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Patent Searching and Data


Title:
HYGIENIC TOUCH SWITCH/CONTROLLER
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2017/059544
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A touch switch/controller economically constructed for optimal comfort and effective use by the intersecting phalanges of a finger or thumb when bent, for the purpose of preventing the spread of germs, bacteria, and infections. Although said switch/controller can be used in a variety of applications, a particular interest is to provide a switch/controller for automated doors. Said switch/controller includes but is not limited to a cover plate with at least one opening for sensor area, at least one touch sensor element formed of a bowl which may have at least one aperture where a UV light is disposed, and a printed circuit board which is in electrically conductive contact with said sensor(s) and any light(s) involved.

Inventors:
BUSGITH TOMMY (CA)
Application Number:
PCT/CA2016/051173
Publication Date:
April 13, 2017
Filing Date:
October 07, 2016
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
BUSGITH TOMMY (CA)
International Classes:
H03K17/96
Foreign References:
US20150151016A12015-06-04
US5917165A1999-06-29
US20140252247A12014-09-11
CA2496418A12006-08-09
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Claims:
Claims

Claim 1. A touch switch/controller economically constructed for the method of use by the intersecting phalanges of a finger or thumb when bent.

Claim 2. The touch switch/controller according to claim 1, wherein said touch switch/controller comprises;

A cover plate with at least one opening (mouth) formed of non conducting material such as plastic;

At least one sensor area formed of a bowl of metal material which is fastened or disposed to or near rear side of mouth of said cover plate;

A printed circuit board located which location is arbitrary so long as to be in electrically conductive contact with said sensor(s).

Claim 3. The touch switch/controller according to claim 2, wherein the cover plate is metal and an insulating element(s) is disposed between said cover plate and said sensor(s).

Claim 4. The touch switch/controller according to claims 2,3, wherein said sensor(s) is at least partially formed of non conductive material such as plastic but contains at least one form of metal element that is in electrically conductive contact with said printed circuit board.

Claim 5. The touch switch/controller according to claims 2,3, wherein said sensor(s) is formed from any existing touch sensor.

Claim 6. The touch switch/controller according to claims 2,3, wherein the sensor(s) may be made of a metal or non conductive material such as plastic, and has at least one aperture located in the curvature where a light(s) is disposed, and a light detection element disposed at the base of the bowl which is in electrically conductive contact with said printed circuit board.

Claim 7. The touch switch/controller according to claims 2,3,4,5,6, wherein there is at least one aperture in the curvature of said sensor(s) wherein there is a UV light(s) disposed which is in electrically conductive contact with said printed circuit board.

Claim 8. The touch switch/controller according to claims 2,3,4,5,6,7, wherein there is at least one aperture in the cover plate where a light(s) is disposed and is in electrically conductive contact with said printed circuit board.

Description:
Description

The present invention relates to a touch switch/controller, including a cover plate with at least one opening (mouth), at least one sensor area in the form of a bowl with a mouth, depth, and curvature for method of use by the intersecting phalanges of a finger or thumb when bent (although any, the index finger is the preferred and suggested choice), a printed circuit board with evaluation and execution components located anywhere so long as in electrically conductive contact with said sensor. The sensor may have an aperture in the curvature wherein a UV light is disposed. UV light of a certain frequency is known to be highly effective at penetrating thin- walled germs like viruses and bacteria. The light alters the genetic structure of the germs and they die.

Currently there is no commonly used method can practically be used to operate majority doors in majority locations in a hygienic manner. Some examples include, motion detection doors which are not practical for many locations because of accidental activation flaws, alternatively there are push buttons, push plates, and touch sensors, none of which are designed or or address hygienic issues as effective as the current invention. It is therefore the object of this invention to overcome said disadvantages and provide a meaningfully useful solution that can be used in majority locations including indoor and tight spaces and help prevent the spread of germs, bacteria, and infections between users. Furthermore the invention can both help our elderly (or anyone) whom struggles to open doors by providing an easier more user friendly interface while also decreasing their chance of contamination or infection. It is important to note that (although intended for everyone) there are brothers and sisters suffering from AIDS, cancer, or any of a long list of ailments that even just an infection such as the flu can send them to their deathbed. The present invention may help reduce the risks of such tragic events. Furthermore because the invention can be used in majority locations and is useful and appealing for non-disabled (specifically not in wheelchair) people, it is not far fetched to believe that the invention would cause more business owners and people to install the invention for the benefit of accessibility too. If the invention benefits everyone it is believed the inclination would be much greater and ultimately we would end up with a lot more truly fully accessible facilities. It is important to note that governments worldwide can make and use this invention for government and public facilities operated by them without any worry of infringement. The benefits include, job creation, helping prevent the spread of germs, bacteria, and infections, and more accessible facilities. Don't worry about the costs because ultimately there will be billions, most likely trillions of dollars of savings in healthcare costs over the years. One example would be in our great country called Canada we have the wonderful province of Ontario which has implemented the AODA which is to be in full effect by 2025. It is no secret that this has been problematic and challenging to achieve and the clock is ticking. Hopefully the invention can help.

Summary Of The Invention

A touch switch/controller comprising a cover plate with at least one opening (mouth), a sensor (any form of touch sensor) area formed of a bowl which includes, a mouth, depth, and curvature, and may contain an aperture in the curvature wherein a UV light is disposed, which is fastened or disposed to the rear of the cover plate opening.

It is important to note that the size and shape of the mouths of both cover plate and sensor is arbitrary as long as they fit. Although not limited to, the preferred shape of the mouths of said sensor and cover plate is oval like shaped. A printed circuit board is in electrically conductive contact with said sensor element and said UV element and any other light(s) that may be disposed among said switch/controller. An insulation element may be required depending on types of materials and configuration of said switch/controller. The invention can be constructed in such a way as to be mounted similar to the way a handicap push plate switch is. The invention may also be flush mounted to a wall and may require an electrical junction box. The invention may also have two sides (inner and outer) each unit with its own sensor(s), mounted directly on a door similar to the way a door knob is mounted together.

Problems With The Invention

It is acknowledged that because the invention will be new and non-obvious to users, there will be an education process involved. This could be solved with a picture diagram of how to use.

Hopefully as time goes by and the invention becomes common knowledge the diagram will not be necessary as it may be more aesthetically pleasing without it to some.

Detailed Description Of The Invention

The following will provide a greater understanding of how the invention may be constructed, however it is to be understood that the invention not be limited to the details herein since various changes may be made to the structure and/or parts used without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention and claims.

In one embodiment the invention may be comprised as follows. Reference numeral 12 denotes a cover plate formed of plastic with an oval like shaped opening (mouth) 14 whereas a capacitive touch sensor 10 formed of metal material in the form of a bowl with an oval like shaped mouth which is fastened to or disposed at rear side of cover plate mouth 14. Said sensor 10 is in electrically conductive contact with a printed circuit board 16 which contains electrical components for evaluation and execution purposes and power distribution. In a further embodiment the sensor 10 has an aperture in the curvature of the bowl wherein a light of the UV spectrum is disposed. In another embodiment of the invention the cover plate 12 is formed of metal and an insulating element is disposed between the cover plate 12 and sensor element 10. In yet another embodiment of the invention the sensor 10 is at least partially formed of plastic but contains at least one metal element in electrically conductive contact with printed circuit board 16. In yet another embodiment of the invention the sensor 10 may be formed of any form of touch sensor so long as its formed of a bowl with characteristic features for intended method of use 18. In yet another embodiment of the invention the sensor 10 has at least one aperture in the curvature wherein a light(s) is disposed, there is then a detection element disposed at the base of the bowl in electrically conductive contact with printed circuit board 16, wherein when contacted by method of use 18, the light is blocked which signals an action or command to be executed.