Abstract:
A wheeled handcart is provided having a rechargeable, battery-powered, low pressure pump and spray apparatus for applying chemical cleaning solutions to sanitize commercial restroom facilitates and for filling hand applicators with diluted chemical solutions.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) and 37 C.F.R. 1.78(a)(4) based upon copending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/773,438 for Janitorial Handcart With Chemical Application Apparatus filed Feb. 15, 2006 the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to a hand cart used in the cleaning of commercial restrooms and, in particular, to wheeled, manually propelled carts capable of efficiently storing and organizing the necessary tools for normal cleaning activities. 
         [0003]    The present invention relates more specifically to those handcarts that are capable of carrying and delivering, via a pump and spray or other similar system, chemicals and cleaning solvents and supply of a diluent, such as water, necessary to sanitize restroom facilities while also serving as a storage unit for various other standard cleaning supplies and tools. 
         [0004]    Handcarts of this kind contain a reservoir of fresh water and a supply of chemical product which are mixed together to form a cleaning solvent. The cleaning solvent is then applied via a distribution system often involving a hand or electric pump to aid in the sanitation of restroom facilities. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    In typical commercial restroom cleaning handcarts, the primary source of power is external. The need to plug in most commercial restroom cleaning handcarts reduces efficiency by increasing set-up and tear-down time, leaving less time for actually cleaning. Additionally, the dependence upon an outside power source may render some units obsolete in areas that do not provide an external power source. 
         [0006]    Another common problem with commercial restroom cleaning handcarts is use of too high of a spray pressure which results in the application of excess chemical cleaning solutions due to a high pressure pumping apparatus. Such high pressure pump resulting in over application wastes both chemical and water resources and reduces overall efficiency by increasing the number of times the handcart must be reloaded with chemical or fresh water. 
         [0007]    A further problem with existing commercial restroom cleaning handcarts is the use to too high of a spray pressure itself. When too much spray pressure is used, the water and cleaning solution mixture and even plain rinse water is forced by the high pressure into cracks in the walls and floors and forced deep into the grout between tiles. Such infusion of moisture into cracks and grout results in moisture being in areas that should be kept dry and causes growth of mold and mildew and destruction of the floors and walls by causing the tile to separate from its base layer or foundation. 
         [0008]    Yet another problem of existing commercial restroom cleaning and solution and rinse applying devices is the inclusion of wet/dry vacuum pickups in the devices. The high noise level generated by these devices—approximately 80 decibels—is too great to allow use of these devices in hospital, school, library and other “quite zone” areas. Therefore it would be a benefit to have available a device that did not generate the excess noise inherent in the wet/dry vacuum pickups of prior art devices. 
         [0009]    It is an advantageous feature for all commercial restroom cleaning carts if they operate under their own power and properly supply the right amount of cleaning solution so as to optimize chemical usage and user efficiency. 
         [0010]    The present invention provides a means by which operators of commercial restroom cleaning handcarts can increase utility and efficiency by making use of a battery powered handcart having an on-board battery charger or trickle charger which permits the on-board battery to conveniently and efficiently be recharged during periods of non-use of the handcart. 
         [0011]    The present invention provides a means by which operators of commercial restroom cleaning handcarts can increase the efficiency and reduce the costs associated with waste through over-application by making use of the low pressure pump and applicator for application or chemical solutions and rinse water. 
         [0012]    An on-board bottle filler device also is provided which allows dilution of the on-board chemical concentrate by the on-board water supply into a diluted chemical solution and diversion of the diluted chemical solution to the bottle filler device which permits the user to fill and refill containers, such as quart bottles, for use in cleaning procedures. 
         [0013]    The foregoing expresses limitations known to exist in present commercial cleaning handcarts. Thus, it becomes advantageous to provide a an alternative designed to overcome one or more of the above listed limitations. Therefore, a suitable alternative, with features more fully described hereafter, is provided. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    The invention provides for a means of restroom sanitation which makes the cleaning process faster, more effective and more efficient through eliminating reliance upon external power sources and reducing overspray and waste by utilizing a low pressure pump to deliver the correct amount of cleaning solution. The apparatus employs a rechargeable battery, reducing set-up time and allowing the unit to be used in facilities which do not have electrical outlets. Further, the apparatus is equipped with a low pressure spray delivery system which is designed to deliver the proper amount of cleaning solution eliminating over-saturation and waste, saving both water and chemicals, and increasing efficiency by reducing set-up and recovery time. 
         [0015]    Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a fully portable, self-powered unit to aid in the sanitation of commercial restroom facilities. 
         [0016]    Yet another object of the present invention is to increase cleaning efficiency and reduce waste by utilizing a low-pressure pump to deliver the proper amount of cleaning solution. 
         [0017]    Yet another object of the present invention is to increase cleaning efficiency and reduce waste by providing an onboard battery recharging unit and a bottle filler unit for hand application of solutions. 
         [0018]    The foregoing and other aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures. 
         [0019]    The foregoing and other objects are intended to be illustrative of the invention and are not meant in a limiting sense. Many possible embodiments of the invention may be made and will be readily evident upon a study of the following specification and accompanying drawings comprising a part thereof. Various features and subcombinations of invention may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of this invention. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    Preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of the best modes in which the applicant has contemplated applying the principles, are set-forth in the following description and are shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims. 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a front right side perspective view of an embodiment of the cleaning apparatus; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is rear left side perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a front right side perspective view of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2  with the front face plate and holders removed; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a close-up view of the battery charger and cord provided to maintain the on-board battery in operable condition; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a front and left side perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the cleaning apparatus; 
           [0026]      6  is a front right side perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a fragmentary view of the left side of the embodiment of  FIG. 5  showing the bottle filler unit with the diverter in the form of a push button mechanism and having a drip-tray below the bottle filler unit to catch liquid that may drip from the bottle filler; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic representation of the operational connections between portions of the cleaning apparatus. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0029]    As required, detailed embodiments of the present inventions are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment  10  is shown in front and right side view and presenting a base  11  and a face plate  20 . The base  11  of the janitorial cart  10  contains a hollow space in base  11  used as a fresh water reservoir  12 . 
         [0031]    The rear of the base  11  extends upward along the back of  FIG. 1  in a uni-body construction to form a handle  36  and to give overall shape to the handcart  10 . Attached to the exterior bottom of the base  11  in the present embodiment are two fixed axle rear wheels  14  and two freely pivoting front wheels  16 . The front wheels  16  are allowed to complete 360 degree rotations facilitating better control and steering of the cart. To provide a simple, efficient means for draining the fresh water reservoir b the apparatus  10  has been equipped with a drain spout  18 . The drain spout  18  is located on the base  11  below the face plate  20  and between the two front wheels  16 . 
         [0032]    The embodiment  10  contains a removable face plate  20 .  FIG. 3  shows a view of the apparatus  10  with face plate  20  ( FIG. 1 ) removed. Just below the removable face plate  20  are a chemical selector valve  22  and an on/off power switch  24 . 
         [0033]    The chemical selector valve  22  allows the user to choose between two readily available chemical products. Once a chemical has been selected using chemical selector valve  22 , the embodiment  10  allows for the application of the selected chemical, mixed with water from the fresh water reservoir  12 , through the use of hose  26  and the spray gun applicator  28 . Such application device consisting of hose  26  and spray gun  28  extending from the front of said device  10  between the base  11  and face plate  20 . Spray gun  28  contains two nozzles providing two spray settings allowing user to select between chemical solution or rinse spray applications. 
         [0034]    When not in use, hose  26  and spray gun  28  are stored in hose storage space  30  located at the top of face plate  20 . Located behind and adjacent to the hose storage  30  at the top of the face plate is the removable tool caddy  32 . The tool caddy  32  is removable from the base unit and rests on the top of face plate  20 . The tool caddy  32  may be used to carry small items such as towels, rags, dustpans, small tools, brushes, etc. 
         [0035]    As it is not always practicable or necessary to use all of the chemical application capabilities of the cart  10 , the present embodiment provides for storage and easy access to portable cleaning solution spray bottles for smaller areas of need. Located adjacent to and on either side of the removable tool caddy  32  are two circular storage spaces  34  designed to hold portable spray bottles. 
         [0036]    Adjacent to both the tool caddy  32  and the storage space  34  are two handle holders  35  one on either side of the face plate designed to hold the handles of tool such as mops, brushes, brooms, etc., while the heads of such tools rest on the base of  FIG. 10  beneath the face plate  20 . 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the embodiment  10  is shown in rear left view.  FIG. 2  shows a water fill port  50  on the rear side of the base  11  just below handle  36 . The water fill port  50  allows for clean water to be poured into the fresh water reservoir  12 . Fresh water is poured through the water fill port  50  and stored in the fresh water reservoir  12  until it is sprayed as rinse water or combined with chemicals from the chemical storage unit  52  and applied through hose  26  and spray gun  28  ( FIG. 1 ). 
         [0038]    To increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the user, the present invention allows for the storage and readiness of multiple separate chemical cleaning concentrate materials. Located in the rear of the base  11  just above the water fill port  50  is the chemical storage space  52  containing chemical concentrate containers  13   a,b,c.  Chemicals kept in the chemical storage space  52  remain in their original containers and are connected to the embodiment  10  by removing the shipping cap and seal on each bottle and attaching a chemical feed line to the bottle by screwing the cap on the line to the bottle. 
         [0039]    Again referring to  FIG. 2 , it is of further advantage to increase the efficiency of the user by allowing for the “one touch” choice between multiple separate cleaning solutions  13   a,b,c  by use of selector switch  22 . To this end, the embodiment  10  allows for placement of multiple containers of chemical concentrate  13   a,b,c  within the chemical storage space  52 . Depending on the size of the chemical containers, chemical storage space  52  also may allow for the transport of additional chemical containers which are not connected for immediate application use. The multiple active chemicals concentrate containers stored in chemical container space  52  are connected through the chemical feed line and may be selected using the chemical selector valve  22  ( FIG. 1 ). Chemicals from the chemical storage area  52  are mixed with fresh water from the fresh water reservoir  12  and ultimately distributed through the hose  26  and the spray gun  28  ( FIG. 1 ). 
         [0040]    A primary advantage gained by the present apparatus  10  is the increased mobility and efficiency achieved through the use of a battery  62  ( FIG. 3 ) to power the pump  60  allowing the user to enjoy the great advantage achieved when the unit can be operated without relying on, or connecting to, an external power source. 
         [0041]    The battery  62  is recharged through a battery charger  54 . In one embodiment the battery charger  54  is accessed and found on the left side of base  11  of the unit  10  ( FIG. 2 ) in the alternative, the battery charter may be positioned within base  11  and out of external view. By plugging the battery charger  54  into an external power source, the battery shown in  FIG. 3  can be fully recharged. In the present embodiment  10 , the battery charger  54  has two separate rows of lights. The top row indicates the status of the battery. The bottom row of lights indicates the charger&#39;s function. The battery charger  54  is permanently connected to the battery  62 . 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIG. 3  a front and right side view of the apparatus  10  is shown with the face plate  20  removed showing only the base  11  of the unit. Removal of the face plate  20  allows access to the pump  60  and the battery  62 . Attached to the base  11  above the fresh water reservoir  12  is the pump  60 . At the rear of the pump  60  is the battery  62  which, provides power to the pump. 
         [0043]    Again referring to  FIG. 3 , the pump  60  provides pressure which expels combination of water from the fresh water reservoir  12  and chemicals from the chemical source containers  52  ( FIG. 1 ). The specially calibrated pump provides a low pressure and low volume flow rate and delivers the proper amount or proper dilution of solution while eliminating over saturation with chemicals and waste of water, chemicals. In a preferred embodiment, chemical application pressure created by the pump  60  and distributed through the hose  26  ( FIG. 1 ) and spray gun  28  ( FIG. 1 ) is about 65-75 PSI, while the pump flow rate is ½ gallon per minute. During rinsing applications the application pressure created by the pump  60  is about 100-120 PSI. The efficiency advantage provided by the low flow rate is enhanced in the present embodiment by the high capacity of the fresh water reservoir  12 . The low pressure pump  60  and the fresh water reservoir  12  combine to provide up to 28 minutes of run time without stopping to refill. The low application and rinse pressure avoids the problems created by higher pressure applicators which, as previously described, can force solutions and water into cracks and behind tile work an result in mold, mildew and the destruction of the connection between the tile work and the floor or wall of the building. As stated, the low pressure and low volume of a preferred embodiment produces a flow rate of about ½ gallon per minute which is about half the volume of prior art devices. And this flow rate is achieved at about ⅓ the deliver pressure of the solution against the building surfaces thus protecting the structure from mold, mildew and tile damage. A further benefit is achieved by the low pressure and low volume operation as the same amount of cleaning and same amount of operator time is involved with the low pressure and low volume device while reducing the waste of materials and need to clean up only one half of the applied chemical and/or rinse water while achieving the same cleaning benefit. 
         [0044]    As previously mentioned, the present embodiment operates more quietly as it does not include any type of vacuum pick-up device as do many prior art devices. As a result of this change and by use of the low pressure/low volume pump, the present embodiment operates at just over 65 decibels—or about the same volume of sound as a typical conversation—therefore making the present embodiment suitable for use in “quite zone” areas such as schools and hospitals. 
         [0045]    In one embodiment the dilution of the chemical concentrate is controlled by the use of specifically sized draw tubes or straws contained within the bottles of chemical concentrate. In this manner the user is not confronted by the need to calculate dilutions or to modify valves or change flow rates to accommodate the different chemicals used with the apparatus  10 . Such bottles of chemical concentrate, having specifically sized draw tubes or straws contained within the bottles are known within the art as “F-type” bottles. 
         [0046]      FIG. 4  is a fragmentary left side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  and showing the location of the battery charger or battery trickle charger device  54  with its associated power cord  54   a  to permit connection of the battery charger to an electrical outlet. In operation, when the cleaning apparatus  10  is out of service, usually while it is in overnight storage, the onboard battery  62  may be recharged by inserting power cord  54   a  into a wall electrical outlet thereby allowing trickle charger  54  to recharge the battery for continued use during the next cleaning cycle. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that as power outlets are frequently unavailable in restrooms, and in those of public buildings in particular, that the utility and need for an onboard battery power supply is highly desirable for apparatus  10  and the provision for recharging of the battery during out of service periods in a convenient, fool proof manner is essential for satisfactory operation of apparatus  10 . 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an alternate embodiment of apparatus  10  is shown which, for convenience, will be referred to as apparatus  80 . Apparatus  80  contains many of the features of apparatus  10  but in a reconfigured arrangement. Therefore, similar features which appear on both apparatus  80  and apparatus  10  may be identified by similar reference numbers. Apparatus  80  is generally configured as a cart structure having a cart base  11  which is supported by rear wheels  14  and pivoting front wheels  16  to allow convenient movement of apparatus  80  by use of handle  36  by an operator. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, and by reference to  FIG. 6 , that apparatus  80  is mountable on a typical four-wheel janitorial cart  82  which permits apparatus  80  to be moved about a building from one area to another in conjunction with other janitorial supplies stocked on cart  82 . Such a cart  82  may be provided with multiple shelf-type storage areas  84  as well as a container for dry trash  86 . 
         [0048]    Again referring to  FIG. 5 , apparatus  80  is provided with a connection for hose  26  which terminates in spray gun  28  for use in applying rinse water and dilute solutions of chemical concentrates  13   a, b, c.  As previously described, apparatus  80  is provided with a selector switch  22  which permits the user to choose between the various chemical concentrate solutions  13   a, b, c  which are stored on cart  80  for dilution by the onboard water supply contained within base  11  of apparatus  80 . As previously described, it will be appreciated that the user changes the position of selector switch  22  to choose between one of chemical concentrate solutions  13   a, b, c  which is then coupled to the onboard pump  60  to which the onboard water supply also is connected to allow for dilution of the chemical concentrates  13   a, b, c  prior to their being pumped through hose  26  for delivery to spray gun  28 . For user convenience, apparatus  80  also is provided with a water level gauge or water level monitor device  88  which allows the user to observe, generally, the quantity of onboard water supply remaining in apparatus  80  during the course of use of apparatus  80  in cleaning bathroom and other facilities. For additional convenience in addressing a full range of cleaning options, apparatus  80  is provided with a variable length handle  90  to which various heads may be applied such as a brush head  92  or a squeegee head  94  or a sponge head  96 . It will also be appreciated that a mop head (not shown) may be attached to handle  90 . Apparatus  80  further is provided with a filler unit  66  which will be described hereinafter in conjunction with  FIG. 7 . Bottle filler  66  is of benefit to the user when the need to refill a hand applicator quart bottle  98  is confronted. 
         [0049]    In operating apparatus  80  or apparatus  10 , the user first attaches spray gun  28  and hose  26  to the apparatus and then fills the onboard water supply tank with cool tap water. Chemical concentrate containers  13   a,b,c  are positioned on apparatus  80  and the shipping caps are removed from containers  13   a,b,c  and the chemical feed lines are connected to each container by attaching the line to the draw straw that is selected for use with the particular bottle of chemical concentrate to provide the correct dilution rate as concentrate is pumped from the bottle of concentrate  13   a,b,c  and into the pump. The user should then perform initial priming of apparatus  10 ,  80  by selecting the desired chemical concentrate  13   a,b,c  by use of chemical selector switch  22 . The power switch  24  for apparatus  10 ,  80  is then set to the on position to begin operation of the pump whereupon the pump will begin operation until the proper discharge pressure is achieved. The user should then direct the spray gun  28  towards a drain or other container and pull the spray gun trigger to release a sufficient volume of liquid until a steady spray pattern is achieved. Once the proper spray pattern has been achieved, the trigger of gun  28  may be released whereupon the user should turn selector  22  to other chemical concentrate products  13   a, b,  or  c  not yet primed and repeat the priming procedure for those products. 
         [0050]    During normal operation, the power switch  24  for the device  10 ,  80  is turned to the on position whereupon the pump is operational and the spray gun  28  is ready to spray the selected dilute form of the chemical concentrate contained in containers  13   a, b, c  upon depressing of the trigger attached to spray gun  28 . Spray gun  28  is provided with two spray nozzles. A first spray nozzle being used for application of diluted chemical solutions and the second nozzle being used rinsing the areas after chemical solutions have been applied. The rinse spray pattern is a fine spray pattern while the chemical application pattern is a courser pattern. 
         [0051]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a fragmentary view of the left side of the embodiment of  FIG. 5  is shown to better present the bottle filler unit  66  of the embodiment. The bottle filler unit  66  is included so the user may fill and refill hand-sized bottles—such a quart bottles—with a diluted form of the chemical concentrate solutions that are on-board the apparatus  10  ( FIG. 5 ). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that often it will be useful to cease use of the spray gun  28  and to instead apply cleansing solutions with a hand applicator to achieve more localized application of a cleansing solution. As the cleansing solution in the hand applicator, usually a small bottle such as a quart bottle, is the same diluted chemical as is applied by spray gun  28 , it would be beneficial to be able to fill and refill such a hand applicator with the dilute chemical solution as is prepared by apparatus  10  for pressure application from spray gun  28 . As it would be inconvenient, difficult and messy to attempt to refill hand applicator bottles from spray gun  28 , the apparatus  10  is provided with a diverter  64  in the form of a push button mechanism which interrupts the flow of diluted solution into hose  26  and out spray gun  28 . Activation of diverter  64  sends the diluted solution from the pump to the bottle filler unit  66 . Filler unit which is provided with fill tube  68  onto which a hand applicator, such as a quart bottle may be applied. In the present embodiment, so long as diverter  64  is depressed, diluted solution will flow from filler unit  66  through fill tube  68  and into the hand applicator bottle placed onto fill tube  68 . As some liquid may be retained on fill tube  68  after the hand applicator bottle has been removed, a drip-tray  70  is provided below the bottle filler unit  66  to catch and retain any liquid that may drip from the bottle filler unit  66  or fill tube  68 . 
         [0052]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , the general interrelationship of the various components and the flow of materials through the device will be described in general. As previously described, the onboard chemical concentrate solutions  13   a, b, c  are connected by supply lines to selector  22 . This permits the user to choose between the plurality of chemical concentrate solutions  13   a, b, c.  The apparatus  10 ,  80  also provides an onboard water supply  12  which is used to dilute the chemical concentrate solutions  13   a, b, c  as they are pulled from their containers and into pump  60  for pressured application through hose  26  and spray gun  28 . The dilution of the chemical concentrate solutions is achieved by the use of a venturi assembly  100  to generate a vacuum on the chemical supply line  102  which connects selector  22  to the venturi  100 . As pump  60  pulls water from the fresh water reservoir  12  through venturi  100 , a low pressure or slight vacuum is created on line  102  which serves to draw the concentrate chemical solution selected  13   a,    13   b  or  13   c  into the venturi  100  where it is diluted to the proper strength as determined by the particular straw mounted in the concentrate chemical container  13   a, b, c.  Therefore, a diluted solution is provided to pump  60  which then ejects the material through hose  26  to spray gun  28 . In the alternative, however, should the user wish to fill a hand application bottle using bottle filler  66 , the user depresses diverter  64  which directs diluted solution from pump  60  into bottle filler  66  for refilling of a hand application bottle  98 . 
         [0053]    Certain changes may be made in embodying the above invention, and in the construction thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not meant in a limiting sense. 
         [0054]    In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description and illustration of the inventions is by way of example, and the scope of the inventions is not limited to the exact details shown or described. 
         [0055]    Certain changes may be made in embodying the above invention, and in the construction thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not meant in a limiting sense. 
         [0056]    Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which the inventive janitorial handcart and chemical application apparatus for cleaning and sanitizing is constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and advantageous, new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts and combinations, are set forth in the appended claims. 
         [0057]    It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.