Strip Curtain Cleaning System and Method

Abstract

A strip curtain cleaning system which permits an operator to easily and quickly clean both sides of hanging curtain strips in a single operation using a fabric cover disposed in sock-like covering relation to a two-armed frame defining a tortuous path gap for receipt of one or more curtain strips. The device facilitates cleaning both faces of individual strip elements simultaneously. Different covers may be used for different curtain types and environments.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This non-provisional application claims the benefit of, and priority from, U.S. provisional application 62/140,533 having a filing date of Mar. 31, 2015. The contents of such provisional application and all other documents referenced herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to cleaning devices, and more particularly, to a device and method adapted to clean hanging strip curtains such as vinyl strip curtains and the like commonly found in various cleanroom environments as well as in many clean industrial settings. The device of the present disclosure is adapted to use the flexible character of the individual strip elements in hanging strip curtains to establish a curved cleaning path for the strip elements between opposing cleaning surfaces so as to clean both faces of the individual strip elements simultaneously.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] Strip curtains are commonly used as dividers in environments such as pharmaceutical, microelectronics and hospital cleanrooms as well as in many clean industrial applications where air flow and/or contaminants are to be controlled. Such curtains typically include a multiplicity of vinyl strips hanging vertically in slightly overlapping side-by-side relation to form a barrier. During use, the strips may be pushed aside to form a temporary opening for passage if desired.

[0004] In the past, strip curtains have typically been cleaned by holding each individual strip in tension and then cleaning first one side and then the other side. Often, this cleaning procedure has required two people to be carried our effectively in a reasonable period of time. While such a cleaning procedure may yield good results, it is costly and time consuming to carry out. Moreover, such cleaning may require substantial physical effort to be carried out properly. In particular, it may be difficult to reach and clean upper portions of the curtain strips without the use of ladders or the like. Accordingly, a cleaning device and related method which can be used to reduce physical effort and to improve efficiency in cleaning strip curtains over their entire length would represent a desirable advancement over the current art.

SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure offers advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing a strip curtain cleaning system which permits an operator to easily and quickly clean both sides of hanging curtain strips in a single operation using a fabric cover disposed in sock-like covering relation to a two-armed frame defining a tortuous path gap for receipt of one or more strips. By adjusting the angle of the frame relative to the strip being cleaned, the tension on the strip and the cleaning force may be controlled. In this regard, the device makes use of the flexible character of the individual strip elements in hanging strip curtains to establish a tortuous curved cleaning path for the strip elements between opposing cleaning surfaces so as to clean both faces of the individual strip elements simultaneously. Different covers may be used for different curtain types and environments.

[0006] In accordance with one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure provides a cleaning system adapted to clean pliable hanging curtain strips. The cleaning system includes a frame adapted for tilting manipulation by a user. The frame includes a base, a first elongated arm projecting away from the base to a first rounded free distal end, and a second elongated arm projecting away from the base to a second rounded free distal end. The first elongated arm and the second elongated arm may each include a lobed interior face oriented in substantially parallel spaced relation to one another to define a substantially continuous gap between the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm. The frame further includes a connection element adapted to operatively attach the frame to an elongated handle adapted for manipulation by a user. A foldable fabric cover is adapted to cover the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm such that the foldable fabric cover will define a cleaning surface disposed in covering relation to the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm and projecting towards the gap. The frame is adapted to receive a hanging curtain strip within the gap with the foldable fabric cover in place. The frame may be tilted to define a tortuous sliding pathway between the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm to simultaneously clean two opposing faces of the curtain strip as the frame is moved along a length dimension the curtain strip during a cleaning operation.

[0007] While exemplary features of the disclosure are illustrated and will hereinafter be described in connection with certain potentially preferred embodiments and practices, it is to be understood that in no event is the disclosure limited to such illustrated and described embodiments and practices. On the contrary, it is intended that the present disclosure shall extend to all alternatives and modifications as may embrace the general principles of this disclosure within the full and true spirit and scope thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic partial assembly view illustrating a folded fabric cover and a tool frame having a pair of opposing arms adapted for receipt within pockets in the fabric cover in a manner consistent with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 1, wherein the arms of the tool frame have been inserted partially into the fabric cover;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 1, wherein the arms of the tool frame have been inserted fully into the fabric cover;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating insertion of an exemplary curtain strip between covered arms of a tool frame as illustrated in FIG. 3;

[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary starting position for use of a tool consistent with the present disclosure in cleaning an exemplary curtain strip; and

[0013] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an exemplary cleaning operation using a cleaning system consistent with the present disclosure in cleaning an exemplary curtain strip.

[0014] Before embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use herein of "including", "comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION

[0015] Features of the present disclosure will now be described through reference to the various figures. To the extent possible, like elements are designated by like reference numerals in the various views. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary frame 10 for a cleaning system consistent with the present disclosure. In accordance with one exemplary practice, the frame 10 may be formed from a metal such as stainless steel or the like. However, it is likewise contemplated that other structural materials such as plastics, fiberglass and the like may also be used if desired. The material of construction is preferably suitable for treatment in an autoclave for disinfection.

[0016] As illustrated, the exemplary frame 10 includes a first arm 12 and a second arm 14 disposed in substantially parallel, opposing relation to one another. The first arm 12 and the second arm 14 may each have a substantially lobe shaped cross section such as a hemispherical cross-section or the like such that the inboard surfaces facing one another each have a convex curvature thereby forming a substantially continuous gap between opposing curved surfaces of the arms. As will be described further hereinafter, this gap between curved surfaces may be used to adjust the cleaning force applied to a curtain strip element during a cleaning procedure. The outer surfaces of the first arm 12 and a second arm 14 may be substantially planar to define flat outer surfaces, although other geometries may be used if desired.

[0017] In the illustrated exemplary construction, each of the arms extends away from a base 16 to a free distal end. As shown, these distal ends may be rounded to facilitate insertion into covering elements as will be described further hereinafter. In the illustrated exemplary construction, the first arm 12 may be slightly longer than the second arm 14. Thus, the free distal end of the first arm 12 will project beyond the free distal end of the second arm 14 so as to form a projecting tongue. As will be described more fully hereinafter, this projecting tongue may aid in guiding a curtain strip to a cleaning position between the arms 12, 14 during use.

[0018] In the illustrated exemplary construction, the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 each have a substantially rounded free distal end extending away from the base 16. A connecting arm 18 extends away from the base 16 to a connection element 20 adapted to engage an elongated handle 22 (FIG. 4). By way of example only, and not limitation, in accordance with one exemplary practice the connection element 20 may included a pair of opposing spring-loaded buttons 24 which may be pushed inwardly by compression. During attachment of the elongated handle 22, the spring-loaded buttons 24 may be pressed inwardly as the elongated handle 22 slides over the connection element 20. In this regard, the substantially rounded surfaces of the spring-loaded buttons 24 will facilitate compression as the elongated handle 22 slides over the connection element 20. Once the elongated handle 22, is in place, the spring-loaded buttons 24 may then spring outwardly through aligned openings in the elongated handle 22 to establish a reversible connection with the elongated handle 22 as shown in FIG. 4. In this attached configuration, a user may then manipulate the frame 10 through manipulation of the elongated handle 22. Of course, the elongated handle 22 may be disconnected by simply depressing the spring-loaded buttons 24 and withdrawing the elongated handle 22 from the connection element 20.

[0019] As best illustrated through joint reference to FIGS. 1-3, the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 are adapted to be received within a fabric cover 30 having a pair of pocket openings 32 (only one shown). In this regard, the fabric cover 30 may be slipped over the distal ends of the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 in a sock-like manner thereby substantially covering the arms while nonetheless maintaining the gap between the arms. In this covered arrangement, a concave curved zone 34 of the fabric cover 30 will be positioned between the arms in adjacent, opposing relation to the base 16.

[0020] While the fabric cover 30 is illustrated in a folded condition, it will be understood that the fabric cover 30 may be formed as a substantially flat structure by textile formation techniques as will be well known to those of skill in the art. By way of example only, in accordance with one exemplary practice, the fabric cover 30 may be a woven or knit structure formed from yarns such as polyester or the like which have been laundered and treated to prevent particle generation during use. The fabric cover 30 may also be a woven or knit structure formed from microfiber yarns of polyester or the like incorporating filaments with denier ratings of less than about 1 denier per filament. Fabric covers formed from such microfiber yarns may be particularly suitable for environments where larger contaminates are to be removed during cleaning. Of course, other fabric constructions may also be used.

[0021] With the fabric cover 30 in place, the frame 10 may be used to simultaneously clean both sides of a curtain strip 35 forming part of a larger curtain (not shown). Such curtains will be familiar to those of skill in the art. Referring to FIG. 4, it may be seen that in a first step of the cleaning procedure, a curtain strip 35 of vinyl or other generally pliable material may be inserted between the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 which are enclosed by the fabric cover 30 as previously described. As noted previously, the enhanced length of the first arm 12 relative to the second arm 14 may aid in guiding the curtain strip 35 into the space between the covered arms. As best seen in FIG. 5, with the curtain strip 35 fully inserted, the distal ends of both arms may extend beyond the edge of the curtain strip 35. In this condition, a user may raise the frame 10 to the top of the curtain strip 35 to commence the cleaning procedure.

[0022] As noted previously, the first arm 12 and the second arm 14 may each have a substantially hemispherical or lobe shaped cross section such that the inboard surfaces facing one another each have a convex curvature (FIG. 6). In accordance with one exemplary practice, the gap between the opposing convex surfaces of the covered arms may be significantly greater than the thickness of the curtain strip 35 which is to be cleaned. In accordance with one exemplary practice, the gap between the opposing convex surfaces of the covered arms may be about 1.2 to about 4.5 times the thickness of the curtain strip 35. As will be appreciated, such a gap distance may be useful in facilitating the initial insertion of the curtain strip 35 between the arms. Of course, larger and smaller gaps may be used if desired.

[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, it may be seen that during use, the frame 10 may be tilted in angled relation relative to the curtain strip 35 by manipulation of the elongated handle 22. In this tilted condition, the covered arms may be used to simultaneously clean both faces of the hanging curtain strip 35. As best seen in FIG. 6, during the cleaning operation, the angled frame 10 creates a tortuous sliding pathway between the covered arms as the frame 10 is pulled downwardly along the length of the curtain strip 35. As shown, this tortuous pathway causes the curtain strip 35 to bend to substantially conform to the lobed surfaces of the covered arms as the frame is pulled downwardly.

[0024] As will be appreciated, the pliable character of the curtain strip 35 facilitates bending conformance by the curtain strip 35. In this bent condition, the first arm 12 will contact and clean one face of the curtain strip 35, while the second arm 14 will contact and clean the opposing face the curtain strip 35. The tortuous sliding path between the arms creates additional tension and sliding friction on the curtain strip 35 as it is moved through the gap, thereby promoting cleaning. Moreover, in the event that the gap between the opposing convex surfaces of the covered arms is significantly greater than the thickness of the curtain strip 35, the cleaning operation will nonetheless be achievable by merely increasing the angle of tilt applied to the frame such that the desired tortuous sliding path is established

[0025] As will be appreciated, a cleaning system consistent with the present disclosure may be used to quickly and easily clean both sides of a curtain strip 35 in a single pass. Different fabric covers may be used as dictated by the cleaning requirement and environment of use. Moreover, handles of different materials and lengths may be used as desired. Thus, a user may accommodate a wide variety of curtain strips and environments of use.

[0026] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0027] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0028] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Claims

1. A cleaning system adapted to clean pliable hanging curtain strips, the cleaning system comprising: a frame adapted for tilting manipulation by a user, the frame comprising a base, a first elongated arm projecting away from the base to a first free distal end, and a second elongated arm projecting away from the base to a second free distal end, wherein the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm each comprise a lobed face oriented in substantially parallel spaced relation to one another to define a substantially continuous gap between a lobed face of the first elongated arm and a lobed face of the second elongated arm, the frame further comprising a connection element adapted to operatively attach the frame to an elongated handle adapted for manipulation by a user; and a fabric cover adapted to cover the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm such that the fabric cover will define a cleaning surface disposed in covering relation to the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm and projecting towards the gap, wherein the frame is adapted to receive a hanging curtain strip within the gap with the fabric cover in place and wherein the frame may be tilted to define a tortuous sliding pathway between the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm to simultaneously clean two opposing faces of the curtain strip as the frame is moved along a length dimension of the curtain strip during a cleaning operation.

2. The cleaning system as recited in claim 1, wherein the fabric cover is a one-piece, foldable fabric cover.

3. The cleaning system as recited in claim 2, wherein the fabric cover comprises a pair of pocket openings adapted for insertion of the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm.

4. The cleaning system as recited in claim 3, wherein the fabric cover comprises a fabric formed from woven or knitted yarns.

5. The cleaning system as recited in claim 4, wherein the yarns comprise polyester fibers.

6. The cleaning system as recited in claim 5, wherein the yarns are microfiber yarns comprising filaments having a denier rating of less than about 1 denier per filament.

7. The cleaning system as recited in claim 1, wherein the frame is metal.

8. The cleaning system as recited in claim 1, wherein the frame is stainless steel.

9. The cleaning system as recited in claim 1, wherein the first elongated arm is longer than the second elongated arm.

10. The cleaning system as recited in claim 1, wherein outer surfaces of the first arm and a second arm are substantially planar to define flat outer surfaces.

11. The cleaning system as recited in claim 1, wherein the connection element comprises a pair of opposing spring-loaded buttons adapted to engage acceptance openings in the handle.

12. The cleaning system as recited in claim 1, wherein the gap with the fabric cover in place is in the range of about 1.2 to about 4.5 times the thickness of the curtain strip.

13. A cleaning system adapted to clean pliable hanging curtain strips, the cleaning system comprising: a frame adapted for tilting manipulation by a user, the frame comprising a base, a first elongated arm projecting away from the base to a first free distal end, a second elongated arm projecting away from the base to a second free distal end, wherein the first elongated arm is longer than the second elongated arm and wherein the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm each comprise a lobed face oriented in substantially parallel spaced relation to one another to define a substantially continuous gap between a lobed face of the first elongated arm and a lobed face of the second elongated arm, the frame further comprising a connection element adapted to operatively attach the frame to an elongated handle adapted for manipulation by a user; and a one-piece foldable fabric cover comprising a pair of pockets adapted for insertion of the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm such that upon insertion of the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm into the pockets, the fabric cover will define a cleaning surface disposed in covering relation to the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm and projecting towards the gap, and a portion of the fabric cover between the pockets defines a folded curved zone disposed between the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm, wherein the frame is adapted to receive a hanging curtain strip within the gap with the fabric cover in place and wherein the frame may be tilted to define a tortuous sliding pathway between the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm to simultaneously clean two opposing faces of the curtain strip as the frame is moved along a length dimension of the curtain strip during a cleaning operation.

14. The cleaning system as recited in claim 13, wherein the fabric cover comprises a fabric formed from woven or knitted yarns.

15. The cleaning system as recited in claim 14, wherein the yarns comprise polyester fibers.

16. The cleaning system as recited in claim 15, wherein the yarns are microfiber yarns comprising filaments having a denier rating of less than about 1 denier per filament.

17. The cleaning system as recited in claim 13, wherein the frame is metal.

18. The cleaning system as recited in claim 13, wherein outer surfaces of the first arm and a second arm are substantially planar to define flat outer surfaces.

19. The cleaning system as recited in claim 1, wherein the gap with the fabric cover in place is in the range of about 1.2 to about 4.5 times the thickness of the curtain strip.