U.S. patent application number 11/926999 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-06 for stain and odor detection and cleanup system.
This patent application is currently assigned to HARTZ MOUNTAIN CORPORATION. Invention is credited to William D. SR. McKay.
Application Number | 20080056803 11/926999 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38368656 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080056803 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McKay; William D. SR. |
March 6, 2008 |
STAIN AND ODOR DETECTION AND CLEANUP SYSTEM
Abstract
A method and apparatus for detecting stains, urine, odor and
feces, and more particularly, the combination of a black light
detector and a liquid reservoir and/or trigger pump dispensing
vehicle for containing stain removing chemicals is provided. The
black light is selectively and removably mounted or positioned in
the body of the dispensing vehicle.
Inventors: |
McKay; William D. SR.;
(Grand Blanc, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GOTTLIEB RACKMAN & REISMAN PC
270 MADISON AVENUE
8TH FLOOR
NEW YORK
NY
10016-0601
US
|
Assignee: |
HARTZ MOUNTAIN CORPORATION
|
Family ID: |
38368656 |
Appl. No.: |
11/926999 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11387992 |
Mar 22, 2006 |
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11926999 |
Oct 29, 2007 |
|
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60772038 |
Feb 10, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
401/123 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 13/51 20130101;
A46B 15/0002 20130101; A46B 15/0091 20130101; A46B 15/0036
20130101; A47L 13/26 20130101; A46B 11/00 20130101; A47L 13/12
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
401/123 |
International
Class: |
A46B 11/00 20060101
A46B011/00 |
Claims
1. A system for detecting and eliminating stains comprising: a
support rod having first and seconds; a container for housing
liquid in a reservoir containing stain removing chemicals said
container disposed along said rod and intermediate said ends; a
dispensing mechanism in communication with said reservoir for
selectively dispensing at least a portion of said liquid onto a
surface; and a light unit containing a light element suitable for
detecting a stain on said surface and mounted on the second end of
said rod.
2-9. (canceled)
10. The system of claim 1, wherein said dispensing mechanism
includes a displaceable valve operational in said reservoir, a
dispensing opening, and a tubing extending between said reservoir
and said opening through which a portion of said liquid is carried
in response to displacement of said valve.
11-12. (canceled)
13. The system of claim 1, wherein said dispensing mechanism
includes a hose extending from inside said container to a
dispensing element for selectively delivering at least a portion of
said liquid contained in said container to said dispensing
element.
14. (canceled)
15. The system of claim 1, wherein said light unit is tubular in
configuration and horizontally coupled to said one end of said
rod.
16-21. (canceled)
22. The system of claim 1, wherein said support rod includes a
wheel element to facilitate movement thereof along said
surface.
23. The system of claim 1, wherein support rod includes a handle or
grip at for enabling said rod to be steered along said surface.
24-32. (canceled)
33. The system of claim 1, wherein said light element is a black
light element.
34. The system of claim 10, wherein said dispensing opening is
located at the second end of said rod and adjacent said light
unit.
35. The system of claim 13, wherein said dispensing element is
located at the second end of said rod and adjacent said light
unit.
36. The system of claim 1, wherein said container is housed in a
receptacle attached to said rod at a location intermediate said
ends.
37. The system of claim 22, wherein said handle or grip is angled
relative to said support rod.
38. The system of claim 22, wherein said wheel element is located
at said second end and said light unit is mounted at said second
end.
39. The system of claim 38, further including a handle or grip at
said first end.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority of provisional application
for 60/772,038 field Feb. 10, 2006.
[0002] This application is directed to a method and apparatus for
detecting stains, urine, odor and feces, and more particularly, to
the combination of a black light detector and a liquid reservoir
and/or trigger pump dispensing vehicle for containing stain
removing chemicals. The black light is selectively and removably
mounted or positioned in the body of the dispensing vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Finding and cleaning up stains and other organic remains is
a significant problem, especially in households where there are
pets. Often times, a pet may leave urine or other bodily fluid
stains on carpets, rugs and other floor surfaces, sometimes
creating an unpleasant or even foul odor. In some cases, while it
may be difficult to locate or even see where the stain is, the
presence of a smell or odor in a room may well indicate that a
stain in some location does indeed exist.
[0004] In the prior art, cleanup and removal of bodily fluid stains
and other marks is typically accomplished by utilizing enzyme
chemistry or other chemical materials that, stated simply, eat up
the stains as well as provide a disinfectant and anti-odor
treatment. Because of the difficulty in locating such stains, it
would be desirable to provide a system which combines both a
detecting mechanism, as well as a stain cleanup and removal
component.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention relates to finding, detecting and
cleaning up/removing old or new urine marks/stains or other organic
matter such as feces, blood, saliva and more. Clean up and removal
are accomplished by utilizing enzyme chemistry or other chemical
(typically) materials that essentially eat up stains and odors
and/or bleach or disinfectant.
[0006] In general, the invention combines a black light detector
with a liquid reservoir and/or trigger or pump dispensing vehicle.
Particularly, a black light is mounted within the body of the
liquid reservoir or within the trigger or pump dispensing
vehicle.
[0007] Particularly, the invention comprises the combination of a
black light detector and a liquid reservoir and/or trigger or pump
dispensing vehicle (the latter for retaining stain removing
chemicals). The black light is normally mounted or positioned in
the body of the dispensing vehicle. The black light is turned on in
a darkened area (where a stain is believed to exist) so as to
visually detect the stain, after which the liquid stain removing
chemicals are applied to the stain.
[0008] The advantage of the inventive system is combining both the
black light with the chemical dispensing unit into one unit--this
provides one hand operation versus conventional two hand operation.
A removable optional brush could be added to the system.
[0009] An additional embodiment uses a specially designed
device/wand that is suitable for carrying the black light and a
replaceable pump bottle containing liquid cleaner. Moreover,
instead of the black light, the wand can carry a tape roll, sponge
or cloth, or a foam or cushion bearing a delinting fiber surface.
In other words, because the black light is removable, it can enable
other items that are used in cleaning to be removably carried.
[0010] Thus, the system/method comprises turning the black light on
in a darkened room and moving the dispenser across a surface where
a stain may be located, identifying the stain, and then engaging
the trigger of the dispensing vehicle to dispense cleaning and/or
deodorizing chemicals, followed optionally by wiping the surface
where the stain was located.
[0011] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an
improved system for detecting stains.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a stain
detecting system which utilizes a black light detector.
[0013] A further object of the invention is to provide a stain
detecting system in which a dispensing vehicle houses a light
detector.
[0014] Still, other objects and advantages will be apparent from
the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a dispensing vehicle of
the invention containing a refillable bottle, a trigger sprayer and
a selectively removable light unit;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 1 and
showing an optional brush hanging along the rear of the dispensing
vehicle;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the dispensing vehicle
of FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of the dispensing vehicle of
FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 4A is a top plan view of the light unit component of
the dispensing vehicle of FIG. 4.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a partial side view showing the dispensing vehicle
of FIG. 2 with an angled neck portion;
[0021] FIG. 6 is an exploded side view of a second embodiment of
the inventive dispensing vehicle showing a sliding fit between a
reservoir/bottle and a light unit;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a side view of the dispensing vehicle of FIG. 6 in
an assembled condition;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the dispensing vehicle
of FIG. 6 in an assembled condition;
[0024] FIG. 9 is an exploded side view of a modified version of the
inventive dispensing vehicle of FIG. 6 showing a snap fit between
the reservoir/bottle and the light unit;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a side view of the dispensing vehicle of FIG. 9
in an assembled condition;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the dispensing
vehicle of FIG. 9 in an assembled condition;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a partial front view showing an alternative
threaded mechanism for attaching the reservoir/bottle to the light
unit;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a third embodiment of
the inventive dispensing vehicle in the form of a jug with a
detachable trigger-sprayer;
[0029] FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of the dispensing
vehicle of FIG. 13;
[0030] FIG. 15 is a side view of an optional trigger sprayer with
built-in light unit for use with the dispensing vehicle of FIG.
13;
[0031] FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of a cap and light unit
used for the embodiment of FIGS. 17A and 17B;
[0032] FIG. 17A is a side view of a fourth embodiment of the
inventive dispensing vehicle comprising a bottle and a snap-on
cap;
[0033] FIG. 17B is a front elevational view of the dispensing
vehicle of FIG. 17A;
[0034] FIG. 18 is a side view of a fifth embodiment of the
inventive dispensing vehicle including a wheel for facilitating
movement across a floor;
[0035] FIG. 19 is a front elevational view of the dispensing
vehicle shown in FIG. 18;
[0036] FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of a sixth embodiment of
the inventive dispensing vehicle in the form of a wand;
[0037] FIG. 21 is a front elevational view of a revised wand as the
dispensing vehicle and without the light unit or pump bottle
clipped into the wand;
[0038] FIG. 22 is a side view of the wand of FIG. 21 and with the
light unit and pump bottle attached;
[0039] FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the upper portion of
the wand shown in FIG. 21 and depicting a tape roll disposed in the
wand upper compartment;
[0040] FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the wand portion shown in
FIG. 23 and depicting the wand upper compartment, a tape roll
receptacle, and the tape roll;
[0041] FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of an absorbent member
disposed in the upper compartment of the wand of FIG. 21;
[0042] FIG. 26 is a side view of a cushion material with a
delinting fiber surface being disposed in the upper compartment of
the wand of FIG. 21;
[0043] FIG. 27 is a side view of an alternative version of the wand
depicted in FIG. 21 with a tape roll unit threadingly connected to
the wand lower compartment; and
[0044] FIG. 28 is an exploded view of the tape roll unit shown in
FIG. 27.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] Referring first to FIGS. 1-4, a first embodiment of the
dispensing vehicle, generally indicated at 11, and made in
accordance with the invention, is now described. Dispensing vehicle
11 comprises a bottle 13, a trigger sprayer unit 14 and a
selectively detachable light unit 37. Bottle 13 is defined by a
base 15, a body 17 and a neck 19. Body 17 of bottle 13 is formed
with a longitudinally extending forward cavity 33 (see FIG. 4) for
selectively receiving light unit 37. Bottle 13, which can be made
of polyethylene, PVC or PETE, contains a reservoir (not shown) for
housing liquid treatment chemicals, such as cleaning-type chemicals
that are suitable for application to and treatment of organic
stains produced from urine, feces, blood, saliva, etc.
[0046] Removably mounted along neck 19 of bottle 13 is a trigger
sprayer unit 14 for enabling selective dispensing of the liquid
treatment chemicals housed in the reservoir of bottle 13, as is
well-known in the art. Trigger sprayer unit 14 includes a mounting
cap 21 removably coupled to neck 19, a spray element 23 seated
within cap 21, and a trigger 25.
[0047] Light unit 37, as shown best in FIGS. 2 and 4, is defined by
a longitudinally extending receptacle 39 that is sized to be
selectively received in cavity 33 of bottle 13. In particular,
receptacle 39 has ends 43 that are formed with a pair of indents 45
(see FIG. 4A) which are designed to selectively engage and catch a
corresponding pair of protrusions 35 that depend from the upper and
lower segments of cavity 33. (See FIG. 4). This enables light unit
37 to be selectively and slidably mounted within cavity 33 (see
FIGS. 2 and 3).
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 2-4, light unit 37 carries a
longitudinally extending black light 41 of a type well-known in the
art. Black light is used to detect stains in a darkened location.
Therefore, in accordance with the invention, black light 41 of
light unit 37 is incorporated within dispensing vehicle 11 so that
vehicle 11 functions both as a stain detecting system and a stain
treatment/cleanup system. Cleanup and treatment of the stain is
achieved by selectively spraying liquid treatment chemicals that
are stored in the reservoir of bottle 13 of vehicle 11, as
described herein.
[0049] Optionally, as best shown in FIG. 5, bottle 13 of dispensing
vehicle 11 may have a neck 19.sup.I that is formed at a forward
angle so that sprayer unit 14 points more directly down onto where
a stain needs to be treated and without requiring significant
movement of bottle 13.
[0050] Dispensing vehicle 11, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, may also
include a brush 27 that is carried along the rear of bottle 14.
Brush 27 includes a handle 29 and a bristle member 31 defined by a
plurality of bristles. As shown in FIG. 4, handle 27, for purposes
of selective storage along the rear of bottle 13, is formed with a
pair of cutouts 45 which can selectively engage a corresponding
pair of pegs 47, depending rearwardly from the back portion of
bottle 13.
[0051] Turning now to FIGS. 6-12, a second embodiment of the
inventive dispensing vehicle is shown generally indicated at 111.
Dispending vehicle 111 includes a bottle 113, a pump sprayer unit
114 mounted on bottle 113, and a selectively detachable light unit
137. In this embodiment, bottle 113 has a neck 119 on which a
pumper sprayer unit 114 is rotatably mounted. Pump sprayer unit 114
includes a pump 123 that may be downwardly pressed to selectively
spray liquid stain removing treatment chemicals stored in bottle
113, a cap member 121 which rotatably engages neck 119, and a clear
cover element 125 removably disposed over pump 123.
[0052] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 6-8, bottle 113 also
includes a lower base element 115 having a depending slide member
128 that is designed to slidably and selectively engage a slot
element 143 of light unit 137 (see FIG. 6). As before, light unit
137 includes a receptacle 139 and a longitudinally extending black
light 141 housed in receptacle 139. Along the top of receptacle
139, slot element 143 is provided, and is sized for selective
slidable engagement with, slide member 128 of base element 115. As
a result, light unit 137 is selectively attachable to and removable
from bottle 113 of dispensing vehicle 111.
[0053] In an alternative version to the embodiment shown in FIGS.
6-8, dispensing vehicle 111 will have light unit 137 designed to be
selectively engaged to bottle 113 by means of a friction fit, as
best shown in FIGS. 9-11. In particular, bottle 113 will be formed
with a base element 115.sup.I, having a depending bore element that
is sized to frictionally fit within an opening 116 formed in the
upper end of receptacle 139 of light unit 137 (see FIG. 9).
[0054] Turning now to FIG. 12, a further mechanism is shown for
selectively coupling bottle 113 and light unit 137 of dispensing
vehicle 111 depicted in FIGS. 9-11. In this version, base element
115.sup.II is formed with a depending threaded member 118 that is
designed to be threadingly received within opening 116.sup.I formed
in the upper end of receptacle 139 of light unit 137.
[0055] Turning now to FIGS. 13-15, a third embodiment of the
inventive dispensing vehicle is generally shown at 211. Dispensing
vehicle 211 includes a jug 213, a removable trigger sprayer unit
214, and a light unit 237. Jug 213 is defined by a base 215, a body
217 and a neck portion 219. A handle element 220 is shown formed
within neck portion 219. As before, jug 213 includes a reservoir
(not shown) which stores liquid stain treatment chemicals that are
suitable for application to a stain to be treated and/or
removed.
[0056] Trigger sprayer unit 214 is formed with a sprayer element
223, a trigger 225 and a neck 226 that is designed to be
selectively seated along a cap element 221 mounted on neck portion
219 of jug 213. Extending from neck 226 of trigger spray unit 214
is a tubing 228, which runs from the inside of the reservoir of jug
213. This provides a vehicle for selectively transporting liquid
stain treatment chemicals housed in the reservoir of jug 213 to
trigger sprayer unit 214 so that the liquid stain treatment
chemicals may be selectively sprayed onto a stain to be
treated.
[0057] As with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, jug unit 213 is formed
with an extending cavity 233 along the front portion of body 217
for selectively receiving light unit 137. Light unit 137, similar
to what is shown in the first two embodiments of the inventive
dispensing vehicle described herein, includes a receptacle 239 and
a longitudinally extending black light 241 mounted in receptacle
239.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 15, trigger sprayer unit 214 is shown
having been modified to include a light unit 237.sup.I removably
disposed between sprayer element 223 and neck 226. Once again,
light unit 237.sup.I includes a receptacle 239.sup.I and a black
light 241.sup.I.
[0059] Referring now to FIGS. 16, 17A and 17B, another embodiment
of the inventive dispensing vehicle is generally shown at 311.
Dispensing vehicle 311 includes a bottle 313, a pump spray unit 314
and a light unit 337. Bottle 313 contains liquid stain treatment
chemicals for treating a stain which can be selectively dispensed
by means of pump spray unit 314. Pump spray unit includes a
dispensing valve member 322 and a snap-on cap 321 formed with an
opening 334 so that valve element 322 is accessible.
[0060] Light unit 337 is integrally formed as part of cap 321 and
is seated horizontally on top thereof. As before, light unit 337
includes a receptacle 339 for housing a black light 341. Operation
of dispensing vehicle 211 requires pressing down on light unit 337,
which urges a select amount of liquid stain treatment chemicals to
be dispensed out through a dispensing opening 326 formed in valve
element 322.
[0061] In FIGS. 18 and 19, a fifth embodiment of the dispensing
vehicle of the invention is shown at 411. Dispensing vehicle 411 is
suitable for being wheeled along a floor or carpet area and is
defined by an elongated rod 412 with an upper grip portion 414 and
a lower dispensing head generally indicated 416. Dispensing head
416 includes a lower wheel 418 to facilitate movement along a
floor, above which a light unit 437 (similar to that described
previously) is horizontally mounted. Light unit 437, as before, is
defined by a receptacle 439 for housing a black light 441.
[0062] Disposed along rod 411 and intermediate grip portion 414 and
dispensing head 416 is a receptacle 420 for housing a bottle (not
shown) that stores liquid stain treatment chemicals suitable for
treating a stain on the floor. A valve cap 422 is provided and is
in communication with the bottle housed in receptacle 420. Valve
cap 422 is designed to be selectively displaced in order to release
the stain treatment chemicals through a tubing 424 and out a
dispensing opening 426 formed in lower dispensing head 416 and
located just above light unit 437.
[0063] Turning now to FIGS. 20-22, a sixth embodiment of the
inventive dispensing vehicle is generally illustrated at 511.
Dispensing vehicle 511 is in the form of a wand 513, which can be
made of polyethylene, polypropylene, styrene, ABS or PVC. Wand 511
has an upper segment 591 defining an upper compartment 551 for
selectively receiving a light unit 537 and a lower segment 593
defining lower compartment 553 for selectively receiving a pump
spray bottle unit 514. As before, light unit 537 includes a
receptacle 539 and a black light element 541 mounted in receptacle
539. Upper compartment 551 is formed with upper and lower nibs 555
(see FIG. 21) for enabling light unit 537 to be removably mounted
in upper compartment 551 by means of a friction fit.
[0064] Pump spray bottle unit 514 includes a body 515, a neck 519
and a pump element 523, as is well known. Spray bottle unit 514 is
removably mounted in lower compartment 553 of wand 513 by means of
friction fit. Lower segment 553 of wand 513 is formed with an
opening 557 to facilitate insertion of a user's finger through wand
513 in order to enable selective activation of pump element 523 of
pump spray bottle unit 514.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 21, upper and lower segments 591 and 593 of
wand 513 may be connected to one another by, for example, a tongue
and groove arrangement 559. As a result, segments 591 and 593 of
wand 513 may be folded together in order to reduce the space
required for storage of dispensing vehicle 511.
[0066] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 22, instead of a tongue and
groove mechanism, upper and lower segments 591 and 593 of wand 513
may be pivotally connected to one another by means of a hinge 561,
again to enable wand 513 to be stored in a folded condition.
[0067] As an option, instead of mounting light unit 537 in upper
compartment 551, upper pocket 551 may receive an optional cleaning
element insert, such as a directional lint removal cloth, a sponge,
a foam insert or some other cloth or cloth-type insert suitable for
the treatment of surfaces.
[0068] In this regard, reference is made to FIGS. 23 and 24, in
which a cleaning unit 571 is disposed in upper compartment 551,
defined by segment 591 of wand 513. Cleaning unit 571 comprises a
receptacle 573 which selectively snaps into compartment 551. This
is achieved by receptacle 573 having rearwardly extending prongs
575 which are sized to be selectively received within slots 576
formed in upper segment 591. Receptacle 573 of cleaning unit 571
includes a pair of inwardly directed hubs 578 on which a tape roll
579 is rotatably mounted. Tape roll 579 may comprise ______.
[0069] In FIG. 25, an absorbent foam or sponge member 580 is shown
selectively disposed in upper compartment 551 of wand 513. Instead
of being a foam or sponge, member 580 can be made of an absorbent
non-woven or cloth material.
[0070] In FIG. 26, a foam or cushion material 582 is shown
selectively disposed in upper compartment 551 of wand 513. Foam or
cushion material 582 may be of any shape, but should preferably be
oblate with a portion of the foam's surface covered with an
adhesively affixed "de-lint" directional fiber material 584 running
in a horizontal direction. Preferably, any remaining portion of the
foam's surface should be covered with the same directional de-lint
fiber surface material and positioned horizontally, but it an
oppositely disposed direction.
[0071] FIG. 27 shows a modified version of a wand in accordance
with the invention and generally indicated at 513.sup.I. Wand
513.sup.I is defined by only a first lower segment 593.sup.I having
an elongated receptacle (not shown) designed for selectively
receiving bottle 514 by means of a friction fit. As before, segment
593.sup.I of wand 513.sup.I is formed with an access opening
557.sup.I. An upper support 592 is shown pivotally attached to
segment 593.sup.I by means of a rotating hinge 561.sup.I. Support
592 is designed to receive and support a tape roll 589.
[0072] Tape roll 589 (see FIG. 28) comprises a tape roll member 588
and a core element 586 to which tape roll element 588 is rotatably
mounted. Core element 586 has a threaded portion 584 formed at one
end thereof and designed for threading engagement in a bore 582
formed within upper support 592 of wand 513.sup.I and thus tape
roll 589 is capable of being detachably coupled to one end of wand
513.sup.I.
[0073] In accordance with practicing the invention, the room in
which it is believed that a stain is present is first darkened.
Then, the black light is activated. The inventive dispensing
vehicle with an integral black light is moved across the surface
where a stain is suspected to be located in the room (carpets,
rugs, pet beds, hard surfaces, clothes, undergarments, bedding,
etc.) in order to search for the stain. Once the stain is found, a
trigger or pump of the dispensing vehicle is engaged in order to
dispense cleaning-type chemicals onto the stain, after which the
surface is wiped using a sponge, brush or absorbent non-woven
cloth.
[0074] The integral combination of a black light with the body of a
liquid reservoir, or with the body of a trigger sprayer or pump
sprayer, of a dispensing vehicle is advantageous, as described
below. Black lights are, admittedly, commonly used for detecting
stains.
[0075] The dispensing vehicle of the invention must include a
liquid storage reservoir and black light integrally and removably
positioned in a compartment of the vehicle or attached to the side
of the reservoir of the vehicle. Alternatively, the black light is
integrally and removably positioned in a compartment of the trigger
or pump dispenser of the vehicle, or is attached to the side of the
trigger or pump.
[0076] The inventive system is far more convenient than prior
systems. Prior art methods involve grasping the black light in one
hand and the bottle/dispenser in the other. Thus, the process or
searching for a contaminant, identifying it and then spraying a
chemical or pouring chemicals onto the contaminant becomes a
two-hand operation. The inventive system is advantageously operable
with only one hand.
[0077] The reservoir (for containing the liquid cleaning chemicals)
of the inventive dispensing vehicle is preferably manufactured of
PVC, polyethylene or polypropylene. The plastic pump or trigger
dispenser preferably is made of polypropylene.
[0078] The black light itself is well known in the art. A black
light is basically a fluorescent lamp with a different type of
phosphorous coating. This coating absorbs harmful shortwave light
and emits UV-A light. Black lights come in both bulb and tube form.
The emitted UV light reacts with external phosphors. The external
phosphors glow when the UV light shines on them.
[0079] In accordance with the invention, a trigger or pump of the
dispensing vehicle can be eliminated and a standard cap closure may
be used in order to selectively pour liquid/cleaner onto a
stain.
[0080] The inventive dispensing vehicle, as previously described,
may be a specially designed wand device for carrying a black light
and a separate pump unit containing liquid cleaning chemicals.
Instead of the black light, the wand could carry, in the light's
place, a tape roll, sponge or cloth, or a foam cushion bearing a
delinting fiber surface.
[0081] An optional brush to agitate the cleaner could be included.
Such a brush can be snapped onto the dispensing vehicle for storage
purposes.
[0082] It is noted that the black light is most effective in
identifying stains within 12 inches of the light.
[0083] Today, black lights are sold separately from cleaner
compositions, or else are included in the box with a cleaner
composition. There has been no teaching of a black light which can
be stored on or within a dispensing vehicle and selectively
removable therefrom.
[0084] The inventive system is advantageous since there is no need
to individually find and/or purchase a black light and cleaning
chemicals. The system includes both in one unit.
[0085] Also, because two-handed systems are harder to use, it is
difficult to find and eliminate stains when operating in accordance
with the prior art.
[0086] In accordance with the invention, an antimicrobial
composition, a disinfectant, bleach and/or enzyme chemicals may be
used as the cleaning chemicals. Moreover, a traditional fluorescent
bulb can be added and placed adjacent to the black light in order
to assist the user in navigating around a darkened room prior to
the activation of the black light.
[0087] Also, in accordance with the invention, the black light
detector could be integrally built into the dispensing vehicle
without being removable.
[0088] Moreover, although a black light detector is, by far, the
preferred light detector to be used in the inventive system, other
lights suitable for detecting stains or organic matter could be
used such as, for example, UV LEDs (as a source for UV
light)--reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 6,727,738.
[0089] The scope of the invention will now be set forth in the
following claims.
* * * * *