Systems and methods for handrail cleaning

A system for cleaning and conditioning handrails. A cleaning pad is curved to approximate the shape of a handrail, and is disposed on an arm. The arm may be mounted on a support structure, allowing it to be rolled up to an escalator handrail and left to do the cleaning while the escalator runs. When mounted, the arm may include a spring or piston to keep the arm in a particular position. A second cleaning pad may be included to dry or polish the handrail, the handrail going first through the cleaning pad and second through the drying pad. The arm may be hand-held, allowing a user to reach up or down steps or an incline. The cleaning pad may be mounted such that it rotates about the arm for storage, maintenance or better reach, such as around bends or corners.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to handrails, and, more specifically, to systems and methods for handrail cleaning.

BACKGROUND

Handrails are used on stairwells, ADA ramps, escalators, and many walkways to help users maintain balance and safety. As such, handrails are contacted by human hands and all the elements carried thereon, as well as elements found in buildings and the outdoors. Handrails are shown to harbor bacteria and viruses, and therefore need to be cleaned regularly to maintain the health and safety of users, especially children, the elderly, and others who may be immunocompromised. Cleaning handrails can carry its own hazard, as one may be required to traverse lean out over the pathway in order to clean it. Moreover, cleaning handrails can be a time consuming though menial task, diverting human labor from more demanding tasks. The invention disclosed herein aims to simplify the handrail cleaning process by increasing productivity, safety, and ease of cleaning handrails.

SUMMARY

This invention relates generally to handrails, and, more specifically, to systems and methods for handrail cleaning. The system is comprised essentially of a cleaning pad and a means to deploy the cleaning pad.

In some embodiments, the system for cleaning a handrail comprises at least one strut with a far end and a near end; and at least one pad disposed on the far end of the strut. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a pad disposed on the far end of the strut which may be configured to wrap around at least a portion of the handrail. In some embodiments, the pad disposed on the far end of the strut substantially conforms to the shape of the handrail. In some embodiments, the pad disposed on the far end of the strut may be pivotably coupled with the strut. In some embodiments, the pad disposed on the far end of the strut may be configured to slide onto and off of the handrail at an end of the handrail. In some embodiments, the near end of the strut may include a handle. In some embodiments, the near end of the strut may be disposed on a support structure. In some embodiments, the near end of the strut may be pivotably disposed on a support structure. In some embodiments, system for cleaning a handrail may further comprise a first strut and a second strut, the second strut disposed below the first, wherein the near end of the second strut may be disposed on the support structure; a first pad and a second pad, the second pad disposed on the far end of the second strut; wherein the first pad and the second pad are substantially aligned through a vertical plane. In some embodiments, the support structure may be disposed on four wheels. In some embodiments, the four wheels may be casters. In other embodiments, two of the four wheels may be casters, and the other two wheels may not be casters.

In some embodiments, the system for cleaning a handrail comprises a support structure; a strut disposed on a forward portion of the support structure; a first pad, the first pad disposed on the strut; and a second pad, the second pad disposed on the strut below the first pad. In some embodiments, the system for cleaning a handrail comprises at least one support structure; at least one strut with a near end and a far end, wherein the near end may be disposed on a forward portion of the at least one support structure; at least one pad disposed on the far end of the at least one strut. In some embodiments, the first pad and the second pad may be disposed such that the first pad and second pad may be substantially aligned along a vertical plane. In some embodiments, the first pad and the second pad may be disposed such that a handrail travels first through the first pad and then through the second pad. In some embodiments, the strut may be further comprised of a substantially straight portion with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end may be coupled with the forward portion of the support structure; and a mounting bracket disposed on the second end of the strut, the bracket further comprising an upper mount and a lower mount. In some embodiments, the first pad may be disposed on the upper mount of the mounting bracket and the second pad may be disposed on the lower mount of the mounting bracket.

In some embodiments, the system for cleaning a handrail comprises a support structure; a strut with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is disposed on the support structure; a mounting bracket with an upper mount and a lower mount, the mounting bracket disposed on the second end of the strut; a first pad disposed on the upper mount; and a second pad disposed on the lower mount. In some embodiments, the system for cleaning a handrail further comprises casters disposed on a front edge of the support structure. In some embodiments, the system for cleaning a handrail further comprises wheels disposed on a back edge of the support structure.

In addition to the foregoing, various other methods, systems and/or program product embodiments are set forth and described in the teachings such as the text (e.g., claims, drawings and/or the detailed description) and/or drawings of the present disclosure.

The foregoing is a summary and thus contains, by necessity, simplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail; consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is NOT intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, embodiments, features and advantages of the device and/or processes and/or other subject matter described herein will become apparent in the teachings set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention relates generally to handrails, and, more specifically, to systems and methods for handrail cleaning. Specific details of certain embodiments of the invention are set forth in the following description and inFIGS. 1-19to provide a thorough understanding of such embodiments. The present invention may have additional embodiments, may be practiced without one or more of the details described for any particular described embodiment, or may have any detail described for one particular embodiment practiced with any other detail described for another embodiment.

Importantly, a grouping of inventive aspects in any particular “embodiment” within this detailed description, and/or a grouping of limitations in the claims presented herein, is not intended to be a limiting disclosure of those particular aspects and/or limitations to that particular embodiment and/or claim. The inventive entity presenting this disclosure fully intends that any disclosed aspect of any embodiment in the detailed description and/or any claim limitation ever presented relative to the instant disclosure and/or any continuing application claiming priority from the instant application (e.g. continuation, continuation-in-part, and/or divisional applications) may be practiced with any other disclosed aspect of any embodiment in the detailed description and/or any claim limitation. Claimed combinations which draw from different embodiments and/or originally-presented claims are fully within the possession of the inventive entity at the time the instant disclosure is being filed. Any future claim comprising any combination of limitations, each such limitation being herein disclosed and therefore having support in the original claims or in the specification as originally filed (or that of any continuing application claiming priority from the instant application), is possessed by the inventive entity at present irrespective of whether such combination is described in the instant specification because all such combinations are viewed by the inventive entity as currently operable without undue experimentation given the disclosure herein and therefore that any such future claim would not represent new matter.

FIG. 1is an isometric view of one embodiment of a system for cleaning escalator handrails in the operating position. The system is comprised essentially of a cart arrangement100and a cleaning pad arrangement200.

In some embodiments, cart100may include a handle110. Handle110may be multipurpose. First, handle110may be used to push or pull cart100into a proper position. Second, handle110may be used to engage or disengage spring111, which in turn engages or disengages handle brake112. In some embodiments, brake112normally engages wheel172, and handle110must be manipulated in order to disengage brake112. For instance, in some embodiments, handle110is depressed, which causes spring111to lift brake112, disengaging wheel172. When handle110is released, spring111is released and brake112engages rear wheel172, preventing motion of the cart. In other embodiments, handle110must be lifted in order to disengage brake112. When handle110is released, brake112engages rear wheel172, preventing motion of the cart.

In other embodiments, brake112is normally disengaged, and handle110must be manipulated in order to brake wheel172. For instance, handle110may be lifted into a locked position, causing spring111to depress brake112and engage wheel172. In another embodiment, handle110may be depressed into a locked position, causing spring111to shift brake112and engage rear wheel172. Spring111may be a compression spring, a clock spring, a torsion spring, a tension spring, or any other type of tension device without altering the function of the spring. Likewise, handle100may be metallic, plastic, wood, may be curved, straight, or any other shape or material without altering the function of the handle.

In some embodiments, cart100may include a receptacle120. Receptacle120may be used for refuse, or to store or transport other elements of the present invention. Receptacle120may have an opening at the top of the cart, may contain a lid (not depicted), may be removable or replaceable, and may be comprised of a rigid or flexible material as the application calls for.

In some embodiments, cart100may also include at least one tray130. In a preferred embodiment, tray130may be used to store the cleaning solution used with the present invention. In another preferred embodiment, tray130may be used to store or transport additional cleaning pads or elements of the present invention. Tray130may be comprised of any rigid or semi-rigid material. In some embodiments, tray130may be comprised of a material that has particular characteristics, such as non-reactivity with the recommended cleaning solution, rust resistance, strength or heat characteristics, etc. In some embodiments, tray130is supported by beams140. In some embodiments, beams140may be four in number. In other embodiments, beams140may be three in number as depicted inFIG. 1. In some embodiments, cart100may include a second tray131. Tray131may serve any of the purposes of tray130.

In some embodiments, cart100may include a base170. Base170is the support structure for cart100, and as such can be any rigid material without impacting the function of the base. In some embodiments, base170may include front wheels171. Wheels171will tend to be smaller than rear wheels172to allow for better maneuverability of cart100, but in some embodiments the front wheels may be substantially the same size as or even larger than rear wheels172. In some embodiments, wheels172may be covered by a portion of base170, such as a wheel guard175.

In some embodiments, base170may include a bracket173, with which struts160are coupled. Bracket173may be fastened onto base170in any number of ways so long as the bracket is substantially immobile. Strut160may be fastened onto bracket173in any number of ways so long as it can rotate about the fastener, as the strut is designed to be moveable. In some embodiments, strut160may be a single strut. In some embodiments, strut160may be comprised of multiple arms, such as forward arms161and rearward arms162. In some embodiments, strut160may be comprised of 1, 2, 3, 4, or more individual arms. In a multiple-arm embodiment, each arm may move in tandem or individually, depending on the need of the particular application. In a preferred embodiment, depicted inFIG. 1, strut160is comprised of two forward arms161and two rearward arms162, wherein the lower portions of both sets of arms are mounted to the forward and rearward portions of bracket173, respectively. The upper portions are coupled with a crossbar165, which causes the individual arms to move in tandem. Crossbar165is further coupled with the mounting bracket, which is better depicted inFIG. 3.

FIG. 2is an isometric view of one embodiment of the system for cleaning escalator handrails in the operating position and in use. In this embodiment, strut160is extended, allowing cleaning elements200to be positioned around an escalator handrail270. The details pertaining to cleaning elements200are better disclosed in other figures, which will be discussed further herein.

FIGS. 3 and 4are side views of one embodiment of the system for cleaning escalator handrails.FIG. 3shows the system with an escalator handrail.FIG. 4is the system alone for illustrative purposes. These figures better illustrate the remainder of strut160and the integration with mounting bracket150, otherwise known as the cleaning pad carriage.

In some embodiments, there may be a stopper180between the cart base170and the strut160. In some embodiments, stopper180may be fixed, providing a constant position for strut160when the strut is extended into the operating position. In other embodiments, stopper180may be adjustable. In a further embodiment, stopper180may be adjusted by turning the knurled knob181. In a different further embodiment, stopper180may be adjusted by loosening the stopper from the attachment to the base170and rotating it with respect to the plane of the base.

In some embodiments, strut160may further include a positional element163. A function of positional element163is to aid in the positioning and stability of cleaning elements200. In some embodiments, positional element163may be a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. In some embodiments, positional element163may be a gas spring. In some embodiments, positional element163may be any other type of linear spring. The reciprocating linear motion of positional element163may be achieved in many manners without altering the function of the element.

Strut160is coupled with mounting bracket150. In some embodiments, the joint between strut160and bracket150is fixed. In some embodiments, the joint between strut160and bracket150is movable. In a preferred embodiment, mounting bracket150rotates around the joint with strut160, allowing the mounting bracket and cleaning elements200to have a different position relative to strut160. SeeFIGS. 6 and 9for examples. Allowing mobility in the joint between strut160and bracket150further allows cleaning elements200to be positioned more accurately with respect to cart100and escalator handrail270. In some embodiments, the joint between may allow movement in only one direction. In other embodiments, the joint may allow movement in two or more directions. In some embodiments, the joint may be a ball joint, allowing almost 100 percent freedom of motion. In some embodiments, the joint may allow movement in three or more axes.

In some embodiments, mounting bracket150may have only one mount. In a preferred embodiment, mounting bracket150has two mounts, an upper mount151and a lower mount152. In this configuration, a user is able to clean escalator handrail270by passing the handrail through both the upper and lower cleaning elements. In one method of use, a user soaks one cleaning element200in a cleaning solution and mounts it on lower mount152. A dry cleaning element200is mounted on upper mount151, and the cleaning elements are flexed to fit snugly around handrail270. Handrail270is cleaned as it passes first through the wet cleaning element and then through the dry element. Note the direction of travel280as depicted inFIG. 3. The particular direction of travel is recommended because it allows the handrail to dry more completely as it runs the length of the escalator. This is important for at least three reasons. The first is that it prevents dust and other debris from the escalator mechanism, such as rollers and guides, from collecting on the handrail. Moreover, a wet handrail entering the system may cause disruptions in the guidance and tracking of the drive system, causing damage to the handrail and escalator as a whole. Furthermore, placing the handrail cleaner at the newel (emerging) end of the escalator helps to prevent a situation in which any part of the handrail cleaner is caught on the handrail and is entrapped by the handrail system. Since the handrail is emerging, any element that becomes caught on the handrail can be pulled off before entering the system, eliminating the damage and safety risks involved in items becoming entrapped in the handrail system.

In another method of use, a dry cleaning element200is mounted on upper mount151, and a polish or conditioner could be placed on the cleaning element that is mounted on lower mount152. In another method of use, the cleaning solution may include a polish or conditioner, and the dry element may act as a dryer and buffer. There are many methods of use facilitated by having two cleaning elements positioned one over the other which allow for automated and nearly autonomous cleaning of escalator handrails.

In some embodiments, cleaning elements200are coupled with mounts151and152via fasteners153. In some embodiments, fasteners153are permanent. In preferred embodiments, fasteners153are removable to allow for easy installation and removal of cleaning elements200. In some embodiments, fasteners153may be quick release fasteners, such as push-button pins, quarter-turn fasteners, tension latches, push turn fasteners, or any other easily removed standard fastener.

FIG. 5is an exploded view of one embodiment of the joint between strut160and mounting bracket150. Here it's possible to see the embodiment wherein strut160has a forward arm set161and a rearward arm set162. Positional element163can be seen, disposed between the sets of arms that comprise the strut160. In one embodiment, forward arms161may be joined by fastener166. In some embodiments, rearward arms161may be joined by a fastener167. In some embodiments, fastener166or fastener167may be further disposed through mounting bracket150. In this embodiment, mounting bracket150may rotate about the fastener166or167to allow alternative positioning of the bracket. In some embodiments, the right and left arm sets may be joined through a center bracket164. The center bracket164may house latch190. In some embodiments, latch190may have a first notch191, a second notch192, and a third notch193. This particular feature and alternative positioning are discussed in more depth withFIG. 7.

FIG. 6is an isometric view of one embodiment of the system for cleaning escalator handrails wherein the system is in the cleaning element change position. As can be seen, bracket150can be rotated such that mounts151and152are substantially parallel to the base170. This allows a user to change the cleaning elements200, or portions thereof, more easily.

The sectional view of this position shown inFIG. 7is instructional. Note that the image is rotated such that the front of cart100is to the left.FIG. 7shows that, in some embodiments, bracket150can be rotated to present cleaning elements200for easy and rapid change. When bracket150is rotated, its plane is substantially horizontal, or substantially parallel to the plane of base170(not depicted in this figure), which allows easy access to cleaning elements200.

In some embodiments, mounting bracket150is coupled with a latch190. One method of use is that, when bracket150is in an alternative position, latch190is engaged to prevent the bracket from returning to its in-use position. In another embodiment, latch190is used to hold bracket150in any position, including the in-use position, for additional structural integrity. In another embodiment, latch190may be used to release bracket190from the in-use position to allow movement to an alternative position. In some embodiments, latch190may have a first notch191. When bracket150is rotated into the changing position, notch191may engage catch194, holding the bracket in that position. In other embodiments, latch190may have a first notch191and a second notch192. When bracket150is in the in-use position, notch192may engage catch194, holding the bracket in the cleaning, or in-use, position. When bracket150is rotated into the changing position, notch191may engage catch194, holding the bracket in the changing position. In some embodiments, latch190may have a first notch191, a second notch192, and a third notch193, each notch allowing a different position of mounting bracket150. In some embodiments, latch190may include a spring195. Spring195may be used to establish a “standard” position for bracket150, allowing the bracket to return to that position when the latch is disengaged from catch194. In some embodiments, spring195may simply provide a counter force to the force exerted by bracket150on the rest of the system when the bracket is in any position. As depicted inFIG. 7, spring195is a torsion spring. However, spring195may be a compression spring, a clock spring, a tension spring, or any other type of spring without altering its function.

FIG. 8is an isometric view of one embodiment of the system for cleaning escalator handrails in the storage position.FIG. 9is a side view thereof. In this position, strut160is retracted so that it is substantially vertical, as opposed to when the system is in the operating position, wherein the strut is at a nearly 45 degree angle to vertical. In some embodiments, cart100may include a latch to maintain the storage position. In other embodiments, the storage position may be maintained by the linear spring163, or by some combination of the linear spring and a separate locking mechanism.

FIG. 10is a bottom view of one embodiment of the system for cleaning escalator handrails. Bracket173, to which the strut (not depicted) is fastened, is disposed through the surface of base170. In some embodiments, the fasteners coupling bracket173to base170may be permanent, such as, for example, rivets. In other embodiments, the fasteners may be removable, such as nuts and bolts. It may be of value in particular applications to allow the entire strut to be replaced, or to move the strut assembly from a base that has been damaged to one that is intact. Therefore, any number of fasteners can be used in this position without altering the function of the base170and bracket173.

FIG. 11is an isometric view of one embodiment of cleaning element200. Cleaning element200is comprised of a substantially flexible form210. In some embodiments, the flexible form210may be any flexible material, such plastics, foam, or any number of composites. In other embodiments, the flexible form210may be comprised of a non-reactive or substantially inert material, such as silicone, silicone rubber, Teflon, and others. A primary function of flexible form210is to provide the specific shape of the cleaning element200, allowing the element to substantially conform to and almost completely cover the surface and sides of the handrail, while still being flexible enough to be placed onto or removed from the handrail without damaging either the handrail or the form. However, flexible form210will almost certainly come into contact with at least a cleaning solution, many of which contain at least one caustic or chemically abrasive ingredient. Flexible form210is also likely to come into contact with polishes, waxes, and the handrail material. As such, the material properties of flexible form210may become relevant in a particular application. Therefore, many flexible materials may work without altering either the primary or secondary functions of the flexible form210, and may be changed as necessary for a particular application.

Cleaning element200may also include a cleaning cloth240. Cloth240may be microfiber, cotton, terrycloth, or any number of standard cleaning cloth materials, but a preferred embodiment uses microfiber for its ability to hold moisture as well as collect and hold debris. In this application, cleaning cloth240will often be required to both hold a cleaning solution and trap any debris that is dislodged in the cleaning process, an application for which microfiber is particularly well suited.

Cleaning cloth240is designed to sit flush against the inner portion of form210, covering the entire surface. In order to do so, it must be held onto form210in some way that does not obstruct the function of cleaning cloth240. One solution is to use support cloth230. In some embodiments, support cloth230is coupled with cleaning cloth240on a seam231that approximately follows the edge between the inner and outer portions of form210. Support cloth230and cleaning cloth240are stretched over form210, leaving a spot at the top for the form to protrude and allow access to pinhole260. In some embodiments, the cloths are held onto form210by strap220, which is disposed through a slit250in the top of the flexible form. In other embodiments, support cloth230may be elastic enough to maintain its position on form210without use of the strap. In other embodiments, strap220may connect directly with cleaning cloth240. In other embodiments, cloths230and240may be one material that is disposed on form210in any of the above methods.

Pinhole260is the point at which form210would be joined with mounting bracket150via pin153. This is discussed in more detail above.

FIG. 12ais a front view of cleaning element200. The contour from side to side of cleaning element200is designed to cover the top and sides of a handrail, fitting snugly thereon to allow the cleaning cloth240to touch all surfaces of the handle that a user might touch.FIG. 12bis a side view, showing the contour of cleaning element200from front to back. This is a non-limiting example wherein the embodiment depicted has a slight curve. As seen inFIGS. 2 and 3, the system for cleaning escalator handrails may be disposed at the end of the escalator, where the handrail emerges from the floor and begins to run the length of the escalator. A slightly curved longitudinal profile allows cleaning element200to maintain contact with the handrail newel end for slightly longer, giving a better clean and reducing friction points between the handrail and the cleaning element, which ultimately reduces wear on the system. However, in other embodiments, the longitudinal contour is substantially straight, allowing the system to be used on moving walkways or other parts of an escalator where there is no curve in the handrail to be accounted for.

Americans with Disability Act handrails also require cleaning and conditioning.FIG. 13is an isometric view of one embodiment of an ADA handrail cleaner. In this embodiment, a cleaning element200is attached to a handle element300. In some embodiments, the handle300may be a fixed length. In some embodiments, the handle300may be a retractable telescoping handle, as seen inFIG. 14. The telescoping handle300embodiment may include one or more sections301wherein the sections are progressively slightly smaller such that the majority of the handle can be retracted into the length of a single section. InFIG. 14, this feature can be seen as each section gets smaller in diameter the farther the handle gets from cleaning element200. This should not be construed as limiting the number of sections in the telescoping handle300; so long as the number of sections is greater than one, the handle will telescope. When the handle300is telescoping, each section may be joined to another with a locking mechanism302. In some embodiments, locking mechanism301may be a clamping lever, a twist lock, or any other telescope locking mechanism. In some embodiments, handle300may include a return spring, such that when the locking mechanism301is released, the handle portions automatically retract into one another. This telescoping mechanism allows a user to extend cleaning element200along the length of the handle without having to stand on the stairs or ramp to do so, making the cleaning process both safer and more ergonomically sound.

FIG. 15is an exploded view of one embodiment of the ADA handrail cleaner. Handle300is coupled with cleaning element200by the addition of a socket310, a bracket320, a thumb screw330, and a bolt340. Bracket320is coupled with flexible form210via pin153, which, like with the escalator handrail cleaner embodiment, is disposed through the form in pinhole260. In some embodiments, bracket320may include one or more gaskets321. In some embodiments, bracket320may be rigidly coupled to form210, such that handle300is at a constant angle to cleaning element200. In other embodiments, bracket320may be coupled with form210in a manner that allows rotation of handle300with respect to cleaning element200. In one such an embodiment, handle300may be movable along the longitudinal plane, such that the handle can go from substantially horizontal to substantially vertical. In another such embodiment, handle300may pivot universally, allowing the handle to move in any plane around cleaning element200. This type of embodiment may be useful for curved stairways or ramps, or in sending the cleaning element200around a corner.

Fastener340is disposed through a hole in bracket320, and socket310is threaded onto the fastener. In some embodiments, fastener340may be a permanent fastener, such as a rivet. In other embodiments, fastener340may be removable, such as a bolt. In a further embodiment, fastener340may be knurled to allow installation and removal without the use of tools. Once socket310is in place, handle300is threaded into the socket. Thumb screw330is then threaded into a hole in the top of socket310, and the user can finger-tighten the screw to reinforce the joint of handle300to cleaning element200. In some embodiments, thumb screw may be knurled to facilitate a better grip and more user control.

FIGS. 16, 17, and 18are detailed views of cleaning element200with the modifications for use with handle300.FIG. 16is an isometric view, showing the bracket320coupled with form210by pin160. It also shows that cleaning element200is substantially identical to the cleaning element as used in the escalator handrail cleaning embodiment. Cleaning element200has a cleaning cloth240coupled with a support cloth230and coupled with plastic form210by strap220. While the variations of cleaning element200are not repeated here, all of the variations disclosed above still apply. In some embodiments, cleaning element200may be a slightly different size in the ADA application than it is in the escalator application, but it performs the same function.

FIG. 17is a front view of one embodiment of cleaning element200. This view shows the joint of bracket320to socket310. Socket310is coupled with bracket320by a fastener340, which passes through a hole in bracket320and into a threaded receiving portion on the bottom of socket310. Thumb screw330allows a user to clamp handle300(not shown) into socket310.

FIG. 18ais a right side view of one embodiment of cleaning element200with bracket320, socket310, and screw330installed, wherein the bracket is coupled with the cleaning element200by pin160.FIG. 18bis a left side view thereof.

While preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of these preferred and alternate embodiments. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.