Sterilization of handles and other gripping surfaces
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A self-sterilizing gripping apparatus comprising:
- a gripping surface, at least a portion of said gripping surface being contactable by a user'"'"'s hand when the user touches the apparatus;
a source of UV radiation disposed in proximity with said gripping surface;
means for periodically moving said portion of the gripping surface past said UV radiation source; and
a housing at least partially containing said means for moving;
wherein said portion of said gripping surface is repeatedly exposed to UV radiation.
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Abstract
A self-sterilizing handle or other gripping apparatus. The apparatus and method of the invention have to do with sterilizing a gripping surface with germicidal ultraviolet light. Embodiments of an apparatus are disclosed which provide for periodic and repeated exposure of a gripping surface to the UV radiation. The gripping surface may be incorporated into a handle, so that the handle remains relatively germ-free between uses by individuals. The gripping surface may define a variety of different shapes.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A self-sterilizing gripping apparatus comprising:
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a gripping surface, at least a portion of said gripping surface being contactable by a user'"'"'s hand when the user touches the apparatus;
a source of UV radiation disposed in proximity with said gripping surface;
means for periodically moving said portion of the gripping surface past said UV radiation source; and
a housing at least partially containing said means for moving;
wherein said portion of said gripping surface is repeatedly exposed to UV radiation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A self-sterilizing handle comprising:
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a gripping surface, at least a portion of said gripping surface periodically movable past a source of UV radiation disposed in proximity with said surface, and said portion of said gripping surface being contactable by a user'"'"'s hand when the user grasps the handle;
wherein said portion of said gripping surface is repeatedly exposed to UV radiation. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A self-sterilizing gripping apparatus comprising:
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a gripping surface, a portion of said gripping surface being contactable by a user'"'"'s hand when the user grasps the apparatus;
a source of UV radiation disposed in proximity with said gripping surface; and
means for periodically moving said portion of the gripping surface past said UV radiation source;
wherein said portion of said gripping surface is repeatedly exposed to UV radiation; and
wherein said gripping surface defines a member selected from the group consisting of cylinders, annuluses, and disks.
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Specification