Abstract:
A strip curtain cleaning system which permits an operator to easily and quickly clean both sides of hanging curtain strips in a single operation using a fabric cover disposed in sock-like covering relation to a two-armed frame defining a tortuous path gap for receipt of one or more curtain strips. The device facilitates cleaning both faces of individual strip elements simultaneously. Different covers may be used for different curtain types and environments.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This non-provisional application claims the benefit of, and priority from, U.S. provisional application 62/140,533 having a filing date of Mar. 31, 2015. The contents of such provisional application and all other documents referenced herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to cleaning devices, and more particularly, to a device and method adapted to clean hanging strip curtains such as vinyl strip curtains and the like commonly found in various cleanroom environments as well as in many clean industrial settings. The device of the present disclosure is adapted to use the flexible character of the individual strip elements in hanging strip curtains to establish a curved cleaning path for the strip elements between opposing cleaning surfaces so as to clean both faces of the individual strip elements simultaneously. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0003]    Strip curtains are commonly used as dividers in environments such as pharmaceutical, microelectronics and hospital cleanrooms as well as in many clean industrial applications where air flow and/or contaminants are to be controlled. Such curtains typically include a multiplicity of vinyl strips hanging vertically in slightly overlapping side-by-side relation to form a barrier. During use, the strips may be pushed aside to form a temporary opening for passage if desired. 
         [0004]    In the past, strip curtains have typically been cleaned by holding each individual strip in tension and then cleaning first one side and then the other side. Often, this cleaning procedure has required two people to be carried our effectively in a reasonable period of time. While such a cleaning procedure may yield good results, it is costly and time consuming to carry out. Moreover, such cleaning may require substantial physical effort to be carried out properly. In particular, it may be difficult to reach and clean upper portions of the curtain strips without the use of ladders or the like. Accordingly, a cleaning device and related method which can be used to reduce physical effort and to improve efficiency in cleaning strip curtains over their entire length would represent a desirable advancement over the current art. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present disclosure offers advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing a strip curtain cleaning system which permits an operator to easily and quickly clean both sides of hanging curtain strips in a single operation using a fabric cover disposed in sock-like covering relation to a two-armed frame defining a tortuous path gap for receipt of one or more strips. By adjusting the angle of the frame relative to the strip being cleaned, the tension on the strip and the cleaning force may be controlled. In this regard, the device makes use of the flexible character of the individual strip elements in hanging strip curtains to establish a tortuous curved cleaning path for the strip elements between opposing cleaning surfaces so as to clean both faces of the individual strip elements simultaneously. Different covers may be used for different curtain types and environments. 
         [0006]    In accordance with one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure provides a cleaning system adapted to clean pliable hanging curtain strips. The cleaning system includes a frame adapted for tilting manipulation by a user. The frame includes a base, a first elongated arm projecting away from the base to a first rounded free distal end, and a second elongated arm projecting away from the base to a second rounded free distal end. The first elongated arm and the second elongated arm may each include a lobed interior face oriented in substantially parallel spaced relation to one another to define a substantially continuous gap between the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm. The frame further includes a connection element adapted to operatively attach the frame to an elongated handle adapted for manipulation by a user. A foldable fabric cover is adapted to cover the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm such that the foldable fabric cover will define a cleaning surface disposed in covering relation to the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm and projecting towards the gap. The frame is adapted to receive a hanging curtain strip within the gap with the foldable fabric cover in place. The frame may be tilted to define a tortuous sliding pathway between the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm to simultaneously clean two opposing faces of the curtain strip as the frame is moved along a length dimension the curtain strip during a cleaning operation. 
         [0007]    While exemplary features of the disclosure are illustrated and will hereinafter be described in connection with certain potentially preferred embodiments and practices, it is to be understood that in no event is the disclosure limited to such illustrated and described embodiments and practices. On the contrary, it is intended that the present disclosure shall extend to all alternatives and modifications as may embrace the general principles of this disclosure within the full and true spirit and scope thereof. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a schematic partial assembly view illustrating a folded fabric cover and a tool frame having a pair of opposing arms adapted for receipt within pockets in the fabric cover in a manner consistent with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a schematic view similar to  FIG. 1 , wherein the arms of the tool frame have been inserted partially into the fabric cover; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view similar to  FIG. 1 , wherein the arms of the tool frame have been inserted fully into the fabric cover; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a schematic view illustrating insertion of an exemplary curtain strip between covered arms of a tool frame as illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary starting position for use of a tool consistent with the present disclosure in cleaning an exemplary curtain strip; and 
           [0013]      FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate an exemplary cleaning operation using a cleaning system consistent with the present disclosure in cleaning an exemplary curtain strip. 
       
    
    
       [0014]    Before embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use herein of “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. 
       DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    Features of the present disclosure will now be described through reference to the various figures. To the extent possible, like elements are designated by like reference numerals in the various views.  FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary frame  10  for a cleaning system consistent with the present disclosure. In accordance with one exemplary practice, the frame  10  may be formed from a metal such as stainless steel or the like. However, it is likewise contemplated that other structural materials such as plastics, fiberglass and the like may also be used if desired. The material of construction is preferably suitable for treatment in an autoclave for disinfection. 
         [0016]    As illustrated, the exemplary frame  10  includes a first arm  12  and a second arm  14  disposed in substantially parallel, opposing relation to one another. The first arm  12  and the second arm  14  may each have a substantially lobe shaped cross section such as a hemispherical cross-section or the like such that the inboard surfaces facing one another each have a convex curvature thereby forming a substantially continuous gap between opposing curved surfaces of the arms. As will be described further hereinafter, this gap between curved surfaces may be used to adjust the cleaning force applied to a curtain strip element during a cleaning procedure. The outer surfaces of the first arm  12  and a second arm  14  may be substantially planar to define flat outer surfaces, although other geometries may be used if desired. 
         [0017]    In the illustrated exemplary construction, each of the arms extends away from a base  16  to a free distal end. As shown, these distal ends may be rounded to facilitate insertion into covering elements as will be described further hereinafter. In the illustrated exemplary construction, the first arm  12  may be slightly longer than the second arm  14 . Thus, the free distal end of the first arm  12  will project beyond the free distal end of the second arm  14  so as to form a projecting tongue. As will be described more fully hereinafter, this projecting tongue may aid in guiding a curtain strip to a cleaning position between the arms  12 ,  14  during use. 
         [0018]    In the illustrated exemplary construction, the first arm  12  and the second arm  14  each have a substantially rounded free distal end extending away from the base  16 . A connecting arm  18  extends away from the base  16  to a connection element  20  adapted to engage an elongated handle  22  ( FIG. 4 ). By way of example only, and not limitation, in accordance with one exemplary practice the connection element  20  may included a pair of opposing spring-loaded buttons  24  which may be pushed inwardly by compression. During attachment of the elongated handle  22 , the spring-loaded buttons  24  may be pressed inwardly as the elongated handle  22  slides over the connection element  20 . In this regard, the substantially rounded surfaces of the spring-loaded buttons  24  will facilitate compression as the elongated handle  22  slides over the connection element  20 . Once the elongated handle  22 , is in place, the spring-loaded buttons  24  may then spring outwardly through aligned openings in the elongated handle  22  to establish a reversible connection with the elongated handle  22  as shown in  FIG. 4 . In this attached configuration, a user may then manipulate the frame  10  through manipulation of the elongated handle  22 . Of course, the elongated handle  22  may be disconnected by simply depressing the spring-loaded buttons  24  and withdrawing the elongated handle  22  from the connection element  20 . 
         [0019]    As best illustrated through joint reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , the first arm  12  and the second arm  14  are adapted to be received within a fabric cover  30  having a pair of pocket openings  32  (only one shown). In this regard, the fabric cover  30  may be slipped over the distal ends of the first arm  12  and the second arm  14  in a sock-like manner thereby substantially covering the arms while nonetheless maintaining the gap between the arms. In this covered arrangement, a concave curved zone  34  of the fabric cover  30  will be positioned between the arms in adjacent, opposing relation to the base  16 . 
         [0020]    While the fabric cover  30  is illustrated in a folded condition, it will be understood that the fabric cover  30  may be formed as a substantially flat structure by textile formation techniques as will be well known to those of skill in the art. By way of example only, in accordance with one exemplary practice, the fabric cover  30  may be a woven or knit structure formed from yarns such as polyester or the like which have been laundered and treated to prevent particle generation during use. The fabric cover  30  may also be a woven or knit structure formed from microfiber yarns of polyester or the like incorporating filaments with denier ratings of less than about  1  denier per filament. Fabric covers formed from such microfiber yarns may be particularly suitable for environments where larger contaminates are to be removed during cleaning. Of course, other fabric constructions may also be used. 
         [0021]    With the fabric cover  30  in place, the frame  10  may be used to simultaneously clean both sides of a curtain strip  35  forming part of a larger curtain (not shown). Such curtains will be familiar to those of skill in the art. Referring to  FIG. 4 , it may be seen that in a first step of the cleaning procedure, a curtain strip  35  of vinyl or other generally pliable material may be inserted between the first arm  12  and the second arm  14  which are enclosed by the fabric cover  30  as previously described. As noted previously, the enhanced length of the first arm  12  relative to the second arm  14  may aid in guiding the curtain strip  35  into the space between the covered arms. As best seen in  FIG. 5 , with the curtain strip  35  fully inserted, the distal ends of both arms may extend beyond the edge of the curtain strip  35 . In this condition, a user may raise the frame  10  to the top of the curtain strip  35  to commence the cleaning procedure. 
         [0022]    As noted previously, the first arm  12  and the second arm  14  may each have a substantially hemispherical or lobe shaped cross section such that the inboard surfaces facing one another each have a convex curvature ( FIG. 6 ). In accordance with one exemplary practice, the gap between the opposing convex surfaces of the covered arms may be significantly greater than the thickness of the curtain strip  35  which is to be cleaned. In accordance with one exemplary practice, the gap between the opposing convex surfaces of the covered arms may be about 1.2 to about 4.5 times the thickness of the curtain strip  35 . As will be appreciated, such a gap distance may be useful in facilitating the initial insertion of the curtain strip  35  between the arms. Of course, larger and smaller gaps may be used if desired. 
         [0023]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , it may be seen that during use, the frame  10  may be tilted in angled relation relative to the curtain strip  35  by manipulation of the elongated handle  22 . In this tilted condition, the covered arms may be used to simultaneously clean both faces of the hanging curtain strip  35 . As best seen in  FIG. 6 , during the cleaning operation, the angled frame  10  creates a tortuous sliding pathway between the covered arms as the frame  10  is pulled downwardly along the length of the curtain strip  35 . As shown, this tortuous pathway causes the curtain strip  35  to bend to substantially conform to the lobed surfaces of the covered arms as the frame is pulled downwardly. 
         [0024]    As will be appreciated, the pliable character of the curtain strip  35  facilitates bending conformance by the curtain strip  35 . In this bent condition, the first arm  12  will contact and clean one face of the curtain strip  35 , while the second arm  14  will contact and clean the opposing face the curtain strip  35 . The tortuous sliding path between the arms creates additional tension and sliding friction on the curtain strip  35  as it is moved through the gap, thereby promoting cleaning. Moreover, in the event that the gap between the opposing convex surfaces of the covered arms is significantly greater than the thickness of the curtain strip  35 , the cleaning operation will nonetheless be achievable by merely increasing the angle of tilt applied to the frame such that the desired tortuous sliding path is established 
         [0025]    As will be appreciated, a cleaning system consistent with the present disclosure may be used to quickly and easily clean both sides of a curtain strip  35  in a single pass. Different fabric covers may be used as dictated by the cleaning requirement and environment of use. Moreover, handles of different materials and lengths may be used as desired. Thus, a user may accommodate a wide variety of curtain strips and environments of use. 
         [0026]    Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 
         [0027]    The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. 
         [0028]    All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.