WO2001070277A2 - Procede et appareil de sterilisation de siege de toilettes - Google Patents

Procede et appareil de sterilisation de siege de toilettes Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2001070277A2
WO2001070277A2 PCT/US2001/008666 US0108666W WO0170277A2 WO 2001070277 A2 WO2001070277 A2 WO 2001070277A2 US 0108666 W US0108666 W US 0108666W WO 0170277 A2 WO0170277 A2 WO 0170277A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
toilet seat
ultraviolet
sterilization apparatus
sterilization
seat sterilization
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/008666
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2001070277A3 (fr
Inventor
Jon L. Roberts
Original Assignee
Roberts Jon L
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Roberts Jon L filed Critical Roberts Jon L
Priority to AU2001281484A priority Critical patent/AU2001281484A1/en
Publication of WO2001070277A2 publication Critical patent/WO2001070277A2/fr
Publication of WO2001070277A3 publication Critical patent/WO2001070277A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K13/00—Seats or covers for all kinds of closets
    • A47K13/24—Parts or details not covered in, or of interest apart from, groups A47K13/02 - A47K13/22, e.g. devices imparting a swinging or vibrating motion to the seats
    • A47K13/30—Seats having provisions for heating, deodorising or the like, e.g. ventilating, noise-damping or cleaning devices
    • A47K13/302—Seats with cleaning devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/08—Radiation
    • A61L2/10—Ultraviolet radiation

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to sterilization devices. More particularly this invention relates to a device for sterilizing toilet seats of all types using ultraviolet radiation and ozone gas in a semi-closed container.
  • patent No. 3,954,407 to Andary et al. discloses an automatic toothbrush sterilization comprising ultraviolet lamps.
  • patent No. 4,088,445 to Ellis discloses a sterilization holder and night-light for toothbrushes.
  • Patent No. 4,88,4072 Ritter discloses a toothbrush sterilizer with automatic control.
  • Patent No. 4,772,795 to Sakurai et al. discloses an ultraviolet sterilizer for dental implements.
  • Patent No. 4,803,364 to Ritter discloses a toothbrush conditioner comprising an ultraviolet radiation source.
  • Patent No. 4,806,770 to Hylton et al. discloses another form of toothbrush holder having an ultraviolet lamp mounted within the housing.
  • Patent No. 4,906,851 to Beasley et al. discloses yet another form of ultraviolet toothbrush sterilizer and holder.
  • Patent No. 4,973,847 to Lackey et al. discloses a toothbrush sanitation device having ultraviolet light source and a removable lid.
  • Patent No. 5,023,460 to Foster, Jr. et al. discloses a toothbrush sanitizer having a centrally mounted ultraviolet bulb with cavities for receiving toothbrushes.
  • Patent No. 5,126,572 to Chu discloses a toothbrush holder also having an ultraviolet source.
  • Patent No. 5,127,521 to Bourgue discloses a toothbrush holder also having an ultraviolet light source.
  • Patent No. 5,487,877 to Choi discloses a rest room organizer having a sterilization apparatus using ultraviolet light for sterilizing bathroom articles.
  • the present invention is a convenience, compact, and easy to use toilet and toilet seat sterilization unit.
  • the present invention comprises generally an ultraviolet light source particularly in the 200 to 300 nm wavelength range. This range has long been known for its germicidal and sterilization effects achieved by direct radiation. It is also well known that ultraviolet radiation below 200 nm can produce small quantities of ozone from oxygen in the atmosphere. Ozone, in sufficient concentrations is known to have significant germicidal and sterilization effects. Further, ozone, as a gas, is able to reach certain places and crevices in writing implements where ultraviolet radiation might not reach, especially when a number of writing implements are being sterilized together simultaneously.
  • the ultraviolet light source of the present invention is mounted within a housing or lid such that the ultraviolet radiation can shine directly upon and reflect onto the toilet seat that is covered by the housing.
  • the interior of the housing also can reflect ultraviolet radiation in directions such as to both directly and indirectly reach all parts of the toilet seat to be stylized.
  • the ultraviolet light source can be mounted in a number of configurations.
  • the ultraviolet lamp can be a ring type lamp, a tubular ultraviolet lamp source that can be disposed within the housing, a series of ultraviolet lamps that can be disposed around the perimeter of the housing thereby directing radiation inward to the toilet seat and parts of the toilet bowl itself.
  • the wavelength range of the ultraviolet radiation of the present invention also causes a small amount of ozone to be generated. This ozone is released into the housing and together with the ultraviolet radiation provides a more complete sterilization of the writing implements. A small circulation fan ensures that the ozone is distributed to areas where the UV radiation does not reach.
  • the present invention comprises the top or lid which is hingedly or removably attached in to the lower toilet seat. This cover or lid prevents ultraviolet radiation from escaping the container, thereby protecting any users or those who pass by the sterilization apparatus.
  • an interlocking switch Integral to the housing and its cover, is an interlocking switch which is biased in the off position. When the housing is placed over the toilet seat, the switch is engaged and the ultraviolet radiation light source is turned on. When the cover is lifted, the ultraviolet radiation is immediately turned off as soon as the cover is removed or the lid is lifted.
  • a timer circuit for the ultraviolet light source is also part of present invention.
  • the timing circuit is activated as soon as the cover or lid of the sterilization apparatus is closed and the interlocking switch is engaged.
  • the timer allows the ultraviolet light source to remain on for a predetermined amount of time. This time is consistent with complete sterilization of the toilet seat contained within the apparatus of the present invention.
  • the ultraviolet light source is turned off thereby saving both power as well as prolonging the life of the ultraviolet light source(s).
  • the timer is reset and, upon closing of the lid, the sterilization time period begins again.
  • an indicator light is provided whereby, when sterilization is proceeding, the indicator light is lit.
  • the indicator light When sterilization is not occurring, as in the case when the lid is lifted or the sterilization lamp has burned out, the indicator light is not lit. In this case it will be clear to the user that either maintenance on the device must occur or the lid is not properly engaged with the interlocking switch.
  • the present invention can operate both on normal current found in homes, businesses, and buildings of all types as well as on battery power. Where battery power is used it is anticipated that rechargeable batteries will be present in the present invention such that sterilization can continue to take place for some period of time even during power failures.
  • FIG 1 shows a block diagram of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a simple schematic of the circuitry of the present invention
  • the sterilization apparatus of the present invention comprises the top lid 10 hingedly attached to a toilet seat 24 by hinges 32 and 34.
  • Ultraviolet lamps 12 and 14 are attached to the top lid 10.
  • Another pair of ultraviolet lamps to 28 and 30 are located in and attached to the toilet seat itself 24.
  • the number of lamps depicted in Figure 1 is not meant to be limiting. For example in certain embodiments it may be more appropriate to have more than two lamps in the upper lid and the lower container portion.
  • the lamps are shown as individual tube type lamps, alternative shapes are well within the state-of-the-art including U-shaped lamps, ring-shaped lamps individual bulb-type lamps, and indeed any other lamp that will emit the appropriate ultraviolet radiation necessary for the sterilization.
  • the sterilization apparatus receives power from the typical wall outlet via a plug or other hard- wired connection 20 which is attached to an interlocking switch 18.
  • This switch is biased in the off position so that when upper lid 10 in the open position all lamps 28, 30, 12 and 14 are off. Conversely, when the upper lid is closed, switch 18 is closed and power is provided to lamps 28, 30, 12 and 14. Further when all lamps are lit indicator light 16 is also lit showing anyone viewing the apparatus that ultraviolet radiation is being generated by the lamps contained in the apparatus. It should be noted that the position of indicator lights 16 is entirely arbitrary and can be placed anywhere on the apparatus to provide satisfactory convenient viewing by the user.
  • ozone gas can have a germicidal effect.
  • a small circulation fan 36 is provided. This fan is actuated when the interlocking switch 18 is actuated thereby providing power to the apparatus.
  • a timer circuit 22 is also provided.
  • This timer circuit activates the ultraviolet sterilization lamps 12,14, 28, and 30 as well as the recirculating fan 36 for a specific period of time. This period of time can be preset based upon the optimum time necessary to achieve sterilization. In the event that the upper lid 10 is not opened within the time period established in the timer circuit 22 the sterilization lamps will go off after the passage of the optimum sterilization time. In event that the upper lid 10 is opened before the time for sterilization has expired, the timer 22 is reset and, when the upper lid 10 is closed, the sterilization period begins again. In this fashion power to sterilization lamps 12,14, 28, and 30 is turned off after the appropriate sterilization period thereby saving lamp life and prolonging useful life of the ultraviolet sterilization lamps.
  • FIG. 2 a simplified circuit diagram of the present invention is shown. Power from conventional household power 100 is provided to the sterilization unit. Power is provided directly to the interlocking switch 102 so that when the upper lids of the various embodiments are closed, power is provided to the entire device. A battery 103 is also provided such that power from the wall outlet also recharges the battery 103. Power then flows to the timer circuit 104 which is preset to an optimum sterilization time. When switch 102 is actuated and timer 104 begins, power is applied to the sterilization lamp(s) 106. As noted earlier it is anticipated that numerous configurations of sterilization lamps in size, physical shape, and number are anticipated as within the scope of the present invention.
  • indicator lamp 108 is also lit thereby noting to users that ultraviolet radiation is being produced. If sterilization lamp(s) 106 is not lit either because the lamp has burned out or switch 102 is in the open position, indicator light 108 is not lit. When the power is again provided to the sterilization lamp(s) 106, indicator light 108 is also lit.
  • a small circulation fan 110 is also actuated thereby circulating any ozone gas that is produced by the UV lamps of the present invention. This gas circulates in and around the writing implements that are being sterilized.
  • a method and apparatus for sterilization of toilet seats has been shown Common to all of the embodiments are the sterilization lamps, means for providing that ultraviolet radiation can reach the various parts of a toilet seat, circulation means to circulate in any ozone produced by the ultraviolet lamps, and power and timing circuits to provide timed sterilization a toilet seat embodying the parts described herein.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
  • Toilet Supplies (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un appareil de stérilisation de siège de toilettes, qui met en oeuvre une stérilisation par rayonnement ultraviolet dans un conteneur clos, afin de tuer des bactéries et d'autres organismes porteurs de maladies. Cet appareil comprend une source de rayonnement ultraviolet, située à l'intérieur du couvercle de siège de toilettes, qui irradie le siège de toilettes, tuant ainsi tous les micro-organismes qui peuvent s'y trouver. Un rayonnement ultraviolet inférieur à 200 nm peut également être utilisé, créant ainsi de l'ozone qui présente des caractéristiques germicides. L'ozone est mis en circulation dans et autour du siège et de la cuvette de toilettes, assurant ainsi une stérilisation supplémentaire, conjointement au rayonnement ultraviolet. Un interrupteur de verrouillage éteint la source de rayonnement ultraviolet lorsque le conteneur est ouvert.
PCT/US2001/008666 2000-03-20 2001-03-19 Procede et appareil de sterilisation de siege de toilettes WO2001070277A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2001281484A AU2001281484A1 (en) 2000-03-20 2001-03-19 Toilet seat sterilization method and apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US53218600A 2000-03-20 2000-03-20
US09/532,186 2000-03-20

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001070277A2 true WO2001070277A2 (fr) 2001-09-27
WO2001070277A3 WO2001070277A3 (fr) 2002-02-07

Family

ID=24120713

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2001/008666 WO2001070277A2 (fr) 2000-03-20 2001-03-19 Procede et appareil de sterilisation de siege de toilettes

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2001281484A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2001070277A2 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102022109585A1 (de) 2022-04-20 2023-10-26 Giuseppe Leo Toilette

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2332111A (en) * 1942-07-18 1943-10-19 Westinghouse Electric & Mfg Co Sterile toilet
US2616097A (en) * 1947-08-28 1952-11-04 Inst Divi Thomae Foundation Toilet seat sanitizer
FR2195906A5 (fr) * 1972-08-11 1974-03-08 Collomp Paul
FR2354742A1 (fr) * 1976-06-17 1978-01-13 Betrancourt Stephane Dispositif permettant de desinfecter sans produits residuels les cuvettes wc
US4819276A (en) * 1987-03-26 1989-04-11 Stevens Robert B Germicidal toilet seat
WO1999038540A1 (fr) * 1998-01-28 1999-08-05 Roberts Jon L Appareil de sterilisation pour instrument d'ecriture
WO2000041734A1 (fr) * 1999-01-11 2000-07-20 Roberts Jon L Procede et appareil de sterilisation d'un combine telephonique

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0490732A (ja) * 1990-08-02 1992-03-24 Norimitsu Okumura 殺菌装置付便器
JPH06197848A (ja) * 1992-12-29 1994-07-19 Tsuyoshi Tanaka 便座面の殺菌方法
CN1092323A (zh) * 1993-12-06 1994-09-21 杨继田 坐便器自动高效灭菌装置

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2332111A (en) * 1942-07-18 1943-10-19 Westinghouse Electric & Mfg Co Sterile toilet
US2616097A (en) * 1947-08-28 1952-11-04 Inst Divi Thomae Foundation Toilet seat sanitizer
FR2195906A5 (fr) * 1972-08-11 1974-03-08 Collomp Paul
FR2354742A1 (fr) * 1976-06-17 1978-01-13 Betrancourt Stephane Dispositif permettant de desinfecter sans produits residuels les cuvettes wc
US4819276A (en) * 1987-03-26 1989-04-11 Stevens Robert B Germicidal toilet seat
WO1999038540A1 (fr) * 1998-01-28 1999-08-05 Roberts Jon L Appareil de sterilisation pour instrument d'ecriture
WO2000041734A1 (fr) * 1999-01-11 2000-07-20 Roberts Jon L Procede et appareil de sterilisation d'un combine telephonique
WO2000041733A1 (fr) * 1999-01-11 2000-07-20 Roberts Jon L Dispositif d'entree d'ordinateur: procede et dispositif de sterilisation

Non-Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
DATABASE WPI Section Ch, Week 199716 Derwent Publications Ltd., London, GB; Class D22, AN 1997-166190 XP002173065 & CN 1 092 323 A (YANG J), 21 September 1994 (1994-09-21) *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 016, no. 315 (C-0961), 10 July 1992 (1992-07-10) & JP 04 090732 A (NORIMITSU OKUMURA), 24 March 1992 (1992-03-24) *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 018, no. 553 (C-1263), 21 October 1994 (1994-10-21) & JP 06 197848 A (TSUYOSHI TANAKA), 19 July 1994 (1994-07-19) *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102022109585A1 (de) 2022-04-20 2023-10-26 Giuseppe Leo Toilette

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2001281484A1 (en) 2001-10-03
WO2001070277A3 (fr) 2002-02-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6039928A (en) Writing implement sterilization apparatus
US6365113B1 (en) Trash receptacle sterilization method and apparatus
US6458331B1 (en) Computer input device sterilization method and apparatus
CA2359477C (fr) Dispositif d'entree d'ordinateur: procede et dispositif de sterilisation
US6490351B1 (en) Telephone handset sterilizer method and apparatus
US7838846B2 (en) Rocking toothbrush sanitizer
US20030034459A1 (en) Hygienic cabinet
WO2001051098A1 (fr) Technique et dispositif de sterilisation d'articles pour bebes
WO2007051141A2 (fr) Produit desinfectant pour les mains
US20090256085A1 (en) Ultra-violet sponge holder
KR200209537Y1 (ko) 젖병 소독기
KR101951643B1 (ko) 노리개 젖꼭지 살균기
CN110898249A (zh) 一种消毒除味包及其控制方法
WO2001070277A2 (fr) Procede et appareil de sterilisation de siege de toilettes
KR20150112079A (ko) 컵 소독장치
CN209790437U (zh) 一种便携式杀菌消毒盒
KR100583764B1 (ko) 수저케이스 형상의 이동식 살균 건조기
CN112245614A (zh) 一种用于生物样本存放运输的消毒装置及其使用方法
JP2004242970A (ja) 歯ブラシ除菌装置
KR200194592Y1 (ko) 우유병(분유병) 소독기
JPH08150031A (ja) 履物収納装置
KR20200011740A (ko) 블록형 휴대용 살균기
RU44508U1 (ru) Устройство для стерилизации
KR200383345Y1 (ko) 오존 램프를 이용한 살균 수저통
JPH10118162A (ja) マイク保持具

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AU CA NZ

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AU CA NZ

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR

32PN Ep: public notification in the ep bulletin as address of the adressee cannot be established

Free format text: COMMUNICATION PURSUANT TO RULES 85A AND 85B EPC

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase