EP4232099A1

EP4232099A1 - Container for the complete sterilization of objects by means of uv irradiation

Info

Publication number: EP4232099A1
Application number: EP21806371.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Assunta MAIETTA
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-10-22
Filing date: 2021-10-20
Publication date: 2023-08-30
Also published as: WO2022084875A1; IT202000024964A1

Abstract

Sterilizing container (1) with profile defined by any closed curve or polygonal shape comprising, on at least one of its external surfaces (2) of its thickness, at least a first button (3) adapted to open and close a small drawer (4) made in the thickness of said sterilizing container (1) and adapted to receive at its interior, on its lower internal surface (4'), the object that one intends to sterilize; at least a second on/off button (5) adapted to turn on/off a UV irradiation system, inside said container (1), adapted to allow starting the process of sterilization of the object as well as its interruption; at least a first warning light (6) which indicates, by means of red LED light emission, the state of sterilization operation underway, and at least a second green warning light (7), indicating that the operation has been completed and which also indicates to the user that it is possible to act on said first opening/closing button (3) for the recovery of the sterilized object, said sterilizing container (1) being characterized in that said UV irradiation system comprises at least a UV light emitter (8) rollable as a 360° spiral in clockwise and counter-clockwise sense.

Description

“Container for the complete sterilization of objects by means of UV irradiation” Description Field of the art The present invention refers to the field of objects that are used daily, such as containers for placing objects of various type. More in detail the present invention regards a particular container adapted for sterilizing objects of daily use and specifically protection devices, such as facemasks necessary presently for the present Covid-19 pandemic, so as to render the latter masks sanitized, free of viruses and bacteria, increasing the duration thereof. All this due to a particular spatial arrangement of a system of UV emitters. Prior art Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a sterilization method that uses ultraviolet light (UV) with wavelengths comprised in the UV-C band (between 100 and 280 nanometers), which modifies the DNA or RNA of the microorganisms and thus prevents them from reproducing or being damaging. It is used in a variety of applications, for example for disinfecting food, water and air. UV light was considered a mutagen at the cellular level for more than a century. The UV rays discussed are rare on Earth since the atmosphere blocks them. Using a UVGI device in settings such as water and air circulation systems kills pathogenic microorganisms, viruses and molds. Associated with a filtering system, they can remove the dangerous microorganisms from these settings. The germicidal action of the ultraviolet radiation was discovered in the 1800s. Initially it was used in medicine and for sterilizing instruments. The use of ultraviolet light for disinfecting drinking water dates to back 1916 in the United States. In recent years, the UVGI has found new applications in air sanitization. More specifically, ultraviolet light is an electromagnetic radiation with shorter wavelengths than that of light. UV can be divided into various categories, the short category (UVC) considered “germicidal UV”. At certain wavelengths, UV is damaging for bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. At a wavelength of 2537 Angstrom (254 nm), UV destroys the molecular bonds of the DNA of microorganisms, producing dimers of thymine in their DNA and destroying them, rendering them non-offensive or preventing the growth and reproduction thereof. Microorganisms have poor protection from UV and cannot survive a prolonged exposure. A UVGI system is designed for exposing settings such as water containers, closed rooms and air systems conditioned with germicidal UV. The exposure comes from the germicidal lamps that emit the UV germicidal radiation at the correct wavelength, which irradiates the setting. The UVGI is a very effective method for destroying microorganisms. The effectiveness depends on many factors: the quantity of exposure time, the variation of power from the UV source which affects the electromagnetic wavelength, the presence of particles which can protect the microorganisms from UV and the capacity of the microorganisms to resist radiation during exposure. In many systems, the effectiveness is increased by the repeated circulation of the water or air, in order to increase the probability that the ultraviolet radiation hit the microorganisms and in order to irradiate them multiple times. The effectiveness of this sterilization method also depends on the configuration of the setting: a setting where there are obstacles for the light of the UV lamp is not effective. In this case, the effectiveness depends on the point where the UV lamp is positioned. Another problem that obstructs the UVGI is dust or other things that can cover the lamp, reducing the effect thereof. In addition, the lamps require an annual substitution and a cleaning at regular time intervals. Also the material constituting the lamp can contribute to absorbing the germicidal rays. An increase of the effectiveness can be achieved by using reflection. Aluminum has the highest reflection rate, with respect to other metal, and is very useful for reflecting UV rays. At certain wavelengths (including UVC), UV is damaging for man and other life forms. The use of UVGI devices requires safety measures, such as for example warnings (danger signals, signaling when apparatuses are operating, information on the risk) and if necessary individual protections (goggles, gloves, etc.). The UV-C radiation is capable of breaking chemical bonds. This leads to a quick deterioration of the insulation and plastic seals and other materials. It should be observed that the plastics sold as UV-resistant are only tested for UV-B, since UV-C normally does not reach the surface of the Earth. When UV was used close to plastic, to rubber or to insulation, precautions must be taken in order to shield the aforesaid components; an aluminum sheet or a surface of other metals are sufficient. UVGI can be used for disinfecting air with a prolonged exposure. The disinfection depends on the concentration of the UV rays and on the time of exposure. For this reason, it is not very effective on moving air, when the lamp is perpendicular to the flow, given that the exposure times are drastically reduced. Up to now, the use of ultraviolet radiation, and especially its germicidal action, have been amply studied with the purpose of exploiting the deactivating effect against viruses and bacteria. In particular, with the present and still quite extensive problem tied to the diffusion of Covid-19, much interest has been directed towards the capacity of UV radiation to deactivate the virus that causes said pathology, i.e. Sars-Cov-2. Among the various aspects tied to the current pandemic situation, there is undoubtedly strong interest also in the sterilization of all the objects, typically protection devices such as masks, which potentially come into contact with external agents and probably with the virus in question. Particular importance is the interest of meeting ever-increasing demand for masks by the entire worldwide population. Such interest must be reconciled with the simultaneous requirement to also resolve the problem relative to the disposal of such protection devices which, as is known, have a limited time duration as well as a non-negligible environmental impact. On such matter, the present invention proposes a solution to the double problem of sterilization and disposal of the masks which provides for the use of a particular device which, by employing the action of UV radiation, is capable of effectively sterilizing most of said protection devices, so as to render them reusable for decidedly more time than the normal times encounterable without sanitization. Description of the invention The present description refers to a particular container shaped like a case for sterilizing objects and specifically, but not limited thereto, for sterilizing masks typically adapted to protect the user wearing said protection device with regard to external agents such as dust, viruses and bacteria. More in detail the present description refers to a case-shaped container internally comprising a system of UV lamps capable of irradiating the element, typically the mask, when it is introduced at its interior. All this with the goal of sterilizing said element, i.e. the mask, removing viruses and bacteria by carrying out, as is known, a germicidal action against these agents and thus rendering the mask reusable for decidedly more time. In all embodiments thereof, said sterilizing container shaped like a case can have profile defined by any closed curve or polygonal shape so as to be more ergonomic for the user needs as well as for particular aesthetic beauty. Still more in detail the case-shaped container according to the present invention is first of all characterized for the effectiveness of the sterilization system due to a particular arrangement of UV emitters, as well as for its particular dimensions and profile that absolutely allow them to be placed in a pocket. Advantageously said case-shaped container is in fact sized such to be able to be easily inserted and transported in a common handbag and within a pocket of common clothes such as pants or jackets. Advantageously said container is provided with automatic systems for the closing/opening systems, signals regarding the state of operation, whether on or off, which render it particularly easy and simple to use by users, especially by the elderly population. Advantageously said container is particularly effective due to the presence of a UV irradiation system which allows irradiating the protection device inserted at its interior in all its portions, so as to render it, at the end of the treatment, entirely sterilized. Description of the figures The sterilizing case-shaped container according to the present invention will be described in detail hereinbelow also with reference to the enclosed figures, in which: FIGURE 1 shows a perspective view of the sterilizing container (1), object of the present invention, in which said container has parallelepiped form and is in closed configuration. Observable are the following, the first button for opening/closing 3 the small drawer 4, the second on/off button 5 of the sterilization system, its first warning light 6 and second warning light 7 respectively indicating the state of sterilization operation underway and the state of completed sterilization operation of the device. FIGURE 2 is similar to the preceding figure 1 but shows a perspective view of said container 1 in open configuration. The presence of the lower internal surface 4’ of the small drawer 4 is shown, which results slightly convex. FIGURE 3 shows a plan view of the sterilizing container 1 in open configuration. (figure 3(a)). Four UV emitters 8 can be observed, which can be seen at the corners of the small drawer 4, as well as their ball junctions 8, with respect to which they can rotate, and the rods 10 for the wiring and the fixing of said emitters to the walls of the small drawer 4. Figure 3(b) is a detailed view of a UV emitter 8, regarding which its spiral rotatability at 360° is indicated. FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the sterilizing container 1 when the latter possesses a circular profile. Also indicated is the presence of a pocket 12 and of an input 11 for charging/power supplying the irradiation system of the container. Detailed description of the invention In its preferred embodiment, the case-shaped sterilizing container 1 has parallelepiped profile in which the greater side has a length comprised between 5 cm and 25 cm, preferably 20 cm; the smaller side has a length comprised between 4 cm and 17 cm, preferably 11 cm; and an edge comprised between 0.7 cm and 3 cm, preferably 1.5 cm and still more preferably 1 cm. Similarly, in all embodiments thereof said container 1 has a thickness with said measurements of the edge, i.e. a thickness comprised between 0.7 cm and 3 cm, preferably 1.5 cm and still more 1 cm. Said case-shaped container 1 is such to have, on at least one of its external surfaces 2 of its thickness, typically at one or its smaller sides if said container 1 has parallelepiped form, at least a first button 3 adapted to open and close a small drawer 4 made in the thickness of said sterilizing container 1 and adapted to receive at its interior, and especially on its lower internal surface 4’, the protection device, i.e. the mask, that one intends to sterilize. Preferably, but not necessarily or exclusively, the opening mechanism is that known, with automatic expulsion of the small drawer, but the classical opening like a case is also possible. Preferably said lower internal surface 4’ is slightly convex so as to ergonomically receive the natural shape of a mask, for example the surgical or fabric masks, in its open configuration. Said sterilizing container 1 also comprises, preferably but not necessarily next to said first button 3, at least a second on/off button 5 adapted to turn on/off the UV irradiation system, inside said container 1, such to allow starting the process of sterilization of the mask as well as its interruption or simple turning off; at least a first warning light 6 which indicates, by means of red LED light emission, the state of sterilization operation underway, and at least a second green warning light 7, indicating that the operation has been completed and that also indicates to the user the possibility of acting on said first opening/closing button 3 for the recovery of the mask. Said case-shaped sterilizing container 1 is first of all characterized for the particular arrangement of the UV emission system present therein. More specifically, the UV irradiation system, comprising at least a UV light emitter, can be oriented in a manner such to ensure that the mask be irradiated in all portions thereof, and in substance in its entirety, thus ensuring that the latter be completely sterilized and not contain traces of germs, bacteria, viruses and other items. For such purpose, a first preferred embodiment according to the present invention provides that said UV irradiation system comprises at least a UV emitter 8 rollable as 360° spiral in clockwise and counter-clockwise sense so that the emitted UV light hits the space inside the small drawer where the mask is housed. In order to allow the rotation of said UV emitter 8, said container 1 is such that its irradiation system provides for the presence of at least a ball junction 9 connected to each UV emitter and which connects said emitter to the wiring thereof. More specifically, in said embodiment the container 1 is such that its irradiation system comprises at least a UV emitter 8 connected by means of ball junction 9 to a cylindrical rod 10, fixed on the internal walls of said small drawer 4, internally hollow so as to allow the passage of electrical wires. In said embodiment said cylindrical rod 10, as well as the UV emitter 8, can be situated at the height of one of the internal corners of said small drawer 4. A further embodiment provides that at least two UV emitters 8 be present, preferably four UV emitters 8. In all embodiments thereof, independent of the profile of the sterilizing container 1, said small drawer 4 has square or parallelepiped form. Said UV emitters 8 are therefore preferably placed at at least one, preferably at least two and still more preferably four corners inside said small drawer 4. The rotation of said emitters, due to their ball junctions, allows as stated above that the irradiation be actuated to completeness in the space delimited by the small drawer 4 in which the mask to be sterilized is housed. Preferably, but not necessarily, all the embodiments provide that, within the small drawer 4, supports are further present to which the elastic bands of the mask to be sterilized can be anchored. Preferably, but not limited thereto, the internal surfaces of said small drawer 4 are covered in aluminum in order to allow the reflection of the UV rays in the space delimited by said small drawer. Further embodiments according to the present invention provide that the overall profile of the sterilizing container 1, object of the present invention, be spherical or elliptical, or, as already mentioned, represented by any closed curve or polygonal shape. All this without altering the effectiveness of the operations of the object and the advantages thereof especially in terms of ability to be placed in a pocket. If said container has circular or elliptical profile, said container typically but not exclusively has a diameter comprised between 5 cm and 25 cm; and a thickness comprised between 0.7 cm and 3 cm. In still a further embodiment according to the present invention the case-shaped sterilizing container 1 has, on at least one of its external surfaces, a pocket 12 made of fabric, possibly provided with an opening/closing system such as a hinge, a button or Velcro, in which the user can place the sterilized mask or analogous spare protection device. Said container 1 can also be provided with ring coupling systems which allow the anchorage of a belt, with which said container is equipped, which allows transporting, if of greater ease for the user, said container 1 as a handbag with shoulder strap. In all embodiments thereof, the case-shaped container 1 can be provided with a cover made of washable fabric and an input 11 for the charging/power supply of the sterilization system. It must also be observed that the container, object of the present description, can be variously sized also with reference to size ranges that are different from those typical for receiving a mask and which are therefore adapted for sterilizing objects of various type.

Claims

Claims 1. Sterilizing container (1) with profile defined by any closed curve or polygonal shape comprising, on at least one of its external surfaces (2) of its thickness, at least a first button (3) adapted to open and close a small drawer (4) made in the thickness of said sterilizing container (1) and adapted to receive, at its interior on its lower internal surface (4’), the object that one intends to sterilize; at least a second on/off button (5) adapted to turn on/off a UV irradiation system, within said container (1), adapted to allow starting the process of sterilization of the object as well as its interruption; at least a first warning light (6) which indicates, by means of red LED light emission, the state of sterilization operation underway, and at least a second green warning light (7), indicating that the operation has been completed and which also indicates to the user that it is possible to act on said first opening/closing button (3) for the recovery of the sterilized object, said sterilizing container (1) being characterized in that said UV irradiation system comprises at least a UV light emitter (8) which can be oriented in a manner such to ensure that the object inserted in said small drawer (4) be irradiated in all portions thereof, thus ensuring that the latter is completely sterilized and does not contain traces of germs, bacteria, viruses, said UV emitter (8) being rollable as a 360° spiral in clockwise and counter-clockwise sense, in a manner such that the UV light emitted hits the entire space inside the small drawer where the object to be sterilized is housed, said irradiation system providing that said UV emitter (8) is connected by means of a ball junction (9) to a cylindrical rod (10), fixed on the internal walls of said small drawer (4), internally hollow and adapted for the passage of electrical wires, said small drawer (4) also having square or rectangular profile.

2. Sterilizing container (1) according to the preceding claim wherein two UV emitters (8) can be found at two corners inside said small drawer (4).

3. Sterilizing container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the small drawer (4) has its lower internal surface (4’) convex.

4. Sterilizing container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims having parallelepiped profile, said container (1) having for its greater side a length comprised between 5 cm and 25 cm; for the smaller side a length comprised between 4 cm and 17 cm; and a thickness comprised between 0.7 cm and 3 cm.

5. Sterilizing container (1) according to the preceding claim wherein for its greater side the length is 20 cm; for the smaller side the length is 11 cm; and the thickness is 1 cm.

6. Container (1) according to any one of claims 1-3 having circular or elliptical profile, a diameter comprised between 5 cm and 25 cm; and a thickness comprised between 0.7 cm and 3 cm.

7. Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein when the object to be sterilized is a mask, supports are also present, to which the elastic bands of said mask to be sterilized can be anchored, said container (1) also having the internal walls of the small drawer (4) covered in aluminum.

8. Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein present on at least one of its external surfaces is a pocket (12) made of fabric, provided with an opening/closing system selected from among a hinge, a button or Velcro, in which the user can place the sterilized mask or analogous spare protection device.

9. Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein ring coupling systems are present which allow the anchorage of a belt, with which said container (1) is equipped, which allows transporting, if of greater ease for the user, said container (1) like a handbag, said container (1) also being provided with a cover made of washable fabric and with an input (11) for the electric charging/power supply of the sterilization system.

10. Use of a sterilizing container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, for sterilizing facemasks with regard to agents such as dust, germs, viruses and bacteria.