WO2015167319A1

WO2015167319A1 - Self-sterilizing cover for mobile electronic devices

Info

Publication number: WO2015167319A1
Application number: PCT/MY2014/000077
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ching Chuan Raymond FOO; Dah Yun LAU; Haw Yee CHOW
Original assignee: Foo Ching Chuan Raymond
Priority date: 2014-04-28
Filing date: 2014-04-29
Publication date: 2015-11-05

Abstract

Self-sterilizing cover (10) for mobile electronic device is provided, the self-sterilizing cover (10) having front cover plate (12) and a rear cover plate (15) connected by foldable connection spine (8). On inner surface (26) of front cover plate (12) there is a first ultraviolet panel (9) and on outer surface (23) of the rear cover plate (15) there is a second ultraviolet panel (16). Both panel adapted to emit ultraviolet radiation for sterilizing expose surface of mobile electronic device and cover itself. The first ultraviolet panel (9) will be activated to emits ultraviolet radiation for a predetermine period of time and intensity when the cover is in closed configuration and the second ultraviolet panel (16) will be activated to emits ultraviolet radiation for a predetermine period of time when the outer surface (25) of front cover plate (12) is maneuvers to engage the second ultraviolet panel (16).

Description

SELF- STERILIZING COVER FOR MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICES

The invention relates cover for mobile hand-held and mobile electronic devices, including mobile (cellular) telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable global positioning devices, and the like, more particularly, to sterilization of mobile electronic device exposed surfaces using ultraviolet radiation.

Mobile electronic devices may become contaminated with bacteria or other infectious agents, and thus may be a medium for the transfer of infection from one user to another. Even when a device is used essentially only by a single user, if the device becomes contaminated, the user is exposed to the risk of infection for as long as the device remains contaminated. In addition to this cover particularly wallet cover for mobile electronic device are increasingly common and this will escalate number of contamination due to using of mobile electronic device as its cover increase the total surface area. Sterilization of mobile electronic device is often performed by spraying chemicals directly on to the surface of the device and allowed to dry for duration of period. The most notable side effects from such sterilization are a sticky film and strong cleanser odor. Some may use alcohols particularly ethanol for sterilization, however alcohols are extremely flammable.

Ultraviolet radiation particularly UV-C radiation is a unique and rapid method for surface disinfection as it is lethal to bacteria, virus, pathogens and other microorganisms. Source of UV radiation can be from sun, UV lamp or UV LED. UV-C covers the range 100-280 nm. All solar UV-C radiation is absorbed by the ozone layer.

While UV light is helpful in sterilizing surfaces, overexposure to short wave UV radiation can be harmful to humans. Studies have shown harmful effects of overexposure to UV rays found in solar energy. Similarly, overexposure to lamp- emitted germicidal UV radiation can cause erythematic of the skin similar to sunburn, and direct exposure to the eyes can cause damage to conjunctiva, cornea and iris. Persons working extensively with UV light generally are advised to wear special goggles or be shielded by non-UV transmitting protective glass.

Therefore, measures need to be taken to reduce the risk of accidental or uninformed exposure to UV radiation. In United States Patent 4888487, the invention disclosed a device to sanitize dental equipment, such as toothbrushes, by exposing the equipment to ultraviolet radiation.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cover for mobile electronic device capable of sterilizing mobile electronic device and its cover exposed surface area using UV radiation.

Another object of present invention is to provide at least one UV panels that incorporated to the mobile electronic device cover to sterilize the exposed surface of mobile electronic device and its cover using UV radiation. Another object of present invention is to provide at least one UV panels that incorporated to the mobile electronic device cover to sterilize the exposed surface of portable electronic device and its cover in a manner without expose UV radiation to the user.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates explode view of a self-sterilizing cover for mobile electronic device.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing a mobile electronic device mounted onto the self-sterilizing cover for mobile electronic device with the cover open.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view showing a mobile electronic device mounted onto the self- sterilizing cover with the cover closed. FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective bottom view showing a mobile electronic device mounted onto the self- sterilizing cover with the cover closed.

FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of a mobile electronic device mounted onto the self- sterilizing cover for mobile electronic device with cover closed.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing a mobile electronic device mounted onto the self- sterilizing cover with front cover plate maneuver to engage the second UV- panel of rear cover plate.

FIG. 5B illustrates side view of a mobile electronic device mounted onto the self- sterilizing cover with front cover plate maneuver to engage the second UV- panel of back cover.

FIG. 6 is a control system schematic for operating a self- sterilizing cover for mobile electronic device.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view showing another embodiment of present invention with a mobile electronic device mounted onto the self-sterilization cover with the cover open.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view showing another embodiment of present invention with a mobile electronic device mounted onto the self-sterilization cover with the cover closed

FIG. 8B illustrates side view of another embodiment of present invention with a mobile electronic device mounted onto the self-sterilization cover with the cover closed.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view showing another embodiment of present invention with mobile electronic device mounted onto the self- sterilizing cover with front cover plate maneuver to engage the second UV- panel of rear cover plate. FIG.9B illustrates a side view of another embodiment of present invention with mobile electronic device mounted onto the self- sterilizing cover with front cover plate maneuver to engage the second UV- panel of rear cover plate.

FIG. 10 illustrates planer view of ultra violet panel show the arrangement of U V LED.

FIG. 10B illustrates a section side view of ultra violet panel

FIG. 11 illustrates planer view of another embodiment of Ultra violet panel show the arrangement of UV LED.

FIG 11 B illustrates a section side view another embodiment of ultra violet panel

Referring to the drawings of Fig.1 through 11 B, wherein the same numerals generally refer to the same elements, there is shown a self-sterilizing cover 10 a foldable portfolio designed to accept mobile electronic device m comprising a front cover plate 12 defined by an outer surface 25 and inner surface 26, a rear cover plate 15 defined by an outer surface 25 and an inner surface 24. The front cover plate 12 is connected to rear cover plate 15 by on by a flexible connection spine 8 facilitate flexing, for example the front cover plate 12 can maneuvers in close configuration as shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 3B or maneuvers to the back to engage the second ultraviolet panel 16 on the outer surface 23 of rear cover plate 15 as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 5B. On the inner surface 26 of front cover plate 12 having a first ultraviolet panel 9 and on the outer surface 23 of rear cover plate 15 having a second ultraviolet panel 16 with both panels capable of emit ultraviolet radiation 18 with a wavelength and intensity suitable for the sterilization. A housing 22 is provided on the interior surface 28 of rear cover platel 5 to adapt to hold the mobile electronic device 11. The outer surface 25 of front cover plate 12 is having a first sensor 23 preferable a magnetic switch, and in a magnetic holder strap 9 extending from rear cover plate 15 having a actuator of first sensor 21 preferably a magnet, to actuate the first sensor 23. A first sensor 23 and the actuator of first sensor 21 are configured to mate when the self-sterilization cover 10 is in a closed configuration as shown in FIG.3 and the holder strap 19 preferable a magnetic holder strap extended from rear cover plate 15 is movably attached to the outer surface 25 of the front cover plate 12. The first ultraviolet panel 14 on the interior surface 26 of front cover plate 12 emits ultraviolet radiation for a predetermined period of time only when the self- sterilizing cover 10 is in close configuration and a first magnet 21 carry by magnetic holder strap 9 mated with a first sensor 23 preferably a magnetic switch. Similarly the second ultraviolet panel 16 of rear cover plate 15 on outer surface 23 of rear cover plate 15 will emit ultraviolet radiation for a predetermined period of time only when the front cover plate 12 is maneuver to engage the second ultraviolet panel 16 of the rear cover plate and actuator of second sensor 4, preferably a magnet on the second ultraviolet panel 16 mating with the second sensor 5 preferably a magnetic switch on the outer surface 25 of front cover plate 12.

Close contact between surface of first ultraviolet panel 9 and front surface of mobile electronic device 1 1 , between surfaces of second ultraviolet panel 16 and surface of outer surface 25 of front cover plate 12 prevents ultraviolet radiation from escaping when the area is under ultraviolet radiation sterilization thereby protecting any users or those who pass by when sterilization processes is carry on.

AS shown in FIG. 6, the self-sterilization cover 10 includes a controller 150 for controlling operation of the self-sterilization cover 10 and power supply 156 for providing power to the controller 150 and the ultraviolet radiation source 152 in first ultraviolet panel 9 and second ultraviolet panel 16. The controller 150 can control operation of the self-sterilization cover 10 in several circumstances including but not limited to when self-sterilization cover 10 in closed configuration, when the outer surface 25 of front cover plate 12 is maneuvers to engage the second ultraviolet panel 16. The self-sterilization cover 10 include an manual interface 152 can be a manual switch( not shown in the diagrams) located outside of the self-sterilization cover that a user can select to manually activate or deactivate the self-sterilization cover 10. Sensor and actuator 151 can be first sensor 3 and second sensor 5 preferably magnetic switches and actuator of first sensor 2 and actuator of second sensor 4 preferably magnets senses or detects whether the self- sterilization cover is in closed configuration or the outer surface 25 of front cover plate 12 is in contact with second ultraviolet panel 16. The display 155 can be a flashing LED (not shown in the diagrams) indicates to user sterilization process is activated or any other means known to those who are skills in the art. The timer 154 controls the duration for ultraviolet radiation source first ultraviolet panel 9 and second ultraviolet panel 16 to be activated and emits radiation 18 for sterilization. Power supply 156 for the controller 150 and ultraviolet panels can be drawn from power of mobile electronic device or from the batteries or any suitable sources that are known to that skill in the art.

Another embodiment of a self- sterilization cover for mobile electronic device is depicted in FIGS. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9 and FIG. 9B First ultraviolet panel 9 and second ultraviolet panel 16 preferably make from a flat material transparent to ultraviolet radiation 18. In one embodiment 30 as shown in FIG. 10 and 10B, having plurality of ultraviolet LEDs 12 as source of ultraviolet radiation on one surface lined with a reflective material 14. The ultraviolet radiation source preferably ultraviolet LEDs 12 are configured to emit ultra violet radiation 18 onto surfaces need to be sterilizes, examples mobile electronic device exposed surface and outer wall 25 of front cover plate 12. The reflective material 14 to reflect the emitted ultraviolet radiation 18 in order to thoroughly irradiate the surface in need of sterilization.

FIG. 11 and 11 B showing another embodiment 30A can be first ultraviolet panel

9 or second ultraviolet panel 16 according to the present invention, is make from a flat substantially rectangular shaped material transparent to ultraviolet radiation 18. At least one flat surface of embodiment 30 having plurality of substantially parallel V -shaped groove 11 and at least one side having at least one ultraviolet radiation source preferably ultraviolet LED 12 configure to emit ultraviolet radiation 18. V-shaped grooves are inlaid with reflective material to maximize reflection of ultraviolet radiation 18. As shown in FIG. 11B, ultraviolet radiation 18 emitted by ultraviolet radiation source 17 preferably ultraviolet LED, are reflected by the grooves 11 on one surface emerge through another surface to irradiate the surface in need of sterilization.

Thus, although the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS The invention claim is:

1. A self-sterilizing cover for mobile electronic device comprising:

A foldable portfolio having a front cover panel defined by an outer surface and inner surface including a first ultraviolet panel on said inner surface of said front cover; a real cover define by an outer surface and an inner surface having, a mobile electronic device housing mean on the said inner surface of said lower cover and a second ultraviolet panel on said outer surface of said rear cover;

A spine engage front cover panel and real cover panel is configure to permits said self-sterilization cover to be closed and opened configuration; At least one holder strap to secure said front cover panel and said rear cover panel when in said self-sterilizing cover in close configuration; a controller for enabling said first ultraviolet panel to be activated and emits ultraviolet radiation for predetermined duration and intensity only said self- sterilizing cover is in closed configuration and enabling said second ultraviolet panel to be activated and emits ultraviolet radiation for a predetermined duration and intensity only when said front cover is maneuvers to engage said second ultraviolet panel of said rear cover.

2. A self-sterilizing cover for mobile electronic device of claim 1 , wherein said front cover, said real cover and said holder strap having at least one sensor and actuator of sensor configured to activated said ultraviolet panel when said cover in closed configuration.

3. A self-sterilizing cover for mobile electronic device of claim 1 , wherein said front cover, said real cover and said holder strap having at least one sensor and at least actuator of sensor configured to activate said ultraviolet panel when said front cover panel is maneuvers to engage said second ultraviolet panel.

4. A self-sterilizing cover for mobile electronic device of claim 1 , wherein said first and said second ultraviolet panel having the ultraviolet radiation source includes at least one of a fluorescent tube, a discharge lamp, a laser, and one or more light emitting diodes.

5. A self-sterilizing cover for mobile electronic device of claim 1 , wherein said first and said second ultraviolet panel having at least one surface are lined with a reflective material.

6. A self-sterilizing cover for mobile electronic device of claim 1 , wherein said first and said second ultraviolet panel having at least one surface are lined with plurality of substantially parallel grooves.

7. A self-sterilizing cover for mobile electronic device of claim 1 , wherein said controller comprising at least one said sensor and at least one said actuator of sensor said self-sterilization cover, said sensor and said actuator of sensor adapted to completing a circuit to activate said first ultraviolet panel when said cover is in the closed configuration.

8. A self-sterilizing cover for mobile electronic device of claim 1 , wherein said controller comprising at least one said sensor and at least one said actuator of sensor said self-sterilization cover, said sensor and said actuator of sensor adapted to completing a circuit to activate said first ultraviolet panel to emit ultraviolet radiation when cover is in closed configuration.

9. A self-sterilizing cover for mobile electronic device of claim 1 , wherein said controller comprising at least one said sensor and at least one said actuator of sensor said self-sterilization cover, said sensor and said actuator of sensor adapted to completing a circuit to activate said second ultraviolet panel to emits ultraviolet radiation when said outer surface of said front cover is maneuver to engage said second ultraviolet panel when said self-sterilizing cover in open configuration.