Sponge sterilizer

• US 20070075268A1
• Filed: 11/21/2006
• Published: 04/05/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/16/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Debra Harris
• Original Assignee: Debra Harris
• Inventors: Harris, Debra
• Application Number:
  US11/602,740
• Publication Number:
  US 20070075268A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 250/455.110
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/10 Ultraviolet radiation

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus for sterilizing sponges having a container, comprising a casino and lid, having a UV-transmissive support structure disposed therein, the UV-transmissive support dividing the interior of the container into a sponge chamber and a lamp chamber, the sponge chamber dimensioned to receive a sponge, a source of ultraviolet light disposed within the lamp chamber, and wherein at least one interior surface of the sponge chamber is reflective to UV light.

Claims

1. An apparatus for sterilizing sponges, comprising:

a container, comprising a casing and lid made of a carbonaceous material such as polymer or wood and dimensioned to substantially closely receive a household sponge therein;

a UV lamp of an antimicrobial wavelength;

a support structure for said household sponge, effective in upholding the sponge such that all of said sponges surfaces are available for exposure to light radiation;

wherein the interior surfaces of said container are provided with reflective surfaces so as to irradiate said household sponge with the UV light from said UV lamp;

a glass window, effective in revealing the activation of said UV lamp while also effective in shielding the viewer from harmful wavelengths of UV radiation; and

wherein the sponge chamber presents no external access while the UV lamp is active.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a UV-transmissive support structure comprising quartz.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a UV-transmissive support structure comprising a grid.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lid comprises glass.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the UV lamp emits ultraviolet light at a wavelength of between 200 and 300 nanometers.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a UV-transmissive support structure dividing the interior of the container into a sponge chamber and a lamp chamber.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an interlock.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a circumferential glass window.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a removable drain tray.

10. An apparatus for sterilizing sponges, comprising:

a container comprising a lid hingedly mounted on a casing, the lid and casing being made of a carbonaceous material selected from polymer or wood;

a UV lamp disposed in the lid;

a sponge chamber in the casing of a size capable of receiving a sponge, yet allowing light radiation to pass around the sides of the sponge;

wherein the interior of the chamber is coated with a material effective in reflecting UV light;

wherein a window is provided effective in blocking short wave UV, while permitting visible light to pass; and

wherein the sponge chamber presents no external access while the source of ultraviolet light is active.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a removable water tray.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the lid and container have angled surfaces such that the container has a substantially octagonal cross section.

13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the container is made from a transparent material that blocks short wave UV light.

15. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the sponge is supported on a plurality of supports.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the supports are staggered.