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Toilet accessory with sterilization elements

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-11-08
BRONDELL
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018] Methods for sanitizing and/or sterilizing one or more surfaces of a toilet accessory, such as, e.g., toilet seat surfaces and/or nozzle surfaces, include steps of irradiating such surfaces for a period of time effective to sanitize and/or sterilize the surface. In embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, periods of time effec

Problems solved by technology

Toilets and bidets may harbor bacteria and other microorganisms that are considered to be undesirable.

Method used

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  • Toilet accessory with sterilization elements
  • Toilet accessory with sterilization elements
  • Toilet accessory with sterilization elements

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

example 1

[0094] UV Sterilization of Toilet Seat Seating Surface

[0095] This Example describes a toilet accessory having UV lamps configured to illuminate surfaces of the toilet seat to sanitize or sterilize those toilet seat surfaces.

[0096] A UV lamp is mounted on the inner surface of a toilet lid and covered with a material transparent to UV wavelengths. The lamp, when illuminated, is effective to deliver a sanitizing or sterilizing dose of ultraviolet wavelength light to sterilize one or more surfaces of the toilet seat when the lid is in a closed position and the lamp is thus disposed above and near the toilet seat. The UV lamp is configured to emit UV light with wavelengths of between about 200 nm and about 310 nm. The lid is configured to extend over and around the toilet seat to cover the gap between the seat and the toilet bowl effective to prevent any significant amount of UV radiation to leave the toilet.

[0097] Activation of the lamp is optionally by manual operation of a switch, ...

example 2

[0104] UV Sterilization of Sprayer Nozzles

[0105] This Example describes a toilet accessory having one or more retractable spray nozzles. The toilet accessory includes one or more UV lamps configured to deliver a sanitizing or sterilizing dose of UV light effective to sanitize or sterilize surfaces of the spray nozzles.

[0106] The toilet accessory is mounted on a toilet above the toilet bowl. The toilet accessory has one or more UV lamps configured to emit UV light including wavelengths of between about 200 nm and about 310 nm. The lamp (or lamps) is (or are) mounted on the lower surface of a toilet seat so as to be able to illuminate a portion of the toilet bowl where a spray nozzle is located when deployed in an extended position. Where the toilet accessory has more than one nozzle, more than one nozzle may extend into the toilet bowl. The lamp, when illuminated, is effective to deliver a sanitizing or sterilizing dose of ultraviolet wavelength light to the target surfaces, which ...

example 3

[0113] UV Sterilization of a Nozzle Surface and a Toilet Seat Surface

[0114] This Example describes a toilet accessory having a source of UV light configured to deliver sanitizing or sterilizing doses of UV light to the toilet seat and to one or more spray nozzles of the toilet accessory.

[0115] A UV lamp configured to emit UV light having wavelengths of between about 200 nm and about 310 nm is mounted on the inner surface of a toilet lid. The UV lamp is mounted so as to illuminate the upper surface of the toilet seat, and also to illuminate a portion of the toilet bowl, when the lid is closed. The lamp, when illuminated, is effective to deliver a sanitizing or sterilizing dose of ultraviolet wavelength light to sterilize one or more surfaces of the toilet seat when the lid is in a closed position and the lamp is thus disposed above and near the toilet seat. A nozzle is provided which can extend within the toilet bowl and can be exposed to UV radiation from the lamp when in an exten...

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PUM

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Abstract

Devices, systems and methods for sanitizing or sterilizing one or more surfaces of a toilet accessory by directing a sanitizing or a sterilizing dose of germicidal electromagnetic radiation onto those surfaces are provided. The germicidal electromagnetic radiation may be ultraviolet (UV) radiation provided by at least one UV lamp integral with the toilet accessory. The UV lamps may be light-emitting diodes. Surfaces that may be sanitized or sterilized include a toilet seat surface, and a retractable nozzle surface. Systems include a toilet accessory, a source of germicidal electromagnetic radiation, a fluid connection and a power connection. Methods include steps of irradiating a surface with a sanitizing or sterilizing dose of germicidal electromagnetic radiation, and may further include steps of closing a toilet lid prior to an irradiation step, steps of extending a nozzle prior to an irradiation step, and steps of retracting a nozzle prior to an irradiation step.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to toilets and bidets, and components, accessories, and devices related to toilets and bidets, and methods for maintaining and using the same. In particular, the invention relates to components, devices, and accessories having elements that are effective to sanitize or sterilize desired portions or surfaces of a toilet, bidet, or toilet or bidet component, systems including such components, devices, and accessories, and methods for their use and maintenance. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Toilets and bidets are well known to require cleaning and maintenance for their use and for the hygiene of those using them. Toilets and bidets may harbor bacteria and other microorganisms that are considered to be undesirable. Thus, there is need for devices, systems and methods for inactivating or killing such microorganisms. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0003] Devices, components, accessories, systems and methods for sanitizing and sterilizing...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): E03D9/08A47K3/20A47K4/00
CPCE03D9/08A47K13/302
Inventor PINIZZOTTO, SCOTT
Owner BRONDELL
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