Sterilizing enclosure and method for telephones or other mobile devices

Abstract

A mobile electronic device housing includes a body, an arm movably coupled to the body, and a bactericide source disposed on the arm. The body defines an interior configured to secure a mobile electronic device. The arm is movable relative to the mobile electronic device to apply a bactericide to the mobile electronic device while the mobile electronic device is secured in the body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system and apparatus for securing the housing of a phone or similar mobile device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a system and apparatus for disinfecting the surface of a mobile phone, tablet computer, portable music device, portable gaming system, or other mobile device. Summary of the invention

[0002] The mobile electronic device housing may include a body, an arm movably coupled to the body, and a germicide source disposed on the arm. The body defines an interior configured to secure the mobile electronic device. The arm may be movable relative to the mobile electronic device to apply germicide to the mobile electronic device when the mobile electronic device is secured in the body.

[0003] Another mobile electronic device housing may include a body defining an interior and a track, an arm movably coupled to the body, and a germicide source disposed on the arm. The interior is configured to secure a mobile electronic device. The arm is slidably and rotatably coupled to the track and is movable relative to the mobile electronic device to apply germicide to each exposed surface of the housing and the mobile electronic device when the mobile electronic device is secured in the body.

[0004] A method for disinfecting a mobile electronic device includes providing a housing for the mobile electronic device. The housing includes a body defining an interior and a track, an arm movably coupled to the body, and a sterilant source disposed on the arm. The interior is configured to secure the mobile electronic device. The method further includes activating the sterilant source and moving the arm along the track to disinfect one or more surfaces of the housing and the mobile electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a first configuration of an example sterilization housing for a mobile device;

[0006] Figure 2 is an isometric view of a second configuration of an example sterilization housing;

[0007] Figure 3 is an isometric view of a third configuration of an example sterilization housing;

[0008] Figure 4 is an isometric view of a fourth configuration of an example sterilization housing;

[0009] Figure 5 is an isometric view of a fifth configuration of an example sterilization housing;

[0010] Figure 6 is an isometric view of a sixth configuration of an example sterilization housing;

[0011] Figure 7 is an isometric view of a seventh configuration of an example sterilization housing;

[0012] Figure 8 is a side view of a third configuration of an example sterilization housing;

[0013] Fig. 9 is an isometric view of an arm portion of an example sterilization housing;

[0014] Fig.10 is a side view of a third configuration of an example sterilization housing;

[0015] Figure 11-Figure 19 are additional views of an example disinfection housing for a mobile device;

[0016] Fig. 20 Includes various views of an example disinfection housing for a mobile device; and

[0017] Figure 21-26 are various views of an example disinfection housing for a mobile device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Mobile phones and similar mobile devices can be involved in the spread of infectious germs. Phones are constantly touched, especially when in use, and can attract and retain germs due to these touches. Phones are often passed between users and each user's touch can multiply the number of germs on the phone. When not in use, phones are often placed on tables, desks, chairs, or other various surfaces that themselves have germs that can be transferred to the phone.

[0019] By sterilizing or disinfecting the surface of a phone on a regular basis, such as after each use of the phone, the impact of bacteria spread through the phone can be significantly reduced. Therefore, a system and apparatus are needed to disinfect the surface of a phone to eliminate one or more of the above-mentioned problems.

[0020] Certain disinfectants and sterilizers can be used to disinfect objects and surfaces, such as mobile phones and other mobile electronic devices. One class of disinfectants is electromagnetic energy of a specific frequency in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum. Ultraviolet light (referred to herein as germicidal UV) with a known wavelength in the range of about 100 nanometers to about 280 nanometers is lethal to bacteria and other microorganisms, thereby killing microorganisms, rendering them harmless, or eliminating their ability to reproduce. Germicidal UV with a known wavelength of about 254 nanometers (frequency of about 1.18 petahertz (PHz)) is particularly effective. In one embodiment of the present invention, germicidal UV can be used as an effective agent for sterilizing or disinfecting the surfaces of phones and other mobile devices that can be contact points for multiple users (referred to herein as "contact points"). Similarly, as used herein, "contact point surface" refers to any surface of a contact point (e.g., a phone screen, the back of a phone, a button on a gaming device, etc.). Systems and devices for disinfecting such contact point surfaces may involve germicidal UV or other disinfectants.

[0021] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the various views, Figure 1 1 is an isometric view of a first configuration of an example sterilization enclosure 10 for a mobile device. The sterilization enclosure 10 may include a body 20, an arm 30, a first track 40a and a second track 40b (eg, Figure 8 2. The body 20 may include an interior 21 and walls 22. The boundaries of the interior 21 may be defined by the walls 22, which establish a substantially rectangular shape for the interior. The walls 22 include a right wall 22a, a left wall 22b, a top wall 22c, and a bottom wall 22d. The direction of the walls (i.e., left, right) is defined relative to the orientation of a mobile device (not shown) when placed in the interior 21. Figure 1 As shown, each of the walls 22 may be connected to each other at a curved corner, but other shapes and corner angles are contemplated. To this end, while a particular shape and size of the interior 21 is shown, a variety of other shapes and sizes are contemplated to accommodate and accommodate a wide range of device shapes and sizes. The body 20 is further shown to include a first hole 24 and a second hole 26. In Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the first aperture 24 is configured to provide an opening for a camera of the mobile device, and the second aperture 26 is configured to provide an opening for a switch of the mobile device. Thus, the size, shape, and position of the first aperture 24 and the second aperture 26 may be unique to the mobile device, and other sizes, shapes, and positions of the first aperture 24 and the second aperture 26 are contemplated to adapt the disinfection enclosure 10 to different mobile devices.

[0022] The arm 30 may extend from the top wall 22c to the bottom wall 22d, and a generally linear portion of the arm 30 may be aligned with the left wall 22b and / or the right wall 22a. The arm 30 may include one or more sources (e.g., UV light) of a disinfectant or sterilizing agent (e.g., UV light) on the generally linear portion of the arm. Figure 8 ). The arm 30 may include a first connector 31a connected to a first track 40a at the bottom wall 22d, and a second connector 31b connected to a second track 40b at the top wall 22c. The first track 40a may be or may include a slot or similar recess in the bottom wall 22d that is configured to receive the first connector 31a. Thus, the first connector 31a may include a pin, a rod, or a similar protrusion that is configured to interact with the first track 40a in such a manner that the arm 30 is slidably and rotatably coupled to the first track 40a. Similarly, the second connector 31b may include a pin, a rod, or a similar protrusion that is configured to interact with the second track 40b in such a manner that the arm 30 is slidably and rotatably coupled to the second track 40b. As shown Figure 1 As shown, the arm 30 can be slidably and rotatably coupled to the first track 40a and the second track 40b. In other embodiments, the arm 30 can be slidably and rotatably coupled to only one of the first track 40a and the second track 40b. Since the arm 30 can be slidably and rotatably coupled to at least one of the first track 40a and the second track 40b, the arm can be moved around the entire body 20 by sliding along the first track 40a and / or the second track 40b and rotating around the first connector 31a and / or the second connector 31b.

[0023] The body 20 may further include first and second nodes 38a, 38b, which are ridges located on either side of the first track 40a that are substantially parallel to and extend along the length of the first track 40a. The same set of nodes may be located on either side of the second track 40b. Each of the first and second nodes 38a, 38b may be part of a power supply to one or more disinfectant or sterilant sources and will be discussed below with respect to Figure 8 for a more detailed discussion.

[0024] As mentioned above, Figure 1, the disinfection housing 10 is shown in a first configuration. Broadly speaking, the disinfection housing 10 can be configured to disinfect the exposed surfaces of the disinfection housing 10 and any device secured within the disinfection housing 10 by providing a disinfectant or sterilizing agent (e.g., UV light) on each exposed surface. This is accomplished by the arm 30 orbiting around the disinfection housing 10, and then one or more disinfectant or sterilizing agent sources (e.g., LEDs 35) of the arm 30 provide a disinfectant or sterilizing agent (e.g., disinfecting UV light) to each exposed surface. As used herein, "configuration" generally refers to the position of the arm 30 relative to the rest of the disinfection housing 10, and "first configuration" refers to the arm 30 being substantially parallel to and flush with the body 20. "Flush" means that the surface of the arm 30 contacts the surface of the body 20 so that there is substantially no space between the arm 30 and the body 20. In some embodiments, for example Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the sterilization housing 10 includes a cutout or notch (e.g., a slot 28) in Figure 3-Figure 6 ) for inserting or "docking" the sterilization housing 10 when the arm 30 is in the first configuration. Arrow 50a shows the direction of movement of the arm 30 as the sterilization housing 10 progresses from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0025] In addition to the various configurations, arm 30 of sterilization housing 10 can have a first position and a second position. In the first position, similar to the first configuration, arm 30 is fixed to sterilization housing 10 (e.g., received within slot 28), and movement around sterilization housing 10 is restricted. In the second position, similar to the remaining configurations, arm 30 is disposed or moved away from sterilization housing 10 and movement around sterilization housing 10 is limited only by the boundaries of first track 40a and / or second track 40b (i.e., arm 30 is able to move unrestricted along the track). In other words, when sterilization housing 10 is in the first configuration, arm 30 is in the first position, and when sterilization housing 10 is in the second to seventh configurations (e.g., Figure 2-Figure 7 ) shown in any one of the embodiments, the arm 30 is in the second position. In these embodiments, the disinfection housing 10 may include a locking mechanism that is configured to secure the arm 30 in the first position. In some embodiments, the arm 30 may be biased to the second position (e.g., spring loaded) so that when the locking mechanism is disengaged, the arm 30 automatically moves to the second position. In other embodiments, the arm 30 is not biased to either position, so disengaging the locking mechanism allows the arm 30 to move to the second position, but such movement does not occur automatically.

[0026] Figure 2 is an isometric view of a second configuration of the sterilization enclosure 10. Figure 1 As described, the sterilizing housing 10 is sterilized by Figure 1The arm 30 is adjusted from the first configuration to the second configuration by moving the arm 30 in the direction indicated by the arrow 50a in the figure. Thus, the second configuration is shown here as when the arm 30 is moved away from the rest of the sterilization housing 10 but still substantially parallel to the length of the first track 40a (i.e., the arm 30 slides along the first track 40a and / or the second track 40b without rotating). Arrow 50b shows the direction of movement of the arm 30 as the sterilization housing 10 progresses from the second configuration to the third configuration.

[0027] Figure 3 is an isometric view of a third configuration of the sterilization enclosure 10. Figure 2 As described, the sterilizing housing 10 is sterilized by Figure 2 4. The arm 30 is adjusted from the second configuration to the third configuration by moving the arm 30 in the direction indicated by the arrow 50b. Thus, the third configuration is shown here as when the arm 30 is substantially perpendicular to the axis formed by the length of the first track 40a (i.e., the arm 30 is rotated 90 degrees about the first connector 31a). When the mobile device is fixed within the interior 21 and when the disinfection housing 10 is in the third configuration, the one or more disinfectant sources of the arm 30 provide disinfectant to the surface (e.g., the screen) of the mobile device. Arrow 50c shows the direction of movement of the arm 30 when the disinfection housing 10 progresses from the third configuration to the fourth configuration.

[0028] Figure 4 is an isometric view of a fourth configuration of the sterilization enclosure 10 according to various embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3 As described, the sterilizing housing 10 is sterilized by Figure 3 The arm 30 is adjusted from the third configuration to the fourth configuration in the direction indicated by the middle arrow 50c. Thus, the fourth configuration is shown when the arm 30 is still moving away from the rest of the sterilization housing 10 and is in the middle of rotating around the right wall 22a (i.e., the arm 30 slides along the entire length of the first track 40a and / or the second track 40b and begins to rotate). Arrow 50d shows the direction of movement of the arm 30 when the sterilization housing 10 progresses from the fourth configuration to the fifth configuration.

[0029] Figure 5 is an isometric view of a fifth configuration of the sterilization enclosure 10 according to various embodiments of the present invention. Figure 4 As described, the sterilizing housing 10 is sterilized by Figure 4The arm 30 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow 50d from the fourth configuration to the fifth configuration. Thus, the fifth configuration is shown here as when the arm 30 is substantially perpendicular to the axis formed by the first track 40a, similar to the third configuration. However, in contrast to the third configuration, one or more disinfectant sources of the arm 30 in the fifth configuration provide disinfectant to the back of the disinfection housing (i.e., the portion of the disinfection housing 10 covering the back of the mobile phone). Arrow 50e shows the direction of movement of the arm 30 when the disinfection housing 10 progresses from the fifth configuration to the sixth configuration.

[0030] Figure 6 is an isometric view of a sixth configuration of the sterilization enclosure 10 according to various embodiments of the present invention. Figure 5 As described, the sterilizing housing 10 is sterilized by Figure 5 The direction indicated by the middle arrow 50e moves the arm 30 from the fifth configuration to the sixth configuration. Therefore, the sixth configuration is shown here when the arm 30 moves away from the rest of the sterilization housing 10 and is in the middle of rotating around the left wall 22b (i.e., the arm 30 slides back along the entire length of the first track 40a and / or the second track 40b and begins to rotate). Arrow 50f shows the direction of movement of the arm 30 when the sterilization housing 10 progresses from the sixth configuration to the seventh configuration.

[0031] Figure 7 is an isometric view of a seventh configuration of the sterilization enclosure 10 according to various embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6 As described, the sterilizing housing 10 is sterilized by Figure 6 The direction shown by the middle arrow 50f moves the arm 30 from the sixth configuration to the seventh configuration. Therefore, the seventh configuration is shown here as when the arm 30 moves away from the rest of the disinfection housing 10 and is substantially parallel to the axis formed by the length of the first track 40a. As shown in the figure, the seventh configuration is statically identical to the second configuration, and the only difference between the two configurations is the configuration progression that leads to each configuration (i.e., the configuration sequence within the disinfection process). By moving the arm 30 from the docking position of the first configuration, the disinfection housing 10 is adjusted to the second configuration, and the disinfection housing 10 is adjusted to the seventh configuration by completing the rotation that began in the sixth configuration. Therefore, although the second and seventh configurations look the same, they are different in the configuration immediately before. Arrow 50g shows the moving direction of the arm 30 when the disinfection housing 10 progresses from the seventh configuration to the first configuration.

[0032] In the disinfecting housing 10, one or more disinfecting or sterilizing agent sources can be two ultraviolet (UV) LEDs 35. The LEDs 35 can operate at the germicidal range of the ultraviolet spectrum and / or have a germicidal coating. In embodiments where the LEDs 35 apply germicidal UV as a disinfectant, the LEDs 35 can operate over a wide range of powers and exposure times, for example, a power range of about 4-65 watts and an exposure time of about 2-10 seconds. However, it should be understood that less power can be used in combination with longer exposure times or more power can be used in combination with shorter exposure times. The LEDs 35 are not limited to germicidal UV as a disinfectant. The LEDs 35 can disinfect a surface based on one or more of the following: (1) specific characteristics of the agent or energy applied (e.g., germicidal UV); (2) heat from the application of the disinfectant or energy, or (3) the interaction of the agent with specific characteristics of the surface or with other substances applied to the surface.

[0033] like Figure 5 As shown, LED 35 can be mounted in recess 34. Recess 34 features sloped sidewalls that define the propagation edge of the disinfectant (e.g., germicidal UV light) and control the scattering of light from LED 35. In this way, recess 34 directs light from LED 35 in a desired direction and over a desired effect area, which can improve the overall effectiveness of LED 35 and housing 10. In addition, the sloped sidewalls of recess 34 can prevent light from LED 35 from scattering away from the mobile device, which reduces the likelihood of exposure of the user (or bystander) to the light. Since germicidal UV light can be harmful to the eyes or skin, recess 34 can be included as a safety feature to reduce the risk of harmful exposure.

[0034] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a third configuration of the sterilization housing 10 according to various embodiments of the present invention. Figure 8 As shown, the body 20 includes a power source 37. In some embodiments, the power source 37 can be one or more battery packs (e.g., a 6-volt battery pack) included in the body 20. In other embodiments, the power source 37 can be a power source of a fixed mobile device, so that the power source of the fixed mobile device is provided to the disinfection housing 10 function (e.g., via a connecting cable, port, etc.). The power source 37 is connected to the LED 35 via one or more cables 36.

[0035] In some embodiments, for example Figure 8In the illustrated embodiment, the power source 37 is connected to the LED 35 only when the first node 38a or the second node 38b is in contact with the arm node 39 of the arm 30. In other words, the "circuit" formed by the power source 37, the cable 36 and the LED 35 is completed only when the arm node 39 is in contact with the first node 38a or the second node 38b. Each of the first node 38a, the second node 38b and the arm node 39 can be a protrusion of conductive material that is configured to promote and facilitate the provision of current. Figure 1-7 38a and second node 38b are ridges extending along the length of first track 40a and second track 40b. Arm node 39 is shown as being located on the LED side of first connector 31a and second connector 31b (i.e., the side closest to the linear portion of arm 30 on which LED 35 is located). Then, in this particular embodiment, the arm is only in a position to move when the arm is substantially perpendicular to the screen of any mobile device to which it is attached (i.e., when disinfection housing 10 is in Figure 3 The arm node 39 contacts the first node 38a only when the arm is substantially perpendicular to the back of the sterilization housing (i.e., the sterilization housing 10 is in the third configuration). Figure 5 In other words, the disinfection housing 10 begins disinfection in the second configuration until the third configuration, then resumes disinfection in the fifth configuration and stops disinfection in the sixth configuration. In other embodiments, the LED 35 may be selectively engaged and disengaged using a button or switch on the housing 10 or the arm 30, and in further embodiments, the LED 35 may be automatically engaged for a period of time when the arm 30 is not docked (i.e., moved from the first configuration to the second configuration).

[0036] Thus, the disinfection housing 10 can have at least two operating states: a first state in which the LED 35 directs a certain amount of disinfectant toward the disinfection housing 10 and / or the mobile device to which it is fixed; and a second state in which the LED 35 does not direct any disinfectant toward the same location. The operating state can be determined based on whether there is contact between the first node 38a or the second node 38b and the arm node 39, so that the disinfection housing 10 is in the first state when the nodes are in contact, and the disinfection housing 10 is in the second state when the nodes are not in contact. In some embodiments, a switch is included to manually change the operating state of the disinfection housing 10. In these embodiments, the switch is configured to selectively connect or disconnect the circuit formed by the power supply 37, the cable 36, and the LED. The manual switch can be integrated into the disinfection housing 10 (such as in the body 20). The switch can be a button, a lever, a switch, other binary switching device, or a slider, a dimmer or other analog switching device.

[0037] Fig. 9is a schematic diagram of a disinfecting housing 10 according to various embodiments of the present invention, illustrating the diffusion of disinfectant from LEDs 35. In some embodiments, each LED 35 can generate a diffuse light field 35a, and the diffuse light fields can collectively cover the entire length of the mobile device and housing 10.

[0038] Figure 11-Figure 19 There are additional views of housing 10 that further illustrate the features and functionality described herein.

[0039] Fig. 20 Included is a side view of an example sterilization housing. Fig. 20 As shown, when the mobile device (e.g., a phone) is in a first position in the housing 100, there is an empty space between the back of the phone and the rear or bottom wall of the housing 100. The phone can be held in the first position by one or more ridges or protrusions within the housing 100. In some embodiments, the phone can be placed in one or more sliders or similar components that are slidably coupled to the interior of the housing 100 so that when the phone is coupled to the one or more sliders, the phone can slide within the housing 100 (e.g., from the first position to the second position). Fig. 20 As further shown, when the phone is in the second position, the phone is now flush with the back wall of the housing 100, and the empty space is now located between the front face of the phone and the lip of the housing 100. The lip of the housing 100 can include one or more disinfectant or sanitizer sources (e.g., UV bulbs) configured to apply a disinfectant or sanitizer (e.g., UV light) to the screen of the phone. Thus, when the phone is in the first position, the screen of the phone is raised for use by the owner, and when the phone is in the second position, the screen of the phone can be disinfected by UV light.

[0040] Figure 21-26 is a view of an exemplary sterilization enclosure 1000. Fig.21 and 22 As shown, when the mobile device 1005 is located in the housing 1000, the front face or screen of the mobile device 1005 is flush with the housing 1000, so that when the mobile device 1005 is located in the housing 1000, access to the entire screen is unobstructed. The housing 1000 is configured to receive the mobile device 1005 in a first orientation, in which the screen of the mobile device 1005 is visible and usable (e.g., Fig.21 and 22 1005 ), and in the second orientation, the back of the mobile device 1005 is visible and the screen is not visible. Figure 24-26, which shows the housing 1000 without the mobile device 1005, the housing 1000 includes one or more LEDs 1010 (similar to and may be identical to LED 35 in some embodiments), which may each generate a light diffusing field 1015. The light diffusing field 1015 may collectively cover the entire length of the mobile device 1005, such that the entire front or back of the mobile device 1005 may be disinfected by the LEDs 1010. In addition, the housing 1000 may be configured to engage the one or more LEDs 1010 only when the mobile device 1005 is in position, such that the LEDs 1010 are not engaged when the LEDs 1010 may potentially expose a user or bystander to the light diffusing field 1015. Because light from the LEDs 1010 may cause damage to the eyes, the housing 1000 may include such a safety feature to engage the LEDs 1010 only when unintentional exposure to the light diffusing field 1015 is minimized or eliminated.

[0041] The systems and apparatus described herein for disinfecting mobile electronic devices, such as mobile phones, tablet computers, portable music devices, portable gaming systems, or other mobile devices, have many advantages. Such mobile devices carry many transmissible bacteria because they are often used in a variety of situations and without thinking. By reducing the number of transmissible bacteria carried by mobile devices, users can be better protected and use their mobile devices more comfortably even after being exposed to germ-intensive environments, such as public transportation or crowded schools. Integrating a disinfectant device into the housing of a mobile device enables users to use disinfectants at any time, which enables users to disinfect their phones throughout the day, rather than at a single time or place. For example, users can disinfect their phones immediately after getting off a public train, rather than waiting until they get home from get off work to disinfect. In addition, integrating a disinfectant source into the housing of the device can reduce costs and reduce user inconvenience by reducing the total number of devices that users must purchase and track-a single device can protect their phones from bumps and bacteria.

[0042] Although many embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail to a certain extent, those skilled in the art may make many modifications to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. All directional references (e.g., plus, minus, up, down, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to help readers understand the present invention, and will not cause limitations, particularly for the position, structure, direction or use of the present invention. Connection references (e.g., attachment, coupling, connection, etc.) should be widely interpreted and may include intermediate members between element connections and relative motion between elements. Therefore, connection references do not necessarily mean that two elements are directly connected and fixed to each other. It is intended that all contents contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted only as illustrative and non-restrictive. Without departing from the spirit of the present invention defined by the appended claims, details or structures may be changed.

Claims

1. A mobile electronic device housing, the housing comprising: a body defining an interior configured to secure a mobile electronic device; an arm movably coupled to the body; as well as a sterilant source disposed on the arm, The arm is movable relative to the mobile electronic device for applying a sterilant to the mobile electronic device when the mobile electronic device is secured in the body.

2. The housing according to claim 1, wherein The arm is coupled to the body in at least one of a slidable and rotatable manner.

3. The housing of claim 1, wherein: The body defines a track, and The arm slides along the track.

4. The housing according to claim 3, wherein: The arm is rotatably coupled to the track.

5. The housing according to claim 3, wherein: The track includes: a first track portion disposed along a first side of the body; and a second track portion disposed along a second side of the body; Wherein, the arm slides along the first track portion and the second track portion.

6. The housing of claim 3, wherein: The arm comprises a first position and a second position, in the first position, the arm is substantially adjacent the body and movement of the arm along and about the track is restricted, and In the second position, the arm is disposed away from the body and movement of the arm along and about the track is unrestricted.

7. The housing according to claim 6, wherein: The arm is secured in the first position via a spring loaded mechanism.

8. The housing according to claim 3, wherein: The arm is configured to move about the housing track via rotation about the track and sliding along the track, The biocide source thereby provides the biocide to each exposed surface of the housing and the mobile electronic device.

9. The housing of claim 1, wherein: The arm includes a linear portion configured to be substantially parallel to a screen of the mobile electronic device when the mobile electronic device is secured in the body.

10. The housing of claim 1, wherein: The arms extend from the top of the housing to the bottom of the housing and are substantially parallel to the lateral sides of the housing.

11. The housing of claim 1, wherein: The biocide source is disposed on the arm within a recess characterized by one or more sloped sidewalls that reduce a diffusion area for the biocide.

12. The housing of claim 1, further comprising a connector configured to electronically couple the housing to a power source of the mobile electronic device.

13. A mobile electronic device housing, the housing comprising: a body defining an interior and a track, the interior being configured to secure a mobile electronic device; an arm movably coupled to the body; as well as a sterilant source disposed on the arm, wherein the arm is slidably and rotatably coupled to the track and is movable relative to the mobile electronic device for applying a sterilant to each exposed surface of the housing and the mobile electronic device when the mobile electronic device is secured in the body.

14. The housing of claim 13, wherein: The track includes: a first track portion disposed along a first side of the body; and a second track portion disposed along a second side of the body; Wherein, the arm slides along the first track portion and the second track portion.

15. The housing of claim 13, wherein: The arm comprises a first position and a second position, in the first position, the arm is substantially adjacent the body and movement of the arm along and about the track is restricted, and In the second position, the arm is disposed away from the body and movement of the arm along and about the track is unrestricted.

16. The housing of claim 13, wherein: The arm further includes a linear portion configured to be substantially parallel to a screen of the mobile electronic device when the mobile electronic device is secured in the body.

17. The housing of claim 13, further comprising a power source housed within the housing and configured to be selectively coupled to the sterilant source.

18. The housing of claim 13, further comprising a connector configured to electronically couple the housing to a power source of the mobile electronic device.

19. A method for disinfecting a mobile electronic device, comprising: A housing for the mobile electronic device is provided, the housing comprising: a body defining a track and an interior configured to secure the mobile electronic device; an arm movably coupled to the track; and a germicide source disposed on the arm; activating the biocide source; and The arm is moved along the track to disinfect one or more surfaces of the housing and the mobile electronic device.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein: The arm comprises a first position and a second position, In the first position, the arm is substantially adjacent the body and movement of the arm along and about the track is restricted, In the second position, the arm is disposed away from the body and movement of the arm along and around the track is unrestricted, and The method further comprises, before moving the arm along the track: disengaging a locking mechanism securing the arm in the first position; and The arm is moved from the first position to the second position.

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