Abstract:
A method of collecting soiled textiles to be cleaned, comprising the steps of providing a container having an open end, a closed end, and sides extending therebetween, providing a sling having an open end, a second end, and sides extending therebetween disposed in and supported by said container, providing a water soluble bag having an open end, a closed end, and sides extending therebetween and made of a plastic film having a thickness of at least 1.3 mils, wherein said bag dissolves in water at a temperature of 165° F. in less than about 250 seconds, does not dissolve in water at a temperature of 85° F. in 7 days, being capable of containing at least 175 lbs. of soiled textiles, and having a capacity of at least 50 gallons, wherein said bag is disposed in and supported by said sling, and wherein soiled textiles deposited in said container are contained in said bag.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/265,080, filed on Nov. 30, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to a method of collecting soiled textiles, and relates specifically to a method of collecting soiled textiles in a container holding a sling and a water soluble bag, transporting the textiles to a laundry facility, and washing the textiles. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The cleaners of a healthcare facility play a vital role in limiting the spread of infections among patients. In an effort to reduce employee injuries while also improving cleanliness, healthcare facilities are now using lightweight microfiber cleaning products. While reducing employee injuries and improving cleanliness, there remains the desire to further protect the textile service providers who collect, transport and launder the soiled microfiber products. Limiting the providers&#39; exposure to the soiled product will reduce risk of injury and infection. 
         [0004]    Traditionally, plastic bags have been used to contain soiled textiles from the healthcare industries. The plastic bags may be small bags, which are then placed in a larger can, or they may be large trash bags placed in cans. Typically, the provider picks up the bags by hand and transfers them to a truck. While carrying flimsy plastic bags, the provider is at risk of needle sticks and exposure to pathogens if the plastic bag tears. The provider then hauls the bags to the central laundry facility, where they are unloaded. Employees rip open the bags and dump the soiled textiles into a washing machine or into a sling, a potential exposure path for the worker to sharps and pathogens. Additionally, disposal of bacteria-laden bags becomes a major problem, and landfill sites are increasingly burdened with materials such as plastic bags. 
         [0005]    What is needed is a method of handling and cleaning soiled textiles that decreases occupational exposure to chemicals and pathogens, and decreases the potential for injuries to healthcare cleaning workers and providers. Thus, a systematic process for protecting the service providers and processing and cleaning the soiled healthcare facility textiles is needed. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    This invention relates to a method of collecting soiled textiles to be cleaned, comprising the steps of providing a container having an open end, a closed end, and sides extending therebetween, providing a sling having an open end, a second end, and sides extending therebetween disposed in and supported by said container, providing a water soluble bag having an open end, a closed end, and sides extending therebetween and made of a plastic film having a thickness of at least 1.3 mils, wherein said bag dissolves in water at a temperature of 165° F. in less than about 250 seconds, does not dissolve in water at a temperature of 85° F. in 7 days, being capable of containing at least 175 lbs. of soiled textiles, and having a capacity of at least 50 gallons, wherein said bag is disposed in and supported by said sling, and wherein soiled textiles deposited in said container are contained in said bag. 
         [0007]    This invention also relates to a method of collecting and cleaning soiled textiles from a facility, comprising the steps of providing to said facility a container having an open end, a closed end and sides extending therebetween, a sling disposed in and supported by said container and having an open end, a second end, and sides extending therebetween, and a water soluble bag disposed in and supported by said sling and having an open end, a closed end, and sides extending therebetween and made of a plastic film having a thickness of at least 1.3 mils, wherein said bag dissolves in water at a temperature of 165° F. in less than about 250 seconds, does not dissolve in water at a temperature of 85° F. in 7 days, being capable of containing at least 175 lbs. of soiled textiles, and having a capacity of at least 50 gallons, collecting in said bag soiled textiles from said facility, transporting said container, sling, bag, and soiled textiles from a facility to a laundry, unloading said sling, bag, and soiled textiles from said container at the laundry, and washing and drying the soiled textiles. 
         [0008]    This invention further relates to a method of collecting and cleaning soiled textiles from a facility, comprising the steps of providing to said facility a container having an open end, a closed end and sides extending therebetween, a sling disposed in and supported by said container and having an open end, a second end, and sides extending therebetween, and a water soluble bag disposed in and supported by said sling and having an open end, a closed end, and sides extending therebetween and made of a plastic film having a thickness of at least 1.3 mils, wherein said bag dissolves in water at a temperature of 165° F. in less than about 250 seconds, does not dissolve in water at a temperature of 85° F. in 7 days, being capable of containing at least 175 lbs. of soiled textiles, and having a capacity of at least 50 gallons, collecting in said bag soiled textiles from the facility, transporting said container, sling, bag, and soiled textiles from a facility to a laundry, unloading said sling, bag, and soiled textiles from said container at the laundry, inspecting said sling and said bag for leakage, transferring said sling containing said bag and the soiled textiles to a washer, unloading from said sling said bag and the soiled textiles into a washer, washing the soiled textiles in a water having a temperature of at least 160° F., drying the washed textiles, and inspecting the washed and dried textiles for foreign objects. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a water soluble bag of the invention constructed from a single sheet folded at the side and sealed at the bottom and side opposite said fold. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a water soluble bag of the invention constructed from a single sheet folded at the bottom and sealed on the sides. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a container of the invention with the lid in the open position. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the container of  FIG. 3  with the lid in the closed position. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a sling of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a container of the invention lined with a water soluble bag. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a container of the invention lined with a sling and a water soluble bag. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a sling of the invention containing a water soluble bag being removed from the container. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a water soluble bag of the invention containing soiled textiles released into a washer. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a washing machine, washed laundry transfer mechanism, and dryer 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]      FIG. 1  illustrates a water soluble bag constructed from a single sheet of water soluble film folded at the side and sealed at the bottom and at the side opposite the fold. The water soluble bag  101  is formed by folding a hot water soluble flexible plastic sheet  102  of generally rectangular configuration along a bisecting line  103  and seaming the bag at bottom  105  and side  104 . The water soluble bag has an open end  106 , a closed end  107 , and sides  108  and  109  therebetween. As depicted in  FIG. 2 , a water soluble bag  121  may also be formed by folding a hot water soluble flexible plastic sheet  122  of generally rectangular configuration along a bisecting line  123  and seaming it at sides  124  and  125 . While the bags in  FIGS. 1 and 2  are depicted as rectangular in shape, it will be understood that it may be made in any desired shape. For example, it will be appreciated that the bag may be constructed from a generally tubular body provided with such a seam at the bottom of the bag. The bag may also be reinforced to decrease the risk of leakage during handling. For example, an extra sheet of film may be added to the bottom of the bag, where the liquids are most likely to accumulate and cause the bag to prematurely rupture. 
         [0020]    Once the water soluble bag with the soiled textiles enters the washing machine, the time it takes for the bag to rupture and/or dissolve and release its contents depends generally on the strength of the bag, but also on a number of others factors such as the quantity of liquid contained in the bag, the weight and nature of the load which is placed in the bag, and the functional characteristics of the washing machine. Typically, the bag will break down and release its contents within 90 seconds of entering the washing machine containing 165° F. water. The bag may be used with both front-loading and top-loading automatic washing machines and also with non-automatic washing machines. 
         [0021]    The bags may be made of a hot water soluble plastic film that will dissolve in water at a temperature of 165° F. in less than about 250 seconds. Additionally, the bag will not dissolve in water at a temperature of 85° F. in 7 days. The lower temperature limit at which the bag will not dissolve for 7 days is desired for several reasons. First, while the bag is receiving soiled textiles at the healthcare facility, it may be exposed to warm temperatures and moisture for a week or more. For example, microfiber mops containing moisture may be placed in the container. Additionally, while being transported to the laundry facility, the containers holding the water soluble bags and soiled textiles may be in the back of trucks. In a warm environment, the back of the truck may reach 95° F., and it is desired that the bag not dissolve or breakdown while still in the truck. Thus, a cold water soluble bag is not appropriate for this application. A water soluble bag meeting these requirements is typically made of a hot water soluble PVA film between 1.3 mil and 1.9 mil thick, more typically between 1.4 mil and 1.8 mil thick, more typically between 1.5 mil and 1.7 mil thick, for example 1.6 mil thick. Additionally, the bag should be large enough to contain at least 175 lbs. of soiled textiles and have capacity of at least 50 gallons. The water soluble bags may hold up to 500 lbs. of laundry and may have a capacity of up to 100 gallons. Various PVA compositions known to those of ordinary skill in the art may meet this requirement. 
         [0022]    The bag may be colored or may comprise different markings or patterns on the surface. The colors may indicate to the user the type of soiled laundry contained therein. The patterns are typically made from dyes that are not fabric substantive and do not transfer to the soiled laundry during storage of the laundry in the bag or during the washing process. Alternatively, the patterns may be embossed and/or printed on the bag. 
         [0023]    Container  300  shown in  FIG. 3  comprises an open end  310 , a closed end  309 , sides  311 ,  312 ,  313  and  314  and a lid  302  that is pivotally attached to the rear side of the body by a hinge  303 . At the front of the lid  302  there is mounted a downwardly extending elongated tongue  304  having a aperture  305  in the vicinity of its free end. An apron  306  extends around the top of the open end of the container. Referring to  FIG. 4 , the tongue has an enlarged head  321  positioned snugly against the upper side of the lid and passes through a slot (not shown) in the lid, the tongue being secured to the lid with respect to this slot. The lid is also supplied with an opening  320  for receiving soiled textiles. 
         [0024]    With the lid in the closed position, the tongue  304  extends downwardly immediately behind the apron  306  so that the aperture  305  in the tongue  304  registers with the aperture  307  (see  FIG. 3 ) in the apron  306 . In this position, a padlock  409  can be threaded from behind the apron through the registering apertures  305  and  307  and the padlock secured to lock the lid in the closed position. Wheels  308  may also be provided on the container to allow for easier transportation of the container. 
         [0025]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a sling  500 . The sling has an open first end  501 , an open second end  502 , and side walls  503 . The second end  502  may be cinched closed to support a water soluble bag containing soiled textiles. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , a drawstring  504  is used to cinch the second end  502  closed. 
         [0026]    In one embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , a container  600  receives a water soluble bag  601 . The sides  602 ,  603 ,  604  and  605  of the open end of the bag are folded over the sides of the container  600 . A lid  606  of the container  600  may then be closed and secured using the tongue  607  with a padlock as described previously. To close the lid, the tongue  607  may be used to pierce the side  602  of the bag  601 , or the side  602  of the bag may be folded to allow the tongue  607  to pass by the bag  601 . Closing and securing the lid  606  maintains the location of the sides  602 ,  603 ,  604  and  605  of the open end of the bag during operation so that soiled textiles are effectively contained in the bag  601 . 
         [0027]    In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , a container  700  receives a sling  701  and a water soluble bag  702 . An unshown side and sides  703 ,  704  and  705  of the open end of the sling  701  and the sides  706 ,  707 ,  708  and  709  of the open end of the bag  702  are folded over the top of the container  700  as shown in  FIG. 7 . To close the lid, the side  706  of the bag and the side  705  of the sling may be folded to allow a tongue  712  to pass by the bag  702  and sling  701 . A lid  710  of the container  700  is then closed and locked. The lid  710  of the container  700  serves to secure the sling  701  and bag  702  in place. The provider may provide a second water soluble bag inside the first bag if additional protection is desired. 
         [0028]    In one operation of the invention, the textile service provider supplies the container  700  containing the sling  701  and bag  702  to the healthcare facility. Typically, the container lid  710  is locked using the tongue  712  and a padlock, such as the padlock in  FIG. 4 , securing the sling  701  and bag  702  in the container before delivering the assembly to the healthcare facility. The container may be marked with labels regarding appropriate textiles to place therein. The provider may spot the container at a collection location at the healthcare facility, or may deliver the container to a central location at the facility. In addition to the container, the provider may deliver clean microfiber mops and other textiles to the healthcare facility. 
         [0029]    The healthcare cleaners use mops and other textile cleaning products, such as microfiber textiles, in their daily cleaning activities. The cleaners place soiled microfiber textiles in an opening  711  provided in the lid  710  of the container  700 . As discussed previously, the water soluble liner is of sufficient thickness and design so that it will support the soiled textiles that may be wet from cleaning products. 
         [0030]    On a regular basis, the provider retrieves the container holding the soiled textiles from the healthcare facility and delivers another container preloaded with the sling and water soluble bag to the healthcare facility. The container containing soiled textiles is loaded onto the truck and delivered to a central washing facility. Other means of transporting the container holding the soiled textiles may also be used. For instance, if the laundry facility is located within the healthcare facility, then the tote may simply be wheeled to the laundry facility. 
         [0031]    Upon arriving at the central laundry facility, the provider moves the container from the truck to a staging area. The containers are sorted according to the materials contained therein. For example, microfibers must be kept separate from other textiles. If washed together, the fibers of traditional textiles will fill the voids in the microfiber, rendering the microfiber ineffective. Thus, it is essential that microfiber be kept separate from other cleaning textiles. The provider may use color coded water soluble liners, slings, or containers to assist in sorting the containers. 
         [0032]    At the central laundry facility, an employee wheels a container  800  holding a sling  801 , a water soluble bag  803 , and soiled textile products under an unloading device as shown in  FIG. 8 . Loops  821 ,  822 ,  823  and  824  are disposed on a hook mechanism  825  located on a crane  826 . Additionally, a release cord  828  for a cinched end  802  of the sling  801  is hooked onto an automated release mechanism  827 . The sling  801  is then raised out of the container  800 , and stopped just above the container. An end  802  of the sling  801  remains cinched closed to support the water soluble bag  803 . Typically, the sling would be stopped at a height of 4-6 feet above the ground. Prior to sending the sling  801  and textiles to the washing area, an associate may check the sling and bag  803  for any leakage. If leaks are found, the sling is returned to the container. The associate then obtains a second container preloaded with an empty water soluble bag and sling (similar to the system of  FIG. 7 ), raises the sling containing the soiled textiles out of the first container, moves the second container under the leaking sling, opens the bottom of the sling, and transfers the water soluble bag and soiled textiles into the second container. Additionally, the first container holding the sling may be disinfected using a bleach solution, with the container surfaces kept moist with the bleach solution for at least 10 minutes. If the water soluble bag has leaked, the sling typically is washed. The sling is washed separate from the microfiber products to prevent fibers from the sling filling the voids of the microfiber products, rendering them ineffective. The operator then sends the sling with soiled textiles and water soluble bag to the wash room. The sling travels on a rail  806  to a staging area, and finally to a washing machine. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , a sling  901  travels along a rail  902 , stopping at a position above a washing machine  903 . An automated release mechanism  927  pulls a cord  911 , releasing a water soluble bag  904  containing the soiled textiles into the washing machine. Depending upon the washing machine&#39;s capacity, a single load may consist of multiple water soluble bags containing soiled textiles. 
         [0034]    Pursuant to the Center for Disease Control Guidelines for hospital laundry, the soiled textiles are washed in 160° F. water for 25 minutes with 50-150 PPM total available chlorine. More typically, the textiles are washed at 165° F. for 25 minutes, followed by 8 minutes of washing at 145° to 150° F. in a chlorine solution containing 5-12 ounces of 10-12% chlorine bleach per hundred weight of soiled product. The load is then rinsed using three 2 minute rinse cycles, one with hot water, typically 130° F., followed by two cycles of cold water, or water less than 90° F. 
         [0035]    After the textiles are washed, they are transferred to a dryer. As shown in  FIG. 10 , washed textiles  931  are unloaded from the washing machine  903  onto a conveyor system  932 . The conveyor system  932  transfers the textiles to a dryer  933 . Other systems for transferring the washer textiles from the washing machine to the dryer  933  may be utilized. For example, if the facility does not have a conveyer system available, the unloading of the washing machine and transferring to the dryer may take place by hand. After drying, the textiles are sorted and checked for foreign objects, such as a foreign textile or sharps. 
         [0036]    Under ordinary operating conditions, as the above description shows, the provider does not touch the soiled textiles. The soiled textiles are confined in the water soluble bag and sling from the time they are collected until they exit the washing machine. Only then, after the textiles are disinfected, washed, and dried, are they check for foreign objects, such as needles. Even if a needle stick occurs, the risk of infection is virtually eliminated because the needle has been through the wash and disinfecting cycle. The reduced handling of the soiled textiles described herein reduces a providers&#39; exposure to pathogens. 
         [0037]    While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrated examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.