Article sanitizer

Abstract

A sanitizer for an article comprises an enclosure defining an internal space. A cage is mounted to the enclosure and extends into the internal space. A sanitizer bulb is disposed within the cage. At least one hanging element is fixed to the cage, the hanging element adapted to hang an article therefrom. A sanitizer for a bag including at least two handles comprises an enclosure defining an internal space and including a floor and a ceiling. A cage is mounted to the ceiling of the enclosure and extends into the internal space. A sanitizer bulb is disposed within the cage. A pair of handle hooks is fixed to the cage and each adapted to engage one handle of the bag for securing the bag around the cage.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A sanitizer for an article, comprising:
 an enclosure defining an internal space;   a cage mounted to the enclosure and extending into the internal space;   a sanitizer bulb disposed within the cage; and   at least one hanging element fixed to the cage, the hanging element adapted to hang an article therefrom.   
     
     
         2 . The sanitizer of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one hanging element comprises at least one of a handle hook, a hook, a spring clip, and a clamp. 
     
     
         3 . The sanitizer of  claim 1 , wherein the enclosure defines an opening at a door side, and further comprising a door adapted to selectively close the opening. 
     
     
         4 . The sanitizer of  claim 3 , further comprising an electronic circuit electrically connected to the sanitizer bulb and including a switch, wherein the switch has a position corresponding to a closed door, such that the sanitizer bulb cannot be illuminated unless the door is closed. 
     
     
         5 . The sanitizer of  claim 4 , wherein the electronic circuit further comprises a timer. 
     
     
         6 . The sanitizer of  claim 4 , wherein the switch has a position corresponding to an open door, further comprising a non-UV light bulb for illuminating the internal space of the enclosure when the switch is in the position corresponding to an open door, the non-UV light bulb electrically connected to the electronic circuit. 
     
     
         7 . The sanitizer of  claim 4 , wherein the electronic circuit further comprises a bulb socket mounted to the enclosure for receiving the sanitizer bulb. 
     
     
         8 . The sanitizer of  claim 1 , wherein the enclosure includes side walls, a floor, and a ceiling, and the cage is mounted to the ceiling. 
     
     
         9 . The sanitizer of  claim 1 , wherein the sanitizer bulb is a UV bulb. 
     
     
         10 . The sanitizer of  claim 1 , wherein the sanitizer bulb is a fluorescent UV bulb. 
     
     
         11 . The sanitizer of  claim 1 , wherein the cage comprises a metallic mesh. 
     
     
         12 . The sanitizer of  claim 1 , wherein the cage comprises a non-opaque plastic material. 
     
     
         13 . The sanitizer of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one hanging element is a pair of hooks, each hook for securing to a hooking point of the article. 
     
     
         14 . The sanitizer of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one hanging element is a pair of handle hooks fixed to the cage and each adapted to engage one handle of a bag for securing the bag around the cage. 
     
     
         15 . The sanitizer of  claim 1 , further comprising a support stand fixed to a bottom end of the enclosure, the support stand adapted for holding the enclosure above a ground surface. 
     
     
         16 . The sanitizer of  claim 15 , wherein the support stand comprises a pair of wheels, such that the enclosure and support stand may be tilted until each wheel engages the ground surface for rolling the sanitizer. 
     
     
         17 . A sanitizer for a bag including at least two handles, comprising:
 an enclosure defining an internal space and including a floor and a ceiling;   a cage mounted to the ceiling of the enclosure and extending into the internal space;   a sanitizer bulb disposed within the cage; and   a pair of handle hooks fixed to the cage and each adapted to engage one handle of the bag for securing the bag around the cage.   
     
     
         18 . The sanitizer of  claim 17 , further comprising an electronic circuit electrically connected to the sanitizer bulb and including a switch, wherein the switch has a position corresponding to a closed door, such that the sanitizer bulb cannot be illuminated unless the door is closed. 
     
     
         19 . The sanitizer of  claim 17 , wherein the sanitizer bulb is a UV bulb. 
     
     
         20 . The sanitizer of  claim 17 , further comprising a support stand fixed to a bottom end of the enclosure, the support stand adapted for holding the enclosure above a ground surface.