1. Field of the Invention (Technical Field)
The present invention relates to the interior and exterior cleaning of waste carts, containers, and receptacles, preferably used for residential and commercial waste, garbage, or trash.
2. Description of Related Art
Residential and commercial waste containers can collect wastes and pests throughout the course of their use. Cleaning and maintenance of these waste containers can be time consuming and difficult, not to mention dangerous depending on the waste or residue. Often these containers are not cleaned regularly which can lead to worse health and environmental problems, especially in areas of dense populations.
The present invention provides for the exterior and interior washing and cleaning of containers.
The present invention relates to a waste container cleaning system to provide a sanitary, efficient and cost effective apparatus and method for preferably cleaning the interior and exterior of commercial and industrial garbage containers.
The present invention preferably is a spraying system for spraying a cart or container comprising: a fluid spray system for spraying the cart or container, the spray system spraying both an inside and an outside of the cart or container; and a system for lifting and inverting the cart or container over said fluid spray system. Preferably the present invention is on a mobile vehicle and comprises the spraying system and a transportable base.
The present invention preferably has a switch for operating said spraying system in the cab of the vehicle. This switch can be manually or automatically activated.
The present invention preferably sprays the inside and the outside of the cart or container simultaneously. Alternatively the spraying of the inside and outside of the cart or container is in series. After spraying the cart or container, the present invention preferably has a system for lifting and inverting comprises a system for returning the cart or container to its approximate original location.
The lid of the cart or container is lifted preferably with a lid lifter and is also sprayed.
The present invention includes but is not limited to a method for spraying a cart or container comprising: lifting and inverting a cart or container over a fluid spray system; and spraying the cart or container, wherein the spray system sprays the inside and an outside of the cart or container.
The present invention is disposed on a mobile vehicle comprising a transportable base and a switch is disposed in a cab of the vehicle allowing initiation of the spraying with the switch. The switch can be manually or automatically activated.
The method of the present invention includes but is not limited to spraying the inside and the outside of the cart or container simultaneously or in series.
The present invention preferably comprises a lid lifter to lift the lid and the lid is preferably cleaned by spraying the lid of the cart or container with the spray system. After cleaning of the cart or container, the present invention preferably includes but is not limited to returning the cart or container to its approximate original location.
Further scope of applicability of the present invention will be set forth in part in the detailed description to follow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating one or more preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings:
The present invention is a method and apparatus for waste container cleaning which is preferably used to clean residential (e.g. 35 gallons to 350 gallons) or commercial or industrial (e.g. 1 cubic yard to 10 cubic yards) garbage containers. Embodiments of the invention can be used for either residential, commercial or industrial waste containers. The cleaning system preferably comprises a mobile system, including but not limited to a truck or vehicle separate from the regularly scheduled garbage truck. The waste container cleaning system is preferably a mobile vehicle with an engine, but can be stationary. The mobile system is preferably a separate modified garbage truck or other vehicle. The vehicle is preferably a side loading truck but alternatively may be a front loading truck or a rear loading truck or vehicle.
An embodiment of the invention is a side loading vehicle with a side loading arm that has been modified to invert a waste container 180 degrees. Alternatively, the waste container is inverted to less than 180 degrees, but preferably more than 150 degrees. The cleaning cycle is preferably several seconds (between approximately 6 seconds and approximately 15 seconds) and most preferably less than six (6) seconds so that the vehicle is able to follow a garbage truck along a regularly scheduled route and clean the waste containers after being dumped by the garbage truck.
As used throughout the specification and claims the terms “cart” “container” or “receptacle” is intended to include any residential, commercial or industrial apparatus or device which is capable of containing waste materials, debris or other items, and includes but is not limited to a receptacle, trash container, industrial container, garbage can, cart, and dumpster.
As used throughout the specification the term “pests” is intended to include any materials or organisms that may corrupt the container, including but not limited to fungi, bacteria, and odors.
The term “filter” as used throughout the specification and claims is defined as a separator and includes but is not limited to materials, electronics, or any item that is appropriate to separate one component from another.
As used throughout the specification and claims the term “fluid” is intended to include any fluid material, including but not limited to a solid, semi-solid, powder, liquid or vapor. A fluid also includes but is not limited to cold fluid, hot fluid, steam, chemicals, liquids, solids, semi-solids, gases, chemicals, oils, granules and sprays.
As used throughout the specification and claims the term “detergent” means a soap or cleaning substance and also may comprise any antibacterial, antiviral, and/or sanitary agent.
As used throughout the specification and claims, the term “guide” refers to but is not limited to anything which helps to direct the course or determine the direction of traveling of the waste container over the spray system so that the spray system is not damaged.
The drawings show alternative embodiments of the invention. As shown therein,
The waste container cleaning system has a fluid spray system which has at least one rotatable coupling, holding at least one spray head. Directional spray nozzle(s) are preferable. The spray head(s) are preferably on a rotatable coupling, and the spray head(s) and spray nozzle(s) may be stationary or rotating. The spray cleaning method includes but is not limited to passing a clean fluid through at least one spray nozzle on at least one spray head on at least one rotatable coupling, and spraying the inverted container with the clean fluid. The rotating head may also oscillate in any direction and with any speed. The preferred embodiment is a chain driven mechanism but alternatively any mechanism capable of driving rotational unit may be used. The rotational speed is preferably between approximately 5 rpm and approximately 500 rpm per head. The rotational speed is more preferably between approximately 10 rpm and approximately 200 rpm, and most preferably between approximately 20 rpm and approximately 70 rpm. Each nozzle preferably uses a high impact spray pattern that is preferably between approximately zero degrees and approximately 100 degrees, more preferably between approximately 2 degrees and approximately 75 degrees, and most preferably between approximately 5 degrees and approximately 60 degrees. The spray is preferably between approximately 1 gallons per minute and 50 gallons per minute. The spray head pressure is preferably between approximately 5 psi and approximately 2,000 psi, more preferably between approximately 10 psi and approximately 1500 psi; and most preferably between approximately 25 psi and approximately 1200 psi.
Spray head 38 and directional nozzles 34 rest on top of rotating coupling 36. Spray head 38 and nozzle 34 are preferably made of metal or other heavy duty material(s). Spray head 38 and directional nozzles 34 spin preferably between approximately 3 rpm and approximately 2000 rpm, more preferably between approximately 5 rpm and approximately 1500 rpm, and most preferably between approximately 10 rpm and approximately 1000 rpm. The fluid is delivered at a flow rate of preferably between approximately 5 gal/min and approximately 1000 gal/min (more preferably between approximately 10 gpm and approximately 800 gpm, and most preferably between approximately 15 gpm and approximately 500 gpm) to nozzles 34 through piping 40, and each nozzle 34 pressure sprays the container.
An embodiment of the present invention has a fluid recycling system and uses the method of recycling the fluid from the spray system after the inverted waste container has been sprayed. The fluid is preferably recycled and reused in the cleaning system. At the end of the day or run, the recycled fluid is preferably filtered and may be dumped down a sewer system and any residue or waste may be dumped at the end of the day. The filter is preferably a screen filter, and an embodiment includes but is not limited to intake and effluent valves that are used to intake fluid into the clean storage basin and remove the waste fluids and a system exhaust vent. The fluid recycling system includes but is not limited to a catch basin for catching fluid used during the spray cleaning; a filtering and separating mechanisms to separate cleaned or recyclable fluids from final waste fluids; mechanisms for reintroducing the cleaned fluid back into the clean fluid storage tank; and associated piping and pumping devices.
The container cleaning system preferably employs electric shut-off valves and pressure relief valves, and power source 84. Power source preferably brings in the fluid from storage tank 82 and disperses the clean fluid through spray nozzles 96. Pump 86, suction 88 and conveyor 76 are preferably left on during the entire scheduled run, and are either activated by the driver, preferably using solenoids or other control mechanisms, or are alternatively automatically activated through sensors. Power source 84 (preferably between approximately 25 hp and approximately 500 hp) drives the system and pump 86 (preferably between approximately 25 gal/min and 500 gal/min). Suction system 88 (e.g. ½″ to 6″ pipe) removes the fluid. Power source 84 may be, but is not limited to, a diesel engine, a gasoline engine or an electric engine, hydraulic motor, pneumatic motor, as appropriate to the cleaning application. Additionally, pneumatic, electric or mechanical pumps may be used as appropriate to the cleaning operation.
Piping 88, 90 and storage tanks 82, 80 are preferably made of metal, heavy-duty plastic, or other heavy duty materials, suitable to their purpose. Any particulate or large matter waste preferably falls onto conveyor 76 (see also
The preferred embodiment has an automated loading arm. Alternative embodiments include any manual, semi-automatic, and automated lifting and tipping mechanisms. Other alternatives include but are not limited to cylindrical, chain, and frame rail, cable, track and gear, pneumatic, and screw drive lifting mechanisms.
The loading arm is preferably bendable up to 180 degrees, and usually more than 150 degrees and preferably, for inverting the container over the spray system. The inverted container aids in more complete cleaning and reduces residual liquids in the waste container. A knuckle is preferable on the loading arm for grasping and releasing the waste container. The bendable loading arm may be a side loading arm, a front loading arm or a rear loading arm. Inverting the container preferably comprises: grasping the container with a knuckle on the loading arm, lifting the container, and inverting the container up to 180 degrees (or at least 150 degrees), and holding the lid up. The container is spray cleaned and then set back down, reversing the steps of grasping, lifting and inverting.
The arm and knuckle system are preferably able to simulate the human hand in rotation of containers or carts. The bearings and fittings of the knuckle fit in for a rotatable range of motion allowing the knuckle to grip the container and manipulate it as necessary for maximum cleaning. The knuckle is preferably attached to the arm for lifting. The knuckle is made of a set of rigid materials including but not limited to stainless steel. The arm is a rigid material with a grasping end including but not limited to clamps, belts, hoops and shoes. Alternative lifting systems may be employed as appropriate including but not limited to magnets, hooks, forklifts or any device capable of lifting a container.
The container cleaning system preferably includes a conveyor or conveyance system to transport debris away from the container. The conveyor system dumps the debris into a debris container located on the mobile vehicle. The debris container is then dumped at the end of a series of container cleanings. The debris container preferably has a rod and handle mechanism for ease of dumping. This mechanism allows for the increased safety of the handlers, and more efficient return to the cleaning.
The conveyor system is a conveying device or pumps and piping that transports the debris away from the inverted container during cleaning. It may include a brush to clean the conveying device.
Alternative embodiments include hot water or steam systems, and mist systems that can recapture the mist for reuse. Other alternatives use solvents, chemical agents, and/or granule spray cleaning similar to sandblasting or shot peening. Additional alternatives may include a cleaning brush, wiping mechanism, and other types of spray systems. Other alternatives include electrical or sound waves, or manual cleaning mechanisms.
The container cleaning system preferably has a series water pressure system. A series or parallel water pressure system creates continuous water flow, and prevents back flow through an in-line high pressure fluid system. This type of water pressure system is a series water pressure system, where one section of the system is turned on or off “in series” with the other sections.
The in-line high-pressure system preferably has opposite pressure switches, a pop-off switch, a shut-off switch, a controlling solenoid, and a shut-down mechanism which allows the fluid spray to be turned off in seconds (preferably, less than six seconds).
Alternative embodiments include but are not limited to automatic lid opening and closing mechanisms on the lifting arm or other areas of the container cleaning system. Lid lifter 186 is a rod which can be made of metal or any hard or rigid substance, and keeps the lid of the container up while the container is inverted for spraying. Spray head protector 150 is a guide for the container to be efficiently placed over spray head and protects spray head 188 from damage.
The waste container cleaning system preferably has a fluid storage tank that uses an overflow filtration fluid system. The overflow system includes but is not limited to at least one filter, a centrifuge, separate compartments, and an agitator.
The waste container cleaning system fluid storage tank preferably uses premixed chemicals that clean the waste container immediately, coat the waste container and continue to be active for months (e.g., up to at least six months). The active premixed chemicals keep the waste container cleaner and allow subsequent cleanings to be more efficient.
The container cleaning system is preferably mobile. Alternatively the cleaning system may be part of a garbage truck, a separate trailer or a single person mobile unit. A number of alternative embodiments are available with slight modifications to the system. The cleaning system may alternatively be employed as a stationary cleaning system at, for example, a transfer station, landfill, toxic or hazardous waste sites or active storage units, and at remediation sites.
Other alternative uses include, but are not limited to, cleaning or spraying of chemical drums, grease dumpsters (e.g. behind restaurants), rain barrels and non-uniform residential, commercial or industrial dumpsters or waste containers. The container spraying system can alternatively be used for rural areas, farms or ranches.
The invention is further illustrated by the following non-limiting example.
An interior and exterior cleaning system was built and tested as described herein. The spray hopper was lined with multiple spray nozzles mounted on PVC pipe and attached to the inside of the hopper, completely surrounding the cart, and powered by a high-pressure fluid line.
Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/697,208 entitled “Automatic Cart and Container Cleaning and Valve System,” filed Apr. 5, 2007; which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/681,717 entitled “Automatic Cart and Container Cleaning and Valve System,” filed Mar. 2, 2007 (abandoned); which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/458,358, entitled “Automated Cart and Container Cleaning System,” filed on Jul. 18, 2006; which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/212,276, entitled “Waste Container Cleaning System,” filed on Aug. 25, 2005, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,225,816, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/604,539, entitled “Mobile Waste Can Cleaning System,” filed on Aug. 25, 2004.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60604539 | Aug 2004 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 11697208 | Apr 2007 | US |
Child | 11929739 | Oct 2007 | US |
Parent | 11681717 | Mar 2007 | US |
Child | 11697208 | Apr 2007 | US |
Parent | 11458358 | Jul 2006 | US |
Child | 11681717 | Mar 2007 | US |
Parent | 11212276 | Aug 2005 | US |
Child | 11458358 | Jul 2006 | US |