Patent Publication Number: US-2023133926-A1

Title: Method and apparatus for cleaning and sanitizing a conveyor belt

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part (and claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC 120) of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/322,878 filed May 17, 2021. The disclosure of the prior applications is considered part of (and is incorporated by reference in) the disclosure of this application. 
    
    
     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, unsanitized 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 as  Escherichia 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 applicator attached to the frame member; tubing attached to the frame member and directly in contact with the applicator; at least one pump connected to the tubing; a solution reservoir connected to the at least one pump. 
     In a second embodiment, the present invention is a conveyor belt cleaning apparatus, comprising: a frame member secure to a conveyor belt assembly; a solution application assembly, wherein the solution application assembly comprises a pump, tubing, and a solution reservoir a motor, microchip control board (or operating control device); and at least one applicator attached to the frame member and in direct contact with the tubing. 
     In a third embodiment, the present invention is a conveyor belt cleaning apparatus, comprising: a solution reservoir; a pump connected to the solution reservoir; tubing connected to the pump; a frame in communication with the conveyor belt; an applicator attached to the frame and wherein the applicator is in communication with the tubing; and a control system connected to the frame and the pump. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    depicts an isometric view of a conveyor belt sanitizing apparatus in an in-use position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  2    depicts another isometric view of the conveyor belt sanitizing apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  3    depicts an isometric view of the conveyor belt sanitizing apparatus in a stored position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  4    depicts an isometric view of the conveyor belt sanitizing apparatus installed on a conveyor belt, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  5    depicts an exploded view of the installed conveyor belt sanitizing apparatus, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     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. After the applied solution self-dries/evaporates within a short period of time. Recommended operation of the device is when customers are not actively using the conveyor but in between cashier shifts or at regularly scheduled times. 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. Furthermore, prior art uses spray nozzles that applies the solution to the conveyor belt, which can lead to excess solution being used and creating waste and added expense 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&#39; 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. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described. 
     All publications and patents cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patent were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. The citation of any publication is for its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed. 
     It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation. 
       FIGS.  1 - 3    depicts various view and illustrations of a conveyor belt sanitizing apparatus  100 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     A frame member  104  provides the structure in which a pump  108 , tubing  110 , applicator  112  are attached to. The frame member  104  is used to secure the conveyor belt sanitizing apparatus  100  to the conveyor belt and provide the structure and mounting for the conveyor belt sanitizing apparatus  100 . In the depicted embodiment, the frame member  104  is a section of extruded material with grooves to mount the various components too. The frame member  104  may have a variety of shapes and designs based on the conveyor belt design and the components of the apparatus  100 . In some embodiments, the motor  101 , a computing device (not shown), solution container  106 , a pump  108  may also be secured to the frame member  104 . In additional embodiments, the pump  108 , computing device, control buttons (not shown), and the solution container  106  are located distal from the frame  104  (and the apparatus  100 ) and near to the operator (cashier/employee). In some embodiments, the frame member  104  is secured to the case  102 , and the case  102  is secured to the conveyor belt. 
     The applicator support  113 A is secured to the frame member  104  and is used to provide support for the applicator(s)  112  and the tubing  110 . The mounting system  107  is comprised of the frame mounts  107  which are attached to the frame member  104  using fasteners or the like. The frame mounts  107  are able to pivot or rotate about to move the applicator  112  towards and away from the conveyor belt. In the depicted embodiment, the frame mounts  107  has bearings  105  which are secured to the frame mounts  107 . A rod  115  passes through these bearings  105  and is able to rotate. Secured to the rod  115  is a motor  101  which assists in the rotation of the rod  115 . In the depicted embodiment, the motor  101  is shown attached to the rod  115  in a specific fashion. The motor  101  may be positioned or connected to the rod in a variety of setups based on the overall design of the apparatus  100  and is not intended to be a limitation to the overall design of the apparatus  100 . Applicator mounts  103  are secured to the rod  115  and also secured to an applicator support  113 A. The applicator  112  is secured to the applicator support  113 A through fasteners  111 , or other means to secure the applicator  112  to the applicator support  113 A. In the depicted embodiment in  FIG.  3   , an applicator support  113 B is used secure the applicator  112  in another design, and the fasteners  111  have springs  125  which assist in keeping a firm fit of the applicator  112  to the support(s)  113 A and  113 B. As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the applicator  112  is able to move from a first position or an “off” position (shown in  FIG.  3   ) where the applicator  112  is not in use, to a second position or an “on” position ( FIG.  2   ) where the applicator would be in use. This articulation of the applicator  112  is performed by the motor  101  (e.g. actuating device) being activated and electronically and/or mechanically moving the applicator  112 . The movement of the applicator support  113 A may be controlled by the motor  101  or device to control the movement of the applicator support  113 A. In additional embodiments, a computing device may be incorporated into the apparatus to provide the activation of the pump  108 , the movement of the applicator support  113 A and the like. The computing device may also be connected to a set of controlled which the operator has access to, to turn on and off the apparatus  100 . The computing device may also be able to identify when the solution container  106  is empty or near empty. 
     A pump  108  is connected to a solution container  106  to draw solution  130  from the solution container  106  and expel the solution  130  through the tubing  110  onto the applicator  112  directly, or the tubing  110  may be inserted into or integrated with applicator  112  to directly inject the solution  130  into the applicator  112  so that the applicator  112  evenly distribute the solution  130  across the entire surface of the conveyor belt. The pump  108  may be integrated into the solution container  106  or may be integrated into the conveyor belt sanitizing apparatus (as shown in  FIG.  3   ). The pump  108  is able to provide adequate solution  130  flow rate and volume. In the depicted embodiment, the tubing  110  interfaces with the applicator support  113 A and apertures which the tubing  110  interfaces with, within the applicator support  113 A allow the passage of the solution  130  directly into the applicator  112 . The tubing  110  is screwed into the applicator support  113 A to create a liquid tight seal, and the apertures within the applicator support  113 A allow for the passage of the solution  130  directly onto the applicator  112 . The tubing  110  may have fitment pieces  109  which interface with the applicator support  113 A to create a liquid tight seal between the tubing  110  and the applicator support  113 A. The fitment pieces  109  interface with the tubing and the applicator support  113 A. The fitment pieces  109  may be made from plastic or metal. In additional embodiments, the tubing  110  may directly interface with the applicator  112  based on the applicator support  113 A design and structure. In the depicted embodiment, the tubing  110  interfaces with the applicator support  113 A on a rear surface but may interface with the applicator support  113 A or the applicator  112  on a front, top, or bottom surface based on the overall design of the conveyor belt sanitizing apparatus  100 . The applicator support  113 A has a predetermined number of apertures based on the applicator  112  type and the conveyor belt type to provide adequate solution  130  flow to achieve the desired result of substantially complete coverage of the conveyor belt with the solution  130 . 
     The tubing  110  distribute the solution  130  from the solution container  106 , via the pump  108  and applies the solution either directly onto the applicator  112  or indirectly onto the applicator  112  via the applicator support  113 A. The tubing  110  is connected to the pump  108  The tubing  110  is of a predetermined size to allow for a flow rate and volume of the solution  130  based on the applicator  112  design and type and the conveyor belt design and type. In additional embodiments, there may be more than one pump  108  connected to the plurality of tubing  110 . The tubing  110  provides all the mechanical components needed to apply the solution onto the applicator  112  or inject the solution  130  into the applicator  112 , so that the applicator  112  can properly distribute the solution  130 . The tubing  110  may be in contact with the applicator  112  in more than one location based on the size of the applicator  112  and the    
     The applicator  112  is designed to spread, apply, or brush the solution  130  onto the conveyor belt so that the solution  130  comes in contact with substantially the entire surface of the conveyor belt. The applicator  112  is sized to provide complete coverage of the conveyor belt so as to provide a substantial coverage of the conveyor belt with the solution  130 . This may be accomplished by having multiple applicators  112  Based on the versatility of the present invention and the design, the applicator  112  may be removed and replaced with various sized (width, height, and depth) based on the conveyor belt size. This is easily accomplished by removing the fasteners  111  and installing a new applicator  112 . The applicator  112  may be constructed from a variety of materials based on the intended design, the type of pumps used, the shape, or the like. In some embodiments, the applicator  112  may be a roller or have a wand like design. In one embodiment, the applicator  112  is made from a non-porous material such as rubber. The rubber material provides a semi-firm surface to spread the solution  130  on the belt. In other embodiments, the applicator  112  is a porous material, such as, but not limited to, a squeegee, foam, felt, weatherstripping, brush, or the like. In these embodiments, where the applicator  112  is porous, the solution  130  may be applied or pumped directly onto the applicator  112  through the tubing  110  or into the applicator  112 . The shape and size of the applicator  112  again is based on the application process of the solution  130 , the solution consistency, and the conveyor belt design. The applicator  112 , may have various profiles, shapes, curvatures, and designs based on the intended application of the solution  130 . In some embodiments, multiple applicators  112  are integrated into the design. In the present embodiment, the applicator  112  is a rectangular piece of material which is in a stationary position. 
     A solution container  106  provides the reservoir for the solution  130 . The solution container  106  may be integrated into the case  102  or may be connected to the pump  108  via tubing  110 . This allows the solution container  106  to be located distal from the conveyor belt and near the person operating the conveyor belt for easy refilling or replacement of the solution container  106 . In some instances the solution container  106  is 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 pump  108  is integrated into the solution container  106 . It is advantageous to have the ability to have the pump  108 , solution container  106 , computing device, and other components located distal to the case  102 , to create a design of the case  102  that is slim and does not cover a large area of the conveyor belt. In some embodiments, the case  102  is 2-3 inches wide. 
     Shown in  FIG.  4    is a conveyor belt  200  with the apparatus  100  installed at the far end of the conveyor belt, and enclosed within cover  102 . The case  102  is designed to encapsulate the remainder of the elements of the apparatus  100  to provide protection to these elements and create an enclosed space for the elements to operate. The case  102  may 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 case  102  is based on the conveyor belt design. The location of the apparatus  100  at 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. Shown in  FIG.  5    is the apparatus  100  installed with the case  102  removed, showing the frame  104  attached to the conveyor belt frame  201  and positioned over the conveyor belt  202 . In this embodiment, the pump  108  is within the case  102 , but can be positioned in the solution container  106  which would be positioned near the operator at the other end of the conveyor belt  202 . 
     In use, the applicator  112  is in contact with the conveyor belt and is spreading the solution across the conveyor belt. Where the applicator  112  is made of a porous material, the applicator  112  absorbs the solution  130  and due to the pressure of the applicator  112  on the conveyor belt, the solution  130  is applied to the conveyor belt. Where the applicator  112  is made from a non-porous material, the applicator  112  is spreading the solution  130  evenly across the entire surface of the conveyor belt. The quantity of the solution  130  which is applied on to the applicator  112 . In some embodiments, removes excess solution  130  on 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 conveyor belt sanitizing apparatus  100  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 pump  108  is activated. The applicator  112  is pressed against the conveyor belt and the pump  108  and tubing  110  applies the solution  130 , The system may be preprogramed based on the conveyor belt design and the device assembly. The system may be activated manually by the cashier through the pressing of a button or multiple buttons which control individual functions, which repositions the applicator  112  and initiates the pump  108 . The timing of the repositioning of the applicator  112  and the initiation of the pump(s)  108  is predetermined based on the speed of the applicator  112  repositioning, the applicator  112  material, and the speed of the conveyor belt. 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&#39;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. 
     In some embodiments, once the button is pushed, this initiates the entire operation of the dispenser. The pump  108  is set to run for any given specified amount of time to ensure that the applicator  112  is saturated enough to apply the sanitizing solution. After pump  108  runs for its specified time, the applicator  112  then automatically pivots to make contact with the conveyor belt. The applicator  112  continues to run for any given specified amount of time maintaining contact with the conveyor belt while applying the solution  130 . The specified amount of time that the applicator  112  makes contact with the conveyor belt is set to ensure that the solution  130  fully covers and adheres to the conveyor belt as the conveyor belt is running. The applicator  112  then withdraws from making contact and returns to its resting position. The entire operation from start to completion is typically a few minutes or less to completely cover the entirety of the conveyor belt. This depends on the conveyor belt length and speed. The solution  130  evaporates in a short period of time leaving the conveyor belt cleaned, sanitized, and dry. 
     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. 
     While the particular conveyor belt cleaning apparatus of the present invention as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of use, construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims. 
     While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.