ES1256136U - Sterilizing mask holder (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Sterilizing mask holder (1) consisting of a container for storing masks, the usual ones for protection against infections: to keep them in good hygienic conditions during periods of non-use characterized by comprising a container (2), with upper bodies and interior rotatable around the axis defined by the hinge (4), both bodies having a perimeter rim (3) for the proper closure of the container (2) that is secured by a tab with a safety switch (5). In the lower body of the container (2) is located the battery housing (9) that feeds the plates of LEDs (11), emitters of ultraviolet UV-C rays with germicidal properties, which come into charge by acting on the switch with timer (6) that, in addition, commands the lighting of a pilot light (7), which turns off when the predetermined timing period ends. The recharging of the battery is carried out through the miniature USB connector (8), facilitating the portability of the device of the invention by means of the ring (10). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Sterilizing mask holder

Technical object of the invention

The present invention refers to a container for storing masks, the usual ones for protection against contagions, to keep them in good hygienic conditions during periods of non-use with the particularity that, in addition to being protected within it, it is subject to to its disinfection by means of ultraviolet radiation in such a way that when the user needs it again, the mask will be in optimal conditions. The ultraviolet emitter has the function of acting as a microbial germicide, being powered by a rechargeable battery through a USB connector.

Technical sector to which the invention relates

The invention that is presented affects the Section of Current Needs of Life of the International Patent Classification (CIP), paragraph of Personal or Household Objects, section of Health, Protection, Entertainment in relation to medical sciences and hygiene influencing, from the industrial point of view, in the manufacture of protective elements for the benefit of public health.

Background of the invention

Various devices are known that use ultraviolet rays for a sterilization purpose by killing microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa. These devices have been developed based on the scientific knowledge we have of this type of electromagnetic radiation that is received on our planet from the Sun and is transmitted in waves of different lengths which make up the electromagnetic spectrum. This spectrum is divided into seven regions, in descending order according to their wavelength. At one end are gamma rays and at the opposite end are radio waves, with ultraviolet light between X-rays and visible light. Precisely the name of ultraviolet comes from being adjacent to the last of the colors of the rainbow which is violet.

This type of radiation, with all its advantages, also has serious drawbacks, being of general knowledge that the human body is prepared to defend itself from the damaging effect of the solar rays thanks to the pigment known as melanin. This pigment has the property of absorbing UV radiation and when the body perceives damage from sunlight, it sends instructions to the affected cells to avoid further damage with the consequence of darkening the skin. (Tan effect). When exposure exceeds the absorption capacity of melanin, a toxic reaction occurs and burns ensue.

But an even worse drawback is that ultraviolet rays destroy the DNA chains of our skin cells that become mutant cells, sometimes transforming into cancer cells with the result of generating skin cancer.

The inventor's idea arises at a time when the pandemic effect, caused by Covid-19, is inducing people to resort to multiple defense devices, including masks whose mandatory use, in certain circumstances, has been regulated by the government of Spain and those of other countries. The application of ultraviolet rays is carried out in periods of non-use of the mask without, at any time, direct radiation harmful to the user.

Several records are known of inventions that use this type of radiation. The invention ES-0169922 U entitled "Room sterilizing apparatus by static and selective ultraviolet radiation" describes a lamp that, attached to the wall of a room and equipped with screens and adjustable filters, is intended to purify the ambient air. The invention ES- 0459612 A1 entitled "Installation for the sterilization of liquids by means of ultraviolet rays" describes a conductive pipe of liquid crossed by one or more quartz tubes that house a strong radiation emitted by a mercury vapor discharge lamp inside. 1034393 U entitled "Support and disinfection device for toothbrushes" describes a tray where a series of toothbrushes can be placed in a vertical position, being equipped with an ultraviolet lamp installed in a cavity invisible to users. The invention ES-2121452 T3 entitled "Ultraviolet ray emitter" describes a device for drying paints and varnishes. ES-2160616 T3 "Ultraviolet light chamber" refers to a chamber for the controlled exposure of samples of biological materials to the ultraviolet light.

None of those mentioned is close to the invention presented here but gives us an idea of the variety of existing applications with UV irradiation.

However, other inventions are known that are designed to meet the needs arising from the aforementioned pandemic. Among them we can mention a case where a mobile phone, a watch, a necklace, a mask or similar article is inserted for sterilizing purposes.

There are also specific items to sterilize toothbrushes using ultraviolet rays or boxes of a certain size with capacity for a series of masks, or a kind of portable flashlights to illuminate the items to be disinfected and many other solutions.

In view of all that exists, the inventor has conceived the sterilizing mask holder described in this document, which presents certain novelties with respect to what currently exists on the market.

Summary description of the invention

As indicated above, the invention relates to a sterilizing mask holder shown as a portable article consisting of the following main parts:

- A container with a safety switch

- One activation button with off timer

- A UV-C radiation LED lighting module

- A rechargeable battery

- A mini USB connector

- Means of portability

Due to its size, it can be carried in any bag, pocket, hanging from the belt or any buttonhole of the user's clothing for immediate use as the need arises.

The container with safety switch is rectangular, square, round or ellipsoidal in shape. Having some rigid elements for the closure, battery housing, USB connector and start button, the flexible parts predominate that give it a certain attraction and make it pleasant to the touch.

In an embodiment with zip closure, it is equipped with a safety switch that is activated exclusively with a closed zip.

The activation button commands the LED diodes to turn on, which turn off after a short period of time defined by the timer.

The UV-C LED lighting module emits radiation at wavelength "C" of the three that exist in the ultraviolet range, [between 200 and 300 nanometers (billionth of a meter)]. This wavelength is the one with germicidal power and therefore it is the appropriate one for sterilization purposes Its possible harmful effects are avoided because the device only emits when the mask holder and its safety switch are closed.

The lighting module is made of flexible plates with a plurality of LED diodes that are distributed on the two internal faces of the container.

Its operation is continuous ignition, although intermittent mode is not ruled out, for energy saving reasons, for long irradiation sessions.

The rechargeable battery is one of the usual ones on the market, as is the mini USB connector for recharging. The most important details for the correct interpretation of the invention are indicated in the sections of drawings and description of preferred embodiments.

Brief description of the drawings

Four figures are included, which are considered sufficient for the correct interpretation of the invention.

Figures 1, 2 and 3

They represent, schematically, the rear (Fig. 1), side (Fig. 2) and top (Fig. 3) views of the object of the invention. The following elements are noted:

1. - Mask holder

2. - Container

3. - Perimeter flange

4. - Hinge

5. - Tab with safety switch

6. - Timer switch

7. - Pilot light

8. - USB connector

9. - Battery compartment

10. - Ring

Figure 4

Represents the perspective view of the object of the invention, once opened and a mask at the time of its introduction.

11. - LED plate

12. - Mask

Detailed explanation of embodiments of the invention

Sterilizing mask holder (1) (Figs. 1 to 4) consisting of a container for storing masks, the usual ones for protection against infection, to keep them in good hygienic conditions during periods of non-use which, in one embodiment Preferably, it comprises a container (2), provided with a hinge (4), which defines the axis of rotation of the upper body with respect to the lower one of the container (2). Both bodies have a perimeter rim (3) for the proper closure of the container that is secured by the tab with safety switch (5). Inside the container (2) there is the battery housing (9) that feeds the LED plates (11), installed in each of the container bodies (2), as shown in (Fig. 4 ), UV-C ultraviolet emitters with germicidal properties.

To turn on the LED plates (11) there is a timer switch (6) that also commands the pilot light (7) to turn on, which turns off when the preset timing period ends. The opening of the container (2) during the lighting period of the LED plates (11) causes the immediate shutdown of the ultraviolet irradiation for safety reasons, in which case the safety switch associated with the tab (5) acts.

The rechargeable battery, which is installed inside the battery housing (9), recovers the energy consumed through the miniature USB connector (8).

With this arrangement of elements, when the user detaches himself from the mask (12), in the periods or moments when he does not need it, he only has to open the mask holder (1), insert it into the container (2), return to close the container (2) and act on the timer switch (6). At that time, the multiple diodes on the LED plates (11) turn on, sterilizing the mask (12), which is ready for a new use.

To facilitate portability, the sterilizing mask holder (1) is equipped with a ring (10) that allows hooking a strap or a carabiner with a chain or the like that is attached to any garment of the user.

In a second embodiment, the container (2) is manufactured with its upper and lower bodies in flexible material, replacing the perimeter flange (3) with a rack fitted with a safety switch in its closed position. In this case the LED plates (11) are also flexible.

It is not considered necessary to make the content of this description more extensive so that an expert in the field can understand the scope and advantages derived from the invention, as well as develop and put into practice its object. However, it should be understood that the invention has been described according to some preferred embodiments thereof, and it may be susceptible to modifications without affecting or implying any alteration of the foundation of said invention. That is to say, the terms in which this invention has been set forth must always be taken broadly and not limitatively.

Claims (4)

1. Sterilizing mask holder (1) consisting of a container for storing masks, the usual ones for protection against contagions, to keep them in good hygienic conditions during periods of non-use characterized by, comprising a container (2), with bodies upper and lower rotating around the axis defined by the hinge (4), both bodies having a perimeter rim (3) for the proper closing of the container (2) which is secured by means of a tab with a safety switch (5). In the lower body of the container (2) is located the battery housing (9) that feeds the plates of LEDs (11), emitters of UV-C ultraviolet rays with germicidal properties, which come into charge by acting on the switch with timer (6) that, in addition, orders the lighting of a pilot light (7), which turns off when the preset timing period ends. The battery is recharged through the miniature USB connector (8), facilitating the portability of the device of the invention by means of the ring (10). 2. Sterilizing mask holder (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper and lower bodies of the container (2) as well as the perimeter edge (3) are made of rigid material. 3. Sterilizing mask holder (1), according to the first claim, characterized in that the upper and lower bodies of the container (2) and the LED plates (11) installed in said bodies are made of flexible material. 4. Sterilizing mask holder (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the perimeter edge (3) is a rack equipped with a safety switch in the closed position.