Mobile sanitization system and methods

A mobile sanitization system is described that allows the operator of a vehicle such as a forklift to spray a sanitizing solution onto the tires of the vehicle as it is rolling to quickly and efficiently sanitize the tires. The sanitizing solution is configured for killing any microorganisms that may be present in the tires of the vehicle, so that they are not transported into critical areas such as food processing areas.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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NOTICE OF MATERIAL SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The technology of this disclosure pertains generally to sanitization systems, and more particularly to a mobile sanitization system configured for sanitizing wheels of a conveyance or vehicle.

2. Background Discussion

Vehicles such as forklifts, carts and other wheeled conveyances are often used to carry food, materials, supplies, equipment, etc. into contaminant sensitive areas. The wheels of these vehicles, being in contact with the ground that is not clean or sanitary, often provide a source of contamination as they travel into otherwise clean or sensitive areas, e.g. for food manufacturing, processing, packaging and preparation or the like.

Accordingly, an object of the present description is a mobile sanitization system that provides rapid and focused deposition of a sanitizing solution to the wheels of vehicles prior to entering contaminant sensitive areas.

BRIEF SUMMARY

One aspect of the present description is a mobile sanitization system that allows the operator of a vehicle such as a forklift to spray a sanitizing solution onto the surface contact area or directly in front of the tires of the vehicle as it is rolling to quickly and efficiently sanitize the tires. The sanitizing solution is configured for killing any microorganisms that may be present in the tires of the vehicle, so that they are not transported into critical areas such as food processing areas. In a preferred embodiment, the sanitizing solution is configured to dry fairly quickly to limit the amount of sanitizing solution applied to the floor. This mobile sanitization system can be used to kill microorganisms that would otherwise be tracked into critical areas including food processing facilities because of the otherwise dirty tires which can transport food spoilage microorganisms and pathogens.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present description is directed to a mobile sanitization system for coupling to wheeled vehicles, carts and other wheeled conveyances that are used to carry food, materials, supplies, and/or equipment, etc. into contaminant sensitive areas. For purposes of the description, “wheeled vehicle” is broadly defined to mean any wheeled conveyance, whether battery/engine powered or human powered, that is used to transport people, food, materials, supplies, and/or equipment, etc.FIG. 1details a mobile sanitization system10configured for attachment to a forklift40for sanitizing the forklift tires prior to entering a sensitive room or area, such as for food preparation. However, it is appreciated that the mobile sanitization system10, also detailed inFIG. 2without vehicle, may be adapted for use on any wheeled vehicle, for a variety of applications. For example, the system10may be used on wheeled vehicles such as utility vehicles, carts, hand trucks, gurneys, etc. for carrying food, supplies, and/or equipment into sensitive areas such as clean rooms, hospital operating rooms or the like. It is appreciated that the above list of wheeled vehicles and applications is for exemplary purposes only, and system10may be configured and implemented on any number of wheeled vehicles that are used in sensitive areas where contamination is a concern.

Mobile sanitization system10allows the operator of a vehicle40to spray a sanitizing solution22onto the tires42of the vehicle40as it is rolling, which quickly sanitizes the tires42to kill microorganisms so that they are not transported into sensitive areas, and then dries fairly quickly to limit the amount of sanitizing solution applied to the floor. Mobile sanitization system10is used to kill microorganisms that would otherwise be tracked into critical areas, as the otherwise dirty tires would transport food spoilage microorganisms and pathogens.

The core components of the mobile sanitization system10are a plurality of adjustable spray nozzles38configured to be positioned at locations at or near the wheels42of the vehicle40, a pressure generating source20for providing motive force for delivering sanitizing solution from sanitizing solution container22through distribution tubing36, and a remote activation module26for manual activation of the pressure generating source20and corresponding delivery of sanitizing solution22through adjustable spray nozzles38.

In a preferred embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, the pressure generating source20comprises a pressurized gas, such as CO2, and associated components. The pressurized CO2gas is held in CO2tank18, which may be supported or housed in a pressure source container bracket30along with a tubing distribution manifold12and chemical feed pump32(e.g. air powered diaphragm pump, or the like). The sanitizing solution container22may be coupled to the vehicle40via a dedicated solution container mounting bracket24. Alternatively, the pressure source container bracket30and solution container mounting bracket24are integrated in a single bracket (not shown) for housing pressure generating source20and sanitizing solution container22at a single location on the vehicle40.

In a preferred embodiment, the components (e.g. pressure source container bracket30and solution container mounting bracket24, activation valve26, and spray nozzles38) are all attached to the vehicle40via a releasable attachment, such as a permanent magnet50. It is appreciated that the releasable attachment may comprise other fastening means available in the art, e.g. bolts, screws, ties, straps, etc.

In a preferred embodiment of a mobile sanitization system10for use with a forklift40, the sanitizing solution container bracket24is mounted in a convenient location on the vehicle, e.g. on one of the forklift upright stanchions by means of one of the permanent magnets50, while the pressure source container bracket30is mounted or attached to an adjacent upright stanchion by means of one of the permanent magnets50. The activation valve26, (e.g. push to hold air actuating switch) is attached next to the operator seat with one of the available permanent magnets50in a location that can be easily accessed by the driver. The spray nozzles38are fastened at the vehicle wheel locations and may also be attached with the use of the permanent magnets50in a location to allow coverage of the resulting spray pattern46to the road surface of each tire. All locations shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2are for illustrative purposes only, and may vary based on vehicle40type or user preference. E.g. for a push cart, or like wheeled vehicle (not shown), the activation valve26may be located on a handle (not shown) used to push the cart.

Alternatively to, or in conjunction with spray valves38, spray valves38amay be positioned at a location on the vehicle40that is configured to emit a spray pattern46athat lands on the ground44just in front of or behind tires42(or partially on ground44and partially on tires42). Chemical line check valves (not shown) or other anti-syphon type valves may be assembled in front of each of the spray nozzles38or38a. The valves may be implemented to prevent dripping at the nozzles and to keep the lines primed with sanitizing solution, and or ensure that solution is only allowed to flow in one direction (outward) through the nozzles38or38a.

For the pressurized-gas pressure source20, a pressure regulator21(with over-pressure relief) is preferably coupled in between CO2tank18and the chemical feed pump32. A feed adapter35may be provided to connect the ready-to-use sanitizing solution container22to the chemical line34, which will feed the inlet16of the chemical feed pump32.

In one embodiment, activation valve26comprises a push-to-hold air actuating switch that is coupled to the chemical feed pump32, such that manual activation of the valve26activates chemical feed pump32, along with pressurized CO2from CO2tank18, to deliver the sanitizing solution to the distribution manifold12. The distribution manifold12then distributes the now pressurized sanitizing solution out dedicated outlets14that are coupled to each of the distribution tubing lines36. Once all of the components have been positioned in place, the provided chemical tubing line34, airline and distribution tubing lines36may be fitted to each of the major components by way of push lock fittings (not shown) available in the art.

The chemical sanitizing solution22preferably comprises a high-alcohol content solution composed of a residual non-corrosive sanitizer configured to remain on the tire42surface after the alcohol has evaporated. In an alternative embodiment, the sanitizing solution22may comprise a water borne solution if residual moisture is not a concern, such as when used in a wet processing area.

In one exemplary method of using system10ofFIG. 1andFIG. 2, after completion of the installation, the sanitizing solution22is positioned into the chemical container rack24and connected by way of the chemical feed adapter35to the chemical feed pump32and the CO2tank regulator21is turned on and set to a pressure of approximately 20 to 30 PSI.

Ultimately, at the conclusion of the above steps, the operator is able to sanitize the wheels42of the vehicle40just prior to or while entering a controlled or contaminant-sensitive area by pushing/activating the activation valve26for a specified time (e.g. 2 to 3 seconds depending on vehicle40speed) while the vehicle is in motion, causing the ready to use sanitizing solution22to be dispensed through the spray nozzles38or38ato surfaces46or46a.

While the system10embodied inFIG. 1andFIG. 2is illustrated with use of an air (CO2) driven or pneumatic system, it is appreciated that pressure source may comprise an electric fluid pump (not shown), with associated components for fluid delivery. In one embodiment, an electric pump (not shown) is used in place of the air pump32, using low voltage instead of air to function.

In place of, or in addition to, the manual activation valve26, an automated valve (with electrically activated switch and associated circuitry, all not shown) may be incorporated along with one or more sensors52to sense the location of the vehicle40with respect to a contaminant sensitive area. For example, sensor52may comprise a magnetic or RF type reader/sensor, that in conjunction with a corresponding strip (not shown) or other beacon positioned at an entryway of said sensitive area such that vehicle40crossing said strip is sensed by sensor52for automatic activation of the pressurized source20and delivery of sanitizing solution22. This would eliminate, or lessen, the possibility of operator error associated with manual activation valve26. Other sensing means, such as GPS, RF, etc. may also be employed as sensor62).

Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed above are detailed with respect to applying the sanitizing solution at an entry of a sensitive area. It is also envisioned that the systems and methods of the present description may also be used to sanitize, disinfect, or otherwise treat a tire surface of a vehicle operating in an area known to have biohazards or contaminants so that the vehicle does not spread said contaminants to an area outside the known contaminated region upon exiting said region.

1. An apparatus for disinfecting a surface of one or more rotating wheels of a wheeled vehicle, the apparatus comprising one or more spray nozzles; one or more attachments for attaching the one or more spray nozzles to the wheeled vehicle at locations proximate to the surface of the one or more rotating wheels; a container for holding and supplying a sanitizing solution to the one or more spray nozzles; one or more distribution lines coupled to the one or more spray nozzles and sanitizing solution container; a pressure generating source coupled to the one or more distribution lines and sanitizing solution container, the pressure generating source configured to pressurize the sanitizing solution for flow through the one or more distribution lines to the one or more spray nozzles; and an actuator coupled to the one or more distribution lines, the actuator configured to selectively release the pressurized sanitizing solution through the one or more distribution lines to the one or more spray nozzles; wherein the one or more spray nozzles and pressurized sanitizing solution are configured to provide a focused and directed spray pattern of the sanitizing solution at or near the surface of the one or more rotating wheels while the wheeled vehicle is moving to selectively apply the sanitizing solution to the surface of the one or more rotating wheels.

2. The apparatus, system or method of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments, further comprising: a distribution manifold coupled to the one or more distribution lines, sanitizing solution container and pressure generating source; wherein the sanitizing solution is fed into an input of the distribution manifold and distributed out of the distribution manifold as a pressurized fluid through one or more dedicated outlets to the one or more distribution lines.

3. The apparatus, system or method of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments, wherein the pressure generating source comprises a pressurized gas.

4. The apparatus, system or method of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments, wherein the pressure generating source comprises CO2.

5. The apparatus, system or method of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments, wherein the pressure generating source and sanitizing solution container are attached to the vehicle via one or more brackets.

6. The apparatus, system or method of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments, wherein the one or more brackets, actuator, and one or more spray nozzles are magnetically attached to the vehicle.

7. The apparatus, system or method of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments, wherein the actuator comprises a manual switch configured to allow an operator to selectively release the pressurized sanitizing solution.

8. The apparatus, system or method of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments, further comprising: a sensor coupled to the actuator; wherein the sensor is configured to receive location data with respect to the vehicle and automatically activate the actuator based on said location data.

9. The apparatus, system or method of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments, further comprising: one or more check valves or anti-drip valves coupled to the one or more spray nozzles.

10. A method for disinfecting a surface of one or more rotating wheels of a wheeled vehicle, the method comprising attaching the one or more spray nozzles to the wheeled vehicle at locations proximate to the surface of the one or more rotating wheels; coupling a container holding a sanitizing solution to the one or more spray nozzles via one or more distribution lines; pressurizing the one or more distribution lines to pressurize the sanitizing solution for flow through the one or more distribution lines to the one or more spray nozzles; and selectively releasing the pressurized sanitizing solution through the through the one or more distribution lines to the one or more spray nozzles; directing a focused spray pattern of the sanitizing solution at or near the surface of the one or more rotating wheels while the wheeled vehicle is moving to selectively apply the sanitizing solution to the surface of the one or more rotating wheels.

11. The apparatus, system or method of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments: wherein a distribution manifold and pressure generating source are coupled to the one or more distribution lines and sanitizing solution container and pressure generating source; and wherein the sanitizing solution is fed into an input of the distribution manifold and distributed out of the distribution manifold as a pressurized fluid through one or more dedicated outlets to the one or more distribution lines.

12. The apparatus, system or method of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments, wherein the pressure generating source comprises a pressurized gas.

13. The apparatus, system or method of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments, wherein the pressure generating source comprises CO2.

14. The apparatus, system or method of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments: wherein the pressure generating source and sanitizing solution container are attached to the vehicle via one or more brackets.

15. The apparatus, system or method of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments, wherein the one or more brackets, actuator, and one or more spray nozzles are magnetically attached to the vehicle.

16. The apparatus, system or method of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments, wherein selectively releasing the pressurized sanitizing solution is manually performed by a vehicle operator to selectively release the pressurized sanitizing solution.

17. The apparatus, system or method of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments, further comprising: receiving location data with respect to the vehicle; and wherein selectively releasing the pressurized sanitizing solution comprises automatically releasing the pressurized sanitizing solution based on said location data.

18. A system for disinfecting a surface of one or more rotating wheels of a wheeled vehicle, the apparatus comprising one or more spray nozzles; one or more attachments for attaching the one or more spray nozzles to the wheeled vehicle at locations proximate to the surface of the one or more rotating wheels; a container for holding and supplying a sanitizing solution to the one or more spray nozzles; one or more distribution lines coupled to the one or more spray nozzles and sanitizing solution container; a pressure generating source coupled to the one or more distribution lines and sanitizing solution container, the pressure generating source configured to pressurize the sanitizing solution for flow through the one or more distribution lines to the one or more spray nozzles; a distribution manifold coupled to the one or more distribution lines, sanitizing solution container and pressure generating source; wherein the sanitizing solution is fed into an input of the distribution manifold and distributed out of the distribution manifold as a pressurized fluid through one or more dedicated outlets to the one or more distribution lines; and an actuator coupled to the one or more distribution lines, the actuator configured to selectively release the pressurized sanitizing solution through the one or more distribution lines to the one or more spray nozzles; wherein the one or more spray nozzles and pressurized sanitizing solution are configured to provide a focused and directed spray pattern of the sanitizing solution at or near the surface of the one or more rotating wheels while the wheeled vehicle is moving to selectively apply the sanitizing solution to the surface of the one or more rotating wheels.

19. The apparatus, system or method of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments, wherein the actuator comprises a manual switch configured to allow an operator to selectively release the pressurized sanitizing solution.

20. The apparatus, system or method of any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments, further comprising: a sensor coupled to the actuator; wherein the sensor is configured to receive location data with respect to the vehicle and automatically activate the actuator based on said location data.

21. An apparatus for disinfecting the working surfaces of rotating wheels of a vehicle moving in a direction of travel, the apparatus comprising (a) a plurality of spray nozzles; (b) a plurality of couplings for attaching the spray nozzles to the vehicle at locations proximate to associated wheels of the vehicle and above the working surfaces of the wheels; (c) a reservoir for containing the disinfectant fluid and supplying the disinfectant fluid to the spray nozzles; (d) a fluid distribution manifold coupled to the reservoir; (e) a plurality of supply lines, wherein each supply line couples a respective spray nozzle to the distribution manifold; (f) a pressurization device configured to pressurize the disinfectant fluid for flow through the supply lines to the spray nozzles; and (g) an actuator configured to release pressurized disinfectant fluid through the supply lines to the spray nozzles; (h) wherein, when the vehicle is moving in the direction of travel and pressurized disinfectant fluid flows to the spray nozzles, disinfectant spray is released on the working surfaces of the rotating wheels.