Disinfection system, mobile device holder for use in a disinfection system, and methods for disinfecting a mobile device

Abstract

A system for disinfecting a mobile device including a mobile device holder and a method for disinfecting a mobile device is disclosed. The mobile device holder includes a housing having a shelf and a timer. The timer operates for a set time. A proximity sensor detects when the mobile device is placed on the shelf. An indicator indicates passage of the set time. The housing includes a back wall, a pair of opposing sidewalls, a bottom wall, and a front wall. The shelf extends between the back wall and the front wall. The front wall extends from the bottom wall upwardly to form a lip relative to the shelf. The lip is configured to prevent the mobile device from sliding off the shelf. A top wall extends from the front wall. The top wall defines an opening to receive the mobile device. A controller is housed in a compartment.

Description

DISINFECTION SYSTEM, MOBILE DEVICE HOLDER FOR USE IN A DISINFECTION SYSTEM, AND METHODS FOR DISINFECTING A MOBILE DEVICEFELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a system and a mobile device holder for use when disinfecting a mobile device and thereby reduce transmission of bacteria, viruses, and fungi from the mobile device.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Germ exposure is part of everyday life. A germ is a microorganism, such as a bacterium or virus, that can cause an infection. An infection occurs when germs enter a human body, increase in number, and the body reacts. While only a small portion of genus can cause infection, infections can injure and sometimes cause death. Germs are particularly relevant to a person with a weakened immune system. Because a large portion of people in long-term care facilities and in hospitals have weakened immune systems, it is critical for those facilities to implement effective procedures for reducing the introduction of germs into those facilities. Further, it is also critical to implement procedures that limit the spread of germs within those facilities. One strategy that targets both introduction and internal spread of germs is to reduce transmission of germs from surfaces to people. Eliminating germs on surfaces reduces exposure to others who may also touch those surfaces.

[0003] Proper hand hygiene procedures are effective at reducing the introduction and the spread of germs in long-term care facilities and in hospitals. The overriding rule with respect to hands in healthcare and in long-term care is “Hands in I Hands out.” This simply means that healthcare and long-term care workers should wash or disinfect their hands before touching any patient. While hand disinfection is effective, other surfaces must also be disinfected.

[0004] Most healthcare workers bring their personal mobile devices, such as smart phones (i.e., cellphones), to work with them. Some medical devices located at the facility are also portable and are touched by the healthcare workers. A mobile device has surfaces which contact the healthcare worker’s hands and may be readily touchable when the healthcare worker isattending to patients. The mobile device surface and its proximity to the healthcare worker’s hands and to a patient can be a problem source for introducing and spreading germs to patients.

[0005] One solution is to limit access of the healthcare workers to their mobile devices. In that regard, some facilities have attempted to require healthcare workers to leave their personal mobile devices outside the facility or to restrict mobile devices to selected locations within the facility, such as a breakroom or the like. However, these spatial restrictions are often impractical and / or are rarely followed. Notwithstanding the spatial restrictions, there is also a reluctance by some facility managers to ban personal mobile devices, because mobile devices have the potential, via apps, for revolutionizing healthcare and so have many benefits to patient care.

[0006] The presence of personal mobile devices in a facility is not without consequence. A study presented at APIC in 2019 presented evidence that the mobile devices of surgical residents were contaminated with many drug-resistant strains of bacteria. These multiple drug resistant (MDR) bacteria can wreak havoc on patients, especially those who are immunocompromised. MDR bacteria resist antibiotics and for that reason resist treatment. MDR bacteria can therefore be deadly to patients who contract MDR bacteria, the consequence of which can be the patient’s morbidity and even the patient’s mortality.

[0007] While hand hygiene compliance has improved over the past decade, touching a contaminated mobile device immediately contaminates the person’s hands with germs. That leaves disinfecting the mobile device to prevent subsequent hand contamination. As an example, disinfectant wipes for wiping the mobile device are available. Wipes are typically a carrier material in which a disinfectant solution is held. Wiping the device with the wipes spreads the disinfectant across the surface of the mobile device. The disinfectant ideally kills germs on the contacted surfaces.

[0008] While conceptually simple, mobile device disinfection is not without problem. One problem is the compatibility of the disinfectant solution with the material of the device. The disinfectant solution should not damage the device in any way but must be lethal to germs present. Another difficulty is creating a cleanliness habit with the mobile device. Typically, people do not disinfect their own mobile device often enough. Healthcare workers are no different and so do not think to disinfect their devices on a sufficiently regular basis. Forming a cleanliness habit with a mobile device is difficult. As yet another difficulty, it takes time for thedisinfectant solution to contact and then kill germs. A disinfectant needs to remain wet and in contact with germs for at least sufficient time. This may be referred to as the “kill time” and is provided on a product label for the disinfectant.

[0009] While disinfectant solutions are generally successful, there remains a need for manufacturers to ensure that characteristics of their disinfectant solution are appropriate for mobile devices specifically.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] To these and other ends, a system for disinfecting a mobile device including a mobile device holder and a method for disinfecting a mobile device is disclosed. According to one aspect of the invention, the mobile device holder includes a housing having a shelf configured to support the mobile device, a controller, and a timer in electronic communication with the controller. The timer is configured to operate for a set time. The mobile device holder further includes a proximity sensor in electronic communication with the controller. The proximity sensor is configured to detect when the mobile device is placed on and / or is removed from the shelf. The mobile device holder further includes an indicator in electronic communication with the controller. The indicator is configured to indicate passage of the set time on the timer.

[0011] In one embodiment, the housing includes a back wall, a pair of opposing sidewalls, a bottom wall, and a front wall. The shelf extends between the back wall and the front wall.

[0012] In one embodiment, the front wall extends from the bottom wall upwardly to form a lip relative to the shelf. The lip is configured to prevent the mobile device from sliding off the shelf. In a related embodiment, the shelf, the lip, and the back wall are oriented to receive the mobile device on an angle with the mobile device touching the housing only at the back wall and at the shelf.

[0013] In one embodiment, the housing further includes a top wall extending from the front wall and opposing the bottom wall. The top wall defines an opening that is configured to receive the mobile device at least partially therethrough onto the shelf.

[0014] In one embodiment, the pair of opposing side walls, the bottom wall, the front wall, and the shelf define a compartment. In this embodiment, the controller is housed in the compartment.

[0015] In one embodiment, the housing is securable to a wall.

[0016] In one embodiment, the mobile device holder includes a fan that is configured to create air movement across the mobile device. In a related embodiment, the fan is in an opening in the housing. In another related embodiment, the shelf includes apertures through which the fan is configured to move air into contact with the mobile device. In another related embodiment, a fan timer configured to turn the fan on or off after a preset time.

[0017] In one embodiment, the set time is at least equal to a time for a disinfectant to kill a predetermined bacteria or predetermined virus.

[0018] In one embodiment, the indicator is one of a light, a device that produces sound, and a device that produces movement.

[0019] In one embodiment, the mobile device holder further includes a transmitter configured to transmit a signal to the mobile device.

[0020] In one embodiment, the mobile device is one or more of a cellular phone and a smart pad.

[0021] In another aspect of the invention, there is a disinfection system including the mobile device holder of any single one or combinations of the embodiments of the mobile device holder disclosed and a fixture for holding a container of disinfectant wipes and / or hand sanitizer. The disinfectant wipes include a disinfectant for disinfecting one or more surfaces of the mobile device.

[0022] In one embodiment, the system further includes a container of disinfectant wipes to be received in the disinfectant wipe holder.

[0023] In another aspect of the invention, there is a method of using the mobile device holder of any single one or combinations of the embodiments of the mobile device holder disclosed for disinfecting a mobile device. The method includes contacting the mobile device with a disinfectant and placing the mobile device on the shelf. Once the mobile device is received on the shelf, the method includes activating the timer. Once the timer reaches the set time, the method includes indicating that the set time has been reached. The method includes removing the mobile device from the shelf.

[0024] In one embodiment, contacting the mobile device includes wiping the mobile device with a wipe impregnated with the disinfectant.

[0025] In one embodiment, the disinfectant is characterized by a kill time recommended for the disinfectant to kill an identified bacterium or to kill an identified virus on the mobile device, and the set time is equal to or greater than the kill time.

[0026] In one embodiment, activating the timer includes detecting the mobile device on the shelf with the proximity sensor.

[0027] In one embodiment, the mobile device holder includes a fan configured to create air movement across the mobile device. Following the timer reaching the set time, the method further includes activating the fan to move air across the mobile device.

[0028] In one embodiment, following the timer reaching the set time, the method further includes activating the indicator.

[0029] In one embodiment, removing the mobile device from the shelf includes resetting the timer to the set time.

[0030] In one embodiment, the mobile device holder includes an audio and / or visual alarm and the method further includes removing the mobile device from the shelf before reaching the set time activates the audio and / or visual alarm.

[0031] In one embodiment, the mobile device holder includes a transmitter and following the timer reaching the set time, the method further includes activating the transmitter to send a signal.

[0032] In one embodiment, activating the transmitter includes sending a signal to the mobile device and / or a server. The signal includes data representing one or more of a current time of disinfection and set time used during disinfection of the mobile device.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the invention.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a photograph of a disinfection system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a mobile device holder in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the mobile device holder of Fig. 2.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a back elevation view of the mobile device holder of Fig. 2.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating one method of using an exemplary embodiment of the mobile device holder to disinfect a mobile device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of a mobile device holder of Fig. 2 shown with a mobile device.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the mobile device holder and mobile device of Fig.6.

[0041] FIG. 8 is one embodiment of a mobile device holder according to embodiments of the invention.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of a disinfection system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] To those and other ends, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention and with reference to Fig. 1, an exemplary disinfection system 10 advantageously improves mobile device cleanliness by killing germs on touchable surfaces of the mobile device. Once disinfected, the mobile device is no longer a source for transmission of germs. According to embodiments of the invention, the disinfection system 10 provides a specific location and a set disinfection time for disinfecting surfaces of the mobile device. Ideally, when given a specific system for disinfection of their mobile devices, owners are believed to be more inclined to regularly disinfect their mobile devices. As shown in Fig. 1, the exemplary disinfection system 10 includes a wipe container 12 held in position by a container fixture 14. The wipe container 12 contains a plurality of disinfectant wipes (not shown). A mobile device holder 16 is shown with a mobile device 20 held in a position in proximity to the wipe container 12 in accordance with embodiments of the invention. While the mobile device 20 shown in a smart phone, the disinfection system 10 is not limited to use with mobile phones. Other uses are possible. Forexample, other mobile devices may include a smart pad or a portable electro-cardiogram machine. It is also contemplated that the disinfection system 10 may be usable with nonelectronic mobile devices, such as medical tools. The disinfection system 10 facilitates disinfection of the mobile device 20 by developing and reinforcing regular, periodic mobile device cleaning. As an example, when positioned in a restroom (as shown in Fig. 1), the disinfection system 10 enables the mobile device owner to disinfect their mobile device in conjunction with washing their hands. In healthcare and in long-term care facilities, mobile device disinfection is therefore made available each time the mobile device owner washes their hands.

[0044] In the exemplary embodiment, the disinfection system 10, including each of the wipe container 12, fixture 14, and the mobile device holder 16, are mounted to a wall 22, such as in a restroom. As shown, the mobile device holder 16 may be mounted above a counter 24.Embodiments of the invention are not limited to including each of the container 12, the fixture 14, and the mobile device holder 16 or the location (i.e., bathroom) shown. For example, the disinfection system 10 may include the mobile device holder 16 alone in proximity to the container 12 of disinfection wipes and to a container of hand sanitizer (not shown) on a counter. That is, in this example, the disinfection system 10 does not include the fixture 14 and may not be located in a restroom. Other combinations including the mobile device holder 16 are also possible.

[0045] Referring now to Figs. 2, 3, and 4, in an exemplary embodiment, the mobile device holder 16 includes a housing 30. As shown, the housing 30 is a generally rectangular prism structure defining a plurality of surfaces or walls for holding the mobile device 20 in a set position. For example, the housing 30 shown includes a back wall 34, a pair of opposing sidewalls 36 and 38, a bottom wall 40, and a front wall 42. In addition to sidewalls 36 and 38 and walls 34, 40, and 42, the housing 30 defines a shelf 32 configured to support the mobile device 20. In the embodiment shown, the shelf 32 extends between the back wall 34 and the front wall 42. Specifically, the shelf 32 extends from the back wall 34 to the front wall 42 and forms a right angle between each of the back wall 34 and the front wall 42. Other configurations are possible. For example, the back wall 34 may be raked (i.e., reclined at a non-perpendicular angle) relative to the shelf 32. The front wall 42 may be spaced apart from the back wall 34 by adistance sufficient to allow a mobile device to rest on shelf 32 and lean at an angle against the back wall 34 (e.g., see Fig. 7). The mobile device 20 may touch the housing 30 only at the back wall 34 and at the shelf 32.

[0046] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the front wall 42 extends upwardly past the shelf 32 and thereby forms a lip 44 relative to the shelf 32. The lip 44 acts as a barrier to accidental movement of the mobile device 20 from the shelf 32. The lip 44 and the back wall 34 form an opening through which the mobile device 20 is received on shelf 32. In one embodiment and with continued reference to Figs. 1 and 2, an air deflector wall 48 (shown in phantom line in Fig. 3) may extend upwardly and toward the back wall 34 from the lip 44. The air deflector wall 48 may therefore form at least a portion of the opening through which the mobile device 20 is received on the shelf 32. The air deflector wall 48 is configured to direct air movement from the shelf 32 upwardly and toward the mobile device 20, particularly towards a front surface of the mobile device 20 and is described more below. In an exemplary embodiment, any portion of the housing 30 may be transparent to permit the mobile device owner to more easily view content of their mobile device while the disinfection system 10 is being utilized to disinfect their mobile device 20. By way of example, the front wall 42, such as the lip 44, may be transparent. The mobile device 20 may then be viewed through the lip 44 while the mobile device 20 rests on the shelf 32.

[0047] With reference to Fig. 4, in the exemplary embodiment, the housing 30 includes mounting holes 56 or one or more other predetermined locations for mounting the housing 30 to a surface, such as to the wall 22, with screws or another type of fastener.

[0048] With continued reference to Fig. 4, in one embodiment, the housing 30 contains a controller 46. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the controller 46 is contained within a compartment 50 defined by the shelf 32, the opposing sidewalls 36 and 38, the back wall 34, the bottom wall 40, and the front wall 42. While the compartment 50 is shown beneath the shelf 32, embodiments of the mobile device holder 16 are not limited to the location shown. The controller 46 may be coupled to the housing 30 at another location. While not shown, the controller 46 may be a printed circuit board (PCB) by which various functions of the mobile device holder 16 are operated.

[0049] Other components of the mobile device holder 16 may be integrated onto the PCB. As an example, the mobile device holder 16 includes a timer 52, which may be integrated on the PCB with the controller 46. The timer 52 is configured to operate for a set time, such as any single time from a few seconds to a few minutes. The set time may be adjustable within the controller 46 by an owner of the mobile device holder 16 and not by the mobile device owner. As an example, the timer 52 may be set by initially by the facility in which the disinfection system 10 is installed. Once the time 52 is initially set, it may not be reset. That is the timer 52 may cycle only according to the set time. The timer 52 may be a countdown timer that counts backwards from the set time. For example, for a set time of 3 minutes, the timer 52 may count down from 3 minutes to zero time in increments of one second. Upon reaching zero time, the timer 52 may reset to 3 minutes. Alternatively, the timer 52 may be a stopwatch-type timer that counts upwards and so may begin to count from zero time to 3 minutes and then reset to zero time.

[0050] Once the set time is reached for the timer 52, the controller 46 activates other features of the mobile device holder 16, described below. In one embodiment, the set time is a minimum time required for a selected disinfectant in contact known bacteria and / or known viruses and to kill that known bacterium / virus. This may be referred to as the kill time for the disinfectant. As an example, CaviWipesl™ disinfecting towelettes available from Metrex carry disinfectant (i.e., CaviCidel™ solution) known to have a 1-minute efficacy against many bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In other words, the kill time is at least 1 minute. Specifically, for example, CaviCidel™ solution has a 1-minute efficacy against Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). In this example, for CRKP, the set time for timer 52 of the mobile device holder 16 may be a minimum of 1 minute.

[0051] With reference to Fig. 3, in one embodiment, the mobile device holder 16 includes a proximity sensor 54 for detecting the presence and / or the absence of a mobile device positioned on shelf 32. The proximity sensor 54 is electronically coupled to the controller 46 so as to communicate with the controller 46. The controller 46 may then operate or communicate with other components of the mobile device holder 16 based on information from the proximity sensor 54. One exemplary location for the proximity sensor 54 is in the back wall 34 of the housing 30, as shown. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to thelocation of the proximity sensor 54. Generally, the proximity sensor 54 may be located on the housing 30 within a distance from the shelf 32 sufficient to detect a mobile device on the shelf 32. That is, when the mobile device 20 is on the shelf 32, the proximity sensor 54 detects the mobile device 20 and communicates the presence of the mobile device 20 on the shelf 32 to the controller 46. Likewise, when the shelf 32 is empty (i.e., no mobile device is present), the proximity sensor 54 may send a signal to the controller 46 indicating that no device is present. Alternatively, the proximity sensor 54 may not send any signal to the controller 46 when the shelf 32 is empty. Stated another way. when the shelf 32 is empty, the controller 46 may be inactive.

[0052] Referring to Fig. 2, in one embodiment, the mobile device holder 16 includes an indicator 60 that is activatable in coordination with the timer 52 and / or the proximity sensor 54. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the indicator 60 includes a pair of lamps 62 that are activatable / deactivatable by the controller 46. For example, during a period in which the timer 52 is active but has not yet reached the set time (or reached zero for a countdown timer), the controller 46 may cause a single lamp of the pair of lamps 62 to illuminate. Once the set time is reached, the controller 46 may turn off the illuminated lamp 62 and then illuminate the other lamp 62. In this example, one lamp 62 may be visually red and the other lamp 62 may be visually green. While the timer 52 is running, the controller 46 may keep the red lamp 62 illuminated and once the timer 52 reaches the set time, the controller 46 may deactivate the red lamp 62 and activate the green lamp 62 to indicate that the set time has been reached. The indicator 60 is not limited to the pair of lamps 62. Other indicators in addition or as an alternative to the lamps are contemplated. For example, in addition to or in place of lamps 62, the indicator 60 may include a speaker for emitting an alarm or other sound. Other indicators 60 may include a vibrator for generating haptics.

[0053] With continued reference to Fig. 2, in one embodiment, a display 64 is located on or in the housing 30, such as in the front wall 42. The display 64 may be in electronic communication with the controller 46 and display information to a mobile device owner who is using the mobile device holder 16. As an example, the display 64 may provide numerical information reflecting the status of the timer 52. For example, the display 64 may show time remaining on the timer 52 as determined by the set time. In this way, the mobile device ownermay check the time remaining on the timer 52 at any moment. Other or alternative information may be displayed. As an additional example, the display 64 may show the set time in addition to the time remaining on the timer 52.

[0054] In exemplary embodiments and with reference to Figs. 3 and 4, the mobile device holder 16 includes a fan 66 for moving air across a mobile device 20 on the shelf 32. The fan 66 may be electronically coupled to the controller 46. Thus, in one embodiment, the controller 46 can energize (i.e., turn on) and deenergize (i.e., turn off) the fan 66 in coordination with other components of the mobile device holder 16. While the fan 66 may be coupled to the housing 30 in proximity to the shelf 32 to move air around the shelf 32, in the exemplary embodiment, the fan 66 is coupled to the housing 30 in an opening in the sidewall 36. As one alternative location, the fan 66 may be located in the bottom wall 40 as is shown in Fig. 8. The fan 66 is therefore configured to move air through the compartment 50. In the exemplary embodiment, the shelf 32 is perforated. This is shown in Fig. 4 in which the shelf 32 may be a grate 72. Air can pass through the apertures in the grate 72. When the fan 66 is energized, air moves into the compartment 50 and then out of the compartment 50 through the apertures in the grate 72 (and around a mobile device 20 on the shelf 32 as shown in Fig. 7). Air movement is generally shown by arrows 70 in Fig. 4.

[0055] In addition to the grate 72, the shelf 32 may include a stop 74 that projects upwardly relative to the grate 72. With reference to Fig. 7, the mobile device 20 may rest against the stop 74 and not against the lip 44. Air movement may be between the lip 44 and the stop 74.Advantageously, air can therefore flow across all surfaces of the mobile device 20.

[0056] In addition to the fan 66, a fan timer (not shown) may be electronically coupled to the controller 46 and / or to the fan 66. For example, the fan timer may be integrated on the PCB or on the fan 66. The fan timer may be configured to turn the fan on or off after a preset time with or without signals from the controller 46. The fan timer may be an independent timer from the timer 52. The fan timer may control operation of the fan 66 for a time sufficient to dry the mobile device 20 after being positioned on the shelf 32 for the set time (e.g., kill time) as determined by the timer 52.

[0057] The mobile device holder 16 may include additional components. For example, the mobile device holder 16 may include a transmitter (not shown). The transmitter may beelectronically coupled to the controller 46, such as being integrated onto the PCB. The transmitter may be configured to transmit a signal from the controller 46 to the mobile device 20. The mobile device holder 16 may be electrically powered by any electrical source, such as via a power cord 78 coupled to a power source as is typical of appliances.

[0058] With reference to Figs. 5, 6 and 7, in one embodiment of the invention, the disinfection system 10 may be used to disinfect the mobile device 20, such as the mobile phone shown. At 80, the mobile device owner contacts the mobile device 20 with a disinfectant. The disinfectant may be carried on a towelette. such as CaviWipes™ non-woven towelettes available from Metrex, that is withdrawn from container 12 (see, e.g., Fig. 1). The timer 52 may be set to a set time according to the disinfectant used to disinfect the mobile device 20. The mobile device owner wipes all surfaces of the mobile device 20 with the towelette to spread disinfectant on the surfaces of the mobile device 20. At 82, after contacting the mobile device 20 with the disinfectant, the owner places the mobile device 20 on the shelf 32 of the mobile device holder 16.

[0059] At 84, and with reference to Figs. 5 and 6, placement of the mobile device 20 on the shelf 32 is detected by the proximity sensor 54. When detected by the proximity sensor 54, the controller 46 activates the timer 52 and one of the lamps 62 (e.g., the red light) is illuminated. While the timer 52 is active, the fan 66 is off.

[0060] At 86, and with reference to Figs. 5 and 7. and after the timer 52 reaches the set time and with the proximity sensor 54 still detecting the mobile device 20, the timer 52 is deactivated, the indicator 60 may be altered, for example, the red lamp 62 is deactivated and the green lamp 62 is illuminated. Also, while the proximity sensor 54 detects the mobile device 20 on the shelf 32, the fan 66 is energized to move air across the mobile device 20 according to arrows 70.While the mobile device 20 remains on the shelf 32, the fan 66 may continue to move air across the surfaces of the mobile device 20. Or, after a time set according to the fan timer, the fan 66 may be shut off. Generally, the fan 66 may operate after the timer 52 is complete and while the mobile device 20 is wet with disinfectant.

[0061] When the mobile device owner removes the mobile device 20 from the shelf 32 at 90 and after the timer 52 is complete (and possibly after the fan timer is complete), the mobile device holder 16 resets at 92 for the next mobile device. In that regard, the proximity sensor 54is turned off, the timer 52 is reset to the set time (for a countdown timer), the red lamp 62 is illuminated and the fan 66 is turned off. Optionally, at 94, the mobile device holder 16 may transmit a signal to the mobile device 20 or to a server at the facility. That is, the mobile device holder 16 may transmit data regarding the operation of the disinfection system 10 to the facility. The transmission may be via Bluetooth, WiFi, or other wireless or a wired connection. For example, data may include one or more of a current time of disinfection, number of uses, percentage compliance, and the set time used during disinfection of each mobile device 20.

[0062] If the owner removes the mobile device 20 from the shelf 32 before the timer 52 completes the set time, the mobile device holder 16 equipped with an alarm may activate the alarm indicated a premature removal. The alarm may be audible and / or visual to warn the mobile device owner of the premature removal of their device from the mobile device holder 16.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to Fig. 8, the mobile device holder 16 may include two housings 30 (two of the individual housings shown in Figs. 2-4) in a side-to-side placement or the housings may be joined together at joint 100 to form a single enlarged housing. In the exemplary embodiment, the housings 30 are modular and are capable of being linked in a side-to-side orientation, as shown. The mobile device holder 16 may be scalable. Generally, joining housings 30 duplicates the features of the mobile device holder 16 and produces a larger mobile device holder 16 capable of holding larger and / or more mobile devices to address capacity issues in high traffic areas of the facility. Some features may not be duplicated. For example, while modular, selected features of the mobile device holder 16 shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 4 may not be duplicated. For example, one of the controllers 46 of one of the housings 30 may be designated as a master. That housing then becomes a master unit 102. The controller 46 of the master unit 102 may control the response of drone units 104. The drone unit 104 may pass control signals to additional drone units. The master unit 102 may include the indicator 60, such as lamps 62, and the display 64 while the drone units 104 do not include indicators 60 and lamps 62. The system 10 shown in Fig. 8 may function in substantially the same manner as the system 10 of Figs.5-7, described above, except with multiple locations for use with multiple mobile devices alternatively or simultaneously.

[0064] In another exemplary embodiment and with reference to Fig. 9, the disinfection system 10 may include a forced air hand dryer 110 and one or more mobile device holders 16may be coupled to or positioned in proximity to the forced air hand dryer 110. As shown, the mobile device owner may dry their hands with the system 10 while the mobile device holder 16 disinfects their mobile device 20.

[0065] While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of one or more embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, they are not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope of the general inventive concept.

[0066] WHAT IS CLAIMED IS :

Claims

1. A mobile device holder for disinfecting a mobile device, the mobile device holder comprising:a housing including a shelf configured to support the mobile device;a controller;5 a timer in electronic communication with the controller, the timer being configured to operate for a set time;a proximity sensor in electronic communication with the controller and configured to detect when the mobile device is placed on and / or is removed from the shelf; andan indicator in electronic communication with the controller and configured to ihflicate passage of the set time on the timer.

2. The mobile device holder of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a back wall, a pair of opposing sidewalls, a bottom wall, and a front wall, andwherein the shelf extends between the back wall and the front wall.

153. The mobile device holder of claim 2, wherein the front wall extends from the bottom wall upwardly to form a lip relative to the shelf, the lip being configured to prevent the mobile device from sliding off the shelf.410 The mobile device holder of claim 3, wherein the shelf, the lip, and the back wall are oriented to receive the mobile device on an angle with the mobile device touching the housing only at the back wall and at the shelf.

5. The mobile device holder of any of claims 2, 3, or 4, wherein the housing further ihfiludcs a top wall extending from the back wall and opposing the bottom wall, the top wall defining an opening that is configured to receive the mobile device at least partially therethrough onto the shelf.

6. The mobile device holder of any of claims 2-5, wherein the pair of opposing side walls, the bottom wall, the front wall, and the shelf define a compartment, andwherein the controller is housed in the compartment.7.5 The mobile device holder of any preceding claim, wherein the housing is securable to a wall.

8. The mobile device holder of any preceding claim, further comprising:a fan configured to create air movement across the mobile device.

109. The mobile device holder of claim 8, wherein the fan is in an opening in the housing.

10. The mobile device holder of any of claims 8 or 9, wherein the shelf includes apertures through which the fan is configured to move air into contact with the mobile device.1511. The mobile device holder of any of claims 8-10, further comprising:a fan timer configured to turn the fan on or off after a preset time.

12. The mobile device holder of any preceding claim, wherein the set time is at least fhal to a time for a disinfectant to kill a predetermined bacteria or predetermined virus.

13. The mobile device holder of any preceding claim, wherein the indicator is one of a light, a device that produces sound, and a device that produces movement.OS. The mobile device holder of any preceding claim, further comprising:a transmitter configured to transmit a signal to the mobile device.

15. The mobile device holder of any preceding claim, wherein the mobile device is one or more of a cellular phone and a smart pad.

16. A disinfection system comprising:the mobile device holder of any preceding claim; anda fixture for holding a container of disinfectant wipes and / or hand sanitizer, the disinfectant wipes including a disinfectant for disinfecting one or more surfaces of the mobile device.

17. The system of claim 16, further comprising:a container of disinfectant wipes to be received in the disinfectant wipe holder. 1018. A method of using the mobile device holder of any one of claims 1-15 or the disinfection system of claims 16 or 17 for disinfecting a mobile device, the method comprising:contacting the mobile device with a disinfectant;placing the mobile device on the shelf;15 once the mobile device is received on the shelf, activating the timer;once the timer reaches the set time, indicating that the set time has been reached; and removing the mobile device from the shelf.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein contacting the mobile device includes wiping the habile device with a wipe impregnated with the disinfectant.

20. The method of any of claim 18 or 19, wherein the disinfectant is characterized by a kill time recommended for the disinfectant to kill an identified bacterium or to kill an identified virus on the mobile device, and the set time is equal to or greater than the kill time.2521. The method of any of claims 18-20, wherein activating the timer includes detecting the mobile device on the shelf with the proximity sensor.

22. The method of any of claims 18-21, wherein the mobile device holder includes a fan configured to create air movement across the mobile device, andwherein following the timer reaching the set time, the method further comprises: activating the fan to move air across the mobile device.

523. The method of any of claims 18-22, wherein following the timer reaching the set time, the method further comprises:activating the indicator.241 The method of any one of claims 18-23, wherein removing the mobile device from the shelf includes resetting the timer to the set time.

25. The method of any one of claims 18-24, wherein the mobile device holder includes an audio and / or visual alarm wherein removing the mobile device from the shelf before reaching the sb5 time activates the audio and / or visual alarm.

26. The method of any one of claims 18-25, wherein the mobile device holder includes a transmitter;wherein following the timer reaching the set time, the method further comprises: 20 activating the transmitter to send a signal.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein activating the transmitter includes sending a signal to the mobile device and / or a server, the signal including data representing one or more of a current time of disinfection and set time used during disinfection of the mobile device.25

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