Abstract:
The cleaning cart of the invention is a new kind of cleaning cart providing several utilities and designed to provide an efficient and organized solution. The cleaning cart is completely covered preventing People from seeing dirty mops, buckets, dirty wipes or cleaning products. The cleaning cart also has a removable waste container that can be easily separated from the rest of the cleaning cart. The cleaning cart also works as an advertising cart. The cleaning cart provides a new way of cleaning in a more organized, clean and healthier way.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a cleaning cart. Specifically, the invention is directed to a cleaning cart that helps a user carry out cleaning tasks in a fast and organized manner. More specifically, the cleaning cart of the invention is a cart full of utilities and designed to perform a very highly organized work. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The cleaning and maintenance industry always work following several cleaning codes and strict standards. One example would be a custodian assigned to an operation room that has to periodically replace the cleaning water after washing a mop to avoid contamination. There are other codes and standards that the cleaning industry needs to comply with in order to provide a secure and sterile service. Several companies providing cleaning services utilize a cleaning cart as its main piece of work. A lot of these companies usually have very messy and unorganized cleaning carts creating an awkward and unpleasant situation not only for the cleaning company but also for a contracting company or entity. This is a major problem in hospitals, airports, malls, or places where there are people constantly walking around the working or cleaning areas. 
     The present invention provides a solution for this problem by providing a cleaning cart that will expedite cleaning tasks in an organized manner, while providing a clean and covered cart. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The cleaning cart according to an aspect of the invention is a new kind of cleaning cart providing several utilities and designed to provide an efficient and organized solution. 
     According to an aspect of the invention, the cleaning cart is completely covered preventing people to see dirty mops, buckets, dirty wipes or cleaning products since everything is going to be inside the cleaning cart. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the cleaning cart provides a specific area or spot to accommodate everything needed while performing cleaning tasks. The cleaning cart will hold the mops while they dry, have storage for the refills of all products such as: sanitary papers, soaps, cleaning products, the wipes, the gloves, the documents, the caddies and anything else a custodian uses. 
     According to a further aspect of the invention, the cleaning cart serves as an advertising cart. It has a constant smooth surface capable of being used for advertising, all around the cart when the cart is completely closed or during movement. 
     According to an aspect of the invention, the cleaning cart is an enclosed unit made of plastic. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the cleaning cart has a portable canister containing a germicide solution that kills bacteria while a toilet brush is placed on the canister. The canister further has a seal lock, also known as “Twist &#39;N Lock”, which helps avoid spills or leaks. 
     According to a still further aspect of the invention, the cleaning cart allows a user to use buckets with their own wheels while on the cart. This is important since when the refill time comes, the user will be able to transport the full-filled bucket without having to use extra strength to carry it. A detent element is also provided to latch the bucket inside the cart while in movement. 
     According to an aspect of the invention, a portable double caddy labeled by task is provided allowing the independency of one cleaning task from another. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the cleaning cart has compartments provided to keep hygienic papers out of contamination risk with the cleaning products and other substances that can cause allergic reactions to the users of the toilet tissue and towel paper. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the cleaning cart has a metal squared-shaped rod that fits a plastic liner into a waste bag avoid the use of oversized plastic liners. 
     According a further aspect of the invention, the cleaning cart has dust and microfiber pockets storing and maintaining dust enclosed in one location. 
     According to an aspect of the invention, the cleaning cart has a removable wheeled container that can be moved separately from the rest of the cart. A quick-release mechanism is provided allowing separating the container from the cart to use it as an individual wheeled waste container. 
     According to an aspect of the invention, the cleaning cart allows collecting regular trash on one bag and recycled material on another separate bag. 
     According to an aspect of the invention, the cleaning cart provides mops hanging drying areas allowing an accelerated drying process for 2 different task mops while avoiding cross contamination. A mop is used for common areas and another mop is used for the restroom. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the cleaning cart has a storage area for keeping important documents in a secure, clean and accessible place. Furthermore, the cleaning cart has a combination lock system to eliminate the problems associated with lost keys. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention are more apparent from the following detailed description and claims, particularly when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a cleaning cart according to the prior art. 
         FIG. 2  shows a front view of the cleaning cart of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows a mop receiving area according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows a mop drying area according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  shows another view of the mop receiving area according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  shows a mop bucket detent arrangement according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  shows a toilet brush container arrangement according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  shows a storage area of the cleaning cart according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  shows a portable double-caddy arrangement according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  shows a movable door/table arrangement according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  shows another storage area of the cleaning cart according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  shows the storage area of  FIG. 11  with cleaning materials according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  shows a door arrangement of the storage area of  FIG. 11  with cleaning materials according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  shows a door lock arrangement of the door arrangement of  FIG. 13  according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  shows a dust and microfiber pocket arrangement according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  shows another view of the dust and microfiber pocket arrangement of  FIG. 15  according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  shows the removable wheeled container of the cleaning cart according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  shows another view of the removable wheeled container of the cleaning cart according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  shows the quick-release arrangement between the removable wheeled container and the cleaning cart according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  shows a top view of the quick-release arrangement of  FIG. 19  in a released state according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  shows a top view of the quick-release arrangement of  FIG. 19  in a latched state according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 22  shows a cross-sectional view of the trash bag and a liner being secured to the trash bag with a fitting element according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 23  shows the wheeled container removed from the cleaning cart according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 24  shows the cleaning cart having visual advertising areas according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  shows one cleaning cart of the prior art. As can be seen, this cart while provides a mobile solution for transporting equipment and cleaning materials it fails to provide an arrangement for separating materials, equipment and trash collection in a sterile and organized manner. In contrast,  FIG. 2  shows a cleaning cart  1  of the present invention comprising a moping section  2 , a storage section  3  and a trash collecting section  4 . 
     The moping section  2  will be described in accordance to  FIGS. 3-7 . Specifically, moping section  1  includes a moping cart receiving area  2   i  for receiving a moping cart  2   m . The moping cart receiving area  2   i  is defined as an enclosed area provided with an access door  2   n  that keeps the moping cart  2   m  inside the moping cart receiving area  2   i  as shown in  FIG. 3 . One side of the receiving area  2   i  is provided with two separate walls  2   d  and  2   e  having a plurality of distributed holes as show in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . In addition, a holding element  2   v  is provided to removably receive at least on mop wringer (not shown) to be used in conjunction with a moping cart  2   m . Another view of the moping section  2  is shown in  FIG. 4 , illustrating a mop receiving area defined by two separate mop sections  2   a  and  2   b  divided by a separating element  2   c . This dual-mop arrangement is provided to avoid cross-contamination between common areas and restroom areas. Specifically, a first mop  2   j  is provided for mopping restroom areas and a separate second mop  2   k  is provided for general mopping tasks. Visual indicia is provided on mop  2   j  and mop  2   k  to indicate which mop must be used for restrooms and which mop must be used for general mopping, respectively. In addition, matching indicia  2   j ′ and  2   k ′ is provided on the mop receiving area to indicate correct mop placement as shown in  FIG. 7 . One important feature of the present invention is that it provides for the accelerated drying of both task mops by virtue of having walls  2   d  and  2   e  with a plurality of holes that allow the unrestricted flow of air to dry the mop fibers when the mops are positioned in the mop receiving area as shown in  FIG. 4 . Latching elements  2   f  and  2   g  are provided to prevent the mops from falling out of the cleaning cart  1  and to latch the mops in place against the cleaning cart preventing the mop fibers to come in contact with the flooring section of said mop receiving area. This further eliminates cross-contamination and ensures compliance with health and sanitary standards. 
     As previously explained, the mop receiving area as defined by the two separate mop sections  2   a  and  2   b  is divided by the separating element  2   c . Moreover, this separating element  2   c  comprises a receiving opening  2   h  configured to removably receive a toilet brush container  2   s  as best illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 7 . The toilet brush container  2   s  is preferably shaped to mate with the shape of said receiving opening  2   h  and comprises a removable lid  2   t  having a toilet brush integrated. A handle is also provided to easily pull the toilet brush container  2   s  out of the receiving opening  2   h . The container is preferably filled with sanitizing fluid to maintain the brush bristles sanitized when not in use. The removable lid  2   t  and the brush container  2   s  are provided with a mating sealing arrangement to avoid spillage of said sanitizing fluid. In a preferred embodiment, the sealing arrangement is a “twist n′ lock” sealing arrangement. However, other sealing arrangements can be used as long as it prevents spillage of said sanitizing fluid. 
     To further prevent cross-contamination between mops  2   j  and  2   k , a portable dual moping cart  2   m  is provided in conjunction with the cleaning cart  1  of the present invention. As best illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the moping cart  2   m  comprises a first area  2   p  for receiving a first mop  2   j  and a second area  2   q  for receiving a second mop  2   k  separated by a dividing wall  2   r . As previously explained, the holding element  2   v  is provided to removably receive at least on mop wringer (not shown) to be used in conjunction with the moping cart  2   m . One important feature of the invention is that it is designed to removably maintain the moping cart  2   m  in place while the cleaning cart  1  is moving. This is achieved primarily by enclosing the moping cart  2   m  inside the moping cart receiving area  2   i  with door  2   n . In addition, a detent element  2   l  is provided to engage the moping cart and prevent its movement as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Specifically, the detent element  2   l  has a cross shape having receiving portions on its corners for receiving each of the moping cart&#39;s wheels  2   o  as shown in  FIG. 6 . Thus, when an area needs to mopped, a person simply pulls the moping cart  2   m  out of the moping cart receiving area  2   i  and once the task is performed the person places the moping cart  2   m  inside the moping cart receiving area  2   i  again making sure all the wheels  2   o  are mated inside each corner of the detent element  2   l  and proceeds to close the door  2   n . This arrangement prevents said moping cart  2   m  from moving or falling out of the cleaning cart  1  even when the door  2   n  is opened. 
     The storage section  3  of the present invention is defined by an upper storage portion and a lower storage portion as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 11 , respectively. The upper storage portion comprises a first storage area  3   f  enclosed by sidewalls, a second back storage area  3   e , a front door  3   c  and an upper door  3   a . The second back storage area  3   e  comprises a plurality of divided areas configured to store cleaning materials such as but not limited to: plastic liners and trash bags.  FIG. 8  shows the upper door  3   a  comprising a plurality of storage boxes  3   d  attached to its lower surface for storing and dispensing cleaning wipes and disposable sterile gloves. Moreover, the upper door  3   a  comprises a retarding opening element  3   b  that facilitates opening and closing said upper door  3   a  in a semi-automatic manner. The front door  3   c  further comprises a latching element for maintaining said front door  3   c  in a fix open position as shown in  FIGS. 8-10 . One important feature of the present invention is that the first storage area  3   f  is designed to receive a dual caddy  3   g ,  3   g ′ configured to separately carry office and restrooms cleaning supplies as shown in  FIG. 9 . This dual arrangement further ensures preventing cross contamination between office and restrooms supplies. Another important feature of the present invention is that the latching element of the front door  3   c  is configured to maintain said front door  3   c  in a substantially horizontal position cooperating with a bottom portion of said first storage area  3   f  to serve as a table/desk for receiving for example a notepad  3   v  as shown in  FIG. 10 . A towel hanger  3   h  is also provided to facilitate storage and easy access of a towel. 
       FIGS. 11-13  illustrate the lower storage portion of said storage section  3  comprising two side-by-side storage areas divided by a partition wall  3   l . A left-side storage area is defined by a lower section  3   m  including an insertion element  3   n  configured to receive a toilet paper roll  3   s  as shown in  FIG. 12 . The insertion element  3   n  perpendicularly extends at an angle with respect to a back wall of the lower section  3   m  to prevent said toilet paper roll  3   s  from falling or slipping out of the lower section  3   m . It is important to point out that the position and dimensions of said insertion element  3   n  with respect to said back wall and the dimensions of the lower section  3   m  are selected based on the size of said toilet paper roll  3   s . There are also provided a plurality of paired shelves  3   o  configured to receive at least one towel paper roll  3   q  as shown in  FIG. 12 . These shelves are also positioned at a matching angle with respect the each other and the back wall to prevent said towel paper roll  3   q  from falling or slipping out of the shelves. A door  3   p  is provided to isolate and keep hygienic papers out of contamination risks associated with the cleaning products and other substances that can cause allergic reactions or diseases to individuals using the toilet and towel paper. A right-side storage area is defined by an upper storage area  3   i ″ and a lower storage area  3   i ′ divided by a horizontal shelf  3   i . These areas can be used to store detergents or cleaning bottles  3   r  as shown in  FIG. 12 . A frontal door  3   j  is provided to enclose and isolate the lower storage portion of said storage section  3  from external environmental conditions. It is important to note that this arrangement provides redundant isolation to the left-side storage area already isolated by door  3   p . Storage pockets  3   k  are provided on an internal wall of said frontal door  3   j  to maintain important documentation or personal items in a secure, clean and accessible location as shown in  FIGS. 11-13 . One important feature of the invention is that the frontal door  3   j  comprises a lock arrangement  3   u . In a preferred embodiment, the lock arrangement  3   u  comprises a combination lock arrangement as shown in  FIG. 14 , to eliminate the problems associated with the loss or misplacement of traditional keys associated with key locks. 
     It is a very common problem in traditional cleaning carts to have cleaning dusters exposed and spreading collected dust everywhere. However, the cleaning cart of the present invention comprises storage pockets  5  for storing the duster&#39;s fibers and at the same time collecting any dust spreading as a result of movement. These storage pockets  5  are selectively positioned on the bottom part of the sides of the cleaning cart  1  as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . In a preferred embodiment, a storage pocket  5  comprises a curved opening  6  to accommodate cleaning dusters  9  with protrusions. In addition, a storage pocket  8  is provided to accommodate brooms, dusters and visual indicating equipment  10  as will be explained later. 
       FIGS. 17-21  illustrate a trash collecting section  4  having a handle arrangement comprising a handle  4   b  integrally connected to a trash receiving opening defined by side elements  4   c . Waste bag  4   f  is removably attached to said handle arrangement. In one embodiment, the Waste bag  4   f  has openings for receiving engaging hooks  4   h  in order to removably maintain the waste bag  4   f  in place as shown in  FIG. 19 . In another embodiment of the invention, two separate waste bags  4   f  are provided, one to collect regular trash and the other to collect recycling material as shown in  FIG. 18 . As will be explained later in detail, the handle arrangement is removably attached to the cleaning cart  1 . Specifically, an engaging portion  4   d  of the handle arrangement is configured to engage in a mating relationship to another engaging portion  4   e  attached to the cleaning cart. A pair of engaging elements  4   i  is provided on the engaging portion  4   e  attached to the cleaning cart configured to be inserted into a pair of receiving openings (not shown) on the engaging portion  4   d  of the handle arrangement. A pair of L-shaped twist-and-lock elements  4   j  is selectively actuated to latch against both engaging elements  4   i  and maintain the handle arrangement secured to the cleaning cart  1 . As best seen in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the handle arrangement can be removably secured to the cleaning cart  1  by inserting/removing the engaging elements  4   i  inside openings (not shown) structurally connected to the L-shaped twist-and-lock elements  4   j . Thus, the present invention provides a removable waste container that can be easily separated from the rest of the cleaning cart as illustrated in  FIG. 23 . If a custodian needs to collect a bunch of grouped trash outside the facility, the container is quickly released from the cart and used as an individual wheeled waste container. 
     The engaging portion  4   e  comprises a receiving area  4   h  configured to receive and hold a bottle such as but not limited to: bottle of water, can of soda, or a cleaning solution bottle. Another important feature of the invention is defined by stick retaining elements  4   l  as shown in  FIGS. 17 and 21 . The engaging portion  4   e  comprises a pair of stick retaining elements  4   l  having a semi-circular shape for accommodating within a stick such as but not limited to: a broom stick and a mop stick as best shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . The engaging portion  4   e  is provided with an open portion  4   m  to facilitate insertion and removal of said sticks. In addition, each stick retaining elements  4   l  has a gripping means  4   n  configured to latch the sticks against said engaging portion  4   e  when inserted into the stick retaining elements  4   l . In a preferred embodiment, the gripping means  4   n  comprises a plurality of fibers positioned along the periphery of an inner surface of said stick retaining elements  4   l . These fibers are spaced and made of a material for providing suitable friction against said sticks. 
     The engaging portion  4   e  also comprises a hinged element  4   o  configured to allow said handle arrangement to move from a horizontal plane to a vertical plane substantially perpendicular to a side wall of said cleaning cart  1 . This feature facilitates the storage of said cleaning cart  1  once the waste bags  4   f  are removed from the engaging hooks  4   h . The handle arrangement further comprises a lid  4   g  configured to enclose the top of waste bags  4   f  as defined by opening  4   k . Moreover, the side elements  4   c  have an inner continuous space  4   p  on their upper portion as shown in  FIG. 19 . This space receives within a continuous fitting element  4   q  having a shape similar to the inner continuous space  4   p . In operation, a plastic liner  4   r  is accommodated inside said wasted bag  4   f  allowing the upper ends of said liner  4   r  to go over the inner continuous space  4   p  and an exterior upper portion of said waste bag  4   f  as illustrated in  FIG. 22 . Then, the fitting element  4   q  is inserted inside the inner continuous space  4   p  to push a portion of said plastic liner  4   r  against an inner cavity of said continuous space  4   p . In a preferred embodiment, fitting element  4   q  is a metal squared-shaped rod that fits the plastic liner into the waste bag avoiding the use of oversized plastic liners. 
       FIG. 24  shows the cleaning cart  1  of the present invention in a preferred embodiment. A plurality of visual advertisement labels is attached to the sidewalls of the cart. This provides not only an additional income-generation opportunity but allows the owner of the cleaning cart to provide a clean and consistent corporate image by using its company logo. 
     Because many varying and differing embodiments maybe made within the scope of the inventive concept herein taught and because many modifications may be made in the embodiment herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirement of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.