Bio hazard spill cleanup system for home and institutional use

Abstract

A compact, self-contained, apparatus resembling a small wet-dry vacuum having a disposable liner within the body thereof. The body houses pullout drawers designed to hold required cleanup supplies such as tools and supplies. Further storage elements such as gloves, paper towels, cleaning implements, disposable scoops, plastic bags, disposable liners, etc. A spray bottle holder may be provided. A bag-retaining holder securely holds a plastic bag adapted to receive waste manually picked up from the soiled surface. Specialized disposable scoops are provided for such pickup. A vacuum cleaner unit may be utilized to extract the remaining portions of the spill, the aforementioned disposable liner receives and retains all matter extracted by the vacuum cleaner. When the cleaning operation is complete, the disposable liner fits within the durable plastic bag so that the all debris and all supplies associated with the cleanup may be disposed of in the single durable plastic bag.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to devices for cleaning up bio hazard spills and, more particularly, to a portable, compact, self-contained bio hazard spill cleanup system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Spilled food, animal excrement, vomit, and other such semi-solid bio hazard materials present particular cleanup challenges. Pet owners are often familiar with the scenario of being awakened during the night to realize that there has been a pet “accident”, the cleanup of which requires immediate attention. Techniques for cleaning up such messes are known and cleaning supplies specifically adapted for specific classes of spill are available.

However, several problems exist with cleanup approaches of the prior art. First, gathering the necessary cleaning supplies and cleanup implements requires time and effort, time, for example, during which the particular spill may be soaking further into a carpet. Second, receptacles for containing the mess are often makeshift and inefficient. Under worst-case scenarios, a thin plastic bag chosen to contain the mess may easily rupture and the cleanup process begins over again. Third, traditional vacuum cleaners used to clean spills are not adapted for vacuuming animal feces. The feces potentially contaminate the cleaner and an unpleasant smell may emanate from the cleaner upon subsequent uses thereof.

DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART

The prior art is replete with vacuum cleaners, especially those of the so-called “shop vac” or wet-dry class. It should be noted, however, that Shop Vac is a registered trademark of Shop Vac Corporation of Williamsport, PA but the term is commonly used generically. As used herein, the term shop vac is used to refer to any shop vacuum cleaner.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,938,299 for WET-DRY VACUUM CLEANER WITH SECURELY NESTABLE TOOL HOLDER AND BASKET, issued Sep. 6, 2005 to David Martinez et al. teaches a wet-dry type vacuum cleaner with both a tool caddy and waste receptacle basket securely connected to the tool caddy.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,472,456 for PORTABLE CLEANING ASSEMBLY WITH WASTE CONTAINER, issued Jan. 6, 2009 to Glen E. Moore et al. shows a large trash barrel with a vacuum cleaner disposed in a lower portion thereof.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,263,742 for MOBILE UNIT WITH DRAWERS AND DETACHABLE DUST SUCTION SYSTEM, issued Sep. 4, 2007 to Guido Valentini shows a shop vac type apparatus having at least one built-in drawer for storing cleaning supplies.

None of the patents, taken singly, or in any combination are seen to teach or suggest the novel bio hazard spill cleanup system of the present invention.

It would, therefore, be desirable to have a bio hazard spill cleanup system that overcame the numerous disadvantages of the prior art by providing all necessary tools and cleaning supplies including wastes receptacles, gloves, debris scoops, etc. within a compact housing that includes a specialized vacuum cleaner for lifting and isolating portions of the bio hazard spill in a disposable liner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a compact, self-contained, apparatus resembling a small wet-dry shop vacuum of the prior art. A special disposable liner within the waste container of the vacuum cleaner body receives and contains all debris picked up by the vacuum cleaner portion of the novel spill cleanup system. The body of the spill cleanup system contains several specialized storage compartments, typically in the form of pullout drawers. These compartments are specifically designed to hold and make readily available to a user of the spill cleanup system all required cleanup tools and supplies. Further storage elements may be disposed on the outer surface of the body. In the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, a spray bottle containing water or a cleaning solution may be retained. Gloves, paper towels, cleaning implements and/or products necessary to quickly and efficiently clean up a spill are provided. A holder also affixed to the outside of the body supports a durable plastic bag adapted to receive waste manually picked up from the soiled surface. Specialized disposable paper scoops are provided for such pickup.

Once manual pickup of the spill is accomplished, the vacuum cleaner unit of the system may be utilized to extract the remaining portions of the spill, typically in combination with one or more cleaning solutions. The aforementioned disposable liner within the vacuum cleaner portion receives and retains all matter extracted by the vacuum cleaner. When the cleaning operation is complete, the disposable liner fits within the durable plastic bag so that all the debris and all supplies associated with the cleanup may be disposed of in the single durable plastic bag.

The vacuum hose has a smooth interior surface and is retained on the outside surface of the spill cleanup unit for ready access. The hose is sealed so that any remaining bio hazard material remaining therein at the completion of a cleanup operation is retained and not released into the environment.

Large swivel casters allow easy movement of the spill cleanup system on any floor surface.

It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a compact, self-contained bio hazard spill cleanup unit to facilitate cleanup of semi-solid bio hazard and other spills.

It is another object of the invention to provide a compact, self-contained bio hazard spill cleanup unit wherein all necessary cleanup supplies and cleaning tools are stored within the unit.

It is an additional object of the invention to provide a compact, self-contained bio hazard spill cleanup unit including a vacuum cleaner having a disposable liner to receive and retain all debris extracted by the vacuum cleaner.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a compact, self-contained bio hazard spill cleanup unit having a support for securely retaining a durable plastic bag into which manually removed spill debris may be placed, spent cleaning supplies, and the disposable liner may be placed for easy, secure disposal.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide a compact, self-contained bio hazard spill cleanup unit having the form factor of a small wet-dry style shop vacuum having large swivel casters to allow ready movement on any floor surface.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a compact, self-contained bio hazard spill cleanup unit having a hose with a smooth interior to prevent retention of bio hazard materials thereupon.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide a compact, self-contained bio hazard spill cleanup unit having a hose that has a sealing cap at its distal end to prevent any hazardous waste remaining in the hose from escaping into the environment at the conclusion of a cleaning operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of the components of the spill cleanup system of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of a motor unit forming part of the spill cleanup unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a right side perspective view of the spill cleanup system of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a front, perspective view of the spill cleanup system of the invention showing a bag secured on a bag retaining ring; and

FIG. 5 is a left side perspective view of the spill cleanup system of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention provides a bio hazard spill cleanup system having a special vacuum cleaner and a housing wherein all necessary equipment and supplies for effectively and efficiently cleaning a bio hazard spill such as food, pet feces, vomit, and other such problematic materials.

Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown an exploded, perspective view of the components of the spill cleanup system of the invention, generally at reference number 100. A hollow body 102 has an open top 104 adapted to receive and lockingly retain a motor unit 106 within hollow body 102.

Referring now also to FIG. 2, there is shown a detailed perspective view of motor unit 106. A top 106 has an attached handle 109 and an exhaust port 110. A motor, not specifically identified, depends from top 106 and is surrounded by an air filter 112. A HEPA filter 111 disposed in the air discharge path ensures that any hazardous particles are trapped and not discharged into the room ari from bio hazard spill cleanup apparatus 100. Motors and filters, including HEPA filter 111 suitable for use in vacuum units such as novel spill cleanup unit 100 are believed to be well known to those of skill and, consequently, are not described in further detail herein.

A threaded region 116, adapted to interact with body top opening 104 secures motor unit 106 to hollow body 102. In the embodiment chosen for purpose of disclosure, a ⅔-twist locking arrangement has been chosen. It will be recognized by those of skill in the art that alternate retaining arrangements for motor unit 100 are possible. Such arrangements are believed to be known to those of skill in the art, any suitable arrangement may be substituted for the ⅔-twist locking arrangement chosen for purposes of disclosure.

An intervening resilient gasket 118 forms an airtight seal between motor unit 106 and hollow body 102. Resilient gasket 118 is typically formed from neoprene or a similar elastomer. Any suitable material known to those of skill in the art may be used to form resilient gasket, the actual material forming no part of the present invention.

It will be recognized that electrical power must be supplied to motor unit, typically from AC mains. A power cord, not shown, mat be permanently attached to motor unit 106. A cord winder or similar mechanism, not shown, may be included in motor unit 106 to retain a power cord when not in use. The specific arrangement for supplying power to motor unit 106 forms no part of the present invention. Consequently, any suitable power cord arrangement may be used.

In alternate embodiments, spill cleanup system may be battery powered. Batteries, not shown, may be housed within hollow body.

A power switch 120 is disposed on motor unit 106 top 108. In the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure, an illuminated switch has been selected. Any suitable switch may, of course, be substituted therefore.

A front region of hollow body 102 has openings 122a, 122b adapted to slidably receive storage drawers 124a, 124b, respectively.

A flip up bag retaining ring 126 is hingedly affixed to the right side of hollow body 102. A bag support shelf 128 is slidably retained within hollow body 102 below bag retaining ring 126. As is described in detail hereinbelow, bag retaining ring 126 and bag support shelf function to reliably retain a bag, not shown, into which manually removed portions of a spill being cleaned may be placed.

Casters 130 are retained in projecting feet 132 at a lower portion of hollow body 102.

A pair of hose retaining clips 134, typically affixed to the left side of hollow body 102 serve to retain a hose 136 when not in use. Hose 136 typically has a smooth interior surface, not specifically identified, to ensure that hazardous material, not shown, passing through hose 136 during a cleanup operation does not tend to be trapped within house 136 and later release into the environment at the conclusion of a cleanup operation. In addition, hose 136 is sealed by hose end cap 150 (FIG. 5) when not in use, thereby sealing the interior region of not only hose 126 but of bio hazard cleanup apparatus 100.

One or more bottle cages 138 may be affixed to hollow body 102 to keep bottles 140 of cleaning fluids(s) readily accessible for cleaning a spill. Bottles 140 form no part of the invention but are included to demonstrate the intended use of bottle cages 138. Bottle cage lids 142 retain bottles 140 in bottle cages 138 and are typically child resistant. Child resistant cap mechanisms are believed to be well known to those of skill in the art and are not further described herein. The invention covers any and all suitable child resistant cap mechanisms.

A paper towel holder 146 is also disposed on an outside surface of hollow body 102. A roll of paper towels 148 is retained on paper towel holder 146 so that they may be readily accessed during a cleanup operation. Paper towels 148 form no part of the present invention.

Referring now also to FIGS. 3 and 5, there are shown a right side and left side perspective views, respectively, of spill cleanup system 100. Bottle cage 138, bottle 140, and bottle cage cap 142 are clearly visible at the right rear corner of hollow body 102. Hose 136, retained in hose retaining clips 134 (not visible in FIG. 3) on the left side of hollow body 102.

Hose 136 has a hose end cap 150 disposed at its distal end so as to prevent any hazardous material remaining in hose 136 at the conclusion of a clean-up operation from being discharged into the environment.

Accessories useful for cleaning a spill are typically stored in drawers 124a, 124b so as to be instantly available for spill cleanup. Several accessories are anticipated to be available. These include disposable gloves such as those well known to those of skill in either medical or food service arts; disposable paper scoops intended for manually removing solid and/or semi-solid portions of the spill; plastic bags sized and configured for use with bag retaining ring 126 and bag support shelf 128; and disposable liners 114. Suitable masks, not shown, are typically also stored in drawers 124a, 124b. Suitable masks are believed to be known to those of skill in the art and one or more suitable types of mask, depending on the nature of the bio hazard spill being cleans may be provided. Other supplies may include paper towels, cleaning clothes, cleaning chemicals, cleaning implements such as brushes, or any other supply or tool useful in cleaning a particular type of spill.

In operation, when spill cleanup is required, spill cleanup unit 100 may be moved from a storage location to a spot near the spill to be cleaned.

A disposable liner 114 is assembled to motor unit 106 over air filter 112.

A bag, 144 (FIG. 4) is attached to bag support ring 126 with its bottom resting on bag support shelf 128 as required.

When required, paper scoops are used to pick up solid and semi-solid portions of the spilled matter. Both the scooped matter and, when finished, the scoops themselves, may be placed in bag 144 for eventual disposal.

The spill may be treated using any desired chemical including water, solvents, soaps and detergents, etc., typically contained in bottle 140. The spill residue is then vacuumed through hose 136 where is collected in disposable liner 114.

When the vacuuming operation is complete, disposable liner 114 may be removed from motor unit 106 and also placed in bag 144 for disposal. All other disposable cleaning supplies (e.g., paper towels, cleaning cloths, etc.) may also be placed in bag 144 for disposal.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.

Claims

1. A spill cleanup system comprising:

a) a hollow body having a opening in a top portion thereof sized and configured to receive and lockably retain a motor and having bottom region configured for attachment of downward facing casters thereto;

b) at least three casters attached to said bottom region of said hollow body;

c) a motor assembly comprising a motor, an air discharge vent, an electrical switch, a filter operatively connected to said motor and configured to removably receive a disposable liner thereupon;

d) at least one drawer slidably disposed in said hollow body;

e) a hose operatively connected to said hollow body and removably storable thereupon.

2. The spill cleanup system as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

f) a bottle cage affixed to an outer region of said hollow body and configured to removably retain a bottle therein.

3. The spill cleanup system as recited in claim 2, wherein said bottle cage comprises a bottle cage cap.

4. The spill cleanup system as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

f) a bag retaining ring affixed to an outside surface of said hollow body; and

g) a bag support shelf slidably retained within said hollow body and disposed below said bag retaining ring.

5. The spill cleanup system as recited in claim 1, wherein said hose comprises at least two hose retaining clips affixed to an outside surface of said hollow body.

6. The spill cleanup system as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one drawer comprises two drawers disposed one above the other.

7. The spill cleanup system as recited in claim 1, wherein said motor assembly comprises a handle disposed on a top surface thereof.

8. The spill cleanup system as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

f) cleaning supplies chosen from the group: plastic bags, disposable scoops, and disposable liners.

9) The spill cleanup system as recited in claim 1, wherein said hose comprises at least one chosen from the group: a smooth interior surface, a seal disposed at a distal end thereof.

10) The spill cleanup system as recited in claim 9, wherein said seal comprises a removable hose end cap.

11) The spill cleanup system as recited in claim 3, wherein said bottle cage cap comprises a child resistant bottle cage cap.

12. A method of cleaning a spill, comprising:

a) providing a spill cleanup system comprising: a hollow body having a opening in a top portion thereof sized and configured to receive and lockably retain a motor and having bottom region configured for attachment of downward facing casters thereto; at least three casters attached to said bottom region of said hollow body; a motor assembly comprising a motor, an air discharge vent, an electrical switch, a filter operatively connected to said motor and configured to removably receive a disposable liner thereupon; at least one drawer slidably disposed in said hollow body; and a hose operatively connected to said hollow body and removably storable thereupon; a bag retaining ring and a bag support shelf;

b) providing spill cleanup supplies chosen from the group: plastic bags, disposable scoops, disposable liners, and cleaning fluids;

c) moving said spill cleanup system to the site of a spill;

d) securing a plastic bag to said bag retaining ring and supporting said bag on said bag support shelf

d) if necessary, using at least one of said disposable scoops to remove a portion of said spill and depositing said removed portion of said spill in said bag secured to said bag support ring;

e) using said hose connected to said motor to extract a remaining portion of said spill and capturing said remaining portion in said disposable liner;

f) when finished with said using step (e), removing said disposable liner and depositing said disposable liner in said plastic bag.

13. The method of cleaning a spill as recited in claim 12, wherein said providing step (a) comprises providing at least two drawers disposed one above the other in said hollow body.

14. The method of cleaning a spill as recited in claim 13, wherein said providing step (b) comprises the sub-step: storing said cleanup supplies in at least one of said at least two drawers.

15. The method of cleaning a spill as recited in claim 12, the steps further comprising:

g) retaining said hose on said hollow body;

h) storing said spill cleanup system; and

i) disposing of said plastic bag.