Sanitizing surfaces

Abstract

Sanitizing surfaces in a location related to aircraft. There are multiple rows of seats. A sanitization device includes a mobile body configured to travel along the aisle of the aircraft. An arm extends from the sanitization device laterally from the mobile body across the seats, and a source of UV radiation mounted on the sanitization device is directed across the seats exposing surfaces in the passenger area to UV radiation. There can be a unit hand operated, pushed down the aisle by hand, wings deployed and stowed by hand. There can be a plug in version with long extension cords that a human can keep from tangling. The operator can be protected with skin and eye protective gear and there can be remote control by an operator standing nearby.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of sanitizing seat surfaces in an area, the area having multiple rows of seats arranged opposite to each other comprising the steps of: a) providing a sanitization device including a mobile body configured to travel along the area; b) extending a portion of the sanitization device laterally from the mobile body across a seat surface, a source of germicidal UV-C radiation being mounted on the portion of the sanitization device; c) moving the portion of the sanitization device across a first seat surface; d) exposing the first seat surface to germicidal UV-C radiation produced by the source at a predetermined dosage; e) moving the mobile body along the area while the portion of the sanitation device moves over other seat surfaces of subsequent seat rows; and f) directing the source of germicidal UV-C radiation to the other seat surfaces at the predetermined dosage while the device moves the portion of the sanitization device laterally over the other seat surfaces; the mobile body being powered by a power source on board the mobile device, providing an additional power source for the mobile body being provided from an outlet remote from the mobile body, the mobile body being selectively set up for being manually operated and driven by an operator, the operator selectively being protected with skin and eye protective gear, providing the UV-C radiation by multiple UV-C lamps in two laterally opposite directions each respectively by two laterally extendable portions relative to the movable body, the UV-C radiation being provided by the multiple spaced apart UV-C lamps on each portion in each of the lateral directions while the mobile body moves and while the portions extend laterally outwardly from the body, and wherein the portions are extendable from the mobile body between different lateral extendible positions and are movable over multiple seats and the multiple UV-C lamps are directed to the surfaces of the multiple seats such that the multiple UV-C lamps are set up to be extendable over the multiple seats, and wherein the UV-C lamps are movable inwardly towards the device and outwardly from the device to extend laterally between the different lateral positions over the multiple seats, and wherein the portions are laterally extendable from the mobile body by movement from a position within the body to the different positions out of the body. 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  including a remote control for permitting the operator to control the device while remotely located from the device. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  wherein the public area is a movie theater, theater, sports arena, arena, entertainment arena, or waiting room. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 2  wherein the public area is a movie theater, theater, sports arena, arena, entertainment arena, or waiting room. 
     
     
       5. A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the seat surfaces are in an aircraft passenger cabin, the cabin having multiple rows of seats arranged opposite to each other with an aisle between the opposite rows; and wherein the mobile body is composed of at least two separable components. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 5  including a remote control for permitting the operator to control the device while remotely located from the device. 
     
     
       7. A method of sanitizing seat surfaces in an area, the area having multiple rows of seats arranged opposite to each other with an aisle between the opposite rows comprising the steps of: a) providing a sanitization device including a mobile body configured to travel along the aisle of the area; b) extending two arms of the sanitization device laterally in opposite directions from the mobile body across a seat surface, multiple sources of germicidal UV-C radiation on each arm being mounted on the arms of the sanitization device; c) moving the arms of the sanitization device across a first seat surface; d) exposing the first seat surface to germicidal UV-C radiation produced by the multiple sources at a predetermined dosage; e) moving the mobile body along the aisle while the portion of the sanitation device moves over other seat surfaces of subsequent seat rows; and f) directing the sources of germicidal UV-C radiation to the other seat surfaces at the predetermined dosage while the device moves the portion of the sanitization device laterally over the other seat surfaces; providing the UV-C radiation by multiple UV-C lamps on each of the two arms thereby to be in two laterally opposite directions relative to the mobile body, each being respectively by two laterally extendable arms relative to the movable body, the UV-C radiation being provided by the multiple spaced apart UV-C lamps on each arm in each of the lateral directions while the mobile body moves and while the arms extend laterally outwardly from the body, and wherein the arms are extendable from the mobile body between different lateral extendible positions and are movable over multiple seats and the multiple UV-C lamps are directed to the surfaces of the multiple seats such that the multiple UV-C lamps are set up to be extendable over the multiple seats, and wherein the UV-C lamps are movable inwardly towards the body and outwardly from the body to extend laterally between the different lateral positions over the multiple seats, and wherein the arms are laterally extendable from the mobile body by movement from a position within the body to the different positions out of the body. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7  wherein the arms are for independent operation. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 7  including controlling the motion of the arms over and about aircraft surfaces, such surfaces including seats of an aircraft. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 7  wherein the arms are mounted with the mobile body and extendable from the mobile body at a position above back rests of the seats, and are movable over the seats and the UV-C lamps are directed to the seat surfaces. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 7  wherein the arms are mounted with the mobile body and extendable from the mobile body at a position essentially solely above seats of an aircraft, and is movable over the seats and the UV-C lamps are directed to the seat surfaces. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 7  wherein the respective arms are mounted with the mobile body and extendable from the mobile body at a position above seats of an aircraft, and is movable over the seats and the UV lamps are directed to the seat surfaces, and when extended from the mobile body and back into mobile body are maintained above the seat level, such that the UV-C lamps are located in a relatively upper portion of the mobile body; and including a hinge between the respective arms and the mobile body, the hinge permitting the upward movement of the arms between an extended position, selectively different horizontal positions, and an upward position essentially being over a body portion of the mobile body. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 7  wherein the arms are mounted with the mobile body and extendable from the mobile body at a position movable over the seats and the UV-C lamps are directed to the seat surfaces, and when extended from the mobile body and back into mobile body are above the seat level, such that the UV-C lamps are located in an upper portion of the mobile body, and wherein the multiple UV-C lamps are set up in end to end or array relationship. 
     
     
       14. A method of sanitizing seat surfaces in an area, the area having multiple rows of seats comprising the steps of:
 a) providing a sanitization device including a mobile body configured to travel through the area;   b) extending a portion of the sanitization device from the mobile body across a seat surface, a source of germicidal UV radiation being mounted on the portion of the sanitization device;   c) moving the portion of the sanitization device across a first seat surface;   d) exposing the first seat surface to germicidal UV radiation produced by the source at a predetermined dosage;   e) moving the mobile body through the area while the portion of the sanitization device moves over other seat surfaces of subsequent seat rows; and   f) directing the source of germicidal UV radiation to the other seat surfaces at the predetermined dosage while the device moves the portion of the sanitization device over the other seat surfaces; the mobile body being powered by a power source, the mobile body being operated and moved by an operator, the operator being protected by skin and eye protection, providing the UV radiation by UV lamps while the mobile body moves and while the portion extends from the body, and wherein the portion is extendable from the mobile body between different extendible positions and is movable over multiple seats and the UV lamps are directed to the surfaces of the multiple seats, and wherein the UV lamps are movable inwardly towards the device and outwardly from the device, and wherein the portion is extendable from the mobile body by movement from a position with the body to the different positions from the body,   g) moving the sanitization device under motorized action to extend at a horizontal angle relative to the mobile body and a surface to be sanitized and to effect sanitization when so extended, the moving of the sanitization device under motorized action being in a track in the mobile body to permit movement in a vertical position upwardly and downwardly;   h) operating of the sanitization device to permit a portion of the sanitization device to move under motorized action from the vertical position to the horizontal angle, while being located in the track;   i) the operating of the sanitization device to permit a portion of the sanitization device to be movable under motorized action at different angular positions between the vertical position to the horizontal angle while being located in the track, and   j) the UV radiation source being operable to direct and effect UV radiation at the surface to be sanitized in the vertical position, horizontal position and different angular positions, and wherein the mobile body includes wheels for permitting travel in a forwards direction, locating a second UV radiation source below the top of the device and adjacent to the wheels to project UV radiation from the second UV radiation source outwardly, sideways and transversely from the mobile body and in adjacency to the floor as the device travels forwardly.   
     
     
       15. The method of claim 14 including a remote control for permitting the operator to control the device while remotely located from the device and communicating through the internet with the operator. 
     
     
       16. The method of claim 14 wherein the area is a movie theater, theater, sports arena, arena, entertainment arena, or waiting room. 
     
     
       17. The method of claim 14 wherein the area is a venue of public assembly, a form of mass transit, a mass transportation vehicle, or a passenger area at the location. 
     
     
       18. The method of claim 14 wherein the area is an area of mass transportation, a vehicle, a collection and discharge area, an assembly location relating to buses, trains, ferries and forms of passenger conveyance. 
     
     
       19. The method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the sanitization device is movable inwardly and outwardly at different angles under motorized action relative to the mobile body across the surface while effecting the sanitization and wherein the device is operable under motorized action upwardly and downwardly across the surface while effecting the sanitization. 
     
     
       20. The method as claimed in claim 14 operable so that the sanitization device can move under motorized action upwardly and downwardly across the surface while directing and effecting the sanitization. 
     
     
       21. The method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the UV radiation source is arranged to run relatively vertically under motorized action in a track upwardly or downwardly and an arm is provided to direct the UV radiation source from the track so that the UV radiation source is enabled to adopt different angles relative to the horizontal or vertical relationship. 
     
     
       22. The method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the track permits the UV radiation source to move under motorized action inwardly and outwardly in the track relative to the mobile device at a different angle the mobile body, and permitting the UV radiation source to adopt varying angular positions under motorized action relative to the track, including switching an actuator to move under motorized action a wing assembly, being a frame and a wing, in the track upwardly and downwardly vertically, and operating the actuator to permit the wing to move under motorized action from the vertical position to the horizontal position and to selected angular positions between the vertical position and horizontal position, while the frame remains in the vertical position. 
     
     
       23. The method as claimed in claim 14 further comprising a step of sanitizing a floor surface; the device being operable under motorized action upwardly and downwardly across the floor surface while effecting the sanitization, a wing movably directed downwardly under motorized action to clean the floor, and in the horizontal angle the wing being disposable horizontally, and a sensor for establishing a degree of adjacency to the floor to provide for effective and efficient use. 
     
     
       24. The method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the UV source is directed upwardly and downwardly at the same time. 
     
     
       25. A method of sanitizing surfaces in an area, comprising the steps of: a) providing a sanitization device including a mobile body configured to move through the area; b) locating a portion of the sanitization device in adjacency to a surface to be sanitized, a source of germicidal UV radiation being mounted on the portion of the sanitization device; c) moving the portion of the sanitization device relative to a surface to be sanitized; d) exposing the surface to germicidal UV radiation produced by the source at a predetermined dosage; e) moving the mobile body through the area while the portion of the sanitization device moves over other surfaces; and f) directing the source of germicidal UV radiation to the other surfaces at the predetermined dosage while the device moves the portion of the sanitization device over the other surfaces; the mobile body being powered by a power source, the mobile body being operated and driven by an operator, the operator being protected by skin and eye protection, providing the UV radiation by UV lamps while the mobile body moves, and wherein the UV lamps are directed to the surfaces; g) the moving and locating the sanitization device being under motorized action to extend at a horizontal angle relative to the mobile body and a surface to be sanitized and to effect sanitization when so extended, h) the moving of the sanitization device under motorized action being in a track in the mobile body to permit movement in a vertical position upwardly and downwardly; i) operating of the sanitization device being to permit a portion of the-sanitization device to move under motorized action from the vertical position to the horizontal angle, while being located in the track; j) the operating of the sanitization device being to permit a portion of the sanitization device to be movable under motorized action at different angular positions between the vertical position to the horizontal angle while being located in the track, and k) the UV radiation source being operable to direct and effect UV radiation at the surface to be sanitized in the vertical position, horizontal position and different angular positions, and wherein the mobile body includes wheels for permitting travel in a forwards direction, locating a second UV radiation source below the top of the device and adjacent to the wheels to project UV radiation from the second UV radiation source outwardly, sideways and transversely from the mobile body and in adjacency to the floor as the device travels forwardly. 
     
     
       26. The method of claim 25 including an arm extendable from the device as it moves about an area, and including the step of extending the arm from the device to a position remote from the device and adjacent the surface to be sanitized. 
     
     
       27. The method of claim 25 wherein the area is a movie theater, theater, sports arena, arena, entertainment arena, or waiting room. 
     
     
       28. The method of claim 25 wherein the area is a venue of public assembly, a form of mass transit, a mass transportation vehicle, or a passenger area at the location. 
     
     
       29. The method of claim 25 wherein the area is an area of mass transportation, selectively a vehicle, a collection and discharge area, an assembly location relating to buses, trains, ferries and forms of passenger conveyance. 
     
     
       30. The method as claimed in claim 25 wherein the sanitization device is movable inwardly and outwardly at different angles under motorized action relative to the mobile body across the surface while effecting the sanitization and wherein the device is operable under motorized action upwardly and downwardly across the surface while effecting the sanitization. 
     
     
       31. The method as claimed in claim 25 operable so that the sanitization device can move under motorized action upwardly and downwardly across the surface while directing and effecting the sanitization. 
     
     
       32. The method as claimed in claim 25 wherein the UV radiation source is arranged to run relatively vertically under motorized action in a track upwardly or downwardly and an arm is provided to direct the UV radiation source from the track so that the UV radiation source is enabled to adopt different angles relative to the horizontal or vertical relationship. 
     
     
       33. The method as claimed in claim 25 wherein the track permits the UV radiation source to move under motorized action inwardly and outwardly in the track relative to the mobile device at a different angle the mobile body, and permitting the UV radiation source to adopt varying angular positions under motorized action relative to the track, including switching an actuator to move under motorized action a wing assembly, being a frame and a wing, in the track upwardly and downwardly vertically, and operating the actuator to permit the wing to move under motorized action from the vertical position to the horizontal position and to selected angular positions between the vertical position and horizontal position, while the frame remains in the vertical position. 
     
     
       34. The method as claimed in claim 25 for sanitizing a floor surface; the device being selectively operable under motorized action upwardly and downwardly across the floor surface while effecting the sanitization, a wing movably directed downwardly under motorized action to clean the floor, and in the horizontal angle the wing being disposable horizontally, and a sensor for establishing a degree of adjacency to the floor to provide for effective and efficient use. 
     
     
       35. The method as claimed in claim 25 wherein the UV source is directed upwardly and downwardly at the same time. 
     
     
       36. The method as claimed in claim 25 wherein the second UV radiation source is mounted on the mobile body to be located essentially within the perimeter of the mobile body. 
     
     
       37. The method as claimed in claim 25 wherein the second UV source is mounted on the mobile body to be non-movable relative to the mobile body.