Related Applications

This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.

62/306,370 entitled "Methods and Apparatus for Sanitizing Solid Surfaces," filed March 10, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Statement Regarding Federal Funding

Embodiments of the present invention were not conceived or reduced to practice with Federal funding or sponsorship.

Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and devices for sanitizing solid surfaces.

Background of the Invention

Pathogens can be passed through contamination of solid surfaces, such as floor, walls, equipment, handles, switches, instruments and the like. Individuals susceptible to the pathogenic agents become infected when such pathogens are contacted from such surfaces. In environments with closed populations, the pathogens can cause sickness in a substantial portion of the population. For example, without limitation, sicknesses attributed to the norovirus have swept through cruise ships with devastating effects.

Nosocomial infections in hospitals are a significant cause of mortality. Hospitals have a difficult time treating such illnesses due to the increasing number of antibiotic resistant pathogens.

Pathogens which exist as spores, such as Clostridium difficile are particularly difficult to eradicate because the spores exist in a dormant state until infection.

Summary of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and devices for sanitizing solid surfaces. As used herein, the term "solid surface" comprises any surface that is not a liquid or gas interface. The term "solid" is used in the sense of a state of matter as a solid as opposed to liquid or gas. The solid surface may be any solid surface for which sanitizing is desired and includes, surfaces which individuals may have contact with in the environment. Embodiments of the present invention have special application where there is a need to create or preserve a pathogen free environment such as in hospitals, pharmaceutical and food processing, veterinary facilities and animal husbandry. However, embodiments can be used in the home and other situations in which it is desired to reduce potential pathogens.

One method of the present invention for sanitizing a solid surface features the steps

administering an effective amount of water to a solid surface; the water is effective to activate spores potentially present on the solid surface. The method further comprises the step of administering an effective amount of molecular iodine to the solid surface to inactivate spores and pathogens potentially present.

As used herein, the term "molecular iodine" refers to di-atomic iodine represented by the chemical notation I2. Several embodiments of the present method molecular iodine as a gas, in a solution of gases and as a solution in liquids. The preferred solvents do not support the formation of iodine species consisting of iodide ion, triiodine, hypoiodic acid and iodate. Gas solvents comprise noble gases, nitrogen and air. Preferred liquid solvents comprise absolute ethanol, absolute methanol and absolute isopropanol. As used herein, the term "absolute" is used to mean substantially free of water as the term is used commercially. One or more embodiments of the present invention feature molecular iodine in an alcohol.

As used herein, the term "administering" and "applying" are used synonymously to mean that the material is placed in contact with the surface. For example without limitation, surfaces are wetted with water. For example, without limitation, water is applied by one or more of the following aerosol, foam, wetted fabric, wetted cellulose, spray or wash. Water is preferably applied as a buffered solution which may further comprise surfactants and fragrances which improve the wetting or user perceptions regarding the use. By way of example, without limitation, molecular iodine is applied by one or more of the following means such as gas, liquid solution, gas solution, wetted fabric, or wetted cellulose. One embodiment features molecular iodine in alcohol solution which solution is placed in contact with the surface by wetting the surface.

One embodiment of the present method features water and molecular iodine applied by an applicator assembly. The applicator assembly meters at least one of an effective amount of water and an effective amount of molecular iodine onto a solid surface. An effective amount of water is such amount necessary to activate or make bacterial spores receptive to the uptake of molecular iodine. An effective amount of molecular iodine is an amount to remove, inactivate or kill 50% of the pathogens on a surface.

As used herein, the term "pathogen" refers to a biological entity that is associated with or causes illness or disease in humans and/or animals. The term encompasses any pathogenic material or entity, including by way of example, without limitation, cellular, viral, bacterial, protozoan, yeast, fungal, algal, prion, and multicellular parasites agents which potentially cause infectiolus disease or illness. Some embodiments of the present invention feature effective amounts of water and molecular iodine which are effective against Clostridium difficile and its spores. One or more embodiments are effective against Clostridium difficile spores and remove or kill 95 percent or greater of the Clostridium difficile present on a surface.

One further embodiment of the present invention is directed to an applicator assembly for applying an effective amount of water and an effective amount of molecular iodine to a solid surface potentially carrying pathogens. One device comprises a molecular iodine source, a water source and a holder. The molecular iodine source contains molecular iodine and is constructed and arranged to dispense an effective amount of molecular iodine on a surface potentially carrying spores and pathogens. The water source contains water and is constructed and arranged to dispense an effective amount of water on a surface potentially carrying spores to activate spores. The holder is constructed and arranged to hold the water source and the molecular iodine source to dispense an effective amounts of water and molecular iodine as said holder is placed in an application position.

An application position is where the device is against or proximal to the surface being treated. For example, without limitation one embodiment features a device that meters at least one of an effective amount of water and an effective amount of molecular iodine through one or more openings. The opening may dispense effective amounts directly on the surface or use wiping blades or other wetting means. One embodiment features at least one source of molecular iodine and a source of water wherein the source comprises a fabric source which dispenses an effective amount of water and/or molecular iodine through wicking action. That is, the fabric like source is pressed against the surface to be sanitized. A non-application position is where the device is removed from the surface being treated and may comprise a raised or inverted position to control the flow of water and/or molecular iodine.

One embodiment features at least one or the molecular iodine source and the water source having a containment vessel. Embodiments featuring a molecular iodine source have a molecular iodine containment vessel. The molecular iodine containment vessel has at least one molecular iodine opening. Embodiments featuring a water source have a water containment vessel. The water containment vessel has one or more water openings.

Embodiments of the present invention feature at least one of the water openings and molecular iodine openings in fluid communication with a dispensing surface. The dispensing surface is associated with a wiping blade or wetting material. The wetting material disperses the water and/or molecular iodine for a more even application. Examples of a wetting material include, without limitation, wicking material, fabric type material, cellulose type material. The wetting material when drawn across a solid surface delivers an effective amount of at least one of the water and molecular iodine.

Embodiments of the present invention feature an applicator assembly having at least one source of molecular iodine and at least one source of water. One applicator assembly features such sources integral as a unitary structure. For example, without limitation, one embodiment features a flexible plastic applicator assembly. The applicator assembly has flexible molecular iodine containment vessels and flexible water containment vessels. The applicator assembly has a front side and a back side. The front side has the molecular iodine openings and water openings. The back side has a backing or is capable of being affixed to a backing or is affixed to a backing. Pressure on the backing when the holder is in an application position against a surface compels molecular iodine and water through the respective openings. Molecular iodine and water are also dispensed through gravitation and wicking.

One embodiment features a holder which applicator assembly has or is capable of being affixed to a handle. The handle may be sized in the manner of a wand for sanitizing standing items of a small scale such as knobs, switches, equipment, handles and the like. Or, the handle can be sized for using the applicator assembly as a larger sanitizing tool in the nature of a floor sweep.

Embodiments of the present invention feature removable closure means. It is desirable to isolate molecular iodine from water until the molecular iodine is applied to a surface. Water supports the formation of inactive forms of iodine; for example, iodide ion, triiodine, hypoiodic acid and iodate. The removable closure means closes the source of molecular iodine from environmental water and from water from the water source. One example of removable closure means is a plastic strip which seals and covers the molecular iodine openings and/or wetting means materials. The operator removes the plastic strip immediately prior to use.

One embodiment features a closure means that closes both the molecular iodine source and the source of water. A plurality of molecular iodine sources and water sources, each with closure means, allows the device to apply a source or paired sources, separately or together to extend to use of the device or to apply a greater amount of molecular iodine and water.

One embodiment of the present device features at least one of the water source and molecular iodine source is removable from the rest of the device. Upon exhaustion of the molecular iodine with respect to said molecular iodine source and upon exhaustion of the water with respect to said water source, the source is removed and replaced.

These and other features and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon viewing the Drawings which are described briefly in the section below and upon studying the text of the Detailed Description that follows.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 depicts a device embodying features of the present invention:

Figure 2 depicts a device embodying features of the present invention;

Figure 3 depicts a cross section of a device having features of the present invention;

Figure 4 depicts a device embodying features of the present invention, showing openings; Figure 5 depicts the device of Figure 4 with wetting strips covering the openings;

Figure 6 depicts the device of Figure 4 with sealing plastic strips covering the wetting strips and openings.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with respect to a method and a device for sanitizing solid surfaces, such as, by way of example, without limitation, walls, floors, ceiling surfaces, small items and features which are handled and the like. Embodiments of the present invention have utility in hospitals, food preparation facilities, restaurants and cafeterias, cruise ships, and other public type setting which are likely to give rise to transmission of pathogens. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize other applications and uses for the invention. The present description is intended to set forth the preferred embodiments and methods of making and using the same. These preferences may change over time. Thus, the present invention should not be limited to the precise details herein.

Turning now to Figure 1, a device, generally designated by the numeral 11, embodying features of the present invention, is depicted. The device 11 has the following major elements, an applicator assembly 13, a backing 15 and a handle 17. The device 11 is for sanitizing larger flat surfaces such as floors and walls [not shown] in the nature of a mop. This description will sometimes refer to the device 11 as the "floor device". The designation as a floor device is for convenience only and is not intended to limit the use of the device 11 for surfaces other than floors.

The device 11 has dimensions which would be consistent with the surfaces in which it is used. For floors, device 11 would have a handle 17 sized to push the applicator assembly 13 comfortably by user in a standing position. The applicator assembly has dimensions of 35 cm by 1 or 2 meters in length along the longest dimension and 4 cm to 1 meter in the short dimension. The applicator assembly 13 has a thickness determined by the size of water source and molecular iodine source to be discussed later in this application, with a range of 1 to 15 cm. However, these dimensions can readily be adjusted.

The device 11 may take several forms. Whereas Figure 1 depicts a device 11 suitable for large surfaces, Figure 2 depicts a device 11a suitable for smaller solid surfaces. The device 1 la is sometimes referred to as the "wand device 1 la" for convenience only and is not intended to limit the size or the surfaces to which the device 11a may be used. This description will use the suffix "a" to denote identify features of the wand device 11a and will refer collectively to similar features in the floor device 11 and the wand device 11a with reference to the number designations unless the context requires a different meaning.

The device 11a has the following major elements, an applicator assembly 13a, a backing 15a and a handle 17a. Device 1 la is in the nature of a sanitation wand for sanitizing handles, switch plates, loose articles, appliances and fixtures. The wand device 11a has an applicator assembly 13a, backing 15a and handle 17a sized for application to switches, handles, knobs, instruments and the like. The applicator assembly is cylindrical in shape with a diameter of about 3 -15 cm preferably 2-10 cm, and a length of about 3 - 15 cm, preferably, 3-10 cm, and a handle of about 8 - 30 cm, preferably 10-30 cm. However, other shapes and dimensions may be used.

Returning now to Figure 1, the backing 15 is a solid surface or frame for carrying the applicator assembly 13. The backing is comprised of plastic, metals, cardboard, fiber board, foam boards and other structural materials. The handle 17 is made of suitable structural materials including plastic, wood, composite materials and metals. The handle 17 is affixed to the backing 15 by conventional means including but not limited to swivel type joints [not shown], hinged joints [not shown] and braces 21.

Turning now to Figure 2, the backing 15a is a solid form or open form comprised of plastic metals, cardboard, fiberboard, foam or expanded plastic and other structural materials. The handle 17 may be integral with the backing or formed separately and affixed thereto in a conventional manner, for example, without limitation, fitting an end of the handle 17a into a corresponding hole [not shown] in the backing 15a.

Each backing 15 and 15a supports the applicator assembly 13 and 13a, respectively. The respective applicator assembly 13 and 13a can be integral with, as in a single structure, or separate and affixed to the backing 15 and 15a.

Turning now to Figure 1, the applicator assembly 13 is affixed to the backing 15 by suitable means such as adhesive, cooperating hook and loop (sold under the trademark VELCRO ®), interfitting tabs, and the like. Thus, applicator assembly 15 is in the nature of a disposable element which can be used until exhausted and removed and a new applicator assembly 15 fitted to the backing 15.

Turning now to Figure 2, as described herein with respect to the wand device 11a, the applicator assembly 13a is integral with the backing 15a as a unitary structure. The backing 15a and the applicator assembly 13a are in the nature of a disposable element which can be used until exhausted and removed from the wand handle 17a, and a new backing 15a and applicator assembly 13a fitted to the handle 17a.

Each applicator assembly 13 and 13a is constructed and arranged to apply an effective amount of water and an effective amount of molecular iodine to a solid surface potentially carrying spores and pathogens. Each applicator assembly 13 and 13a comprises a molecular iodine source, and a water source held together as a unitary structure or affixed to each other or held by a holder or backing 15 or 15a. Each applicator assembly 13 and 13a is made of plastic, glass, metal or other like materials. The materials may be rigid or flexible; as described herein, each applicator assembly 13 and 13a is comprised of flexible plastic.

Turning now to Figure 3, which depicts an applicator assembly 13 in cross section, the applicator assembly comprises a molecular iodine source, in the form of molecular iodine vessels 27 and 29. The number of molecular iodine vessels 27 and 29 is arbitrary and larger numbers vessels or a single vessel may be used. The molecular iodine vessels 27 and 29 each contain molecular iodine in a solution of a solvent that does not support the formation of iodine species consisting of iodide ion, triiodine, hypoiodic acid and iodate. Gas solvents comprise noble gases, nitrogen and air. Preferred liquid solvents comprise absolute ethanol, absolute methanol and absolute isopropanol. The surfaces containing molecular iodine solutions are preferably metalized to maintain the molecular iodine. Although the applicator assembly 13 of the larger device 11 is described herein, the wand device 11a has a similar structure.

The molecular iodine vessels 27 and 29 are constructed and arranged to dispense an effective amount of molecular iodine which are contained therein on a surface potentially carrying spores and pathogens. Referring now to molecular iodine vessel 27, such vessel has one or more molecular iodine openings of which only one is shown, molecular iodine opening 31. Molecular iodine opening 31 allows molecular iodine solutions in molecular iodine vessel 27 to drain, weep, wick or be pumped out by pressing the molecular iodine vessels 27 on the surface to which the molecular iodine and water is to be applied or by shaking the device 11.

Turning now to Figure 4, Figure 4 depicts an applicator assembly 13 inverted and in partial cutaway to depict the molecular iodine openings 31 in rows. The molecular iodine openings 31 are sized to drain, weep, wick or pump an effective amount of molecular iodine solution for the number of molecular iodine openings 31 and the area in which the applicator assembly 13 or 13a will treat.

Returning now to Figure 3, the water source contains water and is constructed and arranged to dispense an effective amount of water on a surface potentially carrying spores to activate spores through water openings 33. As depicted in Figure 3, the water source comprises water vessels 35, 37, 39 and 41. Water vessels 35 and 37 are associated with a molecular iodine vessel 27. The applicator assembly 13 is constructed and arranged to hold the water source and the molecular iodine source to dispense an effective amounts of water and molecular iodine as the applicator assembly 13 is placed in an application position.

The water openings 33 and molecular iodine openings 31 are constructed arranged to dispense the water to activate spores prior to receiving molecular iodine. As best seen in Figure 3, as the applicator assembly 13 is moved in either of the directions denoted by arrows A, the water openings 33 precede the molecular iodine opening 31.

An application position is where the device is against or proximal to the surface being treated. For example, without limitation one embodiment features a device 11 and 11a that meters at least one of an effective amount of water and an effective amount of molecular iodine through one or more openings 31. The molecular iodine openings 31 and water openings 33 may dispense effective amounts directly on the surface or use wiping blades [not shown] or other wetting means, such as fabric strips 45 with respect to water and 47 with respect to molecular iodine, as best seen in Figures 3 and 5.

As depicted in Figures 1, 2-6, the device 11 has a molecular iodine source and the water source comprising containment vessels, molecular iodine vessels 27 and 29 and water vessel 35, 37, 39 and 41. However, molecular iodine source and water source may take different forms and include fabric like wicking materials [not shown] which dispenses an effective amount of water and/or molecular iodine through wicking action. That is, the fabric like source stores the water or molecular iodine solution and itself is pressed against the surface to be sanitized. A preferred fabric like material for molecular iodine is rayon.

Device 11 features at least one of the water openings and molecular iodine openings in fluid communication with a dispensing surface 51. The dispensing surface is associated with a wiping blade [not shown] or wetting material, such fabric strips 45 and 47. The wetting material when drawn across a solid surface delivers an effective amount of at least one of the water and molecular iodine. Turning to Figure 3, movement in either direction represented by arrows A, will deliver to a surface a first application of water from one of the wetted fabrics strips 45 and a second application of molecular iodine from wetted fabric strip 47.

Embodiments of the present invention feature removable closure means, best seen in Figure 6, in the form of removable plastic sealing strips 61 and 63. Figure 6 depicts the applicator assembly of Figure 1 inverted. It is desirable to isolate molecular iodine from water until the molecular iodine is applied to a surface. Water supports the formation of inactive forms of iodine; for example, iodide ion, triiodine, hypoiodic acid and iodate. The plastic strips 61 and 63 close the source of molecular iodine from environmental water and from water from the water source. Each plastic strip 61 and 63 isolates, seals and covers the molecular iodine openings 31 and/or wetting fabric 47 and seals, isolates and covers the water openings 33 and wetting fabric 45. The plastic strip 61 and 63 is removed prior to use. A tab 65 and 67 on each strip facilitates the user grasping the plastic strip and pealing it back as shown in Figure 3.

As shown in Figures 2 with respect to device 11a and Figures 3 and 6 with respect to Device 11, each applicator assembly 13 and 13a has two plastic strips 61 and 63, and 61a and 63a. The user may adjust the amount of molecular iodine and water administered by releasing one or more than one multiple plastic strips 61 and 63, and 61a and 63a. In the alternative, the user may use the molecular iodine source and associated water source from one plastic strip 61 or 61a, or 63 and 63a, and exhaust such sources and then administer the remaining molecular iodine source and associated water source to extend the surfaces and time of administration.

Upon exhaustion, each applicator assembly 13 and 13a, with the backing 15 and 15a, if the backing is unitary with the applicator assembly 13 and 13a, is removed. If it is removed with the backing 15 and 15a, the applicator assembly 13 or 13a is replaced with the backing 15 and 15a. If the backing is not removed with the applicator assembly 13 or 13a, the new applicator assembly 13 and 13a is affixed to the backing 15 and 15 a and the device 11 and 11a is ready for further use. The spent applicator assembly 13 and 13a potentially carrying pathogens is disposed of in an appropriate manner.

The use of the device will be described in detail with respect to the methods of the present invention in a hospital or healthcare environment. The method of the present invention for sanitizing a solid surface features the steps administering an effective amount of water to a solid surface. The water is effective to activate spores potentially present on the solid surface. The method further comprises the step of administering an effective amount of molecular iodine to said solid surface to inactivate spores and pathogens potentially present.

One further embodiment of the present invention is directed to an applicator assembly for applying an effective amount of water and an effective amount of molecular iodine to a solid surface potentially carrying spores and pathogens. One device comprises a molecular iodine source, a water source and a holder. The molecular iodine source contains molecular iodine and is constructed and arranged to dispense an effective amount of molecular iodine on a surface potentially carrying spores and pathogens. The water source contains water and is constructed and arranged to dispense an effective amount of water on a surface potentially carrying spores to activate spores. The holder is constructed and arranged to hold the water source and the molecular iodine source to dispense an effective amounts of water and molecular iodine as said holder is placed in an application position.

In using the device 11 as described above, the user secures an applicator assembly 13 to a backing 15 and a handle 17. With respect to device 11a, the user secures a applicator assembly 13a and backing 15a to a handle 17a. The user removes the plastic strip 65 with respect to device 11 and plastic strip 65 a with respect to device 11a, exposes the water wetting surfaces 45 and the molecular iodine wetting surfaces 47 with respect to device 11 or similar features with respect to device 11a..

The user places the applicator assembly 13 and 13a in an application position is where the device 11 and 1 la is against or proximal to the surface being treated. The molecular iodine openings release molecular iodine solutions onto the molecular iodine wetting surfaces 47. The water openings 33 release water onto the water wetting surface 45. If additional water and/or molecular iodine solution is desired, with respect to device 11, the user presses the applicator assembly 13 against the surface being treated. Or, with respect to device 11a, the user shakes the device to compel water and/or molecular iodine solutions through openings {not shown}.

The user draws the device 11 and 11a across the surface treating the surface with water to activate spores potentially present and treating the surface with an effective amount of molecular iodine.

As one group of molecular iodine solution and associated water is exhausted, the user opens a second group by removing a further plastic strip 63. When the entire applicator assembly 13 and 13a is exhausted, it is removed and disposed of.

Thus, a novel, use-once and discard system for high level disinfection of solid surfaces is described. Embodiments of the present invention kill bacterial endospores such as Clostridium difficile endospores. The system is an individually packaged configuration which contains a mop-type structure device that is soaked in an alcohol-iodine solution in an air-tight

container. When the user inserts an applicator attachment device into the disposable container by puncturing through the sealed container the mop-type structure device locks into the applicator attachment. When the user pulls the attached mop-type structure away from the sealed packaging a second chamber inside the disposable container is ruptured and an acidic aqueous solution mixes with the alcohol -iodine solution and the removed wet mop head attached to the applicator is ready to be used on any solid surface e.g., floor, wall, doors, etc. Once the wet, soaked disinfectant solution has been distributed onto solid surfaces the mop head is discarded and the applicator attachment device is ready to be used with another mop-type structure device soaked in sporocidal high level disinfectant. We have further discovered that addition of most if not all surfactants will inhibit and in fact block the anti-sporicidal action of the iodine-alcohol high level disinfectant.

The preferred embodiment is to have the elemental iodine concentration 2 mg/mL in 100% alcohol. The pH of the aqueous solution is preferably below pH5.4 and above pH

2.0. Surfactants are not preferred. The novel high level disinfectant kills Clostridium difficile endospores >10,000,000 cfu/mL under 10 minutes and does not stain skin or solid surfaces.