WO2021223035A1

WO2021223035A1 - Anti-microbial, anti-viral wrap for high-touch surfaces

Info

Publication number: WO2021223035A1
Application number: PCT/CA2021/050640
Authority: WO
Inventors: Victor Nicolov
Original assignee: Anvy Technologies Inc.
Priority date: 2020-05-06
Filing date: 2021-05-06
Publication date: 2021-11-11
Also published as: CA3080703A1

Abstract

A form-fitting copper foil wrap for covering a three dimensional working zone of an object, such as a door handle or other high-touch surface, to provide a replaceable antimicrobial and antiviral surface, the form-fitting copper foil wrap including: a copper foil which comprises at least 68% copper, is between about 0.001 inches thick to about 0.008 inches thick and is tempered to between ¼ hard to hard, the copper foil having an upper surface and a lower surface; and an adhesive substantially covering the lower surface. A method of providing an antimicrobial and antiviral surface is also provided.

Description

ANTI-MICROBIAL, ANTI-VIRAL WRAP FOR HIGH-TOUCH SURFACES FIELD

The present technology is an easy to apply wrap that has at least about 68% copper as an alloy or is 100% copper. More specifically, it is a form -fitting foil for covering high-touch surfaces with an antimicrobial surface.

BACKGROUND

The surfaces of copper and its alloys containing at least 60% copper, such as brass, bronzes, cupronickel and copper-nickel-zinc are antimicrobial and antiviral. They have an inherent ability to kill a wide range of harmful microbes relatively rapidly - often within two hours or less - and with a high degree of efficiency. These antimicrobial properties have been demonstrated by an extensive body of research. The research also suggests that if touch surfaces are made with copper alloys, the reduced transmission of disease-causing organisms can reduce patient infections in hospital intensive care units (ICU) by as much as 58%. https://ariciournal.biomedcentral.eom/articles/10.1186/s13756-018-0456-4 discloses the development and antimicrobial characterization of a composite material that includes copper particles, named Copper Armour™. Due to its initial liquid state, this novel composite can be used to impregnate various surfaces; after it dries (~2.5 h) it provides a solid coating of 0.5-3. O mm thick. Copper Armour™ is a composite material that is embedded with copper particles in a methyl methacrylate resin (matrix) evenly distributed in the matrix, so that copper particles are always partially exposed on the surface. The copper particles include large spheres, nanoparticles, dendritic particles and smaller flake particles. This must be painted onto the surface and the resultant layer must be thick enough and even enough to ensure that the article is properly coated and that there are no missed areas where microbes could harbour. Further, this permanently changes the surface being coated. https://www.cadth.ca/antimicrobial-copper-surfaces-reduction-health-care-associated- infections-intensive-care-settinqs discloses Aereus Shield, which is a 70% copper alloy that is sprayed onto surfaces using a thermal spray technique. The resultant layer must be thick enough and even enough to ensure that the article is properly coated and that there are no missed areas where microbes could harbour. Further, this permanently changes the surface being coated.

Kinetically Deposited Copper Antimicrobial Surfaces (Coatings 2019, 9, 257; i:10.3390/coatings9040257) discloses that copper coatings are favoured over solid copper because of cost considerations. These permanently change the surface being coated. https://www.microban24.com/products/sanitizing-spray-citrus/ discloses a liquid spray sanitizer that includes copper for spraying over surfaces. This spray needs to be reapplied. There is no evidence of its efficacy. https://www.chronos. international/product discloses a copper containing clear sheet that has an adhesive surface. It is applied by removing the backing sheet. There is no disclosure as to the composition of the clear sheet. The clear sheet is provided as a roll or individual sheets. The clear sheets are semi-permanent.

United States Patent Application 20170111992 discloses control panels with antimicrobial copper sheet overlays. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial copper used in the copper sheet overlays can be selected from copper or copper alloys containing from about 60 to about 100 wt % copper. In other embodiments, the copper sheet overlays have one or more deflection spots to permit an operator to use the control panel to operate an electronic device. Some embodiments include methods to manufacture the control panels comprising antimicrobial copper sheet overlays. Further embodiments include methods for operating an electronic device using the control panels comprising antimicrobial copper sheet overlays. Disclosed are double sided adhesives and release liners. Further, it is disclosed in Example 2, copper sheets with a gauge of 0.002" or less and a temper of extra spring were too soft, and the embossed areas did not always spring back. Copper sheets with a gauge of 0.002" and a temper of spring were acceptable, but a little soft, which was of concern for the long-term durability of the deflection spots. There is no teaching of reversibly covering door handles and door knobs to provide antimicrobial surfaces. It is specific to being an overlay on a substantially planar surface. What is needed is an easy to apply and remove antimicrobial foil for knobs and handles. It would be preferable if it was thin enough to form-fit to the surfaces. It would be further preferable if it was resilient enough to not peel on the edges. It would be further preferable if the foil could be replaced as needed. It would be preferable if it could be removed without marring the surface or leaving a residue on the surface of the handle or knob. It would be preferable if the foil was provided in pre-cut shapes to conform to the surface being covered.

SUMMARY

An easy to apply and remove antimicrobial foil for knobs and handles is provided. It is thin enough to form-fit to the surfaces. It is resilient enough to not peel on the edges. The foil can be replaced as needed and can be removed without marring the surface or leaving a residue on the surface of the knob or handle. The foil is provided in pre-cut shapes to conform to the surface being covered.

In one embodiment, a form-fitting copper foil wrap for covering a three dimensional working zone of an object is provided, the form-fitting copper foil wrap including: a copper foil which comprises at least 68% copper, is between about 0.001 inches thick to about 0.008 inches thick and is tempered to between ¼ hard to hard, the copper foil having an upper surface and a lower surface; and an adhesive substantially covering the lower surface.

In the form-fitting copper foil wrap, the copper foil may be 0.001 inches thick.

The form-fitting copper foil wrap may further comprise a release liner releasably attached to the adhesive.

In the form-fitting copper foil wrap, the adhesive and the release liner may be a double sided tape.

In the form-fitting copper foil wrap, the copper foil may be a trilobe, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a circle with a deeply grooved band or a curved sided trapezoid.

In the form-fitting copper foil wrap, the copper foil may be a circle with a deeply grooved band. In another embodiment, a combination of a three-dimensional object and a copper foil wrap is provided, the three-dimensional object including a three-dimensional working zone defining a working surface, the copper foil wrap adhered to the working surface and form-fitting the working surface.

In the combination, the three-dimensional object may be selected from the group consisting of a knob, a lever, a bar, a ring, a pull, a handle and a button.

In the combination, the copper foil wrap may include: a copper foil which comprises at least 68% copper, is between about 0.001 inches thick to about 0.008 inches thick and is tempered to between ¼ hard to hard, the copper foil having an upper surface and a lower surface; and an adhesive substantially covering the lower surface.

In the combination, the copper foil may be 0.001 inches thick.

In the combination, the three-dimensional object may be selected from the group consisting of a smooth knob, a faceted knob and an ornamented knob.

In the combination, the three-dimensional object may be selected from the group consisting of a straight bar, a tapered bar, a door push bar, a panic bar and an ornamented bar.

In the combination, the three-dimensional object may be selected from the group consisting of a door handle, a cabinet handle, a vehicle door handle, a gate latch handle, a tap handle and a soap dispenser pump handle.

In the combination, the three-dimensional object may be selected from the group consisting of a gate latch thumb lever, door latch thumb lever, a passage set lever, a tap lever, a toiler flush lever, a soap dispenser lever and a deadbolt thumb turn.

In the combination, the three-dimensional object may be selected from the group consisting of a soap dispensing button, a cross walk button and an automatic door opener button.

In another embodiment, a combination of a passage set or entry set and a copper foil wrap is provided, the passage set of entry set including a three-dimensional working zone defining a working surface, the copper foil wrap including: a copper foil which comprises at least 68% copper, is about 0.001 inches thick and is tempered to between ¼ hard to hard; and an adhesive layer, wherein the copper foil wrap is adhered to the working surface and form-fits the working surface.

In the combination, the passage set or entry set may include a door knob.

In the combination, the passage set or entry set may include a door lever.

In another embodiment, a method of providing an antimicrobial and antiviral surface on a three-dimensional working zone is provided, the method comprising: providing a copper foil wrap which includes a copper foil comprising at least 68% copper, is between about 0.001 inches thick to about 0.008 inches thick and is tempered to between ¼ hard to hard, the copper foil having an upper surface and a lower surface; and an adhesive substantially covering the lower surface; adhering the copper foil wrap to the three-dimensional working zone; and pressing the copper foil wrap on the three-dimensional working zone to form-fit the copper foil wrap to the three-dimensional working zone.

In the method, the three-dimensional working zone may be a knob, a lever, a bar, a ring, a pull, a handle or a button.

In the method, the copper foil provided may be 0.001 inches thick.

FIGURES

Figure 1A shows the copper foil wrap on a straight lever; Figure 1 B shows the copper foil wrap on a tapered lever; Figure 1 C shows the copper foil wrap on a knob; Figure 1 D shows the copper foil wrap on a thumb turn of a deadbolt; Figure 1 E shows the copper foil wrap on a door push; Figure 1 F shows the copper foil wrap on a panic bar; Figure 1 G shows the copper foil wrap on a cart; Figure 1 H shows the copper foil wrap on a locking knob; Figure 11 shows the copper foil wrap on a keyhole knob; Figure 1 J shows the copper foil wrap on a tap lever; Figure 1 K shows the copper foil wrap on a toilet flush lever; Figure 1 L shows the copper foil wrap on a soap dispenser pump handle; and Figure 1M shows the copper foil wrap on a vehicle door handle. Figure 2A is a cross sectional view of a panic bar; Figure 2B is a cross sectional view of a knob; Figure 2C is a cross sectional view of a tapered tap lever; and Figure 2D is a cross sectional view of a thumb lever.

Figure 3A is a side view of a panic bar; Figure 3B is a longitudinal sectional view of a knob through line 3B of Figure 2B; Figure 3C is a side view of a tapered tap lever; and Figure 3D is a longitudinal sectional view of a thumb lever through line 3D of Figure 2D.

Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of the copper foil wrap of the present technology with a release liner.

Figure 5A is a plan view of one embodiment of the copper foil wrap; Figure 5B is a plan view of another embodiment of the copper foil wrap; Figure 5C is a plan view of another embodiment of the copper foil wrap; Figure 5D is a plan view of another embodiment of the copper foil wrap; Figure 5E is a plan view of another embodiment of the copper foil wrap; and Figure 5F is a plan view of another embodiment of the copper foil wrap.

DESCRIPTION

Except as otherwise expressly provided, the following rules of interpretation apply to this specification (written description and claims): (a) all words used herein shall be construed to be of such gender or number (singular or plural) as the circumstances require; (b) the singular terms "a", "an", and "the", as used in the specification and the appended claims include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise; (c) the antecedent term "about" applied to a recited range or value denotes an approximation within the deviation in the range or value known or expected in the art from the measurements method; (d) the words "herein", "hereby", "hereof", "hereto", "hereinbefore", and "hereinafter", and words of similar import, refer to this specification in its entirety and not to any particular paragraph, claim or other subdivision, unless otherwise specified; (e) descriptive headings are for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any part of the specification; and (f) "or" and "any" are not exclusive and "include" and "including" are not limiting. Further, the terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e. , meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. Where a specific range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is included therein. All smaller sub ranges are also included. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges are also included therein, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used, the acceptable methods and materials are now described.

Definitions:

Copper - In the context of the present technology, "copper" and "copper alloy" refer to metallic copper and alloys of copper with other metals. Unless otherwise specified, the term "copper" should be understood to include both pure copper and copper-metal alloys.

Copper foil - in the context of the present technology, a copper foil is a thin copper or copper-metal alloy that is form-fitting to a wide range of three dimensional shapes and has a thickness that is significantly larger in length and width than in thickness to provide an inner surface and an outer surface.

Copper foil wrap - in the context of the present technology, a copper foil wrap is a copper foil with an adhesive on one of the two surfaces.

Three dimensional objects - in the context of the present technology, three dimensional objects include, but are not limited to spheres, balls, bars, smooth knobs, faceted knobs, ornamented knobs, straight bars, tapered bars, ornamented bars, rings, pulls, door push bars, cabinet pulls, vehicle door handles, gate latch thumb levers, door latch thumb levers, tap handles, tap levers, soap dispenser pump handles, soap dispenser buttons, cross walk buttons, automatic door opener buttons, soap dispenser levers, passage set levers and toilet flush levers.

Sheet - in the context of the present technology, a sheet is a thin, flat rectangular piece of copper foil wrap.

Rectangle - in the context of the present technology, a rectangle is a quadrilateral with four right angles and therefore includes squares and oblong rectangles.

Working zone - in the context of the present technology, a working zone is one that is contacted by a user’s hand, hands, finger, fingers, or thumb. The working zone is three dimensional and is defined by a length, a width and a breadth or a diameter. It has at least two surfaces which may be an upper surface and side surfaces, or an upper surface, a lower surface and side surfaces, or an upper surface, side surfaces, a lower surface and end surfaces, or as in the case of a knob or button, a continuous surface with a loosely defined upper surface, lower surface, side surfaces and front surface. It includes a high-touch surface.

Non-working zone - in the context of the present technology, a non-working zone is one that is generally not contacted by a user’s hand, hands finger or finger, or thumb, or at least need not be contacted.

Detailed Description:

An antimicrobial copper foil wrap, generally referred to as 10 is shown covering a range of three dimensional objects, which include on a straight lever 12 in Figure 1A, on a tapered lever 14 in Figure 1 B, on a knob 16 in Figure 1C, on a thumb turn of a deadbolt 18 in Figure 1 D, on a door push 20 in Figure 1 E, on a panic bar 22 in Figure 1 F, on a cart 24 in Figure 1G, on a locking knob 26 in Figure 1 H and on a keyhole knob 28 in Figure

I I. The locking knob 26 has a lock button 30 that extends through an aperture 32 in the copper foil wrap. Similarly, the keyhole knob 28 has a keyhole 34 that is accessed through an aperture 32. The copper foil wrap 10, is also shown on a tap lever 40 in Figure

I J, a toilet flush lever 42 in Figure 1 K, a soap dispenser pump handle 44 in Figure 1 L, and a vehicle door handle 46 in Figure 1M. As shown in Figure 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D the copper foil wrap 10 has an upper surface 50, which in use, is the outer surface, a lower surface 52, which in use is the inner surface and an adhesive layer 54 on the lower surface 52. The adhesive layer 54 covers the entire lower surface 52. The copper foil wrap 10 form-fits the three dimensional object 56 and the adhesive layer 54 releasably adheres to the three-dimensional object 56. The three-dimensional object 56 in Figure 2A is a panic bar 22, the three-dimensional object 56 is Figure 2B is a knob 16, the three-dimensional object 56 in Figure 2C is a tapered tap lever 40, and the three dimensional object 56 in Figure 2D is a thumb lever 58.

As shown in Figure 3A, the working zone, generally referred to as 60, of the panic bar 22 is enveloped by the form-fitting copper foil wrap 10 along the length and perimeter of the working zone, while the non-working zone, generally referred to as 62, need not be enveloped. As shown in Figure 3B, the working zone, generally referred to as 60, of the knob 16 is enveloped by the form-fitting copper foil wrap 10 and there is no non-working zone 62. As shown in Figure 3C, the working zone, generally referred to as 60, of the tapered tap lever is enveloped by the form -fitting copper foil wrap 10 and there is no non working zone. As shown in Figure 3D, the working zone, generally referred to as 60, of the thumb lever 58 is covered by the form-fitting copper foil wrap 10, while the non working zone, generally referred to as 62, need not be covered. Thus the form-fitting copper foil wrap 10 assumes the contours of the surface of the working zone.

As shown in Figure 4, the copper foil wrap 10 may be supplied with a release liner 70 which is releasably attached to the adhesive layer lower surface 72. The release liner 70 is removed prior to form-fitting the copper foil wrap 10 over the three-dimensional object 56.

As shown in Figure 5A, the copper foil wrap 10 is provided in one embodiment as a sheet, generally referred to as 80. This can be used for any straight bar, straight lever or straight cylinder, whether ornamented or otherwise. As shown in Figure 5B, the copper foil wrap 10 is provided in another embodiment as a trapezoid, generally referred to as 82. This can be used for any tapered bar, tapered lever or tapered cylinder, whether ornamented or otherwise. As shown in Figure 5C, the copper foil wrap 10 is provided in another embodiment as a circle with a deeply grooved band, generally referred to as 84. This can be used for any round surface. As shown in Figure 5D, the copper foil wrap 10 is provided in another embodiment as a curved sided trapezoid that includes side grooves and is generally referred to as 86. This can be used for any tapered bar, tapered lever or tapered cylinder, whether ornamented or otherwise. As shown in Figure 5E, the copper foil wrap 10 is provided in another embodiment as a trilobe, generally referred to as 88. This can be used for any knob, whether ornamented, faceted or otherwise. As shown in Figure 5F, the copper foil wrap 10 is provided as a thumb print, generally referred to as 90. This can be used for any latch thumb lever.

In one embodiment, the copper is 100% copper, is 0.001 inches thick and is tempered ¼ hard, ½ hard, ¾ hard or hard.

In another embodiment, the copper is a copper-metal alloy of at least 68% copper, is 0.001 inches thick and is tempered ¼ hard, ½ hard, ¾ hard or hard.

In another embodiment, the copper is 100% copper, is about 0.001 inches thick to about 0.008 inches thick, preferably 0.002 inches thick and is tempered ¼ hard, ½ hard, ¾ hard or hard.

In another embodiment, the copper is a copper-metal alloy of at least 68% copper, is about 0.001 inches thick to about 0.008 inches thick, preferably 0.002 inches thick and is tempered ¼ hard, ½ hard, ¾ hard or hard.

In one embodiment, the adhesive is double sided tape that is releasable.

In another embodiment, the adhesive is a spray on, roll on or brush on releasable adhesive, for example, but not limited to rubber cement.

The method of applying the copper foil wrap is as follows:

The working zone to be covered is identified 500; the appropriate shaped copper foil wrap is selected 502; the adhesive is applied on what will be the inner surface of the copper foil wrap 504, or the release liner is removed to expose the adhesive 506; the copper foil wrap is applied to the surface of the working zone of the selected three-dimensional object with the adhesive sandwiched between the surface of the working zone and the copper foil wrap 508; and pressure is applied to form-fit the copper foil wrap 510, noting that the copper foil wrap assumes the contours of the surface of the working zone and covers the entire surface of the working zone of the three dimensional object.

While example embodiments have been described in connection with what is presently considered to be an example of a possible most practical and/or suitable embodiment, it is to be understood that the descriptions are not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the example embodiment. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific example embodiments specifically described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed in the scope of the claims, if appended hereto or subsequently filed.

Claims

1. A form-fitting copper foil wrap for covering a three dimensional working zone of an object, the form-fitting copper foil wrap including: a copper foil which comprises at least 68% copper, is between about 0.001 inches thick to about 0.008 inches thick and is tempered to between ¼ hard to hard, the copper foil having an upper surface and a lower surface; and an adhesive substantially covering the lower surface.

2. The form-fitting copper foil wrap of claim 1 , wherein the copper foil is 0.001 inches thick.

3. The form-fitting copper foil wrap of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a release liner releasably attached to the adhesive.

4. The form-fitting copper foil wrap of claim 3, wherein the adhesive and the release liner are combined as a double-sided tape.

5. The form-fitting copper foil wrap of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the copper foil is a trilobe, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a circle with a deeply grooved band or a curved sided trapezoid.

6. The form-fitting copper foil wrap of claim 5, wherein the copper foil is a circle with a deeply grooved band.

7. A combination of a three-dimensional object and a copper foil wrap, the three- dimensional object including a three-dimensional working zone defining a working surface, the copper foil wrap adhered to the working surface and form-fitting the working surface.

8. The combination of claim 7, wherein the three-dimensional object is selected from the group consisting of a knob, a lever, a bar, a ring, a pull, a handle and a button.

9. The combination of claim 8, wherein the copper foil wrap includes: a copper foil which comprises at least 68% copper, is between about 0.001 inches thick to about 0.008 inches thick and is tempered to between ¼ hard to hard, the copper foil having an upper surface and a lower surface; and an adhesive substantially covering the lower surface.

10. The combination of claim 9 wherein the copper foil is 0.001 inches thick.

11. The combination of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the three-dimensional object is selected from the group consisting of a smooth knob, a faceted knob and an ornamented knob.

12. The combination of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the three-dimensional object is selected from the group consisting of a straight bar, a tapered bar, a door push bar, a panic bar and an ornamented bar.

13. The combination of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the three-dimensional object is selected from the group consisting of a door handle, a cabinet handle, a vehicle door handle, a gate latch handle, a tap handle and a soap dispenser pump handle.

14. The combination of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the three-dimensional object is selected from the group consisting of a gate latch thumb lever, door latch thumb lever, a passage set lever, a tap lever, a toiler flush lever, a soap dispenser lever and a deadbolt thumb turn.

15. The combination of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the three-dimensional object is selected from the group consisting of a soap dispensing button, a cross walk button and an automatic door opener button.

16. A combination of a passage set or entry set and a copper foil wrap, the passage set of entry set including a three-dimensional working zone defining a working surface, the copper foil wrap including: a copper foil which comprises at least 68% copper, is about 0.001 inches thick and is tempered to between ¼ hard to hard; and an adhesive layer, wherein the copper foil wrap is adhered to the working surface and form -fits the working surface.

17. The combination of claim 16 wherein the passage set or entry set includes a door knob.

18. The combination of claim 16 wherein the passage set or entry set includes a door lever.

19. A method of providing an antimicrobial and antiviral surface on a three-dimensional working zone, the method comprising: providing a copper foil wrap which includes a copper foil comprising at least 68% copper, is between about 0.001 inches thick to about 0.008 inches thick and is tempered to between ¼ hard to hard, the copper foil having an upper surface and a lower surface; and an adhesive substantially covering the lower surface; adhering the copper foil wrap to the three-dimensional working zone; and pressing the copper foil wrap on the three-dimensional working zone to form-fit the copper foil wrap to the three-dimensional working zone.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the three-dimensional working zone is a knob, a lever, a bar, a ring, a pull, a handle or a button.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the copper foil provided is 0.001 inches thick.