Wheel cleaning apparatus and method

A system and method for cleaning a cart wheel includes an elongated body having a central channel having an entry end and an exit end. A shuttle slidably engages the elongated body and is engageable by a wheel entering the central channel from the entry end such that the wheel pushes the shuttle along the central channel and disengages the shuttle adjacent the exit end, wherein a sliding engagement between the wheel and the shuttle cleans the wheel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Different operating environments such as clean rooms often have dirt or other contaminants being introduced to them by operators and the tools and equipment operators bring into those environments. More particularly, contaminants may be brought into an environment by the carts and wheeled carriers an operator uses to carry material into the clean room. Conversely, an operator risks bringing substances such as germs or hazardous materials out of an operating environment when carrying materials on carts out of the clean room. In addition, there is a risk of cross-contamination coming from the wheels during movement of equipment in and out of critical environments. There is a need for a wheel cleaning device that helps mitigate this risk. Devices and methods according to the disclosure satisfy this need.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the disclosure describes a wheel cleaner. The wheel cleaner includes an elongated body having a central channel, the central channel extending along an entire length of the body in a longitudinal direction. The elongated body also includes a base plate, a left wall plate, and a right wall plate, the left and right wall plates connected to the base plate and extending in spaced relation parallel to one another to define the central channel therebetween. The central channel includes an entry end and an exit end on opposite ends of the elongated body along the longitudinal direction. A shuttle having a mounting plate slidably engaged with the elongated body and is disposed in the slot. The shuttle is engageable by a wheel entering the central channel from the entry end such that the wheel pushes the shuttle along the central channel and disengages the shuttle adjacent the exit end, wherein a sliding engagement between the wheel and the shuttle cleans the wheel as the wheel rolls through the channel.

In another aspect, the disclosure describes a method for cleaning a wheel. The method includes providing an elongated body having a central channel, the central channel extending along an entire length of the body in a longitudinal direction, wherein the elongated body includes a base plate, a left wall plate, and a right wall plate, the left and right wall plates connected to the base plate and extending in spaced relation parallel to one another to define the central channel therebetween, and wherein the central channel includes an entry end and an exit end on opposite ends of the elongated body along the longitudinal direction. The method further includes providing a shuttle slidably disposed within the central channel, the shuttle having a mounting plate slidably engaged with the elongated body and disposed in the slot. The method also includes engaging a wheel entering the central channel through the entry end with the shuttle, pushing the shuttle along the central channel with the wheel, the wheel having a rolling engagement with the shuttle and rolling along the base plate of the elongated body along the central channel, and disengaging the shuttle from the wheel adjacent the exit end; wherein the rolling engagement between the shuttle and the wheel cleans the wheel.

In yet another aspect, the disclosure describes a wheel cleaner that includes an elongated body having a slot, a roller rotatably mounted on the elongated body along the slot, a cleaning cartridge disposed in the slot, and a drive mechanism having an actuator associated with the elongated body, wherein activation of the actuator operates to power rotation of the roller. A wheel is adapted to rest within the slot in contact with the cleaning cartridge and the roller. Rotation of the roller causes the wheel to rotate in place while contacting the cleaning cartridge for cleaning the wheel.

In yet another aspect, the disclosure describes a cleaning pad configured to clean a wheel, including an elongated body portion made of a resilient material. The body portion includes a central portion having a first height and a pair of opposed terminal ends. The terminal ends have a second height, wherein the first height is greater than the second height. In addition, The body portion may be configured to absorb cleaning fluid. The body portion may be constructed of a foam material or non-woven material. The cleaning pad may further includes an outer portion attached to the body portion, the outer portion including one or more of a cloth material, a textile, or a microfiber material. The cleaning pad may further include a backing material position on the body portion opposite the outer portion, and is attached to the mounting plate by one of thermal bonding, radio frequency welding, an adhesive, hook and loop attachment, a loop and clip device, a lamination, or pockets sized and shaped to attach the pad to the mounting plate. The body portion and attached outer portion, at the terminal ends may be formed into a U shape to form a protrusion on each of the terminal ends.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is applicable to systems and methods for cleaning cart wheels, for example, when entering or exiting a clean room. More particularly, the wheel cleaner and method in accordance with the disclosure is configured to engage, clean, and release one or more wheels of a wheeled unit. For purposes of this disclosure, wheeled unit could be a cart, trolley, shelving unit, dolly, table, chair, storage cabinet, or any piece of equipment, a conveyance, mechanism, system, or any device that includes wheels configured to permit the unit to be moved on the wheels. The wheel cleaner is advantageously arranged to passively engage, clean, and release one or more wheels of a wheeled unit at one time as the unit moves through the wheel cleaner. For brevity, the disclosure will refer to a cart, without being limited thereto.

One embodiment for a wheel cleaner100in accordance with the disclosure is shown inFIG. 1. The wheel cleaner100includes an elongated body102, which is shown removed from the wheel cleaner100for illustration inFIG. 2, and in cross section inFIG. 3. In reference toFIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the elongated body102includes a base plate104, from which a left wall plate106and a right wall plate108extend on either side of a central channel118. In the embodiment shown, the left and right wall plates106and108extend parallel to one another from either lateral side of the base plate104such that the central channel118has a generally uniform width along a length of the base plate104. The central channel118defines an entry end110at one longitudinal end of the base plate104, and an exit end114opposite the entry end110at another longitudinal end of the base plate104.

The elongated body102may be made out of a metal or metal alloy, ceramic, a composite material, plastic, synthetic or composite material, wood, resin, or polymer, such as an epoxy. The elongated body may be coated with an overlay material such as a polymer, resin, or other compound. The elongated body may be formed from a single piece of material and manufactured by, 3D printing, casting, for example by vacuum casting, injection molding, including reaction injection molding, thermo-foam casting, and milling, or it may be an assembly of the various constituent elements, each of which may be manufactured by the above manufacturing methods, or others, depending on the element. If the elongated body is manufactured or fabricated as an assembly of components connected to one another, the connection of each component to another may depend on the mechanical and physical properties of the material of which each component is made.

In particular, the left wall plate106extends vertically from a left side of the base plate104and the right wall plate108extends vertically from a right side of the base plate104in a direction of use and in the orientation shown inFIG. 3. The left wall plate106and the right wall plate108are parallel to one another and span almost an entire length of the base plate104along a longitudinal direction, L. The base plate104further includes an entry incline111and an exit incline115, which are shaped and operate as inclined ramps to facilitate entry and exit of cart wheels through the body and within the channel118, as will be described below. The base plate104extends the entire length of the elongated body102. The base plate104may be made to be any width to accommodate any width wheel or number of wheels that are inserted and travel along the central channel118during use, as will be described hereinafter. The left wall plate106and the right wall plate108may extend to any height away from the base plate104sufficient to cover at least a wheel axle portion and accommodate wheels of varying heights.

Defined and extending between the left wall plate106and the right wall plate108, and above the base plate104, is the central channel118, which extends the length of the left and right wall plates106and108. The central channel118is an open channel that includes an entry end110at one end of the elongated body102, the entry end110defined at or around an opening between the base plate104and the left and right-side wall plates106and108. The entry end110includes an entry opening112. The entry opening112is sufficiently wide to allow a cart wheel to enter and travel along the central channel118in the longitudinal direction L. Opposite the entry end110is an exit end114. The exit end114has an exit opening116defined between the base plate104and the left and right-side wall plates106and108. The exit opening116is sufficiently wide to allow the cart wheel to exit the central channel118.

FIG. 4is a cross section through the wheel cleaner100. During operation, a cart wheel W in a typical configuration is rotatably mounted on an axle, A, which is retained in a bracket or yoke, B. Under a pushing force applied by a user, the wheel W rotates in a direction shown by arrow R as it passes through the wheel cleaner100. As the wheel W approaches the wheel cleaner100, it rolls up incline111and enters the channel118through the entry opening112by rolling up an entry incline111. The entry incline111is formed forward of the entry end110on the base plate104. The wheel W travels through the central channel118and exits the wheel cleaner100through the exit opening116. To avoid bumps, the wheel W rolls along the exit incline115after exiting the central channel118through the exit opening116. The exit incline115is formed behind the exit end114on the base plate104and may extend from the base plate104and increase or decrease in inclination, enabling the wheel to roll to a height above or below the base plate104depending upon the needs of the operating environment.

Returning toFIG. 3, the generally U-shaped cross section formed by the base plate104, left wall plate106, right wall plate108, and central channel118is illustrated. It can be seen that the left wall plate106and the right wall plate108may be connected mechanically to the base plate104, either on a left and right edge of the central channel118, respectively, of the base plate104or by a mechanical connection to a top face of the base plate104, but it should be appreciated that the base plate104may extend beyond the wall plates in a widthwise direction. Additionally, the base plate104, left wall plate106, and right wall plate108could all be formed from a single piece or material through a machining process, casting process, extrusion process, molding process, 3D printing process, or a combination of two or more of those processes.

Within the U-shaped cross section there exists a slot204, left guide slot206, and right guide slot208. The slot204is formed in the base plate104and is disposed upon the base plate104between the left wall plate106and the right wall plate108. The left guide slot206is formed wholly in the left wall plate106alone and is disposed at a point upon the left wall plate106above the base plate104. Similarly, the right guide slot208is formed wholly in the right wall plate108alone and is disposed at a point upon the right wall plate108above the base plate104. The slot204extends along the base plate104covering a distance at least as long as the left wall plate106and right wall plate108. The length of the slot204may not necessarily extend the length of either wall plate, and the initial point of the slot204, which is visible inFIG. 2, may be forward of the left wall plate106and right wall plate108on the elongated body102and may terminate on the elongated body102at a point beyond the left wall plate106and right wall plate108. The left guide slot206extends along the left wall plate106over a distance covering the entirety of the left wall plate106. The right guide slot208extends along the right wall plate108over a distance covering the entirety of the right wall plate108. Each guide slot206and208in the illustrated embodiment has a straight section107along a majority of the central channel118, and a downwardly curved section109as it approaches the exit end114, as shown inFIG. 4.

In operation, the slot204, left guide slot206, and right guide slot208guide a shuttle300as it traverses the central channel118in a guided manner. The central channel118controls the path of the shuttle's motion along the elongated body102. The left guide slot206and right guide slot208allow for a guide arm on the left side406and right side408of the shuttle300to give the shuttle stability in the central channel118while the shuttle moves along the length of the elongated body102. An outline, exploded view of the shuttle300is shown inFIG. 5.

As shown inFIG. 4, a wheel W entering and travelling through the central channel118engages the shuttle300and together with the shuttle, pushing the shuttle, travels along the length of the elongated body102. An optional mat302, a mat interface304, and a carriage receiving tray306are also visible in cross section in this view.

The shuttle300is slidingly engaged with the guide slots204and206through sliding engagement of the arms406and408, respectively. Additionally, if a left guide slot206is formed in the left wall plate106, and/or if a right guide slot208is formed in the right wall plate108, as they are in the illustrated embodiment, the shuttle300may be slidingly engaged with either or both guide slots as well as with the slot204. A carriage receiving tray306, which is visible inFIG. 4and is embodied as a depression formed in the base plate104adjacent the exit end114of the elongated body102, receives the shuttle300as it swings down due to the curved sections109of the slots. The carriage receiving tray306can be located or disposed behind the end of the slot204but forward of the exit incline115and is connected to the curved section109of the slot204. Additionally, the carriage receiving tray306may be formed in the base plate104before the end of the left wall plate106and right wall plate108or may be formed in the base plate104partially beyond the wall plates or even entirely beyond the end of the wall plates. The purpose of the receiving tray306is to accommodate the shuttle and remove it from presenting an obstacle as the wheel W passes over the shuttle and exits the central channel118. The carriage receiving tray306is therefore sufficiently large to accommodate whatever geometry or size of different shuttles300may be used, when the shuttle300is in a lay-flat position as it rests within the receiving tray306.

In certain applications, more than one wheel cleaner100, for example, two wheel cleaners100, can be used in tandem to simultaneously treat both wheels of a cart that are aligned at one end of the cart. For adjustability and adaptability to different sizes of carts, cart widths, cart axle lengths, and so forth, the two or more wheel cleaners can be secured to a mat at a predetermined width and in an arrangement to accommodate more than one cart wheel. Alternatively, or in addition, more than one wheel cleaner can be arranged in line with one another to perform multiple cleanings of the same wheel as it rolls in a straight path. To secure, at least temporarily, the one or more wheel cleaners in a desired configuration, a mat may be used that sits on a rolling surface of the wheels and connects the wheel cleaners to one another. As shown inFIG. 4, the mat302connects to the wheel cleaner100by a mat interface304formed on the bottom face of the elongated body102, specifically on the bottom face of the base plate104. The elongated body102is releasably connectable atop the mat302along the mat interface304. The elongated body102may be disposed in any orientation across the surface of the mat302. In one embodiment, the mat interface304may include teeth connecting or meshing with complimentary teeth or ridges on the surface of the mat302, and other arrangements can also be used.

In an alternative embodiment, the mat and mat interface may be a hook and loop connection. Alternatively, the mat and mat interface may connect through a button mechanism, or a snap mechanism. In another alternative embodiment the mat and mat interface may connect through a magnetic connection where a magnet is included on the mat and the mat interface is itself a magnet or magnetic (i.e., the elongated body may be made out of a magnetic material or include an embedded ferromagnetic element). In another alternative embodiment there may be no mat nor mat interface and instead the wheel cleaning apparatus may be mechanically fastened to the floor or another surface through a fastener. In another alternative embodiment the wheel cleaning apparatus may be connected to the floor or another surface through an adhesive, and the like.

In reference to the cross-section ofFIG. 4, during operation, the shuttle300travels the length of the elongated body102by sliding along the slot204. The shuttle300slides by the force exerted upon the shuttle300by the wheel W, which the shuttle300engages, where the force exerted is supplied by an operator pushing the cart attached to the wheel through the central channel118along the length of the elongated body102. The shuttle300receives the wheel at the entry end110of the elongated body102through the entry opening112. Upon receiving the wheel, the shuttle300slides along the slot204, with the wheel being engaged by the shuttle300, and travels from the entry end110to the exit end114. At the exit end114, the shuttle300disengages the wheel and the wheel is released and passes through the exit opening116of the elongated body102. The length of the elongated body102and, more specifically, the travel length along which the wheel W travels within the channel118while engaged with the shuttle300, is sufficient to permit the wheel W to complete at least one full revolution. In other words, the engaged travel length of the wheel and shuttle is at least equal to two times the radius of the wheel, times pi, i.e., the circumference of the wheel.

An exploded view of the shuttle300is shown inFIG. 5, an outline view of a carriage402of the shuttle300is shown inFIG. 6, and an exploded view of the carriage402and cleaning pad or cartridge518is shown inFIG. 7. In reference to these figures, it can be seen that the carriage402includes a mounting plate404, a left side guide arm406, a right-side guide arm408, a pivot joint410, a cartridge518, a sled414, a cartridge connection interface416, and a cartridge removal interface418. The mounting plate404forms the left and right guide arms406and408and forms the support and guiding structure of the shuttle300relative to the elongated body102. The sled414is connected to the mounting plate404through a pivot joint410and slidably travels within a bottom slot of the body. A cleaning element or cartridge518is mechanically coupled to the mounting plate404on the carriage402. The left side guide arm406is formed on the left side of the mounting plate404and the right-side guide arm408formed on the right side of the mounting plate404. Each guide arm protrudes from its respective side of the mounting plate404, horizontally and linearly in an aligned fashion to define a pivot axis for pivoting the mounting plate404relative to the elongated body102and permit rotation of the shuttle300as it traverses the curved sections109of the slots, as previously described. The left side guide arm406slidingly engages the left guide slot206and the right-side guide arm408slidingly engages the right guide slot208. The guide arms have a round cross section to permit pivotal engagement with the slots, to accommodate wheels of different radii, but rectangular or square cross sections can also be used if using a wheel with a known diameter. The cartridge connection interface416is formed on the front face of the mounting plate404as a result of the mounting plate's 404 manufacturing process and is a protrusion in a shape complimentary to a receiver on the cartridge412. The cartridge removal interface418is a half-circle or other notch formed along the top edge of the mounting plate404.

In operation, the cartridge518may be attached to the mounting plate404by a sliding engagement coupling or by another mechanical coupling feature. The mounting plate404, pivotally connected to the sled414, pivots from a first position to a second position when the mounting plate404reaches the exit end114of the elongated body102. The first position is an up-right position where the mounting plate404extends perpendicularly from the top face of the base plate104, and the cartridge518faces the entry end110of the elongated body102. In the second position, the mounting plate404and cartridge412pivot to a supine position where the mounting plate404lays down and into the receiving tray306in base plate104. In the second position the cartridge518pivots from facing the entry end110of the elongated body102to face vertically upward and out of the central channel118.

The sled414slidingly travels along the slot204and, together with the arms406and408, provides three points of sliding contact to guide the shuttle300through the central channel118. The left side guide arm406and the right-side guide arm408, which slidingly travel along the left guide slot206and right guide slot208respectively, aid the travel of the cartridge518by keeping the cartridge upright in the proper position for cleaning while the shuttle300travels through the central channel118. When the shuttle300, and therefore the cartridge518, reach a certain point on the elongated body102, the left guide slot206and the right guide slot208may change direction from their initial horizontal orientation along the left wall plate106and right wall plate108, respectively, and arc or angle downward toward the top face of the base plate104. By changing direction, the left guide slot206and right guide slot208cause the left side guide arm406and right-side guide arm408to pivot the carriage402downward as they travel through the curved sections109(FIG. 4).

The carriage402and the sled414may each be made out of a metal or metal alloy, a composite material, ceramic, plastic, synthetic material, wood, resin, or polymer, such as an epoxy, and the like. Material selection depends on a particular application, and advantageously provides rigidity to the structures involved without being susceptible to corrosion, wear, and mechanical deformation during use. The carriage402and the sled414need not be made out of the same material. The carriage402and sled414may be manufactured through 3D printing, a casting process such as vacuum casting, injection molding including reaction injection molding, thermo foam casting, thermoforming, or a milling process. The carriage402and sled414do not need to be manufactured using the same manufacturing method. The cartridge connection interface416and the cartridge removal interface418are discussed further below.

In an alternative embodiment, the cartridge and carriage comprise a single, integrated, non-detachable component. The carriage (including the non-separable cartridge) may itself be detachable from the sled. In this configuration the sled is a non-detachable element of the wheel cleaning apparatus. Alternatively, the carriage (with non-separable cartridge) includes a cleaning pad. In this configuration the cleaning pad connects to the cartridge and is detachable from the cartridge thereby enabling the cleaning pad to be exchanged for a new component or to be refurbished and reinstalled. The entirety of the shuttle, apart from the cleaning pad, is a non-detachable feature of the wheel cleaning apparatus.

In another alternative embodiment, the left wall plate and the right wall plate are not of a height sufficient to include a guide slot and may be omitted, in which case the pivotal connection410and sled are of sufficient strength to support and guide the shuttle300entirely along the elongated body102.

FIGS. 6 and 7illustrate the cartridge518. Cartridge518includes cartridge base plate504, which includes a mounting plate attachment506, cartridge removal tab508, left-side hinged flap510, right-side hinged flap512, left guide slot rib514, left contact rib515, right guide slot rib516, right contact rib517, cleaning pad519, and cleaning pad receiver520.

The cartridge base plate504is a plate comprising a middle section and a left section connected to the middle section by the left-side hinged flap510to form a living hinge, and a right section connected to the middle section by a right-side hinged flap512to form another living hinge. The hinges permit pivoting motion and may also include a resilient force element provided by the material of the base plate or a spring and the like that imparts a biasing force in an opening direction tending to push the flaps510and512apart or in a receiving position where they are spread apart to permit a wheel to enter between them. The cartridge base plate504may be created by a casting, injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, rotational molding, machining, or any other manufacturing process. On the rear face of the middle section of the cartridge base plate504, the mounting plate attachment506is formed to releasably connect the base plate504to the mounting plate404of the shuttle300(FIG. 5). Similarly, the cartridge removal tab508is formed on the rear face of the middle section of the cartridge base plate504as a result of the manufacturing process. The cartridge removal tab508may be formed on the mounting plate attachment506or the cartridge base plate504, depending upon the geometry of the mounting plate attachment506.

The left guide slot rib514is formed on the rear face of the left section of the cartridge base plate504at a position on the cartridge base plate504level with the left guide slot206. The left contact rib515is formed on the rear face of the left section of the cartridge base plate504, and below the left guide slot rib514, as a result of the manufacturing process. The right guide slot rib516is formed on the rear face of the right section of the cartridge base plate504at a position on the cartridge base plate504level with the right guide slot208. The right contact rib517is formed on the rear face of the right section of the cartridge base plate504, and below the right guide slot rib516, as a result of the manufacturing process. The left guide slot rib514slidingly engages the left guide slot206, and the right guide slot rib516slidingly engages the right guide slot208to help maintain alignment and orientation of the shuttle300relative to the elongated body102during motion of the wheel and shuttle300along the central channel118. Advantageously, the left and right guide slot ribs514and516provide stability to the cartridge518in operation.

The cleaning pad519is mechanically connected, attached or otherwise associated with a cleaning pad receiver520. The cleaning pad receiver520is a surface on the front face of the cartridge base plate504. The cleaning pad receiver520, or the cleaning pad519, or both the cleaning pad receiver520and the cleaning pad519, may be coated in an adhesive paste, liquid, gel, or other adhesive compound. This may allow the cleaning pad receiver520to have a smooth or textured surface. In an alternative embodiment the cleaning pad and base plate, the cartridge, are all one piece or permanently connected and in order to exchange the cleaning pad, the entire cartridge needs to be disconnected from the carriage and cleaned or exchanged.

The cartridge base plate504may be a metal or metal alloy, a composite material, rubber, plastic, synthetic material, resin, or polymer, such as an epoxy. The cartridge base plate504may be manufactured through 3D printing, vacuum casting, injection molding including reaction injection molding, thermo-foam casting, thermoforming, casting, and machining or milling.

The materials comprising the cleaning pad519may include natural or synthetic sponge material, natural or synthetic rubber, nonwoven material, polyester fabric, a laminated construction, cloth or other textile, foam, including melamine foam, aluminum oxide, or other metallic, pads, and abrasive pads. Each cleaning pad519material may be stearated or non-stearated. In the instance where the cleaning pad519material is a stearated material, the cleaning pad519may or may not require an application of an additional cleaning solution. The material making up the material of the pad519should be flexible so at to conform to different wheel sizes and shapes and irregularities in the wheel, should be capable of absorbing and releasing cleaning fluid and other compounds or materials.

It will be understood that the pad519may be constructed of one layer of material, one type of material, multiple layers of materials, and/or multiple types of materials. The pad519may be reusable and in this case launderable and may be sterilizable depending on application, may be disposable and environmentally safe or biodegradable into environmentally non-toxic constituents.

The cleaning solution coating, absorbed by, or impregnated in the cleaning pad may be an antiseptic and/or cleaning or detergent-containing solution for example, a solution that may be used in a hospital, health services facility, laboratory environment, food processing or testing facility, and/or an animal processing facility.

In operation, the cleaning pad519is connected to the cleaning pad receiver520on the cartridge518. The cartridge518is mechanically connected to the carriage402, wherein the mounting plate attachment506is mechanically coupled to the mounting plate404. More particularly, the mounting plate attachment506slidingly engages the cartridge connection interface416. The cartridge connection interface416is shaped to fit inside the mounting plate attachment506, depending on the shape of the mounting plate attachment506. The mounting plate attachment506may include a channel that slidingly engages with the cartridge connection interface416. The mounting plate attachment506may comprise the entire back face of the cartridge base plate504or may cover only a portion of the back face of the cartridge base plate504. Depending on the geometry of the mounting plate attachment506, the mounting plate attachment506may extend beyond the edges of the cartridge base plate504. This may advantageously allow a particular mounting plate attachment to connect to different mounting plates of different sizes or shape, for example, if a cartridge for a smaller wheel is installed on a larger carriage normally used for a larger wheel. Alternatively, the mounting plate attachment may be a snap-on or press-fit enclosure which receives the cartridge connection interface. Other attachment mechanisms are disclosed hereinbelow.

In order to disconnect the cartridge518from the carriage402an operator pulls the cartridge removal tab508, separating the two components. To manipulate the cartridge removal tab508, the operator inserts a finger or key into the space between the cartridge removal interface418and the cartridge removal tab508. The space between the cartridge removal interface418and the cartridge removal tab508is a result of the cartridge connection interface416to mounting plate attachment506connection. When the cartridge connection interface416engages the mounting plate attachment506, the face of the mounting plate attachment506, and the rear face of the mounting plate404are flush, or, if not flush, at least planarly aligned in parallel at a set distance determined by the dimensions of the cartridge connection interface416and the mounting plate attachment506. Regardless of whether the cartridge removal tab508extends from the cartridge base plate504or the mounting plate attachment506, the cartridge removal tab508extends to be flush with the front face of the mounting plate404or may even extend beyond the mounting plate404. The greater the extension over the mounting plate404, the more surface area an operator has to manipulate the cartridge removal tab508. The space the operator manipulates the cartridge removal tab508through is the size and shape of the cartridge removal interface418itself.

In an alternative embodiment, the cleaning pad receiver may include a clip, a hook-and-loop attachment, a mechanically snap-fitting fixture, a press-fit fixture, or any other mechanical attachment fixture. In the instance where the cleaning pad receiver includes a particular mechanical attachment fixture, the cleaning pad includes a complimentary mechanical attachment fixture. Additionally, in another alternative embodiment, the cleaning pad receiver may include a magnet. In the instance that the cleaning pad receiver includes a magnet, the cleaning pad includes a properly polarized magnet. In an additional alternative embodiment, the cleaning pad is connected to the cleaning pad receiver by an adhesive or thermal bond.

In an alternative embodiment the cleaning pad may be shaped to accommodate any wheel and wheel tread geometries not considered standard geometries.

In another alternative embodiment, the cleaning solution may be a degreaser to remove oil, grease, coolant, or other compounds from a wheel and to clean the wheel, generally, at the same time. Additionally, in another alternative embodiment, the cleaning solution may include a grit or agitator to remove debris or other matter from the wheel while cleaning or to provide some other benefit, for example, polishing, buffing, etching, grinding, or reforming the wheel to enable an additional form of cleaning or to mitigate any damage or physical nonconformities the wheel's operating environment may have affected upon the wheel. In another alternative embodiment the cleaning solution may be a nontraditional/nonconventional solution or even a counterintuitive solution such as a caustic acid or corrosive base which may itself damage the wheel but provide a desired benefit upon application to the wheel.

FIG. 1, along withFIGS. 8 and 9illustrate the shuttle300in various stages of the shuttle300in operation. Specifically, inFIG. 1the shuttle300in an initial operation position600, which corresponds to a ready or first position in which the wheel cleaner is ready to receive a wheel for cleaning. In the initial operation position600, the carriage402with the cartridge412installed upon it are in an open position enabling the shuttle300to receive a wheel. Further, the cartridge518may be disposed free of the entry opening112and outside of the elongated body102to permit the flaps510and512to resiliently assume a spread apart position, ready to receive the wheel between them.

FIG. 8is a cross section view showing the wheel engaged with the shuttle300in an intermediate or second position602while the wheel and shuttle travel along the central channel118and a cleaning operation of the wheel is actively occurring. When a wheel enters the wheel cleaner100, a leading edge of the wheel tread contacts the cleaning pad519and pushes it, thus pushing the central panel of the cleaning pad receiver520(seeFIG. 7). This push urges the shuttle300to enter into the central channel118whereby the walls push the flaps510and512to close against their biased opening position and hug or surround on three sides the rolling wheel, as shown inFIG. 8. In this position, the cleaning pad519is pressed against the treat and side portions of the wheel to permit friction between the cleaning pad519and the wheel, which friction, in the presence of a cleaning solution on the cleaning pad, effects the cleaning of the outer surfaces of the wheel. As the wheel rotates at least one full revolution an entire outer surface of the wheel may be passed into contact with the cleaning pad519and be cleaned thereby. Multiple revolutions of the wheel results in multiple passes with contact with the pad and a better cleaning. The cleaning operation position602includes the cartridge412engaging the outer surfaces of the wheel.

In operation, the shuttle300, and thereby the left section and right section of the cartridge base plate504have now, if not already inside the central channel118, entered the central channel118. The shuttle300enters the central channel118through the entry opening112and moves through the central channel118along the base plate104of the elongated body102by an operator exerting force on the wheel, which in turn exerts force on the middle section of the cartridge base plate504. The middle section acts as a backstop for the wheel. Additionally, due to the force exerted by the operator, the left guide slot rib514and left contact rib515cause the left section of the cartridge base plate504to be in compressive contact between the left guide slot206and left wall plate106, and the left face of the wheel. Similarly, the right guide slot rib516and right contact rib517cause the right section of the cartridge base plate504to be in compressive contact between the right guide slot208and right wall plate108, and the right face of the wheel.

The operator continuously exerts force on the cart, which pushes and causes the wheel to engage by the shuttle300and to travel along the length of the elongated body102and rotate in place relative to the cleaning pad519and the wheel rolls along the elongated body102within the central channel118, all the while being encumbered by the shuttle300and cleaned by the cleaning solution on the cleaning pad519. The shuttle300persists in cleaning operation position602until the shuttle300reaches the exit end114of the elongated body102. At the exit end114the shuttle300pivots due to the change in path of the left guide slot206and the right guide slot208. The shuttle300pivots to a position into the tray and out of the way of the wheel, which steps over the retracted shuttle and exits the wheel cleaner100.

FIG. 9illustrates the shuttle300in a release and return operation position604. The release and return operation position604includes the carriage402, the mounting plate404and cartridge518, pivoting into the carriage receiving tray306causing the carriage402to lay in a horizontal position in parallel with the top face of the base plate104when the shuttle300reaches the exit end114of the elongated body102. The carriage402either lays planarly flush with the opening of the slot204or lays at a depth below the slot204opening thereby enabling the carriage402to travel through the slot, beneath the slot204opening on the top face of the base plate104.

Additionally, in this position, the left section and right section of the cartridge base plate504extend vertically away from the base plate104in an upright and perpendicular orientation to the base plate104. The left section may still be in compressive contact between the left wall plate106and the left face of the wheel, and the right section may still be in compressive contact between the right wall plate108and the right face of the wheel, but because the middle section of the cartridge base plate504is now laying in the carriage receiving tray306, the operator may exert force upon the wheel and push it free from the compressive engagement. Thus, the wheel is released from the shuttle300and leaves the wheel cleaner100through the exit opening116. Because the carriage402is laying horizontally in the carriage receiving tray306it is in the proper position to be automatically returned to the entry end110of the elongated body102thereby returning to the initial operation position600.

FIG. 10illustrates a shuttle retraction mechanism700. The shuttle retraction mechanism700includes a spring housing port702, spring housing704, string706, string connector708, a bumper710, and a string connector port712. The bumper710may be made out of natural or synthetic rubber, foam, cork, or other impact-dampening material. The shuttle retraction mechanism700operates to retract the shuttle300following a dismount of a wheel that has been cleaned from the exit end back towards the entry end of the elongated body102to reset the position of the wheel cleaner100back to the ready position so another wheel can enter and be cleaned.

The spring housing port702is formed in the elongated body102on the bottom face of the base plate104. The spring housing port702is located in the elongated body102forward of the entry opening112in order for the shuttle300to be returned to its initial operation position600where, for example, the cartridge518may be positioned free of the left wall plate106and the right wall plate108. Because the cartridge518extends beyond the left wall plate106and right wall plate108the left and right sections of that cartridge518are again open and ready to receive and engage a wheel. The shape of the spring housing port702contours the shape of the spring housing704enabling the spring housing704to be press-fit or snap-fit into place. Advantageously this adhesive or fastener free mode of connection enables the shuttle retraction mechanism700to easily be removed and exchanged. Alternatively, the shape of the spring housing port is a polygonal opening that a spring housing of any shape may be fasted to the elongated body through an adhesive or other mechanical fasteners. In another alternative embodiment, the spring housing may be retained in the spring housing port through a hook and loop connection or through a magnetic connection.

The spring housing704, which is embodied similar to a lanyard retracting device, includes a rotary spring (not visible) stored inside the spring housing704. A string706is rolled on a spool, which spool is connected to the housing704via the spring such that extraction of the string causes a rotation of the spool, which in turn stores energy into the spring. When extraction is complete, and the shuttle is free of the wheel, the stored energy in the spring operates to rotate the spool in the opposite of the extraction direction, thus retracting the string back into the housing as the spool rotates to wind the string back up. The first end of the string706is attached to the spool within the spring housing704and a second end of the string706is attached to a string connector708. A string connector port712is formed in the sled414of the carriage402. The string connector708mechanically couples with the string connector port712. The bumper710is mechanically connected to the bottom face of the base plate104or connects to the bottom face of the base plate104through an adhesive at a position forward of the spring housing704between the spring housing704and the sled414. In an alternative embodiment, the bumper may include a plurality of bumpers.

In operation, when the shuttle300is pushed from the initial operation position600and into the cleaning operation position602, the string706begins to uncoil and extend from a retracted position inside the spring housing704to an extended position. As the shuttle300travels the length of the elongated body102, the string706continues to extend thereby turning the spool in an unrolling direction and loading the internal spring. When the shuttle300reaches the exit end114of the elongated body102and pivots to the release and return operation position604the load of the spring causes the spool to turn in a retracting direction and the string706to retract into the spring housing704thereby pulling the shuttle300(i.e., the string connector708pulling the sled414at the string connector port712), back to the entry end110of the elongated body102. The sled414contacts the bumper710, which stops the sled414from moving and dampens the impact of the sled414and any bouncing-back of the sled414when coming to a stop. When the string706has returned to its original, retracted position inside the spring housing704, the shuttle300has been returned to the entry end110of the elongated body102and is in initial operation position600, ready to receive a wheel.

In an alternative embodiment, the spring housing may include a gasket or O-ring around its sides to prevent any substances from the operating environment from interfering with the connection between the spring housing and the spring housing port and elongated body. In order to accommodate the O-ring or gasket the spring housing port includes an O-ring/gasket groove to utilize the O-ring/gasket squeeze to create a seal when the spring housing is mated to the spring housing port. This alternative embodiment is advantageously beneficial, for example, when the cleaning solution that is used or the operation environment is corrosive.

FIG. 11illustrates a flow chart for a method of cleaning a wheel using a wheel cleaning apparatus. First, at step810, a wheel is rolled into a shuttle by an operator. Next, at step820the shuttle engages the wheel through compression. The left section of the carriage comes into contact with a left wheel face, the middle section of the carriage contacts with the wheel's tread, and the right section of the carriage comes into contact with a right wheel face. The left and right sections of the carriage impart a compressive force from contact with the left wall plate and right wall plate onto the left wheel face and right wheel face, respectively. This compressive force is imparted on each wheel face when the wheel, engaged by the shuttle, enters and travels along a central channel. Additionally, the middle section of the cartridge acts as a backstop for the tread of the wheel thereby enabling the wheel to apply a forward force on the shuttle to move each component through the central channel.

Next, at step830the shuttle, once in the central channel, is pushed through the central channel along the length of an elongated body. The wheel rotates in place relative to a cleaning pad connected to the shuttle which creates a relative friction between the cleaning pad and the rolling wheel to clean the wheel as it rotates. Next, at step840the shuttle reaches the end of the central channel, the exit end of the elongated body, and the shuttle pivots in place thereby causing the middle section of the carriage to disengage the wheel tread. Next, at step850, the shuttle releases the wheel when the wheel is pushed out of compression from between the left section of the carriage and the right section of the carriage, and out of the wheel cleaning apparatus through the exit opening of the elongated body.

Then, at step860, the shuttle is pulled from the exit end of the elongated body to the entry end of the elongated body and is stopped by a bumper, or, in an alternative embodiment by a plurality of bumpers. Finally, at a step870the shuttle anti-pivots to its initial position after stopping at the entry end of the elongated body.

The following alternative embodiments generally reflect alternatives which may be considered “invention-wide” in that they are different embodiments compared to the embodiments described above and may incorporate some or all of the elements and alternative embodiments described above.

An alternative cleaning configuration for a wheel cleaner900is shown inFIG. 12. In this embodiment, the wheel cleaning apparatus900includes an elongated body902having a slot904disposed in the center of and horizontally along the full length of the elongated body. The slot is disposed across a direction of travel of the wheel W, rather than along it as in the wheel cleaner100and contains a roller or plurality of rollers906disposed along lateral edges of the slot. The rollers engage and roll to turn the wheels in place while the wheels contact cleaning pads519. The roller or plurality of rollers906are connected to a roller rotation driver908connected to the elongated body at a first or second end of the elongated body. The roller rotation driver may be manipulated by an operator to control the rotation of the rollers. In the illustrated embodiment, the user may depress a pedal910, which is connected to the rollers by a gear train (not shown) such that depression of the pedal imparts a rolling motion to the rollers906. By controlling the rotation of the rollers the operator may spin the wheels of a cart which are engaged by the plurality of cleaning pads. Each cleaning pad engages a wheel when the wheel is placed upon the cleaning pad. The cleaning pad may engage the wheel due to an operator-controlled input element, which is a component of the roller rotation driver or is another control mechanism such as a cleaning pad engagement-lock lever. The cleaning pad engagement-lock lever and the roller rotation driver may be mechanically driven components where an operator physically manipulates the components, or each component may be driven by an electronic controller, or a combination of a mechanical driver and/or electronic controller. The cleaning pads may be connected to a cleaning pad support frame, instead of being connected directly to the elongated member, and therefore may be removable from the cleaning pad support frame in order to exchange or replace the cleaning pad. A spacing or position of the cleaning pads may be adjustable to engage one or more wheels of a particular size of cart.

FIGS. 13, 14 and 15illustrate another alternative embodiment for a wheel cleaner. In this alternative embodiment the wheel cleaning apparatus1000may include a hand-held elongated member1002having a base1004and a cleaning head1006disposed at an end of a pole1008held by the user. The cleaning head1006includes cleaning pads1010disposed along a middle finger1012and two moveable, side fingers1014. A manual actuator1015disposed on a handle1016can be activated by a user to pinch the two side fingers1014to together around a portion of a wheel to be cleaned.

During use, the user may place the head around the wheel and press the trigger or actuator1015to pinch the cleaning head1006around the wheel. The cleaning pads contain a cleaning solution such that motion of the cart by user with the cleaning head engaged operates to rub the cleaning pads against the wheel to clean the wheel. As can be appreciated, the cleaning pad on the middle finger1012cleans the tread portion of the wheel while the cleaning pads on the side fingers1014clean the sides of the wheel as the wheel rolls along the floor with the cleaning head1006engaged. When the wheel has completed at least one full rotation, the user may release the actuator1015thus releasing the wheel. The user may then engage another wheel of the cart and repeat the cleaning process. To facilitate engagement of the cleaning pads with the wheel, the cleaning head1006may include a clip1018and the pole1008can be omitted if the side fingers are spring-loaded in a pinching direction, as shown inFIG. 15.

Turning toFIGS. 16-28, it will be understood that the wheel cleaners and associated components described and illustrated herein in connection withFIGS. 16-28are similar in many aspects to the wheel cleaners ofFIGS. 1-15, and therefore only the differences will be discussed in detail hereinbelow.

FIGS. 16a, 16b, and17-19illustrate an embodiment of a cartridge1518. Cartridge1518includes cartridge base plate1504, which includes a mounting plate attachment1506, cartridge removal tab1508, left-side hinged flap1510, right-side hinged flap1512, left guide slot rib1514, left contact rib1515, right guide slot rib1516, right contact rib1517, cleaning pad1519, and cleaning pad receiver1520.

As in the above embodiments, the hinge functionality of the left-side hinged flap1510and the right-side hinged flap1512may be supplied by thinning the material of the base plate at the junction of the flaps1510and1512with the central panel comprising the attachment portion1506so as to provide more flexible portions of the base plate1504that act as hinges. It will be understood that other configurations of the base plate1504may provide hinge functionality, such as a piano-type hinge with a pin or any suitable hinge type. A pinned hinge may prove to be more durable in the current application.

The pad1519shown inFIG. 16bhas a configuration that differs from the above examples in that the pad includes two layers of material. The pad includes a body portion1522and an outer portion1524. The outer portion1524is attached to the body1522by sewing, heat bonding, hook and loop attachment, an adhesive, or any suitable attachment method. The pad1519, in this embodiment, has a central portion1537and a pair of terminal ends1535extending laterally from the central portion. The central portion1537has a greater height than that of each of the terminal ends1535referring to the orientation of the pad1519in the figure.

The body portion1522may be made of a natural or synthetic sponge, natural or synthetic rubber, foam, including melamine foam, for example. The outer layer1524may be one or more of a textile of natural and/or synthetic material, a microfiber material or combinations of microfiber materials, a microfiber overstitched onto a textile or microfiber base, laminated textiles or cloth materials, for example, or any suitable material or layer that enables the pad to clean. The pad1519may be provided with a cleaning solution, absorbed by, or impregnated in the cleaning pad1519which may be an antiseptic and/or cleaning or detergent-containing solution, for example, a solution that may be used in a hospital, health services facility, laboratory environment, food processing or testing facility, and/or an animal processing facility.

Together, the body1522and outer layer1524are formed into left and right arms1530,1532, respectively attached to left-side hinged flap1510, and right-side hinged flap1512. The shape of each of the arms1530,1532may be essentially rectangular terminating with a generally semi-circular protrusion1534,1536, with each protrusion protruding inwardly referring to the orientation as depicted in the figure. As will discussed further, the semi-circular protrusions1534,1536increase the means of contacting of the pad1519with a wheel during operation to effect cleaning. The protrusions1534,1536are sized and shaped to contact smaller and/or narrower wheels relative to the spacing of the rectangular portions of the arms1530,1532. The protrusions1534,1536may be formed by folding the terminal ends1535of the pad1519and glued, sewn, or otherwise fastened to form the protrusions.

The base plate1504, as seen inFIG. 18-21, includes a configuration that allows for a secure connection and simple disconnection from shuttle1526. The back side, i.e., the side opposite the receiver1520with the mounting plate attachment1506, includes a button or post1538. The post1538may be cylindrical or another suitable shape. The button1538is sized, shaped, and positioned to be inserted into a corresponding hole1540(FIGS. 20 and 21) of the shuttle1526. In one embodiment, the button1538is spring biased into an outward position relative to the base plate1504, and in another embodiment the post is fixed onto or a unitary part of the mounting plate attachment1506portion of the base plate.

To connect the base plate1504to the shuttle1526, the mounting plate attachment1506is positioned generally parallel to and above the shuttle1526and moved downwardly until the button1538contacts the shuttle. Depressing the button1538either by causing the button to become depressed into the mounting plate attachment1506or by causing the material of the base plate1504to flex, permits the button to become aligned with and then engaged with the hole1540of the shuttle. The cartridge removal tab1508is brought into abutting contact with the top of the shuttle1526and stops the base plate1504from moving farther downwardly. The button1538and tab1508together secure the base plate1504and thus the cartridge1518to the shuttle1526. To secure the base plate1504further, the top of the shuttle1526may have a cutout1542that receives the tab1508which can locate the base plate onto the shuttle for proper positioning of the cartridge. Releasing the cartridge1528from the shuttle1526involves depressing the button1538and thus disengaging the button from hole1540and lifting the cartridge by the tab1508.

FIG. 22illustrates another embodiment of a wheel cleaner system1100including an elongate body1102, which is similar to those presented above, the cartridge1518ofFIG. 16a, and the shuttle1526ofFIGS. 20 and 21. The shuttle1526includes a pivot joint1542that, instead of being attached to a sled as in above embodiments, extends through slot1550to connect to a pin1544. Rollers1546are disposed on the pin so as to enable the shuttle to move in the slot1550. Bumpers or stops1548are disposed in or near left and right guide slots1552,1554so as to cushion the return motion of the shuttle1526when the shuttle is returned to an initial entry position of the body1102.

FIG. 23illustrates a cleaning system with two wheel cleaners1100, which can be used in tandem to simultaneously treat both front wheels of a conveyance. The two wheel cleaners1100can be considered a left wheel cleaner1100aand a right wheel cleaner1100b, which are positioned on and attachable to a mat1302in a spaced apart configuration that receives wheels of a cart (not shown) in tandem.

FIG. 24illustrates use of a wheel cleaner1100bdisposed on a mat1302wherein a wheel1556of a cart or other conveyance is at an initial condition of contacting the cleaning pad portion1519of a cleaning cartridge1518. It can be seen inFIGS. 24 and 25that the configuration of the pad1519avoids contact with or interference from the yoke or bracket portion1558of the wheel1556and the protrusions1534,1536are able to contact the wheel portion of the wheel to perform cleaning operations. In particular, the relationship between the wheel1556and pad1519is shown inFIG. 25with the wheel in an intermediate position within the wheel cleaner1100.

FIGS. 26-28illustrate the position of the cartridge1518and shuttle1526in the wheel cleaner body1102of cleaning system1100. In this view, the cleaning system1100includes a cartridge1518assembled to shuttle1526, and the shuttle is assembled to body1102. The assembled cartridge and shuttle1518,1526are disposed at the entry end1110of the body1102whereas the arms1532,1534of the hinged base plate1504are permitted to open (FIG. 26). In an intermediate condition (FIG. 27) the arms1532,1534of the hinged base plate1504are urged closed as the cartridge moves toward exit1114so the cartridge assumes a configuration where the arms come into contact with a wheel of a conveyance (not shown). As the shuttle and cartridge1526,1518are moved into the exit1114the cartridge is rotated and positioned into a receiving tray1306formed as a horizontal depression at the exit end of the body1102by way of the same mechanism of interaction of the shuttle1526and body1102as described above. The final resting position, before the shuttle1526is returned to an initial starting position at the entry end1110is shown inFIG. 29with the shuttle positioned in the receiving tray1306to enable easy egress of the wheel of a conveyance passing through the cleaning system.

FIGS. 30 and 31shows a side, cutaway view of the arrangement shown inFIG. 27. The wheel1556, held by wheel bracket1558, is located between the entry end1110and the exit end1114of body1102(FIG. 30). The shuttle1526is engaged with left side wall1106via left groove1552and holds cartridge1518against wheel1556. While not shown, it will be understood that the shuttle1526is also engaged with the right-side wall (not shown) in like fashion. The wheel1556and shuttle/cartridge1526,1518are supported by base plate1104and guided by the interaction of the rollers1546connected by pin1544with the shuttle pivot joint1542in slot1550of base plate1104. The base plate1104may be formed with a corrugated or textured surface of some type to increase the friction of the wheel1556moving over the base1104and ensure that the wheel rotates as it travels from the entry to the exit of the cleaning device.

Generally, as in above embodiments, wheel1556pushes against pad of cartridge/shuttle1518,1526at the entry end1110of body1102of wheel cleaner. The movement of wheel1556moves the shuttle1526toward the exit end1114and as the wheel rotates the pad portion of the cartridge1518cleans the surface of the wheel. The engagement of the shuttle1526in groove1552, slot1550, and the groove counterpart on the not-shown right wall of the body1102guides the shuttle down the center of the body toward the exit end1114. When the shuttle1526reaches the parts of the groove1552, the shuttle is urged to rotate and is positioned in the receiving tray1306at the exit end1114where the shuttle is positioned so as to not prohibit the wheel from exiting the body1102.

Turning toFIGS. 32-35a,35bthe cleaning system body1102may include an optional damper1570that reduces the impact of a shuttle1526that is being returned to an initial position at the entry end1110by a return mechanism configured as in above embodiments. The damper1570may be disposed in either of the left wall1106or the right wall plate1108adjacent the entry end1110as shown inFIG. 32.

The damper1570as shown inFIGS. 33 and 34may include a pair of housing parts1572,1574that when assembled can be attached to the body1102by a pair of tabs1576formed on one or both of the housing parts. The tabs1576may be configured to attach to the body1102by any suitable fastener, such as screws, for example. The damper1570includes a damper arm1578that is sized and shaped to interact with a respective one of the shuttle guide arms1408to control the motion of the shuttle. The damper arm1587is mounted to one or both of the housing parts1572,1574by way of a frictional mount1580so as to provide damping to the motion of the damper arm. The return of the shuttle1526to the entry end1110may be effected by a spring actuated cable rotary retraction device1582included in the damper1570.

FIGS. 35a-billustrate the interaction of the shuttle1526and damper1570as the shuttle is returned by the retraction device1582to the entry end1110of body1102. The arm1408extends into the guide slot1154of the wall plate1108. InFIG. 35athe damper arm1587is positioned to receive the arm1408of the shuttle1526. InFIG. 35bthe interaction of the arm1408with the damper arm1587as the shuttle1526and cartridge1518returns to an initial position adjacent the entry end1110causes the damper arm1587to rock or rotate from the position shown inFIG. 35ato the position shown inFIG. 35b. The rotation of the damper arm1587is resisted by frictional damping generated by the damper1570, which slows the return movement of the shuttle1526. In the position of the shuttle1526and cartridge1518shown inFIG. 35b, the cartridge is readied to receive a wheel for a cleaning operation.

Turning toFIGS. 36-38it will be understood that the cleaning cartridges described and illustrated herein are similar in many aspects to the cleaning cartridges described in connection withFIGS. 1-35a,35b, and therefore only the differences will be discussed in detail hereinbelow.

FIGS. 36-38illustrate an embodiment of a cartridge1518and alternative attachments of a pad1519to a cartridge base plate1504. Referring toFIG. 36, the base plate1504includes a cleaning pad receiver1520portion including a downward-opening hook or clip1582(relative to the figure as depicted). Downward-opening, in this context, means that the hook or clip1582is configured to receive a cooperating attachment device, such as a loop1580formed on the back side of the pad1519, from below and connected with an upward motion of the element being attached to the hook or clip. Alternatively, the hook or clip may be upward-opening. The loop1580may be formed by attaching a strip of material to the back side of the pad by thermal bonding, sewing, an adhesive, or any suitable attachment method. The loop1580may be a textile, a plastic or elastomeric loop or any suitable feature configured to receive the clip1582therethrough.

FIG. 37is an alternative construction for attaching a pad1519to a base plate1504. The pad1519is provided with pockets1584, one pocket respectively formed on an outside surface of each arm1530,1532. Each pocket1584is shaped and sized to receive a respective one of the hinged flaps (1512shown) of the base plate1504. The hinged flaps may be bonded thermally in place during or after assembly or fixed in position with an adhesive, for example, or any suitable attachment method. Turning toFIG. 38, the pad1519may be flame bonded, i.e., one method of thermal bonding, to the base plate1504to form an assembled cartridge1518in a simple and efficient manner without the need for additional assembly materials or features.