Patent ID: 12186783

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

First Example

Referring toFIGS.1to11, there is disclosed a first example of an apparatus10for cleaning tools and equipment such as a wheelbarrow12as shown, for example, inFIG.6. Such tools and equipment may be cleaned by using a cleaning fluid such as water to remove matter such as solid material, slurries and debris.

The apparatus10includes a tub14that provides a receptacle16, a filter18shaped to be fitted to the receptacle16in a fitted condition and a support arrangement19adapted to at least temporarily hold the wheelbarrow12in a tipped orientation relative to the receptacle16.

In the tipped orientation, matter within a tray20of the wheelbarrow12is moveable at least partially via gravity into the receptacle16. For example, the cleaning fluid such as water may be applied to the tray20to wash matter into the receptacle16with solid material being at least partially captured by the filter18and the water passing through the filter18.

The tub14includes a front wall22with a cut out24, a back wall26opposite the front wall22, opposing side walls28, a base30and a skirting rim32extending substantially atop the back wall26, opposing side walls28and at least partially about atop of the front wall22. The skirting rim32may be the same width as or wider than the respective walls,22,26,28.

The walls22,26,28of the tub14define an opening34into the receptacle16and taper slightly toward the base30such that the platform area of the base30is less than the opening34.

The cut out24is shaped to receive at least a leading portion36of the tray20in the tipped orientation and may cradle and support the tray20depending on the fit between the cut out24and the tray20. In some examples, the cut out24may provide the support arrangement19by supporting and holding the wheelbarrow12in the tipped orientation. However, in other examples, the cut out24may simply provide access to the receptacle and may not engage directly with the tray20. In this example, the cut out24forms part of the support arrangement19in combination with tray supports48as are further detailed below.

The cut out24includes opposing side sections38extending from the skirting rim32to an intermediate section40that is relatively lower than the rim32and relatively above the base30. The height of the intermediate section40is arranged such that the tray20is movable thereover without elevating a wheel42of the wheelbarrow12relative to the receptacle16which allows the wheel42to generally remain in contact with a ground surface without elevation or lifting of the entire wheelbarrow12

The intermediate section40includes an intermediate lip44extending along a top thereof. The intermediate lip44is substantially horizontal and extends relatively outwardly from the front wall22of the tub14. The opposing side sections38are shaped to cradle the tray20of the wheelbarrow12in the tipped orientation and may be curved or angled such that that the cut out narrows24toward the intermediate section40. The side sections38include respective side lips46against which the tray20of the wheelbarrow12bears in the tipped orientation.

In this example, the support arrangement19includes a pair of tray supports48arranged to abut with the leading portion36of the tray20in the tipped orientation. The pair of tray supports48may take various forms that function to provide a stop to inhibit over tipping of the wheelbarrow12and at the same time provide a retainer that fittingly holds a rim of the tray20.

In more detail, in this example, the tray supports48include a body50pivotally coupled to the front wall22adjacent the cut out24and projections52that extend from the body50adapted to engage with the leading portion36of the tray20.

In this arrangement, the tray supports48are moveable from a first position, as shown inFIG.8, in which the tray supports48are rotated away from the rim32to allow the filter18to be fitted. Once the filter18is fitted, the tray supports48may be rotated adjacent the rim32atop of the filter18. Accordingly, the tray supports48also function to capture and secure the filter18in place.

In this example, the projections52include a rear most larger projections54that defining a narrower gap therebetween and forward most smaller projections56that define a relatively larger gap therebetween. This allows the projections52to abut with trays20having differing sizes. The notches58between the projections52also assist to capture a rim of the tray20to retain the wheelbarrow in the tipped orientation. It is noted that in some examples the tray supports48may be omitted, and especially in examples in which the cut out24is adapted to snuggly hold the tray20. Further, in other examples, the tray supports48may be formed integrally with the tub14, as is shown in respect of the second example below.

The support arrangement19may further a tether60arranged to secure the wheelbarrow12in the tipped orientation. In this example, the tether60is an elastic strap62having hooks64at opposing ends thereof adapted to releasably couple to the tub14on opposing sides of the cut out24. The strap62may be passed about the wheelbarrow12to secure the wheelbarrow12for cleaning, in particular, more vigorous cleaning and scrubbing.

Turning now to the filter18in more detail, the filter18may be pre-shaped to substantially line an internal surface62of the receptacle16. The filter18includes a filter body64shaped to correspond to an internal shape of the tub14. The filter body64includes a front wall66having a cut out68, a back wall70, opposing side walls72and a base74. The cut out68corresponds to the cut out24of the tub14.

A skirting flap76extends substantially atop the back wall70, opposing side walls72and at least partially atop of the front wall66. The skirting flap76of the filter18is arranged to locate atop of the skirting rim32of the tub14in the fitted condition. The filter18includes an intermediate flap78adapted to extend atop the cut out24in the fitted condition. In this example, handles skirting flap76at the opposing sides walls, rear wall and intermediate flap each include a handle80. The handles80generally extend proud of the tub14to allow for ease of clasping and removal of the filter18.

In terms of material, the filter18may be formed of various materials including, but not limited to, one or more of paper, cellulose, hemp, banana fibre, nylon, polyester, synthetic textiles and recycled textiles. The filter material is adapted to filter solid material from the fluid. For example, the filtered solid material may be cement and parts thereof such as sand and gravel. Fluid substantially including water passing through the filter18and toward the base30of the receptacle16.

In this example, the filter material may be a filter paper with a single layer cellulose with a weight of about 180 GSM and pore retention size of 5-10 μm. The filter paper may be wet strengthened with an Epichlorohydrin Resin. The cleaning fluid may take about 20 minutes to drain through the filter. The filtration process may be assisted by a phenomenon known as a ‘filter cake’ which is when the captured solids/sediments sitting in the lowest point of filter act as a secondary filter.

The tub14includes an outlet82through which the receptacle16drains and the inside surface62of the receptacle16of the tub14is adapted to promote flow of fluid through the filter18toward the outlet82. The inside surface62of the receptacle16generally slopes toward the centre and rear of the tub14and the outlet82is provided at the centre and rear of the tub14.

At least some of the inside surface62adjacent the filter18adapted to promote flow of fluid through the filter18such as by being not smooth or not flat against the filter18. In more detail, in this example, the inside surface62adjacent the filter18includes surface features in the form of ridges84and troughs86that support the filter18whilst providing, in essence, spaces or conduits via the troughs86to allow fluid to pass the filter18and flow toward the outlet82.

It is noted that whilst in this example, ridges84and troughs86are provided, the internal surface62may be provided with various surface features that provide a similar function such as, but not limited to, one or more of corrugations, projections, ridges, apertures and recesses. The surface features may also be provided by separate part or insert e.g. wire mesh basket that fits below the filter18—all of which are contemplated herein.

Turning to the outlet82in more detail, the outlet82is arranged to be fittable with a hose88and/or a fluid treatment device90. In this example, the fluid treatment device90is adapted to alter the pH of fluid passing therethrough. The fluid treatment device90includes a housing92and ion-exchange media93retained within a stainless steel mesh bag94within the housing92. It is noted that the fluid treatment device90may be omitted from some examples. The ion-exchange media93may be or include cation exchange resins such as, but not limited to, strongly acidic cation exchange resin.

It is noted that in some examples, the apparatus10may omit the filter18per se and include the fluid treatment device90perhaps with a pre or post filter between the outlet82and the fluid treatment device90or hose88. Such a configuration is contemplated herein.

The apparatus10may further include a removable tray or tub96adapted to seat atop of tub14and filter18. In this example, the removable tray96includes a receptacle97with drainage apertures and wings98that seat atop of the rim32. The removable tray or tub96may be used to clean smaller tools and equipment. It is noted that in some examples, the cut out24may be omitted and the tub14and filter18may be used to clean tools and equipment other that wheel barrows.

In some examples, the apparatus10may further include a reservoir99adapted to collect filtered fluid from the tub14. The reservoir99is provided within a body85that provides a platform87on which the tub14and wheelbarrow are locatable. The body85includes a ramp89to the platform87. The reservoir99includes an inlet91that is connectable to the hose88and/or a fluid treatment device90. The reservoir99may find use in situations where temporary waste storage is required.

The tub14and other components may be generally formed of, but not limited to, a plastic material such as polyethylene, nylon and polypropylene. The components of the apparatus may be considered to form part of a system or kit that function together. As such, the components of the apparatus such as the tub, filter, platform reservoir and fluid treatment device may be provided separately.

In use, a method for cleaning the wheelbarrow12with a fluid, may include one or more of the following steps. Firstly, locating the tub14on a ground surface or on the platform87of the reservoir99. The tray supports48may be elevated and the filter18is fitted to the receptacle16of the tub14. The tray supports48may then be lowered to secure the filter18.

The wheel barrow12is then moved toward the tub14in an initial orientation with at least the leading portion36of the wheelbarrow12received by the cut out24of the tub14and over the receptacle16. The wheelbarrow12is then moved to a tipped orientation relative to the receptacle16such that matter within the tray20of the wheelbarrow12is moveable at least partially via gravity into the receptacle16. The tray is abutted with the tray supports48that form part of the support arrangement19to hold the wheelbarrow12in the tipped orientation. The wheelbarrow12may be optionally retained in the tipped orientation with the tether60.

A cleaning fluid such as water is then applied to the tray20of the wheel barrow12, and matter or mixture including solids and water is washed into the receptacle16. The wheelbarrow12may be removed at this point or remain in place to dry.

The solid material is then substantially captured within the filter18and fluid passes via the outlet82into the hose88and/or fluid treatment device90. The fluid is then treated to adjust to the pH to that closer to water, say, toward a pH of about 7. Once the fluid has passed the filter18, the wheelbarrow12is removed (if not done so already) and the tray supports48may be elevated to release the filter18. The filter18may then be removed via the handles80and the filter and solid material may be disposed of. It is noted that multiple wheelbarrows, equipment and tools may be washed using a single filter18. However, once soiled to a point of inhibiting filtration, such as becoming clogged with cement, the filter may be replaced.

Advantageously, the apparatus allows a wheelbarrow and tools to be cleaned whilst capturing the wastewater and any solid material such as cement. The filter is able to be removed to safely dispose of captured material and the remaining water is able to be collected for disposal or treatment.

The support arrangement allows the wheelbarrow to be held for hands free cleaning and the integrated cut out allows the wheelbarrow to be tipped without lifting the entire wheel barrow. Tools may be supported by the cleaning tray above the tub that allows simultaneous cleaning of the wheelbarrow and tools whilst keeping waste water contained.

Second Example

Referring now toFIGS.12to15there is provided a second example of the apparatus110in which like sequences of numerals denote like parts (i.e.10,110etc). Many components of this second example of the apparatus110are similar to the above described first example and are not again repeated here. Rather, the main features and differences are highlighted.

Turning to the second example of the apparatus110in more detail, the second example of the apparatus110is substantially similar to the first example. However, the tub114is provided in two parts including a lower tub section115and an upper tub section117that fit together in an assembled condition.

The upper tub section117includes a support arrangement119having a cut out124in a front wall122thereof that is shaped to support and cradle the tray20of the wheel barrow12and tray supports148are integrally formed at opposing side walls128of the upper tub section117. The tray supports48include projections152that are oriented toward one another to define a gap narrower than a width of the tray20so as to provide a stop for the tray in the tipped orientation.

Like the first example, the projections152include a rear most larger projections154that define a narrower gap therebetween and forward most smaller projections156that define a relatively larger gap therebetween. This allows the projections152to abut with trays20having differing sizes. The apparatus110may also include a tether60to retain the wheel barrow in the tripped orientation against the tray supports48.

The lower tub section115includes a base130, opposing sides walls129, opposing front and back walls131and a skirting rim132. The lower tub section115provides a generally rectangularly shaped receptacle116defining an opening134in which the filter118is fittingly received. Like the first example, the internal surface162of the receptacle116is not flat or smooth and include ridges184and troughs186to assist with movement of fluid through the filter118.

However, of course, other surface features such as apertures, undulations or the like may also be utilised. An outlet182is located at the back wall adjacent the base130to which a hose188and/or a fluid treatment device190may be fitted. The fluid treatment device190has already been described in relation to the first example and will not be again described here.

In this example, the filter118is rectangularly shaped to fit with the lower tub section115and includes a front wall168, a back wall170, opposing side walls172and a base174. A skirting flap176extends about the walls168,170,172. The skirting flap176is dimensioned to extend over the skirting rim132of the lower tub section115.

Accordingly, in an assembled condition, as shown inFIG.12, the skirting flap176may be captured between the upper and lower tub sections115,117that assist to retain the filter118in place during use. The material of the filter118may be the same as the first example and is not again repeated here. The filter118may include handles80that are accessible to remove the filter118when the upper and lower tub sections115,117are disassembled as shown inFIG.13. The second example may also include a removable tray196that seats in use atop the upper tub section118.

The method of use may also be similar to the first example. However, of course, the filter118is installed within the lower tub section115prior to the upper tub section117being fitted to the lower tub section115.

Third Example

Referring now toFIGS.16to20there is provided a third example of the apparatus210in which like sequences of numerals denote like parts (i.e.10,210etc). Many components of this third example of apparatus210are similar to the above described first example and are not again repeated here. Rather, the main features and differences are highlighted.

Turning to the third example of the apparatus210in more detail, the third example of the apparatus210is again substantially similar to the first example. However, the tub214is shaped to be moveable from an initial generally horizontal position to an angled position as shown inFIGS.16and17.

In more detail, in this example, the tub214includes a receptacle216having a lower portion215that steps to an upper portion217such that a step219is provided between the lower portion215and the upper portion217. The step219allows the tub14to either rest on a base230of the lower portion215or be rolled over to the angled position in which the tub rests on corners221,223of the lower portion215and upper portions217, respectively.

The step219functions to allow the tub14to be filled with matter and solid material within that matter to accumulate or settle via gravity more so in the lower portion215as shown inFIG.17. In this tripped orientation, the step219provides a divider227between the lower and upper portions215,217and matter, namely fluid with less solids is present in the upper portion217. This assist the filter218to function more effectively as there is less sold material in the upper portion to block the filter218. The step219also provides a nook229in which the hose288and/or fluid treatment device290may be positioned.

In this example, the tub214includes two outlets282aand282bin the lower and upper portions215,271, respectively. The two outlets282aand282bare elevated in the angled position to allow for drainage above any collected solid material as shown inFIG.17.

The two outlets282aand282bare connected to the fluid treatment device290internally via conduits283a,283bthereby allowing fluid drainage via paths A and B at a lowest point of the lower and upper portions215,217of the receptacle216in the angled position. The fluid treatment device290may then be connected to a hose288in a similar manner to example 1 and not again described here.

The filter218may be formed in a similar manner as described above in relation to example 1. However, of course, the shape of the filter218also includes a step231to correspond to the shape of the tub214. The apparatus210includes a cut out224and tray supports248that are similar to that as described above in relation to example 1 and as such these parts are not again described herein.

In use, the tub214may initially be in an initial position in which the leading portion36of the wheel barrow12is received by the cut out224and is supported or located by the tray supports48. A tether260may be used to retain and secure the wheel barrow12to the tub214. It is noted that in this example, the tethering of the wheel barrow12may render the entire assembly self-supporting for ease of cleaning.

Once the wheel barrow12has been cleaned and the matter including solids and water is within a receptacle216of the tub214. The wheel barrow12may be detached from the tub214and the tub214may be rotated to the angled position to allow for drainage from the outlets282a,282b. The tub214may be rocked to assist with filtration and drainage, as required. The filter218may be removed once soiled and replaced as need be.

Fourth Example

Referring toFIGS.21to28, there is shown a fourth example of an apparatus305in the form of a stand310for cleaning a wheelbarrow312. The stand310is adapted to support the wheelbarrow312so as to be elevated in a tipped orientation, as shown inFIG.28, relative to supporting surface314such that material or fluid within a tray316of the wheelbarrow312is moveable at least partially via gravity in a direction from the tray316toward the supporting surface314.

The stand310may be provided as part of a system320that further includes a receptacle322arranged relative to the supporting surface314such that in the elevated tipped orientation material or fluid from the tray316is directed toward and captured by the receptacle322.

The receptacle322may take any form in which material or fluid within the tray316is moveable at least partially via gravity in a direction from the tray314toward the receptacle322. The receptacle314may be any suitable means to collect, capture, direct or funnel fluid or material, and may be a vessel, tub, container, pipe, funnel, drain or the like. Preferably, however, the receptacle322is a tub or vessel324. The arrangement of the supporting surface314may include more than one surface such as a stepped surface, or straight or sloped ground surface.

Turning to the stand310in more detail, the stand310includes a frame326having a first support328on which a first part330of the wheelbarrow312is supportable and a second support332adapted to support a second part334of the wheelbarrow312elevated above the first part330so as to at least temporarily retain the wheelbarrow312in the tipped orientation. The stand310includes first legs342toward a leading or entry end343of the stand310, and second legs344toward opposing ends345of the stand310.

The first support328is arranged to support a wheel end336of the wheelbarrow312and the second support332is arranged to support the at least one of the tray316and handles338so as to at least temporarily retain the wheelbarrow312in the tipped orientation.

In this example, first support328includes a wheel stop340against which the wheelbarrow may be pivoted to the tipped orientation and engaged with the second support332. In more detail, the first support328is a generally horizontal section of the frame326having two spaced apart lengthwise frame members346elevated above supporting surface14via the first and second legs342,344which are pivotally coupled to each of the two spaced apart lengthwise frame members346.

The wheel stop340may be provided as a pair of cross members348interconnecting extending latterly of the lengthwise frame members346. The first support328may take a variety for forms such as an open frame with cross members328as shown here or the first support328may be or include a platform or other means to support the wheel end336of the wheelbarrow312.

The second support332may be provided in form of a pair of arms350arranged to support the tray316of the wheelbarrow in the tipped orientation. The pair of arms350may be resiliently sprung (such as being formed from spring steel or the like) to resiliently hold opposing sides of the tray316. The arms350are splayed and include outward turned ends356to assist with fitted of the tray316between the arms350.

The stand310includes a ramp352leading to and pivotally coupled to the first support328and arranged to allow the wheelbarrow312to be wheeled up the ramp352to the first support328. In this example, the first and second legs342,344, and the ramp352are foldable to allow the stand310to be foldable between a deployed condition in which the wheelbarrow312is supportable in the tipped orientation and a generally flat stowed condition.

In this example, the pair of arms350are each contiguous with respective ones of the second legs44such that the pair of arms350and second legs344are simultaneously folded with one another. The ramp352is wider than the first leg342and may include a recess354on an underside thereof to at least partially receive the first leg342in the stowed condition. The second legs344include apertures347through which fasteners349(such as a bolt or pin) may fitted to corresponding apertures351of the first support328thereby allowing locking of the second legs344in the fitted deployed condition. It is noted the first legs342rotated past 90 degrees and abut with the first support328thereby being retained by the weight of the stand310.

Turning to the system320in more detail as shown inFIG.28, the system320is preferably arranged with the vessel324arranged below the tray316of the wheelbarrow312in the tipped orientation. The vessel324is generally fitted below two spaced apart lengthwise frame members346of the frame326with the second legs344in the vessel324. The arms350may be positioned toward one end or intermediate the vessel324such that when cleaning fluid (i.e. water) is applied to the tray, the fluid material mixture within the tray316is moveable at least partially via gravity toward and into the vessel324.

In some examples, the system320further includes a filter360fittable between the tray316and the vessel324. The filter360is adapted to selectively capture solid material of the fluid material mixture thereby separating such material from the cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid is therefore maintained relatively clean and may be reused or disposed of as per examples 1-3 above. The filter360may be secured across an opening of the vessel324, or may be suspended from the frame310. The filter360may be a filter material such as a geo-fabric, or paper, hemp etc as described above.

In some examples, the filter360may be removable or replaceable such as a cartridge or unit adapted to be fitted to the vessel324. The use of the filter360allows for re-use of the contained water that has passed through the filter360. It may be bucketed back into a cement mixer the following day or pumped with a small submersible pump to another location. In some examples, the vessel324may include valve and tap that allows the excess cleaned water to be drained to another location via gravity. This may simply be a bung hole and plug with hose attached 100 mm above the bottom of the vessel324. In some examples, the height of the wheelbarrow stand310may be adjustable so that it can be raised to suit vessels324with higher sides.

Turning to a method of cleaning a wheelbarrow using the above system320, the method generally includes the steps of: elevating the wheelbarrow312using the ramp352and supporting the wheel end336thereof on the first support328. The wheel end336is abutted with the wheel stop340and the handles338are lifted to pivot the wheelbarrow to the tipped orientation with the tray316supported by the second support332, in this example, the arms350that resiliently capture and support opposing sides of the tray316. The wheelbarrow312is then supported in the tipped orientation with the tray316thereof located above the vessel324. It is noted that the stand310may firstly need to be moved between the stowed and the deployed conditions.

In some examples, the filter360is arranged substantially such that a fluid material mixture is passed from the tray16through the filter360into the vessel324; and applying a cleaning fluid, such as water, to the tray316such that the fluid material mixture within the tray316is moveable at least partially via gravity toward the vessel324with at least some solid material carried by the fluid material mixture being captured by the filter360. The filter360, that may be a material filter, may then be discarded along with the collected solids and the captured water may be reused.

Advantageously, there has been described examples of an apparatus, associated systems and methods of use that allows for easy, convenient, safe and environmentally friendly cleaning of tools and equipment, in particular, wheelbarrows.

The provided examples allow the wheelbarrow and tools to be cleaned whilst capturing the wastewater and any solid material such as cement. The filter is able to be removed to safely dispose of captured material and the remaining water is able to be collected for disposal or treatment.

The support arrangement allows the wheelbarrow to be held for hands free cleaning and the integrated cut out allows the wheelbarrow to be tipped without lifting the entire wheel barrow. Tools or other equipment may be supported by the cleaning tray above the tub that allows simultaneous cleaning of the wheelbarrow and tools whilst keeping waste water contained.

The filter may be pre-shaped for ease of fitting and may include handles for ease of removal and disposal of the contained captured material. The internal surfaces of the tub include surface features to assist with movement of fluid, typically water, past the filter and the fluid treatment device assist to adjust the pH of the fluid after filtration such that the fluid, in particular, waste water may be disposed of onsite in a more environmentally friendly manner.

In one example the apparatus may include a wheelbarrow stand that advantageously allows the wheelbarrow to be supported in an elevated tipped position to allow for ease of cleaning over a collection vessel. The stand is easily foldable and transportable. The stand may be provided as part of a system including the stand, the collection vessel and the filter. The arrangement of the system being such that the wheelbarrow may be cleaned generally over the collection vessel with the filter collecting the solid material thereby leaving a cleaning fluid, typically water, in the collection vessel that may be reused or disposed of safely, and the collected solid material may be discarded.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.