Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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INC Sanitizing Bag
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a sanitizing bag that utilizes UVC
(ultraviolet C) lights. More specifically, the present invention is a device
that is designed
to sanitize any solid product placed within the UVC sanitizing bag.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Within this current time period individuals experience and come into contact
with
many harmful and dangerous bacteria, germs and viruses. Many individuals come
into
contact with them in public areas, where being near other individuals is
unavoidable.
Some ways to limit the spread of these dangerous bacteria and viruses is by
sanitizing
various surfaces and by wearing protective equipment. Although, these methods
of
limiting the spread of viruses are effective they do not cover all potentially
dangerous
areas. For example, at a grocery store many individuals will touch and inspect
their food
before putting it in their cart and buying it, or before replacing it and
continuing with
their shopping. Certain produce cannot be sanitized in the same manner as
other surfaces
and thus present a potential way, where harmful bacteria and viruses can be
spread from
person to person. To mitigate the spread of these harmful bacteria and
viruses,
individuals must either rely on other people to not touch products if they do
not purchase
them or must hand clean each item once they are home. Unfortunately, hand
cleaning
each product is not entirely effective as it might not cover each area and
additionally it
takes a significant amount of time to properly clean each item. Thus, a small
enclosure or
bag that can sanitize grocery products in a mess free, quick, and efficient
way is a need of
the hour.
An objective of the present invention is to provide users with a sanitizing
bag, to
help eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses from grocery products. The present
invention
intends to provide users with a device that can hold various items and
properly sanitize
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each item quickly and efficiently by utilizing UVC lights. Ultraviolet C (UVC)
is a type
of ultraviolet light with wavelengths between 100-280 nanometers (nm). UVC
light is a
known disinfectant that inactivates viruses and bacteria. Accordingly, a
preferred
embodiment of the present invention comprises a bag base, a bag lid, a
plurality of bag
handles, a plurality of bag pockets, and a plurality of boards. Further, the
bag lid
comprises components that control the various electronics throughout the
present
invention to ensure the user has a convenient and useful experience. Thus, the
present
invention is a bag that can sanitize any solid product placed within the bag,
quickly and
efficiently by utilizing UVC lights and ensures the safety of the user
throughout the
process.
SUM:MARY
An objective of the present invention is to help with eliminating harmful
bacteria
and viruses from various solid products. In other words, the present invention
seeks to
provide users with a device that can eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses
from solid
product by utilizing UVC lights on the top and bottom of a bag. In order to
accomplish
this the present invention comprises a bag base that ensures the present
invention can stay
charged and hold various products. Further, the bag lid and bag base ensure
that the
products placed within the present invention can be exposed to UVC lights from
multiple
directions. Additionally, the plurality of bag handles and bag pockets provide
the user
with additional functionality and storage. Further, a plurality of boards and
shelves are
designed to allow multiple storage levels which can be created within the UVC
sanitizing
bag and ensure the present invention retains its overall shape. Thus, the
present invention
is a bag that can sanitize any solid product placed within, quickly and
efficiently by
utilizing UVC lights while ensuring the safety of the user throughout the
process.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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FIG. 1 is a top-front left perspective view of the present invention, wherein
the lid is
closed.
FIG. 2 is a is a bottom rear right perspective view of the present invention,
wherein the
lid is closed
FIG. 3 is a top front right perspective view of the present invention, wherein
the lid is
open, the trays are not shown, and the bag base is shown in phantom.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the electric and electronic
components of the
present invention.
FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a right-side elevational view of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a top front left perspective view of the present invention, wherein
the lid is
open.
FIG. 10 is a left side elevational view, wherein the lid is open.
FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the present invention, with the lid open.
FIG. 12 is a top front sectional view of the present invention, wherein the
lid is open.
DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF TITE INVENTION
All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected
versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of
the present
invention. In reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 12, the present invention is a
UVC
sanitizing bag. An objective of the present invention is to help with
eliminating harmful
bacteria and viruses from various solid products. In other words, the present
invention
seeks to provide users with a device that can eliminate harmful bacteria and
viruses from
solid product by utilizing UVC lights on the top and bottom of a bag. In order
to
accomplish this the present invention comprises a bag base that ensures the
present
invention can stay charged and hold various products. Further, the positioning
of the
UVC lights within the bag lid and the bag base ensures the product placed
within the
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present invention can be exposed to UVC lights from multiple directions.
Additionally,
the plurality of bag handles and bag pockets provide the user with additional
functionality
and storage. Furthermore, a plurality of boards and shelves are designed to
allow multiple
storage levels which can be created within the UVC sanitizing bag and ensure
the present
invention retains its overall shape. Thus, the present invention is a bag that
can sanitize
any solid product placed within, quickly and efficiently by utilizing UVC
lights and
ensures the safety of the user throughout the process.
The following description is in reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 12. According
to
a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a receptacle 1, an
inner cavity 2,
a lid 3, a plurality of PCBs 4 (printed circuit boards), a plurality of UVC
light sources 5, a
first fastener 6, at least one shelf 7, an electrical system 8, a human
interface device
(HID) 9, and a display device 10. The receptacle 1 is made of a flexible
material, with a
hollow rectangular shape with an open top face. rr o that end, the inner
cavity 2 traverses
into the receptacle 1, and the inner cavity 2 extends from a first end la of
the receptacle 1
towards a second end lb of the receptacle 1, wherein the first end la is
positioned
opposite to the second end lb across the receptacle 1. This is so that, the
present
invention can hold various products with the inner cavity 2 of the receptacle
1. As seen
in FIG. 5, the first end la constitutes a top end of the receptacle 1 and the
second end lb
constitutes a bottom end of the receptacle 1. However, the receptacle 1 may
comprise any
other shape, size, material, components, arrangement of components etc. that
are known
to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present
invention are not
altered. As seen in FIG. 9 through FIG. 12, the lid 3 is hingedly connected to
an edge of
the receptacle 1 adjacent to the first end la. In other words, the receptacle
1 connects to
the bag lid 3 along the rear side, close to the top end of the bag. When the
device is in a
working mode, the lid 3 covers the inner cavity 2, as seen in FIG. 1 and FIG.
2. More
specifically, the lid 3 covers the open top section of the receptacle 1, when
needed. In the
preferred embodiment, the plurality of PCBs 4 holds or houses the important
electrical
and electronic components of the present invention. Preferably, the plurality
of PCBs 4
are sturdy rectangular boards made of one or more solid materials that are
suitable for
housing integrated circuits. As seen in FIG. 4, the plurality of PCBs 4
comprises a first
board 11 and a second board 12. Preferably, the first board 11 is mounted
withing the
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receptacle 1 adjacent the second end lb, and the second board 12 is mounted
within the
lid 3.
The present invention is a bag that can sanitize any solid product placed
within,
quickly and efficiently by utilizing UVC lights. To accomplish this, the
plurality of UVC
light sources 5 and the electrical system 8 are mounted adjacent the plurality
of PCBs 4.
Ultraviolet C (UVC) is a type of ultraviolet light with wavelengths between
100-280
nanometers (nm). UVC light is a known disinfectant that inactivates viruses
and bacteria.
In the preferred embodiment, the plurality of UVC light sources 5 comprises
plurality of
strips of UVC lights arranged parallelly with respect to each other. This
arrangement
will ensure that any product placed within the present invention will receive
adequate
UVC light coverage from opposing ends. However, the plurality of UVC light
sources 5
may comprise any other shape, size, location, number, arrangement etc., as
long as the
intents of the present invention are not altered.
As seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the first fastener 6 is integrated between the
first
end la of the receptacle 1 and the lid 3. This is so that no light traverses
out from the
receptacle 1 when the lid 3 is fastened to the receptacle 1 with the first
fastener 6. In the
preferred embodiment, the first fastener 6 is a zipper. The zipper is located
around the
bottom edge of the front, left and right side of the bag lid 3. The zipper is
designed to
close the lid 3 onto the bag base or receptacle 1 to ensure the UVC light
within both
components cannot shine onto items outside of the present invention, thereby
ensuring
safety of users. However, the first fastener 6 may comprise any other
fastening
mechanism, size, technique etc. that are known to one of ordinary skill in the
art, as long
as the objectives of the present invention are not hindered.
In order to hold or house the products that need to be sanitized safely within
the
receptacle 1, the at least one shelf 7 is mounted within the inner cavity 2,
not touching the
plurality of UVC light sources 5. Preferably, the at least one shelf 7 allows
various items
to lay within the inner cavity 2, while still being exposed to the plurality
of UVC light
sources 5. To accomplish this, the at least one shelf 7 comprises a grid
structure, is made
of a reflective material, and comprises a transverse cross section that is
similar to that of
the receptacle 1. This is so that light easily passes through the grid, gets
reflected with the
help of the reflective material, and the at least one shelf 7 sits firmly
within the
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dimensions of the inner cavity 2. However, the at least one shelf 7 may
comprise any
other shape, size, material, location, components, arrangement of components
etc., as
long as the intents of the present invention are fulfilled.
According to the preferred embodiment, the electrical system 8 comprises a
plurality of electrical and electronic components that work together for the
smooth
functioning of the present invention. To that end, the plurality of UVC light
sources 5 and
the HID 9 are electronically connected to the electrical system 8, wherein
actuating the
electrical system 8 initiates actuation of the plurality of UVC light source,
which in turn
initiates a sanitization process of products placed within the inner cavity 2.
As seen in
FIG. 8, the HID 9 and the display device 10 are mounted onto an external
surface 3a of
the lid 3. Preferably, the HID 9 is an ON/OFF button that when pressed will
directly cut
off or open current flowing to the electrical components of the present
invention, to
ensure the present invention can be easily turned on and off. Thus, in effect
the 1-11ll 9 is
operably coupled to the plurality of UVC lights 5, wherein operating the HID 9
governs
actuation of the plurality of UVC lights 5. Further, the display device 10 is
electronically
coupled to the electrical system 8, wherein the display device 10 displays the
actuation
and progress status of the sanitization process. Preferably, the display
device 10 is an
OLED display SSD1306 that serves as a user interface to relay various
information to the
user. However, the display device 10 and the HID 9 may comprise any other
size, brand,
technology, etc. that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long
as the intents of
the present invention are fulfilled.
A more detailed description of the present invention follows. As seen in FIG.
3,
the plurality of UVC light sources 5 comprises a first set of lights 5a and a
second set of
lights 5b. Preferably, the first set of lights 5a are mounted adjacent the
first board 11, and
the second set of lights 5b are mounted adjacent the second board 12, wherein
the first set
of lights 5a and the second set of lights 5b are oriented towards the inner
cavity 2. In
other words, the plurality of UVC light sources 5 is mounted at both the top
and bottom
ends of the present invention. This is so that the products placed within the
receptacle 1
are efficiently sanitized with the help of UVC lights from different angles.
In order to accomplish the smooth functioning of the present invention, the
electrical system 8 comprises a power source 13, a charging port 14, a
processor 15, a
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main connecting wire 16, a timer 17, and at least one sensor 18. As seen in
FIG. 4, the
power source 13 and the charging port 14 are mounted onto the first board 11.
Further,
the processor 15, the timer 17, and the at least one sensor 18 are mounted
onto the second
board 12. Preferably, the power source 13 is a rechargeable battery. The
battery is
designed as a slim rectangular shape and has preferably a 5000mAh capacity but
is not
limited to this size. However, any other power sources may be used, as long as
the intents
of the present invention are not altered. Examples of such power sources
include, but are
not limited to solar power, Li batteries, power from power outlets, external
batteries etc.
As the present invention is charged by the charging port 14 the battery
located above the
first board 11, retains most of the electricity for later use. Located on the
rear side of the
first board 11 is the charging port 14 which is designed as a USB-C to ensure
the present
invention can be charged by an outside electrical source quickly and easily
seen in FIG.
2. However, the charging port 14 may comprise any other size, shape, type etc.
as long as
the intents of the present invention are fulfilled.
The processor 15 controls the actions of all the electronic components of the
present invention. For example, the processor 15 will control other
electronics within the
present invention such as controlling the HID 9, any indicator LED light,
indicate the
user to properly shut the bag lid through the displace device 10 etc., amongst
various
other information. To accomplish this, the processor 15 and the charging port
14 are
electrically connected to the power source 13.
As seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, along the rear side of the receptacle 1 is the
main
connector wire 16. The main connector wire 16 ensures that electricity can
flow between
the bad lid and the bag base. In other words, the main connecting wire 16 is
electrically
connected between the first board 11 and the second board 12. Connected at the
bottom
of the main connector wire 16 is the first board 11 that is designed to
control and relay
information to the base UVC light or the first set of lights 5a. The first
board 11
comprises the charging port 14 and a connection plug 19, as shown in FIG. 4.
The
connection plug 19 is preferably a JST connector plug that allows both
information and
electricity to flow from the main connector wire to the first board 11 and
back.
According to the preferred embodiment, the at least one sensor 18 and the
timer
17 are electronically connected to the processor 15. The timer 17 is
preferably a digital
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timer that may be seen at the top of the present invention that indicates the
amount of
time left for the product within the present invention to become properly
sanitized. The at
least one sensor 18 is intended to sense user presence and prevent unexpected
UVC light
exposure from within the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the
at least one
sensor 18 comprises a digital capacitive touch sensor 18a that is operably
coupled with
the HID 9, and a magnetic catch safety clasp sensor 18b, that is operably
coupled to a
second fastener 20. Preferably, the second sensor 20 is a magnetic safety
clasp that is
mounted between the receptacle 1 and the lid 3. More specifically, the second
fastener 20
is operably connected to the at least one sensor 18 (18b), wherein operating
the second
fastener 20 enables shutting down of the sanitization process. This component
is designed
so that once the magnetic connection is broken the present invention will
automatically
turn off to ensure that the user will not accidentally be exposed to any UVC
light.
As seen in FIG.1 and FIG. 8, the present invention comprises a USB (universal
serial bus) charging port 21. Preferably, the USB charging port 21 is mounted
onto the
lid, and the USB charging port 21 is electrically connected to the second
board 12. The
USB charging port 21 utilizes the power from the power source 13 to allow the
user to
charge their phone or another electronic device with the present invention.
It should be noted that any other electric and electronic components, (for
e.g.,
connection wires, ICs (integrated circuits) etc.) that are known to one of
ordinary skill in
the art, may be included and will fall under the scope of the present
invention, as long as
the intents of the present invention are not hindered.
Continuing with the preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a
plurality of reinforcement straps 22, and a plurality of bag handles 23.
Preferably, the
plurality of reinforcement straps 22 is laterally mounted around receptacle 1.
In other
words, as seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, around the outer sides of the receptacle
1 are the
plurality of reinforcement straps 22 designed as long thin cylindrical lines
that can help
keep the receptacle 1 in its hollow rectangular shape. Further, the plurality
of bag handles
23 is mounted on opposing sides of the receptacle 1 adjacent the first end la.
The
plurality of bag handles 23 is designed with a sturdy material that creates an
upside-down
U-shape to allow the user to easily and efficiently carry the present
invention.
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As seen in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 5 etc., the present invention comprises a
plurality
of pockets 24. Preferably, the plurality of pockets 24 is laterally mounted
onto an external
surface lc of the receptacle 1. In its preferred embodiment the plurality of
bag pockets 24
comprises a front pocket 24a and a plurality of side pockets 24b. The front
pocket 24a is
positioned in between the U-shaped bag handle on the front side of the
receptacle 1 as
shown in FIG. 5. The front pocket 24a is designed with a rectangular shape to
create a
space for the user to place a phone or electronic device. Shown in FIG. 5,
along the left
and right side of the bag base the plurality of side pockets 24b is
positioned. The plurality
of side pockets 24b is designed as larger rectangular shapes that allow for
extra storage
for the present invention. It should be noted that the plurality of bag
handles 23 and the
plurality of pockets 24 may comprise any other shape, size, location, material
etc., as
long as the intents of the present invention are fulfilled.
As seen in FIG. 3, the present invention comprises a plurality of
reinforcement
boards 25. Preferably, the plurality of reinforcement boards 25 is laterally
integrated
around the sidewalls of the present invention. More specifically, the
plurality of
reinforcement boards 25 is located on the top, bottom, front, and rear side of
the present
invention shown in FIG. 3. In the preferred embodiment, the plurality of
reinforcement
boards 25 comprises rectangular panels made of a cardboard material, shaped to
match
each side of receptacle 1 of the present invention. This design allows the
present
invention to hold various objects while still retaining its original shape
seen in FIG. 1,
while also being slightly flexible. However, the plurality of reinforcement
boards 25 may
comprise any other material, size, shape, components, arrangement of
components etc.,
as long as the objectives of the present invention are fulfilled.
According to the preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises an
insulation layer 26. Preferably, the insulation layer 26 is mounted laterally
along inner
sidewalls id of the receptacle 1. The insulation layer 26 is a protective
measure to ensure
that none of the UVC light reaches outside of the bag to ensure the user is
not exposed to
potentially harmful UVC light seen in FIG. 3. Further, the insulation layer 26
is also
made of a reflective material, so that UVC light falling on the inner
sidewalls id may be
reflected and the products placed within the inner cavity 2 gets sanitized by
multiple
angles.
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In reference to FIG. 12, the at least one shelf 7 comprises a first shelf 7a
and a
second shelf 7b. Preferably, the first shelf 7a is mounted within the inner
cavity 2
adjacent the second end lb. The first shelf 7a allows various items to lay on
the bottom
of the bag base while still being exposed to the base UVC lights. To ensure
the first shelf
7a is not sitting on the first board 11 and hindering with the operation of
the electrical
components, the first shelf 7a is mounted slightly above the first board 11.
In other
words, the first shelf 7a is laterally offset from the first board 11.
Directly above the first
shelf 7a is another divider which is the midway shelf or the second shelf 7b.
The second
shelf 7b is mounted within the inner cavity 2 and laterally offset from the
first shelf 7a. In
the preferred embodiment, the second shelf 7b may be folded. To accomplish
this, the
present invention comprises a plurality of third fasteners 27, wherein the
plurality of
second fasteners 27 is mounted onto inner sidewalls id of the receptacle 1.
Further, as
seen in FIG. 11, the second shelf 7b is held on normally to the inner
sidewalls id by the
plurality of third fasteners 27. When the plurality of third fasteners 27 is
unfastened, the
second shelf 7b is foldable along the inner sidewalls id of the receptacle 1.
In other
words, this design allows the second shelf 7b to be disconnected from the
receptacle 1
and folded up against the side easily to that the interior of the bag base can
be quickly and
easily organized. As seen in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the plurality of third
fasteners 27
comprises hook and loop fasteners. However, any other fastener or fastening
technology
may be used for the plurality of third fasteners 27, as long as the intents of
the present
invention are not hindered.
With all the components working in tandem with each other it can be seen that
the
present invention is a bag that can sanitize any solid product places within
quickly and
efficiently by utilizing UVC lights and ensures the safety of the user
throughout the
process.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred
embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and
variations
can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
hereinafter
claimed.
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