IT202000012733A1 - SANITIZATION EQUIPMENT FOR FURNISHING ITEMS - Google Patents

Description

SANITIZATION EQUIPMENT FOR FURNISHING ITEMS

DESCRIPTION

Technical field of the invention

The present invention refers to a sanitizing apparatus for furnishings, in particular for beach furnishings.

background

The bathing establishments and accommodation facilities, especially those equipped with swimming pools, are frequented by a significant number of people, especially on weekends and in the high season months.

Generally, in these establishments or accommodation structures, items of furniture are made available to customers, such as for example deckchairs, sunbeds, chairs, umbrellas. Even on a daily basis, the furnishings are therefore used by different people.

The surfaces of such furniture items are subjected to frequent handling; There? ? particularly the case of deckchairs, sunbeds and chairs which, in use, are exposed to close physical contact with people. Therefore, the surfaces of beach furniture become a receptacle for bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms, including pathogens, thus representing a potential vehicle for disease transmission.

In addition, wetlands, just like beaches and swimming pools, favor the survival and multiplication of microorganisms. In particular, sand generally has a high microbial contamination causing pathological forms.

For these reasons, ? the need to sanitize beach furniture is strongly felt in order to improve the hygienic-sanitary conditions of bathing establishments and accommodation facilities, to protect the health of customers and operators.

Furthermore, following the global pandemic caused by the SARS-Cov-2 virus or otherwise known as Covid-19, more and more stringent health regulations have made it mandatory to sanitize sunbeds, deckchairs and other commonly used objects in the establishments.

To date, the sanitization operations of beach furniture items are performed entirely manually. The procedure involves the application or distribution of liquid sanitizing solutions to the surfaces of a single piece of furniture using cloths or the like.

In the first place, this procedure is inefficient for the difficulty? to manually reach the less accessible parts of a piece of furniture. Secondly, it requires a considerable amount of time by the operators of the bathing establishment or accommodation facility.

Summary of the invention

The technical problem posed and solved by the present invention ? therefore that of providing a sanitizing apparatus for beach furniture items which allows to obviate the drawbacks mentioned above with reference to the prior art.

This problem is solved by a sanitizing apparatus according to claim 1. The present invention also has as object a use of the apparatus as described in claim

Preferred features of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The present invention provides some relevant advantages. A first main advantage consists in the fact that it allows to obtain a deep sanitization of the furnishings, since it also allows to treat the superficial parts of the furnishings that are difficult to reach manually by an operator.

A second advantage, equally important, consists in the possibility? to simultaneously perform the sanitization of more? decor items.

Another advantage? linked to the fact that the? sanitization apparatus ? particularly suitable for installation in bathing establishments as it is easy to assemble, light and practical to transport and wind resistant up to 100 km/h.

In addition, ? object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for sanitizing beach furnishings which is quick to install and simple to use.

Furthermore, a further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for sanitizing beach furniture which is highly resistant both mechanically and chemically.

Additional benefits, features and modalities? of use of the present invention will become evident from the following detailed description of some embodiments, presented by way of non-limiting example.

Brief description of the figures

Will I come with reference to the figures of the attached drawings, in which:

? Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;

? Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;

? Figure 3 shows a first side view of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;

? Figure 4 shows a second side view of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;

? Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention.

The thicknesses and curvatures shown in the figures introduced above are to be understood as purely exemplifying and not necessarily shown in proportion.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

Various embodiments and variants of the invention will be described below, and what? with reference to the figures introduced above.

Analogous components are denoted in the various figures with the same numerical reference.

In the detailed description that follows, further embodiments and variations with respect to already existing embodiments and variations treated in the same description will be illustrated limitedly to the differences with what already? exposed.

Furthermore, the different embodiments and variations described below are likely to be used in combination, where compatible.

With reference to the figures, ? denoted as a whole with 1 a sanitizing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

In the context of this text, sanitation means the set of disinfection and sterilization procedures and operations aimed at reducing the presence of microorganisms, viruses, toxins, and other pathogens. In other words, sanitization ? the set of procedures designed to make such furnishings hygienically suitable for operators and users.

This sanitizing apparatus 1 comprises a box-shaped body 10 defining an internal chamber 100, suitable in use for containing objects of furniture. The box-like body 10 therefore delimits within itself a space, i.e. the internal chamber 100, within which the items of furniture to be sanitized can be housed.

The box-like body 10 also has an internal surface 110, facing or facing the internal chamber 100, and an opposite external surface 120. The external surface 120? therefore facing an external environment with respect to the internal chamber 100.

The box-like body 10 can preferably comprise a portion made of transparent material. even more preferably, this portion in transparent material? positioned at eye level so as to allow vision within the internal chamber 100. that this portion in transparent material acts as a window.

The box-shaped body 10 ? made at least partially of reinforced thermosetting polymeric material. Preferably, the entire box-like body 10 is made of reinforced thermosetting polymer material. This type of material includes the material known commercially as fiberglass. Since the reinforced thermosetting polymeric materials have a low specific weight, they give the box-shaped body 20 particular lightness; consequently the transport and assembly of the latter is particularly facilitated. Furthermore, this type of materials? particularly endowed with mechanical resistance, resistance to corrosion, given for example by contact with salt and chemical agents, resistance to high and low temperatures, and resistance to exposure to ultraviolet rays, such as sunlight. It follows that the apparatus 1 is particularly suitable for use in bathing establishments.

The sanitizing apparatus 1 according to the present invention comprises a tank 20 associated with the box-like body 10 and configured to contain a sanitizing fluid. The sanitizing fluid ? a substance having properties disinfectants and / or bactericide and ? therefore suitable to reduce the presence of pathogenic microorganisms of different types, or other polluting agents, if placed in contact with the surfaces of the furnishings. For example, the sanitizing fluid can be a mixture based on hydrogen peroxide which, thanks to its highly oxidizing power, is able to break down a high percentage of pathogenic microorganisms. Different sanitizing fluids are not excluded, for example alcohol-based or chlorine-based mixtures, or other fluids suitable for sanitizing practices and known in the state of the art.

Preferably, the tank 20 ? associated with the box-like body 10 so as to be positioned outside the internal chamber 100. That is to say that the tank 20 is associated at the outer surface 120 of the box-like body 10. In this way, the tank 20 is easily accessible by an operator, for example to top up the sanitizing fluid, even when the internal chamber 100 is filled with furniture items. Furthermore, the positioning of the tank 20 outside the internal chamber 100 advantageously allows not to reduce the volume of the latter which can be intended to contain the furnishings to be treated.

Usefully, the configuration of the tank 20 ? such that the pressure inside the same tank ? greater than the pressure in the environment and/or in the internal chamber 100. In this way, the fluid present in the tank can? be sent into the inner chamber 100 without using pumps or other similar devices.

The sanitizing apparatus 1 according to the present invention also comprises a distribution apparatus 30, in fluid communication with said tank 20 and said box-shaped body 10. The distribution apparatus 30 is, i.e., hydraulically connected to the tank 20 and to the internal chamber 100. The distribution apparatus 30 is also configured to distribute the sanitizing fluid within the internal chamber 100. The distribution apparatus 30 is then an apparatus for the distribution of the sanitizing fluid.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the distribution apparatus 30 comprises a plurality of of nozzles, for simplicity? not shown in the figures, associated with the inner surface 110 of the box-like body 10 at or near of a covering wall 111b of the box-shaped body 10. In this way, due to the effect of gravity? ? facilitated the distribution of the sanitizing fluid to the surfaces of the furnishings. Preferably, the nozzles of the plurality? of nozzles are positioned so as to have a homogeneous distribution with respect to the covering wall 111b. even more preferably, the nozzles are equidistant from each other.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the distribution apparatus 30 is configured for the diffusion of the sanitizing fluid in nebulized form. That is to say what? that the? apparatus of distribution ? a nebulization apparatus configured to nebulize the sanitizing fluid inside the internal chamber 100.

The overall configuration? such that the nebulised sanitizing fluid is introduced into the internal chamber 100 until at least the humidity value is reached. of saturation reachable in the inner chamber. In this way the environment in the internal chamber 100 will have? a maximum saturation and the nebulized fluid can? be evenly distributed inside, reaching all points of the room itself and therefore ensuring complete sanitization of all parts of the furnishings inserted therein.

Preferably the distribution apparatus 30 can? be designed to be connected to an air compressor fluidly connected to the plurality? of nozzles. The distribution apparatus 30 can? include an air line 331 configured to be connected to a compressor and by means of which the compressed air can be fed into the inner chamber 100.

even more preferably the? distribution apparatus 30 can? include a sanitizing fluid conduit 321. The air conduit 331 is distinct and physically separate from the 321 sanitizing fluid conduit. The configuration? such that the ducts 331 and 321 are physically separated from each other, so as to ensure that the flow of compressed air and the flow of sanitizing fluid come into contact with each other only at the plurality of of nozzles. The flow of compressed air favors the nebulization of the sanitizing fluid flow. Also, it increases the speed of the sprayed sanitizing fluid jet downstream of the plurality? of nozzles favoring cos? the transport of the latter up to the areas pi? close to the bottom part 111a of the internal chamber 100 and the generation of turbulent motions of the nebulised sanitizing fluid within the internal chamber 100. This results in a better distribution of the nebulised sanitizing fluid flow within the internal chamber 100 and, therefore, a better distribution on the furnishing objects that can be contained in it.

Preferably in addition the sanitization unit 1 can? understand a? unit? control unit, not shown in the figures, configured to control the operation of the distribution apparatus 30. In particular, this unit? control can? be configured to mechanically control the distribution of the fluid inside the internal chamber 100, in particular the start-up of the compressor 330, the opening of the tank 20 and the introduction of the nebulised sanitizing fluid.

The box-shaped body 10 can? comprise a through opening, or an opening, 140 configured to allow an operator?s access to the internal chamber 100.

The opening 110 can? therefore allowing an operator to store the furnishings to be sanitized within the internal chamber 100 or to extract the furnishings from this latter once they have been sanitized. Preferably, the box-shaped body 10 can also be equipped with at least one door or wing 141 configured to close the through opening 140 in a hermetic or watertight manner. The door or wing 141 therefore allows? to avoid, in use, a dispersion or leakage of the sanitizing fluid from the internal chamber 110.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the box-shaped body 10 is a modular body comprising a plurality? of walls 111 which can be mechanically associated with each other. The box-shaped body 10 is, that is, realizable by coupling by interlocking and/or by means of mechanical coupling elements, such as screws and bolts, the walls of the plurality of walls 111. It follows that the box-shaped body 10 can be easily assembled by an operator, for example at the beginning of the season, directly on the place of use. Preferably, the mechanical association between the modular body 10 and the plurality? of walls 111 ? reversible type. Furthermore, in this way, the box-like body 10 can also be easily disassembled by an operator, for example at the end of the season.

In particular, according to this same preferred aspect, the plurality of walls 111 comprises, in turn, a bottom wall 111a, configured to be fixed to a support surface S, and an opposite covering wall 111b. The bottom part 111a therefore acts as a base of the box-shaped body 10 while the covering wall 111b acts as a roof or lid of the same.

Preferably, moreover, the plurality? of walls 111 comprises one or more? side walls 111c configured to be placed in connection of the bottom wall 111a with the covering wall 111b. That is to say, that is, that one or more? side walls 111c connect the bottom wall 111a with the cover wall 111b.

Preferably, for simplicity? construction and storage, l?one or more? side walls 111c and the bottom wall 111b have a mainly two-dimensional structure. That is to say that one or more? side walls 111c and the bottom wall 111c have a substantially negligible dimension with respect to the other two dimensions. In particular, between the three dimensions, the thickness, or depth?, ? minor, substantially negligible, compared to the other two dimensions. Thickness or depth? are to be understood in the meaning commonly assigned to these terms.

Preferably, the covering wall 111b has a truncated cone or truncated pyramid shape with steps. In this way, the box-shaped body 10 is more resistant to atmospheric agents, mainly to the wind.

According to a preferred aspect, the box-like body 10 has one or more? rigidity elements 160 projecting with respect to the external surface 120. Usefully, the rigidity elements 160 can be protruding regions 160 which rise, ie project or protrude from said external surface 120. That is to say that the box-shaped body 100 is equipped with one or more protuberances at the external surface 120. In particular, the at least one protruding region 160 act as reinforcing elements of the box-shaped body 10. In particular, they are suitable for conferring stiffness to the wall of the plurality of of walls 111 on which they are built. The protruding regions 160 shown in the figures are continuous, but alternative solutions are not excluded in which the protruding regions 160 are identified by a series of thickening ribs and/or ribs placed adjacent or close to each other.

Preferably, the stiffness elements 160 define channels 170 on the external wall 120. Preferably, the channels 170 can have a substantially curvilinear development, advantageously defining a parabolic or circumferential arc. The channels 170 act as a preferential lane for the air flows hitting the box-shaped body 10. In this way, the action of the wind is dampened with consequent greater stability. of? apparatus 1.

Preferably at least part of the profile of the at least one protruding region 160 lies substantially along a diagonal of the wall where the at least one protruding region 160 is? accomplished. There? it allows to further improve the adaptation to the forces acting and to the action of the wind of the box-shaped body 10, in the face of greater lightness and resistance.

According to a preferred aspect, the box-shaped body 10 has dimensions of approximately 230-250 cm X 200-220 cm X 150-180 cm. Preferably, being the thickness of the walls of the plurality? of substantially negligible walls 111, the internal chamber 100 thus has a volume which allows it to contain a large number of furnishing items. In particular, these dimensions make it possible to cram up to 60 folding beds within the internal chamber 100.

According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the box-like body 10 is configured to be fixed to or associated with a support surface S. In particular, according to this preferred aspect, the bottom wall 111a comprises one or more? anchoring elements 112 configured to allow the fixing or association of the same bottom wall 111a to the support surface S. Preferably, the box-shaped body 10 is configured to be fixed or associated with a support surface S in a reversible manner. That is to say that the box-shaped body 10 can? be voluntarily decoupled or separated from the support surface S, for example to carry out disassembly operations of the same.

The anchoring elements 112 can be elements that can be anchored mechanically to a support surface S. The anchoring elements 112 can comprise mechanical means known to a person skilled in the art, such as for example a bracket or a perimeter flange, which can be mechanically fixed to a support surface S; in particular to a substantially rigid support surface S, such as a floor.

The anchoring elements 112 may comprise or consist of a tank 113, for example as shown in figure 5 , configured to be filled with liquid or solid material so as to act as ballast. This tub 113 ? configured as a closed container adapted to be filled with liquid or solid material. For example, the tank 113 can? be filled with sand, gravel or water. In this way, the tank 113, once filled, gives further weight to the box-shaped body 10 and helps to keep the latter associated with the support surface S. Preferably, the tank 113 is associated with the bottom wall 111b at the outer surface 120 thereof.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the tank 113 has a volume of at least 350 cubic decimetres. This volume, when occupied for example by sand, gravel or water, gives the box-shaped body 10 sufficient weight to ensure that the latter can remain stably associated with a support surface S even in the absence of further anchoring elements 112. it is particularly useful when it is not possible, or in any case difficult, to fix or otherwise associate the box-shaped body 10 with a support surface S. This is, for example, the case in which the support surface S is the sandy bottom of a beach .

According to a further preferred aspect, the sanitizing apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of of locking elements, for simplicity? not shown in the figures, arranged within the internal chamber 100 and configured to hold the items of furniture in a predefined position. These locking elements help in sufficiently spacing the furnishings from each other so that all their surfaces can be reached by the sanitizing fluid.

In the end, ? The object of the present invention is also the use of a sanitizing apparatus 1, according to one or more of the aspects or embodiments illustrated up to now, in particular items of furniture for bathing establishments or swimming pools.

The present invention ? been described heretofore with reference to preferred embodiments. ? to be understood that each of the technical characteristics implemented in the preferred embodiments, described here by way of example only, can advantageously be combined, in a different way from what has been described, also with other characteristics, to give shape to further embodiments which also pertain to the same inventive core. ? it is to be understood, therefore, that there may exist other embodiments which pertain to the same inventive core, as defined by the scope of protection of the claims set forth below.

Claims (13)

1. Sanitization apparatus (1) for the sanitization of beach furniture items including: - a box-like body (10) made at least partially of reinforced thermosetting polymeric material, defining an internal chamber (100), suitable for containing objects of furniture, and having an internal surface (110), facing said internal chamber (100 ), and an opposite outer surface (120); - a tank (20) associated with said box-shaped body (10) and configured to contain a sanitizing fluid; - a distribution apparatus (30) in fluid communication with said tank (20) and said box-shaped body (10) and configured to distribute said sanitizing fluid within said internal chamber (100). 2. Sanitizing apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein said box-like body (10) is a modular body comprising a plurality? of walls (111) that can be associated mechanically with each other and in which said plurality? of walls (111) comprises a bottom wall (111a), configured to be fixed to a support surface (S), and an opposite cover wall (111b). 3. Sanitizing apparatus (1) according to claim 2, wherein said bottom wall (111a) comprises one or more? anchoring elements (112) configured to allow the fixing of said bottom wall (111a) to said support surface (S). 4. Sanitizing apparatus (1) according to claim 3, wherein said one more? anchoring elements (112) comprise or consist of a tank (113) configured to be filled with liquid or solid material so as to act as ballast. 5. Sanitizing apparatus (1) according to claim 4, wherein said tank (113) has a volume at least equal to 350 cubic decimetres. 6. Sanitizing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims from 2 to 5, wherein said distribution apparatus (30) comprises a plurality of of nozzles associated with the inner surface (110) of the box-like body (10) at or near of said covering wall (111a). 7. Sanitizing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said box-like body (10) has one or more stiffness elements (160) projecting from said external surface (120). 8. Sanitizing apparatus (1) according to claim 7, wherein said stiffness elements (160) define channels (170) on said external wall (120) having a substantially curvilinear development. 9. Sanitizing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims from 2 to 8, wherein said covering wall (111b) has a truncated cone or stepped truncated pyramid shape. 10. Sanitizing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said box-shaped body (10) has dimensions of approximately 230-250cm X 200-220cm X 150-180cm. 11. Sanitizing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said tank (20) is positioned externally to said inner chamber (100). 12. Sanitizing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of of locking elements disposed within said internal chamber (100) and configured to hold said objects of furniture in a predefined position. 13. Use of a sanitizing apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims for sanitizing objects of outdoor furniture, in particular objects of furniture for bathing establishments or swimming pools.