Method and apparatus for cleaning and sanitizing conveyor belts

A conveyor belt cleaning apparatus, comprising; a case, wherein the case is designed to secure to a conveyor belt assembly; a frame member, wherein the frame member is secured to the case; at least one spray nozzle attached to the frame member; at least one pump connected to the at least one spray nozzle; a solution reservoir connected to the at least one pump; at least one applicator attached to the frame member and positioned relative to the at least one spray nozzle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to conveyor belts, and more particularly to a sanitizing attachment for conveyor belts.

It has been recognized in the industry and by the public in general that conveyor belts used in store checkouts (e.g., grocery stores, home good stores, etc.) can be a source of contamination of foods or other purchased items, due to the large number items that are in physical contact with the conveyor belt. For example, food products, cleaners, medicines, chemical products (e.g., glues, adhesives, polishes, etc.) may come in contact with the conveyor belt surfaces. Additionally, individuals may touch, sneeze, or drool on the belt, which may lead to direct exposure to various diseases. However, the conveyor belt is not easily removed, and cleaning may not be performed on a regular basis. Accordingly, this can lead to both real and perceived dangers of contamination from the conveyor belt. Now more than ever it is vital to keep these surfaces clean to help prevent the spread of disease or viruses.

One of the many challenges for check-out cashiers who operate conveyor belts is the maintenance of the belt. The cashier must ensure that the conveyor belt is kept clean, and that their customers have a clean place to set their groceries. Grocery stores carry a wide variety of products, including fresh and frozen vegetables, containers of milk and ice cream, fresh fish, poultry, and beef, along with household cleaning solutions and chemicals, such as soaps and bleach. Despite significant improvements in product packaging, it is a fact that many products still leak fluids. Loose wrapping may allow leaks on the belt, such as the juices from raw meats. Or plastic bottles with a loose lid, may leave sticky fluids on the conveyor belt. Since the fluids and debris left on the conveyor belt may be from uncooked meat, poultry, fish, or perhaps a leaky bleach or medicine bottle, bacteria and/or toxins can leave behind contamination. It is known that people coming in contact with bad forms of bacteria and/or toxins can such as those that can be found on conveyor belts can become sick from any number of foodborne or other viral diseases, Therefore, unsantitized belts can lead to significant health and safety concerns to both to shoppers and store employees.

Due to these concerns, it is routine for a cashier to have a bottle of cleaner and/or disinfectant at their station. Armed with a roll of paper towels, or some form of cloth wiper it is a typical practice for cashiers to periodically spray any particular type of cleaner which may or may not include sanitizers/disinfectants onto their conveyor belt in order to wipe away dirt, a smudge, smear or collection of unknown substances. Unfortunately, when there is a long line of anxious customers, or there are no more towels or disinfectant solution available to the cashier, it is possible that the conveyor belt is not cleaned often enough. In addition, the thoroughness of the cleaning/sanitizing is only as good as the training and quality of work performed by the employee. This can be particularly troubling when considering the types of fluids that may exist on the surface of the conveyor belt as mentioned above and which can include uncooked food drippings laced with bacteria such asEscherichia coli(E-coli),Salmonella, and other assorted viral bacteria and fungi.

Although some automatic cleaning systems for conveyor belts have been attempted, these existing systems often involve an internal sprayer that dispenses directly on the belt from underneath. However, if the spray from underneath begins operating while a customer is actively loading the belt with products that they intend to purchase, that section will not have been effectively sanitized. This same ineffectiveness can happen if the employee/cashier starts spraying cleaner/sanitizer after the products to be purchased had already been placed onto the belt. In both instances, when the conveyor belt is actively in use, the initial spray is performed in front of where products are being placed.

These internal solutions for cleaning and sanitizing conveyor belts are complicated, costly, and difficult to maintain. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to have a cleaning system that can be added to both new and existing conveyor belt systems with easy and quick installation, low maintenance requirements, and simple to operate.

It is desired to have an attachment to the conveyor belt that is easy to install, provides an efficient and effective sanitizing of the conveyor belt, and provides customers with the reassurance that the conveyor belt is sanitized. In effect, adding an additional and more complete layer of protection against foodborne and viral illness.

SUMMARY

In a first embodiment, the present invention is a conveyor belt cleaning apparatus, comprising: a case, wherein the case is designed to secure to a conveyor belt assembly; a frame member, wherein the frame member is secured to the case; at least one spray nozzle attached to the frame member; at least one pump connected to the at least one spray nozzle; a solution reservoir connected to the at least one pump; at least one applicator attached to the frame member and positioned relative to the at least one spray nozzle.

In a second embodiment, the present invention is a conveyor belt cleaning apparatus, comprising: a frame member secure to a conveyor belt assembly; a sprayer assembly, wherein the spray assembly comprises a pump, a spray nozzle, and a solution reservoir; at least one applicator attached to the frame member and positioned relative to the spray nozzle; and a positioning system attached to the at least one applicator.

In a third embodiment, the present invention is a conveyor belt cleaning apparatus, comprising: a frame member; at least one spray nozzle attached to the frame member; at least one pump connected to the at least one spray nozzle; a solution reservoir connected to the at least one pump.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a device which is able to both clean and sanitize conveyor belt. The device is designed to be attached to a variety of different conveyor belts configurations, thereby creating a versatile device which is not limited to a single type of conveyor belt. The device is secured to the conveyor belt and is able to apply a cleaning solution directly on the conveyor belt to assist in providing a clean and sanitized surface for a person to place their groceries or for other applications where a sterile conveyor belt is preferred. The section of the conveyor belt which is cleaned is that in which the customer would be directly placing their items on. This is advantageous over the prior art due to its straightforward design, ease of installation, versatility, simplicity of operation, and efficiency in cleaning/sanitizing the conveyor belt surface.

The prior art is either complex systems which are built into the actual conveyor belt, meaning the systems are expensive and isolated to a single conveyor belt. They also can require tremendous amounts of work to repair and maintain. The alternative to this is to have a person spray a cleaner or sanitizing agent onto the conveyor belt. This has two flaws, first it requires unnecessary manpower and leaves chances where the person is missing sections of the conveyor belt. In this instance the quality and coverage of the cleaner/sanitizer is only as good as the training and quality of the employees' work. Second, the person is usually spraying the material at the end of the belt which is returned to the interior of the machine, and the section in which the customer is placing their groceries was not cleaned or sanitized, defeating the purpose of the person spraying the disinfectant.

As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

FIGS.1-3depicts various view and illustrations of a conveyor belt sanitizing apparatus100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

A frame member104provides the structure in which a pump108, a spray nozzle110, an applicator112, and a mounting system are attached to. The frame member104is used to secure the conveyor belt sanitizing apparatus100to the conveyor belt and provide the structure and mounting for the conveyor belt sanitizing apparatus100. In the depicted embodiment, the frame member104is a section of extruded material with grooves to mount the various components too. In other embodiments the frame member104may take on a variety of forms.

The mounting system is secured to the frame member104and is used to support the applicator112. The mounting system107is comprised of the frame mounts107which are attached to the frame member104using fasteners or the like. The frame mounts107have bearings105which are secured within an opening of the frame mounts107. A rod115passes through the bearings105. Secured to the rod115is an actuating device101which assists in the rotation of the rod115. Applicator mounts103are secured to the rod113and also secured to an applicator support113A. The applicator112is secured to the applicator support113A through fasteners111. In the depicted embodiment, an applicator support113B is used to further secure the applicator112, and the fasteners111have springs125which assist in keeping a firm fit of the applicator112to the support(s)113A. As shown inFIGS.2and3, the applicator112is able to move from a first position (FIG.3) where the applicator112is not in use, to a second position (FIG.2) where the applicator would be in use. This articulation is performed by the actuating device101being activated and electronically and/or mechanically moving the applicator112.

A pump108is connected to a solution container106to draw solution107from the solution container106and expel the solution107through the spray nozzle110onto the conveyor belt so that the applicator can evenly distribute the solution107across the entire surface of the conveyor belt. In the depicted embodiment, the spray nozzle110and the pump108are a single component with the pump108and the spray nozzle110integrated into a single housing and attached to the frame104. This sprayer provides all the mechanical components needed to spray the solution107onto the conveyor belt. In other embodiments, the pump108and the spray nozzle110may be a separate component. This can be implemented in a setup with multiple spray nozzles110and a single pump108.

The spray nozzle110breaks apart the fluid flow from the pump108and transfers it into a spray pattern. The spray pattern maybe, but not limited to; flat, stream, cone, hollow cone, mist, or the like. The spray nozzle110is designed to apply a coating of the solution107over the substantial area of the conveyor belt in front of the applicator112. The applicator112then distributed the solution107across the conveyor belt substantially covering the entire surface of the conveyor belt with the solution107. The solution consistency also has an effect on the spray nozzle110design and function. Based on the spray nozzle110design and the desired result, more or less spray nozzles may be incorporated into the design.

The applicator112is designed to spread, apply, or brush the solution107onto the conveyor belt so that the solution107comes in contact with the entire surface of the conveyor belt. The applicator112is sized to provide complete coverage of the conveyor belt so as to provide a substantial coverage of the conveyor belt with the solution. Based on the versatility of the present invention and the design, the applicator112may be removed and replaced with various sized (width, height, and depth) based on the conveyor belt size. This is easily accomplished by removing the fasteners111and installing a new applicator112. The applicator112may be constructed from a variety of materials based on the intended design, the type of pumps used or the like. In one embodiment, the applicator112is made from a non-porous material such as rubber. The rubber material provides a semi-firm surface to spread the solution107on the belt. In other embodiments, the applicator112is a porous material, such as, but not limited to, a squeegee, foam, felt, weatherstripping, brush, or the like. The shape and size of the applicator112again is based on the application process of the solution107, the solution consistency, and the conveyor belt design. The applicator112, may have various profiles, shapes, curvatures, and designs based on the intended application of the solution107. In some embodiments, multiple applicators112are integrated into the design. In the present embodiment, the applicator112is a rectangular piece of material which is in a stationary position.

A solution container106provides the reservoir for the solution107. The solution container106may be integrated into the case102or may be connected to the pump108via a fluid line123. This allows the solution container106to be located distal to the person operating the conveyor belt for easy refilling or replacement of the solution container106. In some instances the solution container106is an assembly with a solution reservoir which is replaceable and a solution reservoir receiving unit to allow for easy replacement when a solution reservoir is employ. In some embodiments, the pump108is integrated into the solution container106.

Shown inFIG.4is a conveyor belt200with the device100installed at the far end of the conveyor belt, and enclosed within cover102. The case102is designed to encapsulate the remainder of the elements of the apparatus100to provide protection to these elements and create an enclosed space for the elements to operate. The case102may be made from, but not limited to polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, poly carbonate, polybutylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, acrylics, aluminum, steel, cooper, various other metals, a combination of plastics and metals, or the like. The shape of the case102is based on the conveyor belt design. The location of the device100at the far end of the conveyor belt means that, when in use, that any surface which is exposed to the customer has been cleaned and/or sterilized.

As shown inFIGS.5-10various embodiments of the device are shown installed and with the cover removed. In a first embodiment,FIGS.5and9depict designs with an articulating system to engage and disengage the applicator112. The frame104is mounted to the conveyor belt frame201.FIG.6depicts an embodiment where the applicator112is a roller116. The roller116has arms117which are connected to motor118to raise and lower the roller116. The applicator112is a roller, which is secured to the frame104on a set of bearings or the like to allow the applicator112to rotate with the movement of the conveyor belt.FIG.7depicted an embodiment, where the applicator112is connected to a delivery system which injects the solution107into the applicator112. This removes the need for the spray nozzles107as the applicator112is injected with the solution to keep a moist state. In this embodiment, the case102is shown to have a reservoir119where solution119can be stored. The frequency, and volume of the spray nozzle110is based on the system design and the desired results.FIG.8depicted an embodiment, where the applicator112is removed and the spray nozzle108is used to apply the solution107directly on the conveyor belt.

The spray nozzle110is directed towards the conveyor belt so that the spray nozzle110applies the solution107to the conveyor belt, and the applicator112assists in spreading the solution107across the entire surface due to the force applied by the applicator112. In other embodiments, the spray nozzle110may be angled towards the applicator112, where the solution107is applied to the applicator112(e.g. porous applicator designs). In some embodiments, the spray nozzle110is replaced with an injection system, wherein the solution107is injected into the applicator112and is then applied to the conveyor belt through the pressure of the applicator112against the conveyor belt.

In use, the applicator112is in contact with the conveyor belt and is spreading the solution across the conveyor belt surface. Where the applicator112is made of a porous material, the applicator112absorbs the solution107and due to the pressure of the applicator112on the conveyor belt, the solution107is applied to the conveyor belt. Where the applicator112is made from a non-porous material, it is spreading the solution107evenly across the entire surface of the conveyor belt. In some embodiments, removes excess solution107on the conveyor belt.

The method of operation of the present invention may take on many forms based on the conveyor belt operation and the preferred application of the solution107. It may operate in a manual or automatic style modes. In some embodiments, a computing device is integrated into the system, where the computing device is able to receive a command to active the system, in which the applicator is moved from a “resting” position to an “active” position and the pump108is activated. The applicator112is pressed against the conveyor belt and the pump108and spray nozzle110spray the solution107, The system may be preprogramed based on the conveyor belt design and the device assembly. The system may be activated manually by the cashier. The device may have an internal battery or may be integrated into an external power source, such as the conveyor belt. Based on the type of solution and the solution's efficiencies (e.g., dwell time), which is being used to clean the conveyor belt, the time/frequency when the system is in use may differ. For example, some solutions may only require this been done once an hour and when customers are not putting their items on the conveyor belt, so the system would be in use during “down time.” In other embodiments, the solution may be a fast-drying solution and can be run at higher frequency or even when customers are placing items on the conveyor belt.

While the process discussed in conjunction with the method is fully capable of achieving the objects of the present invention, the order of the process is not intended to be limiting as to the available sequence of events or activities. Rather, the method is merely exemplary of the process of a preferred embodiment, and no limitations are intended.