, one embodiment can be equipped with a ventilation system for moving air through the screen 1112 and housing 1108. This movement of air can operate both to provide fresh air to the surface being disinfected, as well as help lower the temperature of the bulb 1111 to increase their operating efficiency. The ventilation system can include one or more fans 1122 mounted within the housing 1108. In other embodiments, the one or more fans could be mounted elsewhere such as outside the housing 1108, for example. Moreover, the housing 1108 can include a vent, which includes a plurality of slits 1124. The slits 1124 are for facilitating the flow of air through the housing 508.

[00249] Further still, another feature for enhancing the functionality of the fixture 1100 includes a solution dispenser 1126 mounted within the housing 1108. The solution dispenser 1126 generally includes a liquid solution reservoir and an emitter such as a nozzle for spraying or otherwise emitting a germicidal chemical into the region of the screen 1112 but away from the bulb 1111. In one embodiment, the solution dispenser 1126 can be electrically operated and connected to the switch 1120, for example, for automatically and intermittently emitting a pulsed spray of solution while the ultraviolet light source 1110 is energized. In other embodiments, the solution dispenser 1126 could be equipped with a manually squeezable ball or other device for enabling a user to selectively emit the solution. In any event, the germicidal chemical can operate in conjunction with the ultraviolet radiation to kill germs, transmissible diseases, etc. that may reside in the shoe. [00250] Accordingly, the mat cleaning device 500 generally includes a handle 502 and a disinfecting fixture 504. The handle 502 is adapted to be grasped by a user to push/pull the fixture 504 across a flat surface such as a floor or a mat, for example, in a manner similar to a vacuum cleaner.

[00251] The handle 502 and the fixture 504 are connected via an arm 506. In this embodiment, the arm 506 includes a movable arm with a first end 506a rigidly connected to the handle 502 and a second end 506b pivotally connected to the fixture 504. As such, the angle of the handle 502 can be adjustably positioned relative to the fixture 504, as may be desired by a user. FIG. 6 depicts an alternative embodiment of a mat cleaning device 600, where an arm 606 thereof is similar to the arm 206 of the shoe-gun 200 depicted in FIG. 2. That is, the arm 606 includes a straight portion 607 connected to a handle 602 and a U-shaped portion pivotally connected to a housing 608. All other aspects of the device 600 are identical to those that will be described with respect to FIG. 5.

[00252] The fixture 504 includes a housing 508, at least one ultraviolet light source 510 (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8), and a screen 512 (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8). The at least one ultraviolet light source 510 can include one or more ultraviolet light bulbs 511 arranged in an array within the housing 508 and coupled to a corresponding number of sockets (not shown) disposed within the housing 108. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment with six elongated bulbs 511 disposed parallel to one another and arranged in a row that extends along the greater dimension of the housing 508. In contrast, FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment with three elongated bulbs 511 disposed parallel to one another and arranged in a row that extends along the smaller dimension of the housing 508.

[00253] The sockets are electrically connected to a power delivery device 516, which in this embodiment can includes a conventional plug 516a extending from the handle 502 or the housing 508, and adapted for use with a standard 110-volt power supply. In other embodiments, the power delivery device 516 could include a battery holder instead of a conventional plug 516a, or could include both.

[00254] The power delivery device 516 includes a cord that forms a circuit between the plug 516a and the socket for the light bulbs 511. The cord can pass through the handle 502 and the arm 506 to the housing 508 in on embodiment, or directly through the housing 508 in the embodiment where the plug 516a extends from the housing 508. Connected to the cord is a switch 520 mounted on the handle 502. The switch 520 is manually manipulable between a first position to close the circuit between the power delivery device 516 and the light bulbs 511 , thereby energizing the light bulb when the plug 516a is connected to a power supply, and a second position to open the circuit, thereby preventing energization of the light bulbs 511. In one embodiment, the mat cleaning device 500 can further include a ballast 518 electrically connected between the switch 520 and the light bulbs 511 for regulating current flow thereto.

[00255] The housing 508 is rectangular box-shaped and defines an opening 514 (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8). In the disclosed embodiment, the opening 514 is generally rectangular and disposed of the bottom of the housing 508. As mentioned above, the housing 508 can contain the socket for the light bulb 511 , as well the ballast 518. The screen 512 of the present embodiment includes a mesh screen preferably constructed of a metal material that is formed into a rectangular shape that is identical to the shape of the opening 514. As such, the screen 514 is fixed to the housing 508 such that it covers at least a portion of the opening 514. It should be appreciated that the screen 512 operates to protect the light bulb 511 from impact damage without interfering with the transmission of ultraviolet radiation from the bulb 511. In addition to the screen 512, the bottom of the housing 508 is equipped with a plurality of wheels 528. The plurality of wheels 528 support the housing 508 above a surface to be disinfected and enable a user to more easily push/pull the mat cleaning device 500 thereacross.

[00256] In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, the housing 508 is equipped with six wheels, however, alternative embodiments can be equipped with any number of wheels suitable for serving the intended purpose. Alternative embodiments also may not be equipped with wheels at all. In still a further embodiment, the position of the wheels 528 relative to the housing 508 can be adjusted, thereby enabling a user to adjust the height at which the housing 508 is disposed above the surface to be cleaned. While the wheels 528 have thus far been depicted and described as being disposed beneath the housing 508, FIG. 9 depicts one alternative embodiment of a meat cleaning device 900 that is generally identical to the mat cleaning devices 500, 600 previously described, but with wheels 928 disposed on the sides of a housing 908. These wheels 928 too could be adjustable to adjust the height of the housing 908.

[00257] With the mat cleaning device 500 configured as described, the ultraviolet radiation generated by the bulbs 511 can effectively kill germs and/or transmissible diseases residing on a surface disposed immediately beneath the housing 508 adjacent the screen 512.

[00258] In one embodiment, the device 500 can further include a reflector (not shown) lining an interior of the housing 508 adjacent to the bulbs 511 similar to the embodiments described above. The reflector can be constructed of a polished metal material or a mirrored glass material, for example, and can operate to optimize the intensity of the ultraviolet radiation directed out of the housing 508.

[00259] To further enhance the functionality of the device 500, one embodiment can be equipped with a ventilation system for moving air through the screen 512 and housing 508. This movement of air can operate both to provide fresh air to the surface being disinfected, as well as help lower the temperature of the bulb 511 b to increase their operating efficiency. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the ventilation system can include one or more fans 522 (shown in FIG. 5) mounted within the housing 508. In other embodiments, the one or more fans could be mounted elsewhere such as outside the housing 508, in the arm 506, etc. Moreover, the housing 508 can include a vent, which includes a plurality of slits 524. The slits 524 are for facilitating the flow of air through the housing 508.

[00260] Further still, another feature for enhancing the functionality of the device 500 includes a solution dispenser 526 (shown in FIG. 5) mounted within the housing 508. The solution dispenser 526 generally includes a liquid solution reservoir and an emitter such as a nozzle for spraying or otherwise emitting a germicidal chemical into the region of the screen 512 but away from the bulbs 511. In one embodiment, the solution dispenser 526 can be electrically operated and connected to the switch 520, for example, for automatically and intermittently emitting a pulsed spray of solution while the ultraviolet light source 510 is energized. In other embodiments, the solution dispenser 526 could be equipped with a manually squeezable ball or other device for enabling a user to selectively emit the solution. In any event, the germicidal chemical can operate in conjunction with the ultraviolet radiation to kill germs, transmissible diseases, etc. that may reside in the shoe.

[00261] Accordingly, in light of the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides a simple and effective solution to killing germs, transmissible diseases, etc., using one or more ultraviolet light sources disposed within a uniquely designed structure such as a shoe-gun, a mat cleaning device, or a simple wall-mountable fixture. The ultraviolet light source may comprise one or more ultraviolet light bulbs for generating UV-A light, UV-B light, UV-C light, or any combination thereof. Moreover, in some embodiments, the present invention further advantageously facilitates the destruction of germs and disease through the additional application of a germicidal chemical dispensed by the uniquely designed device.

[00262] Therefore, in one form, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a handheld or floor-stand or wall-mounted device that will protect individuals from contracting or transmitting disease causing germs (bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites, mold and spores thereof by contact through feet, shoes, inside the shoes, and floor.

[00263] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a handheld or floor-stand or wall-mounted device that are designed to protect individuals from contracting or transmitting diseases by contact through foot, floor, shoes and related thereof.

[00264] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a handheld or floor-stand or wall-mounted device that are designed to protect individuals who run into possibilities of transmitting germs from one person to another or several individuals because they need to put on and/or take off their shoes for various reasons inside and/or outside of a building.

[00265] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a handheld or floor-stand or wall-mounted device that are designed to protect individuals who run into possibilities of transmitting germs from one person to another or several individuals because they need to put on and/or take off their shoes and walk on a common area with foot traffic, either barefoot or with socks on.

[00266] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a handheld or floor-stand or wall-mounted device that are designed to provide germ-free clean shoes for people who need to put on and/or take off their shoes and walk for various reasons.

[00267] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a handheld or floor-stand or wall-mounted device that are designed to use germicidal ultraviolet light to kill or deactivate harmful germs (mold, fungi, bacteria, viruses, parasitic worms, etc) from spreading and causing harms to people or animals that come in contact.

[00268] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a handheld or floor-stand or wall-mounted device that are designed to use germicidal ultraviolet light to kill or deactivate harmful germs (mold, fungi, bacteria, viruses, parasitic worms, etc) inside the shoes from spreading and causing harms to people or animals that come in contact.

[00269] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a handheld or floor-stand or wall-mounted device that are designed not only limited to using germicidal ultraviolet lights alone but also chemicals such as antibiotics or chemicals with germicidal properties that in contact with germs will kill or deactivate the microorganisms or spores thereof.

[00270] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a handheld or floor-stand or wall-mounted device that are designed to kill or deactivate not only one or more germs that cause diseases but an array of all known and yet to be discovered disease causing microorganisms using ultraviolet light (UV-C) alone.

[00271] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a handheld or floor-stand or wall-mounted device that are designed to kill or deactivate not only one or more germs that cause diseases but an array of all known and yet to be discovered disease causing microorganisms using ultraviolet light (UV-C) alone and/or in combination with other UV lights such as UV-A and UV- B.

[00272] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a handheld or floor-stand or wall-mounted device that are designed to kill or deactivate not only one or more germs that cause diseases but an array of all known and yet to be discovered disease causing microorganisms using ultraviolet light (UV-C) alone and/or in combination with other UV lights such as UV-A and UV- B and/or in combination with germicidal chemicals.

[00273] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a handheld or floor-stand or wall-mounted device that will protect individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores thereof through contact through inside the shoes using germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) and/or in combination with other ultraviolet lights such as UV-A and UV-B.

[00274] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a handheld or floor-stand or wall-mounted device that will protect individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores thereof through contact through inside the shoes using germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) and/or in combination with germicidal chemicals.

[00275] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a handheld or floor-stand or wall-mounted device that will protect individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores thereof inside the shoes using germicidal ultraviolet light (UVC) and/or in combination of other ultraviolet lights such as UV-A and UV-B with germicidal chemicals.

[00276] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a handheld or floor-stand or wall-mounted device that will protect individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores thereof inside the shoes using germicidal ultraviolet light (UVC) that will irradiate inside the shoes that will come in contact with feet with or without socks.

[00277] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a handheld or floor-stand or wall-mounted device that will protect individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores thereof inside the shoes using germicidal ultraviolet light (UVC) that will specifically irradiate inside the shoes that will come in contact with feet with or without socks.

[00278] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a handheld or floor-stand or wall-mounted device that will protect individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores thereof inside the shoes using germicidal ultraviolet light (UVC) and/or in combination with germicidal chemicals that will specifically irradiate and/or expose the germicidal chemicals inside the shoes that will come in contact with feet with or without socks.

[00279] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a handheld or floor-stand or wall-mounted device that will protect individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores thereof inside the shoes using germicidal ultraviolet light (UVC) and/or in combination of other UV lights such as UV-A and UV-B with germicidal chemicals that will irradiate and/or expose the germicidal chemicals inside the shoes that will come in contact with feet with or without socks.

[00280] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a handheld or floor-stand or wall-mounted device that will protect individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores thereof inside the shoes using germicidal ultraviolet light (UVC) and/or in combination of other UV lights such as UV-A and UV-B with germicidal chemicals that will irradiate and/or expose the germicidal chemicals inside the shoes; whereas the UV light source(s) are easily replace when in need (state of breakage and/or the light bulb going out).

[00281] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a method of deterring and/or stopping the spreading or transmission of disease causing or harmful microorganisms (mold, fungi, bacteria, viruses, parasites, and spores thereof) from infected individuals to other individuals through contact through foot, socks, shoes and/or related thereof.

[00282] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a method of protecting individuals from transmissible disease causing germs (viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasitic worms, mold, and/or spores thereof) through contact with germs inside the shoes. [00283] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a method of protecting individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores thereof using germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) and/or in combination with other UV lights such as UV-A and UV-B, irradiating inside the shoes.

[00284] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a method of protecting individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores thereof using germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) and/or in combination with other UV light such as UV-A and UV-B, irradiating inside the shoes, and germicidal chemicals inside the shoes.

[00285] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a handheld or floor-stand or wall-mounted device that are designed to use various numbers and sizes and strength of the ultraviolet light sources.

[00286] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a handheld or floor-stand or wall-mounted device that are designed to easily replace the ultraviolet light sources when device malfunction occurs.

[00287] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a handheld or floor-stand or wall-mounted device that are of different width and length to accommodate the requirement of athletic facilities and/or of individual home but not limited to these applications but else where this invention can be applied.

[00288] In another form, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on the bottom devices that will protect individuals from contracting or transmitting disease causing germs (bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites, mold and spores thereof) by contact with exercise mats in sports facilities and gyms.

[00289] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on the bottom devices that are designed to protect individuals who run into possibilities of contracting and/or transmitting germs from one person to another or several individuals because they need to put on and/or take off their shoes or barefoot or come in contact with exercise mats in sports facilities and gyms for various reasons inside and/or outside of building.

[00290] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on the bottom devices that are designed to protect individuals who run into possibilities of contracting germs from one person to another or several individuals from exercise mats of sports facilities and gyms and related thereof because they need to put on and/or take off their shoes and walk on a common area with foot traffic, either barefoot or with socks on.

[00291] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on the bottom devices that are designed to use germicidal ultraviolet light to kill or deactivate harmful germs (mold, fungi, bacteria, viruses, parasitic worms, etc) from spreading and causing harms to people or animals that come in contact with exercise mat in sports facilities and gyms and related thereof.

[00292] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on the bottom devices that are designed to use germicidal ultraviolet light to kill or deactivate harmful germs (mold, fungi, bacteria, viruses, parasitic worms, etc) on exercise mats in sports facilities and gyms and related thereof from spreading and causing harms to people or animals that come in contact.

[00293] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on the bottom devices that are designed not only limited to using germicidal ultraviolet lights alone but also in combination with chemicals such as antibiotics or chemicals with germicidal properties that in contact with germs will kill or deactivate the microorganisms or spores thereof.

[00294] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on the bottom devices that are designed to kill or deactivate not only one or more germs that cause diseases but an array of all known and yet to be discovered disease causing microorganisms using ultraviolet light (UV-C) alone.

[00295] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on the bottom devices that are designed to kill or deactivate not only one or more germs that cause diseases but an array of all known and yet to be discovered disease causing microorganisms using ultraviolet light (UV-C) alone and/or in combination with other UV lights such as UV-A and UV-B.

[00296] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on the bottom devices with built in ventilation fan(s) to control the light sources (light bulbs) from getting overheated that are designed to kill or deactivate germs that cause diseases using ultraviolet light (UV-C) alone and/or in combination with other UV lights such as UV- A and UV-B.

[00297] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on the bottom devices that are designed to kill or deactivate not only one or more germs that cause diseases but an array of all known and yet to be discovered disease causing microorganisms using ultraviolet light (UV-C) alone and/or in combination with other UV lights such as UV-A and UV-B and/or in combination with germicidal chemicals.

[00298] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on the bottom devices that will protect individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores thereof by coming in contact with exercise mats in sports facilities and gyms and related thereof using germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) and/or in combination with other ultraviolet lights such as UV-A and UV-B.

[00299] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on the bottom devices that will protect individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores by coming in contact with exercise mat in sports facilities and gyms using germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) and/or in combination of other ultraviolet lights such as UV-A and UV-B and/or with germicidal chemicals.

[00300] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on the bottom devices that will protect individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores thereof by coming in contact with exercise mat sin sports facilities and gyms and related thereof using germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) that will irradiate the surface of mats in sports facilities and gyms that will come in contact with feet with/without socks.

[00301] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on the bottom devices that will protect individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores thereof by coming in contact with exercise mat sin sports facilities and gyms and related thereof using germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) and/or in combination with germicidal chemicals that will specifically irradiate and/or expose the germicidal chemicals on the surface of mats in sports facilities and gyms and related thereof that will come in contact with feet with/without socks.

[00302] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on the bottom devices that will protect individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores thereof by coming in contact with exercise mats in sports facilities and gyms and related thereof using germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) and/or in combination of other UV lights such as UV-A and UV-B and/or with germicidal chemicals that will irradiate and/or expose the germicidal chemicals on the surface of mats in sports facilities and gyms and related thereof that will come in contact with feet with/without socks.

[00303] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on the bottom devices that will protect individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores thereof by coming in contact with exercise mat sin sports facilities and gyms using germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) and/or in combination of other UV lights such as UV-A and UV-B and/or with germicidal chemicals that will irradiate and/or expose the germicidal chemicals on the surface of mats in sports facilities and gyms and related thereof; whereas the UV light source(s) and other electronic components such as ventilation fans, ballasts, and sockets are easily replaced when in need of replacement due to malfunction (a state of breakage and/or the light bulb and/or ventilation fan(s) going out)

[00304] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a method of stopping the spreading or transmission of disease causing or harmful microorganisms (mold, fungi, bacteria, viruses, parasites, and spores thereof) from infected individuals to other individuals through contact with the surface of exercise mats in sports facilities and gyms and related thereof.

[00305] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a method of protecting individuals from transmissible disease causing germs (viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasitic worms, mold, and/or spores thereof) from contact with germs on the surface of exercise mats in sports facilities and gyms and related thereof.

[00306] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a method of protecting individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores thereof using germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) and/or in combination with other UV lights such as UV-A and UV-B₁ irradiating the surface of exercise mats in sports facilities and gyms and related thereof.

[00307] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a method of protecting individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores thereof using germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) and/or in combination with other UV light such as UV-A and UV-B, irradiating the surface of mats in sports facilities and gyms and related thereof with/without application of germicidal chemicals on the surface of exercise mats in sports facilities and gyms and related thereof.

[00308] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on the bottom devices that are designed to use various numbers and sizes and strength of the ultraviolet light sources. [00309] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on the bottom devices that is of different width and length to accommodate the requirement of athletic facilities and/or of individual home but not limited to these applications but else where who is skilled in art can perceive this invention can be applied.

[00310] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on the bottom devices that are made of various materials but not limited to plastics, fiberglass, graphite, metals and etc that house electrical components and UV light bulbs, switches and other necessary components with different width and length to be hand-held units or stand alone units.

[00311] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a hand-held or stand-alone hand-push with wheels on the bottom devices that are made of various materials but not limited to plastics, fiberglass, graphite, metals and etc that house electrical components and UV light bulbs, switches and other necessary components and reflector made of mirror(s) or shiny metallic material that will reflect the UV radiation to maximize the UV irradiation and minimize the loss of UV radiation with different width and length to accommodate hand-held units or stand alone units.

[00312] And in still another form, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a countertop and/or floor device that will protect individuals from contracting or transmitting disease causing germs (bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites, mold and spores thereof) by contact with the countertop and floor of kitchen, bathroom, work areas in health facilities, hospitals, nurseries, homes, public facilities, etc but not only limited to what is listed herein.

[00313] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising devices mounted under cabinets and/or on the floor wall and/or the base of counter on the floor that are designed to protect individuals who run into possibilities of contracting and/or transmitting germs from one person to another or several individuals because they come in contact with the countertop or the floor and/or items that came in contact with the countertop and/or the floor. [00314] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising devices mounted under cabinets and/or on the floor wall and/or the base of counter on the floor designed to protect individuals who run into possibilities of contracting germs from one person to another or several individuals because they come in contact with countertop or the floor and/or items that came in contact with the countertop and/or the floor.

[00315] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising devices mounted under cabinets and/or on the floor wall and/or the base of counter on the floor designed to use germicidal ultraviolet light to kill and/or deactivate harmful germs (mold, fungi, bacteria, viruses, parasitic worms, etc) from spreading and causing harms to people or animals that come in contact with countertop or the floor and/or items that came in contact with the countertop and/or the floor,

[00316] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising devices mounted under cabinets and/or on the floor wall and/or the base of counter on the floor designed to use germicidal ultraviolet light to kill or deactivate harmful germs (mold, fungi, bacteria, viruses, parasitic worms, etc) on countertop and/or floor and related thereof from spreading and causing harms to people or animals that come in contact.

[00317] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising devices mounted under cabinets and on the floor wall and/or the base of counter on the floor designed not only limited to using germicidal ultraviolet lights alone but also in combination with chemicals such as antibiotics or chemicals with germicidal properties that in contact with germs will kill or deactivate the microorganisms or spores thereof.

[00318] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising devices mounted under cabinets and/or on the floor wall and/or the base of counter on the floor that are designed to kill or deactivate not only one or more germs that cause diseases but an array of all known and yet to be discovered disease causing microorganisms using ultraviolet light (UV-C) alone. [00319] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising devices mounted under cabinets and/or on the floor wall and/or the base of counter on the floor that are designed to kill or deactivate not only one or more germs that cause diseases but an array of all known and yet to be discovered disease causing microorganisms using ultraviolet light (UV-C) alone and/or in combination with other UV lights such as UV-A and UV-B.

[00320] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising devices mounted under cabinets and/or on the floor wall and/or the base of counter on the floor with built in ventilation fan(s) to control the light sources (light bulbs) from getting overheated that are designed to kill or deactivate germs that cause diseases using ultraviolet light (UV-C) alone and/or in combination with other UV lights such as UV-A and UV-B.

[00321] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising devices mounted under cabinets and/or on the floor wall and/or the base of counter on the floor that are designed to kill or deactivate not only one or more germs that cause diseases but an array of all known and yet to be discovered disease causing microorganisms using ultraviolet light (UV-C) alone and/or in combination with other UV lights such as UV-A and UV-B and/or in combination with germicidal chemicals.

[00322] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising devices mounted under cabinets and/or on the floor wall and/or the base of counter on the floor that will protect individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores thereof by coming in contact with the countertop and floor of kitchen, bathroom, work areas in health facilities, hospitals, nurseries, homes, public facilities, etc but not only limited to what is listed herein using germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) and/or in combination with other ultraviolet lights such as UV-A and UV- B.

[00323] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising devices mounted under cabinets and/or on the floor wall and/or the base of counter on the floor that will protect individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores by coming in contact with the countertop and floor of kitchen, bathroom, work areas in health facilities, hospitals, nurseries, homes, public facilities, etc but not only limited to what is listed herein using germicidal ultraviolet light (UV- C) and/or in combination of other ultraviolet lights such as UV-A and UV-B and/or with germicidal chemicals.

[00324] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising devices mounted under cabinets and/or on the floor wall and/or the base of counter on the floor that will protect individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores thereof by coming in contact with the countertop and floor of kitchen, bathroom, work areas in health facilities, hospitals, nurseries, homes, public facilities, etc but not only limited to what is listed herein using germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) that will irradiate the surface of the countertop and floor of kitchen, bathroom, work areas in health facilities, hospitals, nurseries, homes, public facilities, etc but not only limited to what is listed herein that will come in contact with hand and other items.

[00325] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising devices mounted under cabinets and/or on the floor wall and/or the base of counter on the floor that will protect individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores thereof by coming in contact with the countertop and floor of kitchen, bathroom, work areas in health facilities, hospitals, nurseries, homes, public facilities, etc but not only limited to what is listed herein using germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) and/or in combination with germicidal chemicals that will specifically irradiate and/or expose the germicidal chemicals on the surface of the countertop and floor of kitchen, bathroom, work areas in health facilities, hospitals, nurseries, homes, public facilities, etc but not only limited to what is listed herein.

[00326] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising devices mounted under cabinets and/or on the floor wall and/or the base of counter on the floor that will protect individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores thereof by coming in contact with the countertop and floor of kitchen, bathroom, work areas in health facilities, hospitals, nurseries, homes, public facilities, etc but not only limited to what is listed herein using germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) and/or in combination of other UV lights such as UV-A and UV-B and/or with germicidal chemicals that will irradiate and/or expose the germicidal chemicals on the surface of the countertop and floor of kitchen, bathroom, work areas in health facilities, hospitals, nurseries, homes, public facilities, etc but not only limited to what is listed herein.

[00327] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising devices mounted under cabinets and/or on the floor wall and/or the base of counter on the floor that will protect individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores thereof by coming in contact with the countertop and floor of kitchen, bathroom, work areas in health facilities, hospitals, nurseries, homes, public facilities, etc but not only limited to what is listed herein using germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) and/or in combination of other UV lights such as UV-A and UV-B and/or with germicidal chemicals that will irradiate and/or expose the germicidal chemicals on the surface of the countertop and floor of kitchen, bathroom, work areas in health facilities, hospitals, nurseries, homes, public facilities, etc but not only limited to what is listed herein f; whereas the UV light source(s) and other electronic components such as ventilation fans, ballasts, and sockets are easily replaced when in need of replacement due to malfunction (a state of breakage and/or the light bulb and/or ventilation fan(s) going out)

[00328] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a method of stopping the spreading or transmission of disease causing or harmful microorganisms (mold, fungi, bacteria, viruses, parasites, and spores thereof) from infected individuals to other individuals through contact with the surface of the countertop and floor of kitchen, bathroom, work areas in health facilities, hospitals, nurseries, homes, public facilities, etc but not only limited to what is listed herein.

[00329] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a method of protecting individuals from transmissible disease causing germs (viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasitic worms, mold, and/or spores thereof) from contact with germs on the surface of the countertop and floor of kitchen, bathroom, work areas in health facilities, hospitals, nurseries, homes, public facilities, etc but not only limited to what is listed herein. [00330] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a method of protecting individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores thereof using germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) and/or in combination with other UV lights such as UV-A and UV-B, irradiating the surface of the countertop and floor of kitchen, bathroom, work areas in health facilities, hospitals, nurseries, homes, public facilities, etc but not only limited to what is listed herein.

[00331] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising a method of protecting individuals from transmissible disease causing germs and/or spores thereof using germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C) and/or in combination with other UV light such as UV-A and UV-B, irradiating the surface of kitchen and/or bathroom countertop and/or floor and related thereof with/without application of germicidal chemicals on the surface of the countertop and floor of kitchen, bathroom, work areas in health facilities, hospitals, nurseries, homes, public facilities, etc but not only limited to what is listed herein.

[00332] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising devices mounted under cabinets and/or on the floor wall and/or the base of counter on the floor that are designed to use various numbers and sizes and strength of the ultraviolet light sources.

[00333] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising devices mounted under cabinets and/or on the floor wall and/or the base of counter on the floor that is of different width and length to accommodate the requirement of individual home but not limited to these applications but else where who is skilled in art can perceive this invention can be applied.

[00334] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising devices mounted under cabinets and/or on the floor wall and/or the base of counter on the floor that are made of various materials but not limited to plastics, fiberglass, graphite, metals and etc that house electrical components and UV light bulbs, switches, timers, and other necessary components with different depth, width, and length. [00335] Additionally, the present disclosure could generally be stated as comprising devices mounted under cabinets and/or on the floor wall and/or the base of counter on the floor that are made of various materials but not limited to plastics, fiberglass, graphite, metals and etc that house electrical components and UV light bulbs, switches, timers, and other necessary components and reflector made of mirror(s) or shiny metallic material that will reflect the UV radiation to maximize the UV irradiation and minimize the loss of UV radiation with different depth, width, and length.

[00336] This invention is not limited to what is described herein but rather is also inclusive of similar, equivalent, and derivative technology, designs, methods of use, and applications that are obvious to those versed in the art.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A germicidal cleaning device, comprising: a housing defining an opening; at least one ultraviolet light source mounted to the housing and adapted to emit ultraviolet radiation out of the opening, wherein the ultraviolet light radiation kills or deactivates harmful germs or transmissible diseases disposed on objects located near the housing, thereby preventing the harmful germs or transmissible diseases from spreading and causing harm; and a switch electrically connected to the at least one ultraviolet light source and selectively manipulable between a first position, wherein the at least one ultraviolet light source is energized, and a second position, wherein the at least one ultraviolet light source is not energized.

2. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a screen mounted to the housing and covering at least a portion of the opening.

3. The device of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: an arm connected to and extending away from the housing; and one of the following: a handle connected to the arm opposite the housing, the handle for enabling a user to manually manipulate the housing, and a base plate connected to the arm opposite the housing, the base plate adapted to support the device in a stand-alone manner or to be mounted to a wall.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the arm is movably connected to at least one of the housing, the handle, and the base plate such that the housing can be moved between a plurality of different positions relative to the handle or the base plate.

5. The device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the housing is cup-shaped and the screen comprises a tubular portion disposed proximate to the housing and a domed portion disposed distal to the housing, the screen being adapted to be disposed in a shoe.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of housings, each connected to a corresponding screen and at least one ultraviolet light source.

7. The device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the housing is generally box- shaped.

8. The device of claim 7, further comprising a plurality of wheels mounted to the housing for facilitating moving the device about a surface.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the wheels are mounted either on the bottom of the housing or on the sides of the housing.

10. The device of any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the at least one ultraviolet light source comprises a plurality of ultraviolet light bulbs arranged in an array in the housing.

11. The device of claim 1 , 2, or 7, further comprising a power socket coupled to the housing and adapted to receive a conventional power plug.

12. The device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a reflector disposed within the housing, the reflector adapted to direct the ultraviolet radiation out of the opening.

13. The device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a ballast mounted in the housing, the ballast electrically connected to the at least one ultraviolet light source and for regulating the flow of electrical current to the at least one ultraviolet light source when the switch is in the first position.

14. The device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a power delivery device for providing electrical power to the at least one ultraviolet light source when the switch is in the first position, the power delivery device comprising one of a battery holder for receiving one or more batteries, or a power cord for plugging into a conventional power outlet.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the power cord is connected to one of the housing and the handle.

16. The device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a solution dispenser mounted to the housing and adapted to dispense a solution that kills or deactivates harmful germs or transmissible diseases disposed on objects located adjacent to the screen, thereby preventing the harmful germs or transmissible diseases from spreading and causing harm.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the solution dispenser contains a liquid solution comprising a germicidal chemical.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the germicidal chemical comprises an antibiotic chemical.

19. The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one ultraviolet light source comprises a UV-C light source, a UV-B light source, a UV-A light source, or any combination thereof.

20. The device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one vent formed in the housing for facilitating airflow through the housing.

21. The device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a fan coupled to the housing for circulating air therethrough.

22. The device of any one of claims 1 , 2, 7, and 11 to 21 , wherein the housing is mounted adjacent to a countertop or a floor.

23. A method of killing or deactivating harmful germs or transmissible diseases disposed on a surface or carried inside of a shoe, the method comprising: generating ultraviolet light radiation with one or more ultraviolet light sources mounted within a housing; emitting the ultraviolet light radiation out of an opening in the housing and onto the surface or into the shoe such that the radiation interacts with and kills or deactivates harmful germs or transmissible diseases disposed on the surface or in the shoe.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising circulating air through the housing and toward the one or more ultraviolet light sources.

25. The method of claim 23 or 24, further comprising emitting a germicidal chemical in an area occupied by the ultraviolet light radiation such that the germicidal chemical interacts with and kills or deactivates harmful germs or transmissible diseases disposed on the surface or in the shoe.

26. The method of any one of claims 23 to 25, further comprising manually moving the housing about the surface by grasping a handle connected to the housing and pushing and pulling the housing across the surface.

27. The method of any one of claims 23 to 25, further comprising positioning the shoe onto a screen that is connected to the housing such that the screen is disposed at least partly inside of the shoe and supports the shoe adjacent the opening in the housing.

28. The method of any one of claims 23 to 25, further comprising mounting the housing adjacent to a floor or a countertop.