Disinfection device

Abstract

A disinfection device is particularly suitable for disinfecting personal use items such as menstrual cups. The disinfection device includes an upper half and a lower half, a top reflective member and a bottom reflective member positioned in the upper half and the lower half, respectively, and a planar quartz glass member to ensure that all interior and exterior surfaces of the menstrual cup are fully exposed to UVC light to achieve disinfection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a disinfection device, which includes: a top member having a reflective inner surface; a bottom member having a reflective inner surface; at least one LED member positioned adjacent to the inner reflective reflector surface of the bottom member; a battery member for powering the LED member; and an activation button / switch for activating the LED member. The inner reflective surface may be composed of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The present invention also relates to a top member and a bottom member, the top member having a reflector member contained therein, the bottom member having a reflector member contained therein, wherein each of the reflector members includes a separate member separated from and contained within the top member and the bottom member, respectively. The reflector members may each include PTFE or a reflective PTFE coating contained on the surface of the top member and the bottom member. Due to its construction, the disinfection device of the present invention is particularly suitable for disinfecting menstrual cups. Background Art

[0002] There are many systems and devices that utilize LED technology to disinfect and sterilize products or items that people use every day. For example, there are many devices that contain LEDs for disinfecting personal items such as phones, keyboards, other personal electronic items, beauty tools, hygiene equipment, adult toys, children's toys, personal medical tools and equipment, etc.

[0003] Menstrual cups are sanitary devices that have been known and used for some time. Traditional menstrual cups are designed for multiple reuse and must be cleaned before reuse. Menstrual cups are typically cleaned with mild soap and water to prevent the materials used to make the menstrual cup from breaking down. A non-oily, pH-balanced, plant-based cleanser is generally recommended. Some manufacturers even recommend soaking the menstrual cup in boiled water to clean and sterilize it between uses. However, oftentimes, appropriate cleansers or other methods for cleaning menstrual cups may not be available. Therefore, there is a need for a reliable and effective menstrual cup sterilizing device.

[0004] The disinfection device using UV-C LED and reflective polytetrafluoroethylene of the present invention is particularly suitable for disinfecting and sterilizing menstrual cups. When the present invention is used to disinfect menstrual cups, it can extend the service life of the menstrual cup while ensuring the health of the user's vagina. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention relates to a disinfection device, which is particularly suitable for disinfecting menstrual cups, the disinfection device comprising: a housing member having an upper half and a lower half; a top reflector member and a bottom reflector member, the top reflector member being positioned in the upper half of the housing member and the bottom reflector member being positioned in the lower half of the housing member, wherein the top reflector member and the bottom reflector member each comprise PTFE; at least one LED member being positioned in the bottom reflector member; a battery member being in communication with the LED member(s) and positioned in the lower half of the housing member below the bottom reflector member; and an activation button or switch for activating the LED member(s). The disinfection device further comprises a USB connector positioned in the lower half of the housing member below the bottom reflector member and in communication with the battery member for charging the battery member. The disinfection device may also comprise a quartz glass member positioned in the bottom reflector member above the LED member(s) for supporting a personal use item such as a menstrual cup during disinfection. The quartz glass member may have a planar configuration extending across the entire inner diameter of the bottom reflector member.The planar quartz glass member may be supported in position above the LED member(s) within the bottom reflector member by support members extending outwardly from the inner periphery of the bottom reflector member.

[0006] The interior of the top reflective member may have a tapered configuration so that it forms a generally conical shape, and the upper half of the housing member containing the top reflective member may have a dome-like shape. The disinfection device may also include a light member such as an LED visible from the outer surface of the lower half of the housing member, which indicates whether the (one or more) LED members positioned within the bottom reflector member are in an activated state.

[0007] The disinfection device also includes a magnet and a sensor that works in conjunction with the magnet to detect whether the upper and lower halves of the housing member are in a closed and secured or sealed configuration. The sensor can be used to prevent the disinfection device from activating unless the upper and lower halves of the housing member are in a closed and secured / sealed position.

[0008] The (one or more) LED components contained within the bottom reflector member can be in communication with or contained on the printed circuit board, and the (one or more) LED components can include UV-C LED components. In addition, the (one or more) LED components can include a plurality of LED components positioned around the inner periphery of the bottom reflector member, and at least one LED component positioned near the center of the bottom reflector member.

[0009] In another exemplary embodiment, the disinfection device of the present invention may include: a bottom member and a top member, the bottom member having a cup-like shape, the top member having a dome-like shape that fits on the top of the bottom member to form a housing; a top reflector member and a bottom reflector member, the top reflector member being positioned within the top member, the bottom reflector member being positioned within the bottom member, wherein the surface of each of the top reflector member and the bottom reflector member is covered by a PTFE coating; a printed circuit board containing a plurality of LED components positioned within the bottom reflector member; a quartz glass member positioned within the bottom reflector member above the printed circuit board; a battery positioned within the bottom member and communicating with the printed circuit board for powering the circuit board and the LED components; and an activation button or switch for activating the LED components. The quartz glass member may have a planar configuration extending across the entire inner diameter of the bottom reflector member, enabling it to support a personal use item to be disinfected, such as a menstrual cup. The planar quartz glass member may be supported in a position above the (one or more) LED components within the bottom reflector member by means of a support member extending outwardly from the inner periphery of the bottom reflector member.

[0010] This exemplary embodiment of the disinfection device may also include a locking member for securing the bottom member to the top member and a magnet and sensor that work in conjunction with each other to detect whether the top member and the bottom member are in a fixed / sealed configuration with each other. The sensor may function to prevent the disinfection device from being activated unless the top member and the bottom member are in a fixed / sealed configuration with each other. In addition, the interior of the top reflector member may be tapered to form a generally conical shape that enables a personal use item such as a menstrual cup to be accommodated therein while the menstrual cup is being disinfected.

[0011] The plurality of LED components may include a UV-C LED component. In addition, the plurality of LED components may include five UV-C LED components evenly positioned around the inner periphery of the bottom reflector component, and two UV-C LED components positioned near the center of the bottom reflector component. In addition, the disinfection device may also include: a USB-C connector positioned within the bottom component below the bottom reflector component for charging the battery; and an LED process indicator visible from the outside surface of the bottom component, which shows when the disinfection device is operating. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The foregoing features and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only some embodiments according to the present disclosure and therefore should not be considered to limit its scope, the present disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a disinfection device according to the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of an exemplary embodiment of a disinfection device is shown;

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a disinfection device is shown;

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A front view of an exemplary embodiment of a disinfection device is shown;

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the interior of an exemplary embodiment of the disinfection device shown taken along line AA;

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a disinfection device is shown;

[0019] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the bottom interior of the exemplary embodiment of the disinfection device shown taken along line CC;

[0020] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A side view of an exemplary embodiment of a disinfection device is shown;

[0021] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the top interior of the exemplary embodiment of the disinfection device shown taken along line BB;

[0022] Fig.10 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the interior of an exemplary embodiment of a disinfection device is shown, taken along line DD, with a menstrual cup positioned inside the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof. In the accompanying drawings, similar symbols generally mark similar parts unless the context indicates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be used and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that, as generally described herein and shown in the drawings, may be arranged, substituted, combined and designed in a variety of different configurations, all of which are expressly contemplated and form a part of this disclosure.

[0024] The present invention relates to a disinfection device. Although the disinfection device of the present invention is particularly suitable for disinfecting menstrual cups, it can also be used to disinfect and / or sterilize other personal use items. Figure 1 An external stereoscopic view of an exemplary embodiment of a disinfection device 10 of the present invention is shown in FIG. The disinfection device 10 includes a housing having an upper half member 12 and a lower half member 14. The lower half member 14 can have a cup-like shape, and the upper half member 12 can have a dome-like shape (or a half egg-like shape) that fits on top of the lower half member 14. The upper half member 12 and the lower half member 14 can be connected and / or secured to each other by a twist-off locking mechanism, many of which are well known in the art, and are used to connect the members together so that the inside of the connected members can be easily accessed. Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the height of the upper half member 12 may be slightly greater than the height of the lower half member 14 . Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The top plan view of the disinfection device 10 is shown. Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 The bottom plan view of the disinfection device 10 is shown. Figure 2 In the top plan view shown, only the upper half member 12 can be seen, while in Figure 3 In the bottom plan view shown, the bottom 16 of the lower half member 14 can be seen, as well as an activation button or switch 18, a USB charging port connection 20, and (one or more) light indicators 22, such as LEDs, which indicate whether the disinfection device 10 is in an activated state, all of which are positioned on the inner or outer surface of the outer surface of the lower half member 14. The upper half member 12 and the lower half member 14 of the housing are preferably composed of a hard, durable polymer or plastic material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A front view of an exemplary embodiment of a disinfection device 10 is shown having an upper half-member 12 and a lower half-member 14 . Figure 5 It is shown in Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the interior of the exemplary embodiment of the disinfection device 10 shown is taken along the line AA. Figure 5As shown, a top reflector member 32 is positioned / contained within the upper half member 12, while a bottom reflector member 34 is positioned / contained within the lower half member 14. The top reflector member 32 and the bottom reflector member 34 can be composed entirely of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE), or alternatively, they can each be composed of a different material coated with a PTFE or e-PTFE layer such that the PTFE or e-PTFE layer faces an interior opening 35 contained within the disinfection device 10 for receiving a personal care item being disinfected, such as a menstrual cup (see Fig.10 ). Figure 5 The line 37 shown in represents the gradual internal taper of the top reflector member 32 .

[0026] Ultraviolet (UV) sterilization / disinfection relies on radiation emitted in the 250nm–280nm (UVC) wavelength range to inactivate pathogens. PTFE and e-PTFE materials provide over 95% UVC light reflectivity, making them ideal materials for the top reflector member 32 and bottom reflector member 34 of the sterilization device 10 to ensure adequate and complete sterilization / disinfection of personal use items such as menstrual cups. The sterilization device 10 includes one or more LED members 39 contained within the bottom reflector member 34 (see Figure 7 ), the bottom reflector member may be further included on the printed circuit board 41. The disinfection device 10 also includes a battery 43 and a USB charging port 45, which is in communication with the battery to charge the battery. The (one or more) LED members 39 can be UV-C LED members, the charging port connector 45 can be a USB-C connector, and the battery 43 can be a lithium-ion battery. When the battery powers the printed circuit board 41 and the (one or more) LED lights 39 are activated, the top reflector member 32 and the bottom reflector member 34 are used to reflect the UVC light from the (one or more) LED lights 39 so that it reaches all surfaces of personal care items such as menstrual cups to disinfect / sterilize all surfaces of personal care items / menstrual cups.

[0027] like Figure 5As further shown, the disinfection device 10 can also include a quartz glass member 47, which is positioned within the bottom reflector member 34 and raised above the (one or more) LED light members 39 or the printed circuit board 41 containing the (one or more) LED light members 39. The personal use items to be disinfected, such as menstrual cups, are positioned on the quartz glass member 47 contained in the bottom reflector member 34, so that the UVC light generated by the (one or more) LED light members 39 can move thoroughly inside the personal care items (such as menstrual cups) to ensure that all internal surfaces of the personal care items (menstrual cups) are disinfected / sterilized. The quartz glass member 47 can have a planar structure extending across the entire inner diameter of the bottom reflector member 34, so that it can support the personal use items to be disinfected, such as menstrual cups. The planar quartz glass member 47 can be supported in a position within the bottom reflector member 34 above the (one or more) LED members 39 or the printed circuit board 41 containing the (one or more) LED light members 39 by means of a support member extending outward from the inner periphery of the bottom reflector member 34.

[0028] The disinfection device 10 also includes a magnet 50 and a sensor 52 that works in conjunction with the magnet 50 to detect whether the upper half 12 and lower half 14 of the housing member are in a closed and fixed or sealed configuration. The sensor 52 may be a Hall Effect sensor and may function to prevent the disinfection device 10 from being activated unless the upper half 12 and lower half 14 of the housing member are in a closed and fixed / sealed position. This is a safety feature of the disinfection device 10 to prevent operation of the device 10 when the device 10 is not in a closed and fixed / sealed configuration.

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A rear view of an exemplary embodiment of the disinfection device 10 is shown. The lower half member 14 of the disinfection device 10 includes an activation button or switch 18, a USB charging port connection 20, and a light indicator 22 such as an LED that indicates whether the disinfection device 10 is in an activated state, all of which are positioned on the inner or outer surface of the outer surface of the lower half member 14. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the bottom interior of the exemplary embodiment of the disinfection device 10 shown is taken along line CC. Figure 7As shown, the bottom reflector member 34 is included in the lower half member 14. The quartz glass member 47 is also included in the bottom reflector member 34 and is positioned above the (one or more) LED member 39 or the printed circuit board 41 containing the (one or more) LED light member 39. The LED member 39 may include a UV-C LED member. In addition, the plurality of LED members 39 may include five UV-C LED members evenly positioned around the inner periphery of the bottom reflector member 34, and two UV-C LED members positioned near the center of the bottom reflector member 34.

[0030] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A side view of an exemplary embodiment of a disinfection device 10 is shown. Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the top interior of an exemplary embodiment of the disinfection device 10 shown is taken along line BB. Figure 8 As shown, the top reflector member 32 is contained within the upper half member 14. Line 37 represents the gradual internal taper of the top reflector member 32. The interior of the top reflector member 32 tapers in stages (reflected by line 37) to accommodate the shape of a personal use article such as a menstrual cup, and more importantly, to ensure that sufficient UVC light is reflected within the disinfection device 10 to ensure that all surfaces of a personal use article such as a menstrual cup are exposed to the UVC light for disinfection / sterilization. The combination of the quartz glass member 47 contained in the bottom reflector member 34 and the tapered shape of the top reflector member 32 ensures that all interior and exterior surfaces of a personal use article such as a menstrual cup are adequately exposed to the UVC light to ensure that all surfaces are disinfected / sterilized.

[0031] Fig.10 It is shown in Figure 8 4 is a cross-sectional view of the interior of an exemplary embodiment of a disinfection device, taken along line DD, with a menstrual cup 60 positioned inside the device. Fig.10As shown, the menstrual cup 60 is positioned on the quartz glass member 47 contained in the bottom reflector member 34. The menstrual cup 60 extends into the interior of the top reflective member 32. When the disinfection device 10 is activated via the activation button or switch 18, the LED light member 39 generates UVC light that is projected upward into the interior of the menstrual cup 60 and onto the exterior surface of the menstrual cup 60. The top reflective member 32 and the bottom reflective member 34 further reflect the UVC light generated by the LED light member 39 into, on and around the menstrual cup 60 to ensure that all surfaces of the menstrual cup 60 are exposed to the UVC light for disinfection / sterilization. The UV-C LED member positioned within the bottom reflective member used in combination with the PTFE or e-PTFE of the top and bottom reflector members, and the quartz glass member, provides a disinfection device with a wide range of reflective properties to ensure complete and effective disinfection, while providing a disinfection device that is easy to clean and reuse.

[0032] Regarding the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those skilled in the art can translate from plural to singular and / or from singular to plural according to context and / or application. For the sake of clarity, various singular / plural arrangements can be clearly stated in this article. The indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude plural. A single processor or other unit can implement the functions of several items listed in the claims. The fact that specific measures are described in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that the combination of these measures cannot be used to produce good results. Any figure mark in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope.

[0033] The detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention herein illustrates various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. These exemplary embodiments and modes are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope, application or configuration of the present invention in any way. On the contrary, the following disclosure is intended to teach the implementation of exemplary embodiments and modes and any equivalent modes or embodiments known or obvious to those skilled in the art. In addition, all included examples are non-limiting illustrations of exemplary embodiments and modes, and they are equally applicable to any equivalent modes or embodiments known or obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0034] Without departing from the scope of the invention, other combinations and / or modifications of the structure, arrangement, application, proportion, elements, materials or components used in the practice of the invention, except those not specifically described, may be varied or specifically adapted to a particular environment, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating requirements, and are intended to be included in the present disclosure.

[0035] Unless otherwise indicated, it is the applicant's intention to give the words and phrases in the specification and claims the generally accepted common meaning or the ordinary and customary meaning used by those of ordinary skill in the applicable art. Where these meanings differ, the words and phrases in the specification and claims should be given the broadest ordinary meaning. If any word or phrase has any other special meaning, the specification will clearly state and define that special meaning.

Claims

1. A disinfection device, comprising: a housing member having an upper half and a lower half; a top reflector member positioned within the upper half of the housing member, wherein an interior of the top reflector member is unevenly tapered to form a generally cone-like shape, and a bottom reflector member positioned within the lower half of the housing member; at least one LED member positioned within said bottom reflector member; a quartz glass member positioned within the bottom reflector member above at least one LED member; a battery member in communication with the at least one LED member and positioned within the lower half of the housing member below the bottom reflector member; as well as An activation button or switch for activating the at least one LED member.

2. The disinfection device according to claim 1, further comprising a USB connector, which is in communication with the battery component and is positioned in the lower half of the housing component below the bottom reflector component for charging the battery component.

3. The disinfecting device of claim 1, further comprising a light member visible from an exterior surface of the lower half of the housing member, the light member indicating whether the at least one LED member positioned within the bottom reflector member is in an activated state.

4. The disinfection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper half of the housing member includes a dome-like shape.

5. The disinfection device of claim 1, further comprising a magnet and a sensor, the sensor working in conjunction with the magnet to detect whether the upper and lower halves of the housing member are in a closed and secured or sealed configuration.

6. The disinfection device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The device cannot be activated unless the sensor detects that the upper and lower halves of the housing are in a closed and secured / sealed position.

7. The disinfection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one LED member comprises a UV-C LED.

8. The disinfection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the bottom reflector member is circular, and the at least one LED member includes a plurality of LED members evenly positioned around an inner periphery of the bottom reflector member, and at least one LED member is positioned near a center of the bottom reflector member.

9. The disinfection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one LED member is contained on a printed circuit board that is positioned within the bottom reflector member.

10. A disinfection device, comprising: a bottom member having a cup-like shape and a top member having a dome-like shape that fits on top of the bottom member; a top reflector member positioned within the top member, wherein an interior of the top reflector member is unevenly tapered to form a generally cone-like shape, and a bottom reflector member positioned within the bottom member; a printed circuit board including a plurality of LED components positioned within the bottom reflector component; a quartz glass member positioned within the bottom reflector member above the printed circuit board; a battery positioned within the base member and in communication with the printed circuit board for powering the circuit board and the LED member; as well as An activation button or switch for activating the LED element.

11. The disinfection device of claim 10, further comprising a locking member for securing the bottom member to the top member.

12. The disinfection device of claim 11, further comprising a magnet and a sensor, the sensor working in conjunction with the magnet to detect whether the top and bottom members are in a fixed / sealed configuration with respect to each other.

13. The disinfection device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The device cannot be activated unless the sensor detects that the top member and bottom member are in a fixed or sealed configuration with respect to each other.

14. The disinfecting device of claim 10, further comprising a USB connector positioned within the bottom member below the bottom reflector member for charging the battery.

15. The disinfection device of claim 10, further comprising an LED process indicator visible from an outer surface of the base member, the LED process indicator showing when the disinfection device is operating.

16. The disinfection device according to claim 10, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of LED components includes a UV-C LED component.

17. The disinfection device according to claim 16, characterized in that The plurality of UV-C LED members includes five UV-C LED members evenly positioned around an inner periphery of the bottom reflector member, and two UV-C LED members positioned near a center of the bottom reflector member.

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