GB2594097A

GB2594097A - An apparatus and method for sterilising a keypad

Info

Publication number: GB2594097A
Application number: GB2005638.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Cockett Nick; De Weirdt Steven
Original assignee: Cennox ATM Parts Ltd
Current assignee: Cennox ATM Parts Ltd
Priority date: 2020-04-17
Filing date: 2020-04-17
Publication date: 2021-10-20
Also published as: GB202005638D0

Abstract

A shroud for a keypad terminal, the shroud comprising a radiation emitting unit for sterilising a keypad of the keypad terminal, the shroud being operable between an activated state and a deactivated state, wherein in the activated state, the shroud is configured to sterilise the keypad. The sterilising radiation may comprise UV-C radiation from a UV-C lamp which may comprise a plurality of LEDs. The shroud may be in communication with a controller and the controller may be in communication with a motion detector wherein operation of the shroud between the activated and deactivated state is triggered by motion detection. The shroud may comprise a movable portion being movable between a first position and a second position in the first position the movable portion is configured to expose the keypad and in the second position the movable portion is configured to be disposed substantially parallel to an upper surface of the keypad and/or to cover at least a portion of the keypad terminal. The shroud may comprise a fixed portion configured to obscure the view of a person not using the keypad.

Description

An apparatus and method for sterilising a keypad

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for sterilising a keypad terminal is particularly, although not exclusively, concerned with an apparatus and method for sterilising a keypad using UV-C radiation.

Background

It is widely known that pathogens, including viruses, can exist on a surface for a significant period of time. During this period of time, such pathogens may be transferred to people or other surfaces, thereby facilitating the transmission of disease.

It is therefore desirable that the transfer of pathogens from commonly used surfaces is prevented.

Statements of Invention

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a means for sterilising and/or disinfecting a device. The device may be a handheld device. The device may be a user input device. The device may comprise a keypad terminal. The device may comprise an ATM. The device may comprise a touchscreen. The keypad may comprise physical keys or buttons. The keypad may additionally comprise function keys, e.g. adjacent the keypad keys. The means for sterilising and/or disinfecting a device may be configured to sterilise any surface, button and/or key of the device. The sterilising means may be configured to selectively sterilise at least one feature of the device.

The means may be a radiation emitting unit for directing sterilising radiation onto the handheld device. The means may be provided as part of a component of the device which serves an additional purpose, e.g. a security shroud, a component for obscuring the device, or a structure for housing or protecting the device.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a shroud for a keypad terminal, the shroud comprising a radiation emitting unit for sterilising a keypad of the keypad terminal, the shroud being operable between an activated state and a deactivated state, wherein in the activated state, the shroud is configured to sterilise the keypad.

The shroud may be suitable for receiving, engaging and/or covering a portion (e.g. at least a portion or all) of the keypad terminal. In the deactivated state, the shroud may be configured to not sterilise the keypad terminal. When the shroud is in the deactivated state, the keypad terminal may be safe or suitable for use.

The shroud may be capable of attaching to, engaging with, or receiving, a portion of the keypad terminal. The shroud may be integrally formed with the keypad terminal. The shroud may be attachable to a pre-existing shroud of the keypad terminal. The shroud may replace a pre-existing shroud of the keypad terminal. The keypad terminal may be insertable within the shroud.

In the activated state the radiation emitting unit may be configured to direct sterilizing radiation onto the keypad. The sterilizing radiation may comprise UV-C radiation. The radiation emitting unit may comprise a UV-C lamp. The UV-C lamp may comprises a plurality of LEDs. The LEDs may be disposed in a single plane (e.g. on a surface). The LEDs may be disposed on multiple surfaces. The LEDs may be configured to direct UV-C light towards a single feature (e.g. a keypad) or a single point. The LEDs may be aligned, for example, to prevent UV-C light from being emitted towards a user. The shroud may be configured to prevent UV-C light reflected from the keypad terminal from escaping from the shroud.

A plurality of LEDs may be mounted on a replaceable cartridge. By providing the LEDs on a cartridge they may be replaced more easily for servicing or routine maintenance. The cartridge may be lockable and/or fixable in place such that it cannot be tampered with. The cartridge may be fixable and/or lockable using security fixings. The cartridge may be insertable within the shroud. The LEDs may be replaceable and/or interchangeable within the shroud.

The shroud may be in communication with a controller for controlling the shroud. The shroud may comprise the controller. The keypad terminal may comprise the controller. The controller may be in communication with a sensor, e.g. a motion detector. Operation of the shroud between the activated state and deactivated state may be triggered by the sensor, e.g. motion detection. The shroud may comprise the sensor. The shroud may comprise the motion detector.

The shroud may comprise a movable portion. The movable portion may be movable between a first position and a second position. The movable portion may be movable between at least a first position and a second position (e.g. first, second and third positions).

The deactivated state may comprise the first position of the movable portion. The activated state may comprise the second position of the movable portion. The movable portion of the shroud may be fixable (e.g. mechanically lockable) in the second position.

The movable portion of the shroud may be hingedly rotatable between the first position and the second position. The first and second positon may be substantially perpendicular (e.g. approximately 90 or 120 degrees apart).

The radiation emitting unit may be configured to direct sterilizing radiation onto the keypad from a range of directions. Sterilising radiation may be incident upon the keypad from the range of directions simultaneously (i.e. the shroud and/or radiation emitting unit may not be required to move whilst in the activated state) The range of directions may comprise directions which have a component perpendicular to each surface of the keypad (e.g. perpendicular to each surface of a key of the keypad). The radiation emitting unit may configured to direct radiation onto the keypad from a range of directions spanning at least 180 degrees (e.g. 270 or 360 degrees). The range of directions may substantially define a hemisphere, e.g. the keypad may be at the centre of the hemisphere and the radiation emitting unit may direct sterilising radiation radially inward towards the keypad at the centre.

In the second position, the movable portion of the shroud (e.g. the radiation emitting unit of the movable portion of the shroud) may be configured to be disposed substantially parallel to an upper surface of the keypad terminal once engaged by the shroud; and/or to cover at least a portion of the keypad terminal once engaged by the shroud.

In the first position, the movable portion may be configured to expose the keypad, such that the keypad is suitable for use. In the first position, the movable portion may be configured to be disposed substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the keypad, such that the keypad is accessible for use.

In the second position, the movable portion of the shroud may be disposed sufficiently close to an upper surface of the keypad terminal that it may not possible for a human digit to be inserted therebetween and/or for UV light to escape. For example, the movable portion of the shroud may comprise a lip configured to prevent emitted UV-C light and/or reflected UV-C light from escaping. The lip may extend perpendicularly from a surface of the movable portion upon which the LEDs are disposed. The lip may extend about the perimeter of the movable portion.

The shroud may comprise a fixed portion (e.g. a fixed portion and a movable portion). The fixed portion may be configured to attach to the keypad terminal peripherally to the keypad, such that the shroud is configured to obscure the view of a person not using the keypad of at least part of the keypad. The fixed portion of the shroud may extend about at least three sides of the keypad (e.g. four sides of the keypad). The fixed portion of the keypad may be configured to prevent reflected UV-C light from being incident upon a user.

The movable portion of the shroud may comprise the radiation emitting unit. The fixed portion of the shroud may comprise the radiation emitting unit. The radiation emitting unit may span the fixed portion and the movable portion of the shroud.

The shroud may comprise a receiving portion for receiving a keypad terminal. The receiving portion may be insertable within a keypad terminal.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a keypad terminal and/or ATM comprising the shroud.

The shroud may be adjustable in size so as to accommodate keypad terminals of different sizes. For example, a single shroud may be usable with keypad terminals of different dimensions.

The movable portion of the shroud may be adjustable such that the first position and second positions may move (e.g. slide) relative to one another in order to accommodate different dimensions of keypad terminal.

The movable portion of the shroud may comprise a plurality of slidable components. The plurality of slidable components may be able to slide over one another in order to vary the overall dimensions of the movable portion. The movable portion of the shroud may thereby be able to emit sterilising radiation towards keypad terminals of a range of dimensions in a manner that does not risk the exposure of users to UV-C light.

The receiving portion of the shroud may be adjustable in dimensions so as to accommodate keypad terminals of different dimensions. For example, each side or surface of the receiving portion may comprise at least two components. The at least two components may be slidable. The at least two components may be able to slide over one another so as to vary the dimension of the side or surface.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided shroud for a keypad terminal, the shroud comprising a moveable keypad cover and a radiation emitting unit fitted to the cover for sterilising a keypad of the keypad terminal.

The radiation emitting unit may be operable between an activated state and a deactivated state, wherein in the activated state the radiation emitting unit is actuated to sterilise the keypad. Movement of the cover from a position in which it covers the keypad and a position in which the keypad is exposed may cause the radiation emitting device to switch from the activated state to the deactivated state.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of sterilising a keypad using a shroud, the shroud comprising a radiation emitting unit for sterilising the keypad, the radiation emitting unit being operable between an activated state and a deactivated state, wherein in the activated state the radiation emitting unit is configured to sterilise the keypad.

The method may comprise: activating the radiation emitting unit after a first predetermined duration in the deactivated state; and/or deactivating the radiation emitting unit after a second predetermined duration in the activated state.

The method may comprise: actuating the movable portion of the shroud to the second position; and/or activating the radiation emitting unit; and/or emitting sterilising radiation incident upon a feature (e.g. a keypad) of a keypad terminal (e.g. omni-directionally from within a range of directions encompassing a hemisphere) maintaining the radiation emitting unit in the activated state for a predetermined duration; and/or fixing the movable portion of the shroud in the second position whilst the radiation emitting unit is activated; and/or actuating the movable portion of the shroud to the first position after a pre-determined duration.

To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or embodiments of the invention. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention.

Brief Description of Drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the shroud in a deactivated state; Figure 2 shows the first embodiment of the shroud in a deactivated state having received a keypad terminal Figure 3 shows the first embodiment of the shroud in an activated state; Figure 4 shows the first embodiment of the shroud in the activated state and in the process of sterilising a keypad terminal; Figure 5 shows a keypad terminal comprising a second embodiment of the shroud; and Figure 6 shows the first embodiment of the shroud having engaged a keypad terminal comprising the second embodiment of the shroud.

Throughout the Figures, like reference numerals are used to refer to like components.

Detailed Description

For the purposes of the present disclosure, the terms "sterilising" and "sterilisation" should be construed to include "disinfecting" and "disinfection", respectively. Alternatively, the terms may be construed interchangeably.

Although the present disclosure is described in relation to keypad terminals, it will be understood that the present invention may be applied to any device having a keypad or touchscreen for which sterilisation and/or disinfection is desirable. Such alternative devices include mobile phones, fill systems or point of sale (POS) systems, tablets, ticket machines, ATMs etc. First embodiment With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a shroud 100 for a keypad terminal 150 (shown in Figure 2) comprises a movable portion 102 and a receiving portion 120. The receiving portion 120 is suitable for receiving and/or engaging a keypad terminal 150 in an orientation suitable for use, i.e. with its keypad 152 and screen154 facing upwards with respect to Figures 1 and 2. The shroud 100 is configured to cover at least a portion of the keypad terminal 150.

The movable portion 102 comprises an interior side (e.g an underside) 104, and a lip 106 about the perimeter of the interior side 104, the lip 106 extending substantially perpendicularly to interior side 104.

A radiation emitting unit 110 is disposed on the interior side 104 of the movable portion 102.

The radiation emitting unit 110 is capable of emitting sterilising radiation (not shown) outwardly (e.g. divergently) from the interior side 104 of the movable portion 102.

The radiation emitting unit 110 may comprise a UV-C lamp, such that the sterilising radiation emitted from the radiation emitting unit 110 comprises UV-C radiation. The UV-C lamp may comprise a plurality of LEDs 112.

The plurality of LEDs 112 are spaced apart on the interior side 104 of the movable portion 102 so as to extend substantially along the length of movable portion 102. The LEDs 112 may form an array or grid (not shown) covering (e.g. substantially covering) the interior side 104 of the movable portion 102, e.g. in two dimensions. Additional LEDS 112 may be provided on an interior surface of the lip 106 of the movable portion 102. For example, the movable portion 102 may comprise a grid-like array of LEDs 112 on the interior surface 104 and at least one LED disposed on each interior side of the lip 106.

The movable portion 102 further comprises a hinge 108 for hingedly attaching the movable portion 102 to the receiving portion 120. The movable portion 102 is rotatable between a first position shown in Figure 1 and a second position shown in Figure 2. In the first position, the movable portion 102 is substantially perpendicular (e.g. at 90 to 120 degrees) to the receiving portion 120. Accordingly, when a keypad terminal 150 is received by the receiving portion 120, the keypad terminal may be substantially exposed by the movable portion 102 when in the first position. The second position will be described in relation to Figure 2.

Additionally or alternatively, the movable portion 102 may be slidable and/or slidably retractable relative to the receiving portion. For example, the movable portion may be rotatable between the first position and the second position, and slidable between the first position and a third position, wherein in the third position the movable portion 102 is slidably retracted such that the radiation emitting unit 110 is hidden and/or does not protrude substantially vertically and/or is not visible to a user. The movable portion 102 may be linearly translatable such that its angle relative to the receiving portion 120 and/or a keypad terminal 150 once received by the shroud 100 may stay constant. Linear translation of the movable portion 102 may ensure that keypad terminals 150 of different dimensions may be accommodated by the shroud 100.

The shroud 100 further comprises a mounting portion 130 configured to mount the shroud 100 on a structure where the shroud 100 and associated keypad terminal 150 are to be used (e.g. at a till). The mounting portion 130 may be rotatably connected to the receiving portion 120 of the shroud 100 such that the receiving portion 120 and movable portion 102 may be capable of being rotated and/or tilted about three axes relative to the structure to which the shroud 100 is mounted.

A power supply 140 is provided so as to power the shroud 100, and may additionally provide power to the keypad terminal 150 once received by receiving portion 120, e.g. by means of a docking portion 122. The power supply may comprise a mains power supply 140 as shown in Figures 1 to 4. The power supply may comprise a solar panel (not shown), which may be disposed on an exterior side of the movable portion 102. The docking portion 122 may comprise a means for transmitting power to the keypad terminal 150, and may further comprise a communication link between the shroud 100 and the keypad terminal 150, such that the keypad terminal 150 may able to control the operation of the shroud 100.

The movable portion 102 may be opaque to UV-C light, such that UV-C light may not be able to pass through the movable portion 102. Accordingly, the movable portion 102 may protect a user during sterilisation or disinfection of the keypad terminal 150.

The shroud 100 may comprise a means for indicating the state of operation of the shroud 100. The indicating means may comprise at least one light which is readily visible to a user.

The light may change colour to indicate different operating states or a plurality of lights, such as LEDs may be provided, each light indicating a different operative state. The state of operation may indicate whether the shroud 100 is powered on and ready to work, whether the shroud 100 requires maintenance or servicing, whether sterilisation is in progress, whether a sterilisation has been completed, and the time remaining before the next sterilisation. The total sterilisation time and number of sterilisations performed by a shroud may be logged and displayed by the shroud 100. A display, such as an LCD display may be provided on or adjacent the shroud 100 for this purpose.

Additionally or alternatively, the movable portion 102 may comprise a window (not shown) made of a material which may convert UV-C light into visible light, such that the state of operation (e.g. activated or deactivated) of the radiation emitting unit 110 may be determined directly by a user, e.g. when the shroud 100 is in the activated state.

The shroud 100 may be in communication with a motion detector and/or object detector (not shown), such as a PIR sensor. For example, the shroud 100 may comprise a motion or object detector. Additionally or alternatively, the keypad terminal 150 may comprise a motion detector which may communicate with the shroud 100 upon engagement between the shroud 100 and the keypad terminal 150 via docking portion 122.

The shroud 100 may comprise a means for fixing (e.g. mechanically locking) the movable portion 102 in the second position. A mechanical lock may prevent the movable portion 102 from being moved out of the first and/or second position, e.g. whilst radiation emitting unit is switched on/activated.

Figure 2 shows a keypad terminal 150 having been received by the receiving portion 120 of the shroud 100. A keypad 152 and a screen 154 may be provided on an upper surface 156 of the keypad terminal 150. The keypad terminal 150 may comprise a touchscreen (not shown).

In its received position, the keypad terminal 150 engages the receiving portion 120 so as to connect the keypad terminal 150 to the shroud 100 and vice versa. The upper surface 156 of the keypad terminal 150 is oriented such that it is suitable for use, e.g. its keypad 152 accessible and screen 154 readable. Further, in its received position the keypad terminal 150 may be docked via docking station 122, such that power is provided to the keypad terminal 150 and the keypad terminal 150 may communicate with the shroud 100 (e.g. so as to control the operation of the shroud 100).

As shown in Figure 2, the keypad terminal 150 may be a standalone device, e.g. of the type used at tills for conducting card transactions. Alternatively, the keypad terminal 150 may be provided as part of a larger device, such as an ATM. In either case, the shroud of the present disclosure is operable between an activated state and a deactivated state, wherein in the activated state the shroud 100 is configured to sterilise the keypad terminal 150, e.g. the keypad 152.

It is appreciated by the present inventors that each key of the keypad 152 may protrude from the upper surface 156 of the keypad terminal 150, such that each key has an upper surface and four peripheral surfaces. As such, for at least the reason of efficiency, it is desirable that sterilising radiation be produced in a direction which is incident on and ideally substantially perpendicular to each surface to be sterilised.

Figures 3 and 4 show the shroud 100 having the movable portion 102 in the second position. Figure 3 shows the shroud 100 without having received a keypad terminal 150, and Figure 4 shows the shroud 100 having received a keypad terminal 150.

In the second position, the movable portion 102 may be substantially parallel to the receiving portion 120. On receipt and engagement of a keypad terminal, in the second position, the movable portion 102 is substantially parallel to the upper surface 156 of the keypad terminal 156. As such, the movable portion 102 is spaced from the upper surface 156 of the keypad terminal by a substantially constant separation.

This separation may be selected such that it is not possible for an object (e.g. a human digit) to be inserted between the upper surface of the keypad 150 and the movable portion 102. Additionally or alternatively, this separation may be selected such that, having taken into account the dimensions of the lip 106 and the location of the radiation emitting unit 110, it is not possible for sterilising radiation to escape from beneath the movable portion 102 of the shroud 100. In this manner, the second position of the movable portion 102 may be selected with safety concerns in mind.

Further, this equal separation ensures that, upon activation of the radiation emitting unit 110, sterilising radiation may be incident upon the whole upper surface 156 of the keypad 150, including the keypad 152 and screen 154, with substantially equal intensity, such that the upper surface 156 of the keypad terminal 156 may thereby be sterilised at the same rate and as efficiently as possible.

In an example not shown, the lip 106 of the movable portion 104 may extend sufficiently such that it may substantially surround (e.g. envelop) the keypad terminal 150, and may have a reflective surface or be provided with means for emitting sterilizing radiation, such as LEDs. Sterilising radiation may thereby be incident upon the sides of the keypad terminal in the activated state.

In use, the shroud 100 is operable between an activated state and a deactivated state The deactivated state comprises the movable portion 102 being in the first position (e.g. as shown in Figure 1). The deactivated state comprises the radiation emitting unit 110 being switched off and no sterilising radiation being emitted from the shroud 100. The keypad terminal is thereby accessible and safe to be used by a user.

The activated state comprises the movable portion 102 being in the second position (e.g. as shown in Figure 3). The second state comprises the radiation emitting unit 110 being switched on, and sterilising radiation being emitted in the direction of the keypad terminal 150 (and thus the receiving portion 120), so as to sterilise the keypad terminal 150.

The location of the radiation emitting unit 110 and the distribution of LEDs 112 may produce sterilising radiation from a range of angles and directions relative to the keypad terminal 150. For example, the LEDs 112 disposed on the interior side 104 of the movable portion 102 may emit sterilising radiation in directions substantially perpendicular to the top surfaces of individual keys of the keypad 152. LEDs 112 disposed on an interior surface of the lip 106 may emit sterilising radiation in directions which are substantially perpendicular to the sides of each key of the keypad 152 (e.g. directions spanning at least 180 degrees, including 360 degrees). In this manner, in the activated state, the radiation emitting unit 110 may ensure sterilisation of each visible aspect or surface of each key of the keypad 152. This sterilisation of each aspect may be performed simultaneously, i.e. the radiation emitting unit 110 need not be moved across the surface 156 of the keypad 150 during sterilisation in order for complete sterilisation of the keypad 152 to occur.

The movable portion 102 is actuatable between the first position and the second position. The movable portion 102 may be user-actuatable between the first position and the second position, such that upon a user moving the movable portion 102 to the second position from the first position, the shroud may enter the activated state, and sterilisation of the keypad may occur. Upon a user lifting or beginning to actuate the movable portion 102 out of the second position (e.g. in the direction of the first position), the radiation emitting unit 110 may be immediately switched off such that there is no possibility of user safety being put at risk. A user may operate a mechanical switch integrated within the shroud 100 in order to operate the shroud 100 between the activated and deactivated states.

Additionally or alternatively, the movable portion 102 may be actuated and controlled automatically, for example by a controller (not shown). The shroud 100 may comprise the controller, or the controller may be provided as part of the keypad terminal 150 and may communicate and control the shroud 100 by means of the docking portion 122. In this way, the operation of the shroud 100 may be selectively controlled by the keypad terminal 150 which is used with the shroud 100, e.g. upon completion of a transaction, the shroud 100 may be configured to enter the activated state.

The controller may use a number of triggers to determine when the shroud 100 is to be operated between the activated and deactivated states. These triggers may include motion detection, object sensing, the passing of a predetermined period of time, the time of day, the day of the week, and a temperature of the radiation emitting unit.

For example, the shroud 100 may be configured such that upon detection of motion or detection of an object, the shroud is configured to enter the deactivated state such that the keypad terminal is accessible for use. For example, if the shroud 100 is in the activated state and motion is detected, the shroud 100 may be configured to enter the deactivated state. If the shroud is already in the deactivated state, then upon detection of motion or an object, the shroud 100 may be configured to remain in the deactivated state. Additionally or alternatively, if the shroud is in the activated state, the shroud 100 may be configured to enter the deactivated state only if a predetermined duration of time has passed in which the shroud 100 was in the activated state.

The shroud may be configured to sterilise a portion of the keypad terminal that was used by a user.

The shroud 100 may be configured to enter the activated state for a predetermined duration in order to sterilise the keypad terminal 150. This may occur after a first predetermined duration in the deactivated state. The shroud 100 may be configured to enter the deactivated state for a predetermined duration after a second predetermined duration in the activated state.

For example, the duration (e.g. minimum duration) of UV-C exposure required to ensure the extermination of any pathogens present on the keypad can be calculated as a function of the intensity and number of LEDs used. This calculated duration may be equal to the predetermined duration for which the shroud 100 is configured to enter the activated state. The predetermined duration may be adjustable or programmable.

The operation of the radiation emitting portion 110 may be linked to the positon of the movable portion 102. For example, in the first position, it may not be possible for the radiation emitting unit 110 to emit radiation, such that power may only be provided to the radiation emitting unit when in the second position. Further, once the radiation emitting unit has been switched on, the movable portion 102 may be fixable (e.g. mechanically lockable) in the second position, such that it is not possible to move the movable portion 102 whilst sterilising radiation is being emitted. For example, a user may be prevented from lifting the movable portion 102 and gaining access to the keypad until the sterilising of the keypad is completed.

Second Embodiment With reference to Figure 5, a second embodiment of the present invention is described. As with the first embodiment, a shroud 200 may be operable between an activated state and a deactivated state. The shroud 200 comprises three portions 202a, 202b, 202c.

The three portions 202a, 202b, 202c are disposed at right angles to one another in a first plane, such that the three portions 202a, 202b, 202c may collectively form three sides of a square or rectangle in the first plane. Additionally, each of the three portions 202a, 202b, 202c extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first plane so as to define a space therebetween which may be shielded from view from certain angles.

Each of the three portions 202a, 202b, 202c of the shroud 200 comprises an interior surface 204a, 204b, 204c respectively (interior surface 204c is not visible in Figure 5). At least one interior surface 204a, 204b, 204c may comprise a radiation emitting unit 210, capable of emitting sterilising radiation, e.g. inwardly towards the centre of the square or rectangle which the three portions 202a, 202b, 202c define. In the illustrated embodiment, all three interior surfaces 204a, 204b and 204c are provided with radiation emitting units in the form of strips of LED lights emitting UV-C light, but other layouts and types of radiation emitting unit are contemplated.

As shown in Figure 5, the shroud 200 is attachable to a keypad terminal 150, for example so as to encompass the keypad 152 of the keypad terminal 150. The shroud 200 may be integrally formed with the keypad 150. In this manner, the shroud 200 may be a security shroud of a keypad terminal 150, suitable for obscuring the view of a person not using the keypad 150 of at least part of the keypad 150, whilst having the capability of sterilising the keypad 152 to reduce the transmission of disease.

In the second embodiment shown in Figure 5, the activated state comprises switching on the radiation emitting unit 210 disposed on the interior surfaces 204a, 204b, 204c of the three portions 202a, 202b, 202c. The deactivated state comprises switching off the radiation emitting unit 210.

Each of the three portions 202a, 202b, 202c may be fixed in position. Alternatively, portions 202a and 202c may be fixed, and portion 202b may be movable. For example, portion 202b of shroud 200 may be analogous to movable portion 102 of the shroud 100 of the first embodiment, and thereby incorporate the same features. For example, portion 202b may be hingedly and/or slidably actuatable between a first position and a second position.

In a first example not shown in the Figures, portion 202b may be slidably retractable and extendable from within keypad terminal 150. According to this example, in a first position, portion 202b is partially retracted within, and partially protruding from, the surface of the keypad terminal 150 such that the shroud 200 may resemble a typical security shroud as shown in Figure 5. When transifioning from the first position to the second position, the portion 202b may extend or advance vertically from the keypad terminal from the first positon shown in Figure 5 such that it protrudes substantially above portions 202a, 202c. The portion 202b may comprise a hinge (not shown) part way along its length to allow part of portion 202b to rotate/fold from a vertical position downwards to a horizontal position, akin, in the first embodiment, to the actuation of the movable portion 102 from the first position to the second position. The portion 202b may thereby cover the keypad 152, such that in the second position, the keypad 152 is obscured from the sides by portions 202a, 202b, 202c, and from above by portion 202b. Portion 202b may additionally comprise a further hinged portion (not shown) to define a shroud portion to shield the bottom aspect of the keypad 152.

Accordingly, for the first example of the second embodiment not shown in the Figures, the deactivated state comprises the three portions 202a, 202b, 202c disposed as shown in Figure 5 (portion 202b being in its first position), the radiation emitting unit 210 being switched off, whilst the activated state comprises the portion 202b extending from its first position to its second position. The shroud 200 of this example may thereby comprise three side portions 202a, 202b, 202c and a hingedly and slidably retractable top portion 202b.

In a second example not shown in the Figures, the shroud 200 may comprise three fixed side portions 202a, 202b, 202c (e.g. as shown in Figure 5), and a fixed top portion (not shown in Figure 5), the fixed top portion extending over the keypad 152. Each of the side portions 202a, 202b, 202c and the fixed top portion may comprise a radiation emitting unit 210.

First and second embodiments Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment in which the first and second embodiments are combined.

The shroud 200 comprises three portions 202a, 202b, 202c configured to obscure the view of a person not using the keypad 152 of at least part of the keypad 152. Portions 202a, 202b, 202c may be fixed. Portions 202a, 202b,202c may comprise a radiation emitting unit 210, such that shroud 200 is capable of acting as a security shroud and capable of sterilising the keypad 152.

Movable portion 102 may incorporate the features of the first embodiment.

In a deactivated state, the shrouds 100, 200 may be as shown in Figure 6, such that the keypad terminal 150 is suitable for use and shroud 200 acts as a security shroud. In an activated state, the movable portion 102 may be actuated to its second position, the radiation emitting units 110, 210 then being switched on.

Radiation emitting unit 110 may provide sterilising radiation to the whole keypad terminal from above, whilst radiation emitting unit 210 disposed on shroud 200 may provide sterilising radiation to the keypad 152 from the sides. In this manner, a higher intensity of sterilising radiation may be incident upon keypad 152 upon which a greater number of pathogens may exist.

In another embodiment not illustrated, only radiation emitting unit 210 is provided, and radiation emitting unit 110 is not provided on the moveable portion 102 of the shroud, so that the moveable portion 102 acts merely as a cover which switches the radiation emitting unit 210 on when the cover is closed and off when the cover is opened.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the invention has been described by way of example, with reference to one or more exemplary examples, it is not limited to the disclosed examples and that alternative examples could be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A shroud for a keypad terminal, the shroud comprising a radiation emitting unit for sterilising a keypad of the keypad terminal, the shroud being operable between an activated state and a deactivated state, wherein in the activated state, the shroud is configured to sterilise the keypad.
2. The shroud of claim 1, wherein in the activated state the radiation emitting unit is configured to direct sterilizing radiation onto the keypad.
3. The shroud of claim 2 wherein the sterilizing radiation comprises UV-C radiation.
4. The shroud of claim 3, wherein the radiation emitting unit comprises a UV-C lamp.
5. The shroud of claim 4, wherein the UV-C lamp comprises a plurality of LEDs. 15
6. The shroud of any preceding claim, wherein the shroud is in communication with a controller for controlling the shroud, wherein the shroud comprises the controller or the keypad terminal comprises the controller.
7. The shroud of claim 6, wherein the controller is in communication with a motion detector, wherein operation of the shroud between the activated state and deactivated state is triggered by motion detection.
The shroud of claim 7, wherein the shroud comprises the motion detector.
9. The shroud of any preceding claim, wherein the shroud comprises a movable portion being movable between a first position and a second position.
10. The shroud of claim 9, wherein the deactivated state comprises the first position of the movable portion, and the activated state comprises the second position of the movable portion.
11. The shroud of claim 11, wherein the movable portion of the shroud is fixable in the second position.
12. The shroud of any claims 9 to 11, wherein the movable portion of the shroud is hingedly rotatable between the first position and the second position.
13. The shroud of claim 10, wherein the radiation emitting unit is configured to direct sterilizing radiation onto the keypad from a range of directions.
14. The shroud of and of claims 9 to 13, wherein in the second position, the movable portion of the shroud is configured: to be disposed substantially parallel to an upper surface of the keypad terminal once engaged by the shroud; and/or to cover at least a portion of the keypad terminal once engaged by the shroud.
15. The shroud of any of claims 9 to 14, wherein in the first position, the movable portion is configured: to expose the keypad; to be disposed substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the keypad, such that the keypad is accessible for use.
16. The shroud of claims 14 or 15, wherein in the second position, the movable portion of the shroud is disposed sufficiently close to an upper surface of the keypad terminal that it is not possible for a human digit to be inserted therebetween and/or for UV light to escape.
17. The shroud of any preceding claim, wherein the shroud comprises a fixed portion.
18. The shroud of claim 17, wherein the fixed portion is configured to attach to the keypad terminal peripherally to the keypad, such that the shroud is configured to obscure the view of a person not using the keypad of at least part of the keypad.
19. The shroud of claims 17 or 18, wherein the fixed portion of the shroud extends about three sides of the keypad.
20. The shroud of any of claims 9 to 19, wherein the movable portion of the shroud and/or the fixed portion of the shroud comprises the radiation emitting unit.
21. The shroud of any preceding claim, wherein the radiation emitting unit is configured to direct radiation onto the keypad from a range of directions spanning at least 180 degrees.
22. The shroud of any preceding claim, wherein the shroud comprises a receiving portion for receiving a keypad terminal.
23. A keypad terminal and/or ATM comprising the shroud of any preceding claim.