GB2502547A

GB2502547A - A platform cart suitable for use in a clean room

Info

Publication number: GB2502547A
Application number: GB1209577.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Philip Alan Brennan
Original assignee: FENLAND LAUNDRIES Ltd
Current assignee: FENLAND LAUNDRIES Ltd
Priority date: 2012-05-30
Filing date: 2012-05-30
Publication date: 2013-12-04
Anticipated expiration: 2032-05-30
Also published as: GB201209577D0; GB2502547B

Abstract

The present invention relates to a compartmentalised platform cart for the deployment of a bagged set of applicators (eg. mops) during the cleaning of a room (eg. a sterile or low bioburden room such as a cleanroom). The cart comprises a wheeled platform 7; an upright handle 4 at or near the rear of the cart; a first wall or framework partition 6, 8 mounted on the platform to define first and second compartments; a receptacle 3 for soiled applicators positioned in the first compartment; one or more holders 2 for holding the bagged set of applicators positioned in the second compartment; and a restraining cage (27, figure 2) positioned in the second compartment and operable to restrain open the bagged set of applicators to assist debagging of an applicator when cleaning the room. The restraining cage may have splayed apart stirrups (12, figure 4) for supporting open the lips of a bagged set of applicators.

Description

The present invention relates to a compartmentalised platform cart for the deployment of a bagged set of applicators (eg mops) during the cleaning of a room (eg a sterile or low bioburden room such as a cleanroom).

In maintaining the sterility of higher specification cleanrooms, it is paramount that equipment introduced into the cleanroom has been sterilised. Traditional items of cleaning equipment such as mops, buckets, ringers and trolleys have been used to clean cleanrooms but such items are generally difficult to clean and sterilise and to maintain in a sterile condition.

A modem cleaning system comprises a bagged set of applicators for applying sterilising agent to a surface of a room and an actuator. Although this cleaning system dispenses with the need for many of the traditional items of cleaning equipment, the consecutive deployment of each of the bagged set of applicators during cleaning still relies on the use of boxes and rigid containers.

The present invention seeks to improve the consecutive deployment of each of a bagged set of applicators during cleaning by exploiting a platform cart which is compartnientalised to assist the storage, use for cleaning and disposal of the applicator.

Thus viewed from a first aspect the present invention provides a compartmentalised platform cart for the consecutive deployment of each of a bagged set of applicators during cleaning a room comprising: a wheeled platform; an upright cart handle mounted on or near to a trailing edge of the wheeled platform to assist hand propulsion of the wheeled platform; a first wall or framework partition mounted on the wheeled platform whereby to define a first compartment and a second compartment; a receptacle for soiled applicators positioned in the first compartment; one or more holders for holding the bagged sets of applicators positioned in the second compartment; and a restraining cage positioned in the second compartment and operable to restrain open the bagged set of applicators to assist debagging of an applicator for cleaning the room.

By virtue of its compartmentalisation, the platform cart of the invention displays versatility in storing (in the holder positioned in the second compartment), using (in the restraining cage in the second compartment) and disposing of the applicators (in the receptacle in the first compartment). It dispenses with the need for boxes and rigid containers which might otherwise compromise cleanliness (eg sterility).

The wheeled platfonn may be solid or skeletal. Preferably the wheeled platfonn is a framework. The upright cart handle may be a framework.

Preferably the first wall or framework partition is mounted on the wheeled platform so as to define a rearwardly first compartment and a forwardly second compartment.

Preferably the or each holder for holding the bagged sets of applicators is positioned (eg mounted) between the first compartment and the restraining cage.

The first wall or framework partition may be in abutment with a second wall or framework partition mounted on the wheeled platform. The first wall or framework partition and the second wall or framework partition may be in substantially perpendicular abutment. The fir st wall or framework partition may be substantially parallel to or substantially coincident with a mid-longitudinal plane.

Preferably the first wall or framework partition and second wall or framework partition are mounted on the wheeled platform so as to define a substantially quarterly first compartment (eg a rearward substantially quarterly first compartment) and a substantially three-quarterly second compartment.

The (or each) holder for holding the bagged sets of applicators may be mounted on an exterior face of the first wall, second wall or framework partition.

The (or each) holder for holding the bagged sets of applicators may be a framework.

The (or each) holder for holding the bagged sets of applicators may be a rack. The holders may be a tiered rack assembly. The (or each) rack may be equipped with a

dismountable tray.

The (or each) holder for holding the bagged sets of applicators may be a substantially rectangular rigid sheet raised codirectionally on a first, second and third edge to form a rim. The (or each) holder for holding the bagged sets of applicators may be a shelf or tray.

In a first preferred embodiment, a first framework partition is mounted on the wheeled platform whereby to define the first compartment and the second compartment. The first framework partition may be substantially parallel to a mid-longitudinal plane.

Preferably the first framework partition is mounted on the wheeled platform so as to define a rearwardly first compartment and a forwardly second compartment.

The (or each) holder for holding the bagged sets of applicators may be mounted on an exterior face of the first framework partition. Preferably the (or each) holder for holding the bagged sets of applicators is mounted in the forwardly second compartment.

Preferably in the first embodiment the compartmentalised platform cart comprises three racks for holding the bagged sets of applicators mounted in a tiered manner on an exterior face of the first framework partition. Typically the three racks are substantially equally spaced apart.

In a second preferred embodiment, a first wall partition is mounted on the wheeled platform in abutment with a second wall partition mounted on the wheeled platform whereby to define the first compartment and the second compartment. Typically the first wall partition and second wall partition are in substantially perpendicular abutment. The first wall partition may be substantially parallel to a mid-longitudinal plane. The second wall partition may be substantially coincident with a mid-longitudinal plane.

Preferably the first wall partition and second wall partition are mounted on the wheeled platform so as to define a substantially quarterly first compartment.

Particularly preferably the first wall partition and second wall partition are mounted on the wheeled platform so as to define a rearward substantially quarterly first compartment and a substantially three-quarterly second compartment.

The (or each) holder for holding the bagged sets of applicators may be mounted on an exterior face of the first wall partition or second wall partition. Preferably the (or each) holder for holding the bagged sets of applicators is mounted substantially in a quarter (preferably a rearward quarter) of the second compartment.

The (or each) holder for holding the bagged sets of applicators may be a substantially rectangular rigid sheet raised codirectionally on a first, second and third edge to form a rim. The (or each) holder for holding the bagged sets of applicators may be a shelf; tray or rack.

Preferably in the second embodiment the compartmentalised platform cart comprises a pair of holders for holding the bagged sets of applicators mounted in a parallel spaced apart manner on an exterior face of the first wall partition or second wall partition, wherein each of the pair of holders is a substantially rectangular rigid sheet raised codirectionally on a first, second and third edge to form a rim.

The restraining cage may be positioned forwardly in the second compartment. The restraining cage may be positioned at or near to a leading edge of the wheeled platform.

Preferably the restraining cage comprises: a seat for the bagged set of applicators; a first guide arm extending aloft from the seat; a second guide arm extending aloft from the seat; a first stirrup on or near (eg adjacent) to a distal end of the first guide arm; and a second stirrup on or near (eg adjacent) to a distal end of the second guide arm, wherein in an in use configuration the first stirrup and the second stirrup support -5-.

a lip of an open end of the bagged set of applicators and have a tendency to splay towards an at rest configuration thereby restraining open the bagged set of applicators to defme a mouth to assist debagging of an applicator for cleaning the room.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first stirrup is on the distal end of the first guide arm and the second stirrup is on the distal end of the second guide arm.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first stirrup is adjacent to the distal end of the first guide arm and the second stirrup is adjacent to the distal end of the second guide ann.

Preferably the first stirrup and second stirrup are convergent.

Preferably the first stirrup and second stirrup are divergent.

The first stirrup and the second stirrup may be composed of an elastically deformable material. Typically the first stirrup and the second stirrup are composed of an elastically deformable material with high yield strength (eg spring steel). The elasticity of the elastically deformable material accounts for the tendency of the first stirrup and the second stirrup to splay in the in use configuration.

In order to load the bagged set of applicators, the first stirrup and second stirrup may be converged (eg squeezed) from the at rest configuration to the in use configuration.

In the in use configuration, the lip of the open end of the bagged set of applicators may be fitted to the first stirrup and the second stirrup which may then be released.

The seat may be a planar seat. Alternatively the seat may be a substantially U-shaped seat.

A lower part of the first guide arm may be coupled to the seat by a first shoulder part.

A lower part of the second guide arm may be coupled to the seat by a second shoulder part. The first shoulder part may be downwardly descendent from the seat. The second shoulder part may be downwardly descendent from the seat.

The first stirrup may be mounted on the first shoulder part ad] acent to the first guide arm. The second stirrup may be mounted on the second shoulder part adjacent to the second guide arm.

The first guide ann may include an elbow. The second guide ann may include an elbow. The elbow may be overextended to cause an upper part of the first guide arm and an upper part of the second guide arm to be divergent.

The lower part of the first guide arm may be broader than the upper part of the first guide arm. The lower part of the second guide arm may be broader than the upper part of the second guide ann. Alternatively the first guide ann may have a substantially uniform breadth and the second guide arm may have a substantially uniform breadth.

The restraining cage may be fixed (eg welded) or fastened to the wheeled platform.

The restraining cage may be dismountably mounted on the wheeled platform.

The receptacle may be dismountably positioned in the first compartment.

The compartmentalised platform cart will generally observe regulatory requirements for cleanrooms. In a preferred embodiment, the compartmentalised platform cart of the invention is adapted for use in a cleanroom up to classification 100/1S04/GMP A or B. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the compartmentalised platform cart of the invention is adapted for use in a cleanroom permitting a low (or ultra low) bioburden.

The room may be a cleanroom, semi-cleanroom or infection control enviromnent.

The bagged set of applicators may be wettable or pre-wetted with an amount of a sterilising agent. Typically in use an actuator is attachable consecutively to each applicator for remote actuation of the applicator across a surface of the room so as to apply the amount of the sterilising agent thereto.

The bagged set of applicators may be a single or multiple bagged set of applicators.

For example, the bagged set of applicators may comprise a set of applicators housed within a single bag.

In a preferred embodiment, the bagged set of applicators is a double bagged set of applicators. Preferably the double bagged set of applicators comprises a first bag housed wholly within a second bag, wherein the set of applicators is housed within the first bag.

The or each bag is generally a bag which is at least partially flexible. Suitable materials will be familiar to those skilled in the art. The or each bag may be sealed in any convenient manner. The neck of the or each bag (eg the first bag and/or second bag) may be sealed with a zip or reusable seal. For example, the neck of the first bag and/or second bag may be sealed with a welded seal or a snap seal.

In a preferred embodiment, the or each bag is self standing. For this purpose, the bag may be provided with a broad base (eg a broad elliptical base). The or each bag may be gussetted or pleated. Preferably the bag is gussetted. The bag is preferably composed of a material (eg polypropylene or (preferably) polyethylene) which permits it to be folded flat (eg when empty).

Each applicator of the set of applicators may be the same or different. Preferably each applicator is a sponge or mop. The applicator is generally impregnable with sterilising agent.

Typically the set of applicators is 5 or more, preferably 10 to 20 applicators.

Before being introduced into the cleanroom, the set of applicators may be sterilised in situ (ie after having been bagged). This may be carried out chemically or physically (for example thermally or irradiatively eg using gamma-irradiation).

The actuator may be an elongate actuator stem terminating in an actuator foot to which is attachable each applicator. The elongate actuator stem may terminate at its head end with a handle for remote actuation of the applicator across a surface of the cleanroom. Each applicator may be sheathed onto the actuator foot. For example, the applicator may be pocketed to receive the actuator foot. Alternatively for example, the applicator may include a ioop (eg at an end) to facilitate pick-up of the applicator by the actuator foot and sheathing the applicator onto the actuator foot.

The sterilising agent may be a liquid (eg a solution) of a disinfectant or sterilaut.

Suitable sterilising agents will be familiar to those skilled in the art.

The present invention will now be described in a non-limitative sense with reference to the accompanying Figures in which: Figures 1 to 4 illustrate perspective, left side, right side and front schematic views respectively of a first embodiment of the compartmentalised platform cart of the invention; Figure 5 illustrates in isolation an exploded view of the restraining cage of the first embodiment of the invention; Figures 6 and 7 illustrate in isolation schematic views of the restraining cage of the first embodiment of the invention during loading; Figures 8a and Sb illustrate perspective views of a second embodiment of the compartmentalised platform cart of the invention; Figure 9 illustrates a side view of the second embodiment of the invention; and Figure 10 illustrates schematically the manner in which a mop loaded in the restraining cage is deployed.

Figures 1 to 4 illustrate perspective, left side, right side and front schematic views respectively of a first embodiment of the compartmentalised platform cart of the invention designated generally by reference numeral I. The compartmentalised platform cart I comprises an upright cart handle 4 mounted on a trailing edge 72 of a wheeled platform 7 to assist hand propulsion. The upright cart handle 4 is a framework. The wheeled platform 7 is solid. The compartmentalised platform cart 1 further comprises a first wall partition 6 mounted coincidentally with a mid-longitudinal plane on the wheeled platform 7. The first wall partition 6 is in perpendicular abutment with a second wall partition 8 mounted coincidentally with a mid-longitudinal plane on the wheeled platform 7. The first wall partition 6 and second wall partition 8 define a rearward substantially quarterly first compartment and a three-quarterly second compartment.

A large stainless steel receptacle 3 for soiled applicators (eg mops) is positioned in the first compartment. The first wall partition 6 and second wall partition 8 serve to keep the soiled applicators apart from clean applicators. Mounted in a parallel spaced apart manner on an exterior face of the first wall partition 6 is a pair of frays 2 for holding clean applicators. The pair of trays 2 occupies a rearward quarter of the second compartment.

A restraining cage 27 (omitted from Figure 1 for clarity but shown in Figures 2 to 4 and in isolation in Figure 5) is positioned forwardly in the second compartment near to a leading edge 71 of the wheeled platform 7. The restraining cage 27 comprises a U-shaped seat 11. A first guide arm 12 extends aloft from the seat 11 and a second guide arm 13 extends aloft from the seat 11. The restraining cage 27 further comprises a first stirrup 15 on the distal end of the first guide ann 12 and a second stirrup 14 on the distal end of the second guide arm 13.

A lower part of the first guide arm l2a is coupled to the seat 11 by a first shoulder part 12c. A lower part of the second guide arm 1 3a is coupled to the seat 11 by a second shoulder part 1 3c. The first shoulder part I 2c is downwardly descendent from the seat 11. The second shoulder part 13c is downwardly descendent from the seat 11.

The first guide arm 12 includes an elbow 1 2d. The second guide arm 13 includes an elbow l3d. The elbows 12d and 13d are overextended to cause an upper part of the first guide arm l2b and an upper part of the second guide arm 13b to be divergent.

The lower part of the first guide arm I 2a is broader than the upper part of the first guide arm 12b. The lower part of the second guide ann 13a is broader than the upper part of the second guide arm 13b.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate in isolation schematic views of the restraining cage 27 during loading. From a cleanroom laundry service is provided a set of five mops 110 housed within an internal bag 90 which itself is housed within an external bag 101.

This constitutes a double bagged set of five mops 110. The set of five mops 110 has been cleaned, decontaminated and packed in the internal bag 90 and the external bag 101. The set of five mops 110 is sterilised and the internal bag 90 and the external bag 101 maintain sterility of the set of five mops 110 up to and after the point of entry into the cleanroom and up to the point of use. The external bag 101 bears a welded seal 119 which (at the point of use) is opened. The external bag 101 is removed to expose the internal bag 90. The external bag 101 is folded and disposed of in the receptacle 3.

The internal bag 90 is cut at the neck 120 using sterile scissors 250.

In order to load the bagged set of five mops 110, the first guide arm 12 and second guide arm 13 are squeezed from the at rest configuration U (see Figure 6) to the in use configuration C (see Figure 6). A lip 88 of an open end 91 of the bagged set of five mops 110 is fitted to the first stirrup 15 and the second stirrup 14 and the first guide ann 12 and second guide arm 13 are then released. In the in use configuration C, the first stirrup 15 and the second stirrup 14 support the lip 88 of the open end 91 of the bagged set of five mops 110 and have a tendency to splay towards the at rest configuration U. This restrains open the bagged set of five mops 110 to assist debagging of a mop for cleaning the room. The first guide arm 12 and the second guide arm 13 are composed of spring steel which accounts for the tendency of the first stirrup 15 and the second stirrup 14 to splay in the in use configuration C. Figures 8a and 8b illustrate perspective views and Figure 9 illustrates a side view of a second embodiment of the compartmentalised platform cart of the invention designated generally by reference numeral 81. The compartmentalised platform cart 81 comprises an upright cart handle 84 mounted on a trailing edge 872 of a wheeled platform 87 to assist hand propulsion. The upright cart handle 84 is a framework. The wheeled platform 87 is a framework. The compartmentalised platform cart 81 further comprises a first framework partition 86 mounted parallel to a mid-longitudinal plane on the wheeled platform 87. The first framework partition 86 defines a rearwardly first compartment and a forwardly second compartment.

A receptacle 83 for soiled applicators (eg mops) is positioned in the first compartment. Mounted in a parallel spaced apart maimer on an exterior face of the first framework partition 86 is a tiered rack assembly 801 of three racks. The tiered rack assembly 801 occupies the second compartment.

A restraining cage 827 is positioned forwardly in the second compartment near to a leading edge 871 of the wheeled platform 87. Typically the restraining cage 827 is mm or more apart from the receptacle 83 for soiled applicators. The restraining cage 827 comprises a U-shaped seat 811. A first guide arm 812 extends aloft from the seat 811 and a second guide ann 813 extends aloft from the seat 811.

The first guide arm 812 is coupled to the seat 811 by a first shoulder part 8l2c. The second guide arm 813 is coupled to the seat 811 by a second shoulder part 813c. The first shoulder part 81 2c is downwardly descendent from the seat 811. The second shoulder part 81 3c is downwardly descendent from the seat 811. The first guide arm 812 has a uniform breadth and the second guide arm 813 has a uniform breadth.

The restraining cage 827 ifirther comprises a first stirrup 815 adjacent to the distal end of the first guide arm 812 and a second stirrup 814 adjacent to the distal end of the second guide arm 813. The first stirrup 815 and second stirrup 814 are divergent and mounted respectively on the first shoulder part 81 2c and second shoulder part 81 3c.

In the second embodiment, a bagged set of five mops 110 may be loaded in a maimer similar to that described above for the first embodiment. The first stirrup 815 and second stirrup 814 are squeezed from an at rest configuration to an in use configuration. A lip 88 of an open end 91 of the bagged set of five mops 110 is fitted to the first stirrup 815 and the second stirrup 814 and the first stirrup 815 and the second stirrup 814 are then released. In the in use configuration, the first stirrup 815 and the second stirrup 814 support the lip 88 of the open end 91 of the bagged set of five mops 110 and have a tendency to splay towards the at rest configuration. This restrains open the bagged set of five mops 110 to assist debagging of a mop for cleaning the room. The first stirrup 815 and the second stirrup 814 are composed of spring steel which accounts for their tendency to splay in the in use configuration.

Figure 10 illustrates schematically the manner in which a mop loaded in the restraining cage 27 or 827 is deployed. The collapsible feet 131 of a mop handle 130 which has been sterilised in an autoclave are attached to one of the disinfectant soaked mops 1 lOa from the set of five mops 110. This is assisted by pockets lila, 11 lb at either end of the mop 11 Oa which allow the feet 131 to splay out into and sheath the mop 11 Qa. Each pocket lila, 11 lb is equipped with cut-away corners 112, 113 to avoid build-up of contaminant. The mop 11 Oa is used to apply disinfectant to an area of the surface of a cleanroom. On reaching a threshold, the mop 11 Oa is designated as "soiled", removed from the feet 131 and disposed of in the receptacle 3 or 83. Second and subsequent mops from the set of five mops 110 may be deployed in a similar manner. The soiled mops in the receptacle 3 or 83 may be sent for reprocessing.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A compartmentalised platform cart for the consecutive deployment of each of a bagged set of applicators during cleaning a room comprising: a wheeled platform; an upright cart handle mounted on or near to a trailing edge of the wheeled platform to assist hand propulsion of the wheeled platform; a first wall or framework partition mounted on the wheeled platform whereby to define a first compartment and a second compartment; a receptacle for soiled applicators positioned in the first compartment; one or more holders for holding the bagged sets of applicators positioned in the second compartment; and a restraining cage positioned in the second compartment and operable to restrain open the bagged set of applicators to assist debagging of an applicator for cleaning the room.
2. A compartmentalised platform cart as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the or each holder for holding the bagged sets of applicators is positioned between the first compartment and the restraining cage.
3. A compartmentalised platform cart as claimed in claim 1 wherein a first framework partition is mounted on the wheeled platform so as to defme a rearwardly first compartment and a forwardly second compartment.
4. A compartmentalised platform cart as claimed in claim 1 wherein a first wall partition is mounted on the wheeled platform in abutment with a second wall partition mounted on the wheeled platform whereby to define a substantially quarterly first compartment.
5. A compartmentalised platform cart as claimed in claim 4 wherein the first wall partition and second wail partition are mounted on the wheeled platform so as to defme a rearward substantially quarterly first compartment and a substantially three-quarterly second compartment.
6. A compartmentalised platform cart as claimed in claim 4 or S wherein the or each holder for holding the bagged sets of applicators is mounted substantially in a rearward quarter of the second compartment.
7. A compartmentalised platform cart as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the restraining cage is positioned at or near to a leading edge of the wheeled platform.
8. A compartmentalised platform cart as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the restraining cage comprises: a seat for the bagged set of applicators; a first guide arm extending aloft from the seat; a second guide arm extending aloft from the seat; a first stirrup on or near to a distal end of the first guide arm; and a second stirrup on or near to a distal end of the second guide ann, wherein in an in use configuration the first slim-up and the second stirrup support a lip of an open end of the bagged set of applicators and have a tendency to splay towards an at rest configuration thereby restraining open the bagged set of applicators to define a mouth to assist debagging of an applicator for cleaning the room.
9. A compartmentalised platform cart as claimed in claim 8 wherein the first stirrup is on the distal end of the first guide arm and the second stirrup is on the distal end of the second guide arm.
10. A compartmentalised platform cart as claimed in claim 8 or 9 wherein the first stirrup and second stirrup are convergent.
11. A compartmentalised platfonn cart as claimed in claim 8 wherein the first stirrup is adjacent to the distal end of the first guide arm and the second stirrup is adjacent to the distal end of the second guide arm.
12. A compartmentalised platform cart as claimed in claim 8, 9 or 11 wherein the first stirrup and second stirrup are divergent.
13. A compartmentalised platform cart as claimed in any of claims 8 to 12 wherein the first stirrupand the second stirrup are composed of an elastically deformable material.
14. A compartmentalised platform cart as claimed in any of claims 8 to 13 wherein the seat is a U-shaped seat,
15. A compartmentalised plafform cart substantially as hereinbefore defined with reference to the accompanying Figures.