JP2019206438A - System and method for cleaning handrail - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a system, a device, and a method for cleaning and adjusting a handrail.SOLUTION: A cleaning pad is curved so as to fit a shape of a handrail and arranged on an arm. The arm can be mounted on a supporting structure and it is wound up to a handrail of an escalator so as to clean the handrail during the operation of the escalator while keeping the arm as it is. When the arm is mounted thereon, it may include a spring or a piston for keeping the arm at a specific position. A second cleaning pad may be included to dry or polish the handrail. First, the handrail passes through the cleaning pad and then passes through a dry pad. The arm may be a hand-held type such that a user can reach vertical steps or inclination. The cleaning pad may be mounted to rotate around the arm for the sake of the storage, the maintenance, or a better reaching range such as bent parts or around corners.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Priority Claim This application is a continuation-in-part of US Patent Application Publication No. 15 / 859,868, filed January 2, 2018, and claims its benefits. It claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 15 / 294,721, filed October 15, 2016 and now U.S. Patent No. 9,856,115. It claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 14 / 745,412 filed June 20, 2015 and now U.S. Pat. No. 9,764,929. It claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 62 / 051,671, filed on September 17, 2014. All of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.

  The present disclosure relates generally to handrails, and more specifically to systems and methods for cleaning handrails.

  Handrails are used in stairs, ADA-applied lamps, escalators, and many aisles to help users maintain balance and safety. Therefore, the handrail is touched by the human hand, all the elements placed on it, and the elements found in buildings and outdoors. Handrails have been shown to contain bacteria and viruses, so they are regularly cleaned to maintain the health and safety of users, especially children, the elderly, and others who may be immunocompromised There is a need to. Cleaning the handrail can be associated with its own danger. This is because it may be necessary to lean over the aisle to clean it. Furthermore, handrail cleaning is a monotonous but time-consuming operation, and human labor may be diverted from more difficult operations. The disclosure disclosed herein aims to simplify the handrail cleaning process by improving production, safety and ease of handrail cleaning.

  The present disclosure relates generally to handrails, and more specifically to systems and methods for cleaning handrails. This system consists essentially of a cleaning pad and a means for deploying the cleaning pad.

  In some embodiments, a system for cleaning a handrail comprises at least one strut having a distal end and a proximal end and at least one pad disposed at the distal end of the strut. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a pad disposed at the distal end of the strut that may be configured to wrap at least a portion of the handrail. In some embodiments, the pad disposed at the distal end of the strut substantially matches the shape of the handrail. In some embodiments, a pad disposed at the distal end of the strut may be pivotally connected to the strut. In some embodiments, the pad disposed at the distal end of the strut may be configured to slide on and off the handrail at the end of the handrail. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the strut can include a handle. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the strut may be disposed on the support structure. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the strut may be pivotally disposed on the support structure. In some embodiments, a system for cleaning handrails includes a first strut and a second strut, wherein the second strut is disposed below the first strut and is proximate to the second strut. A first strut and a second strut, the ends of which may be disposed on the support structure; a first pad and a second pad, wherein the second pad is disposed at the distal end of the second strut May further include; the first pad and the second pad are substantially aligned through a vertical plane. In some embodiments, the support structure may be located on four wheels. In some embodiments, the four wheels can be casters. In other embodiments, two of the four wheels may be casters and the other two wheels may not be casters.

  In some embodiments, the system for cleaning the handrail includes a support structure; a strut disposed in a forward portion of the support structure; a first pad disposed in the strut; and a strut below the first pad. A second pad disposed on the surface. In some embodiments, the system for cleaning the handrail is at least one support structure; at least one strut having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the at least one support structure. At least one strut that may be disposed in the anterior portion; at least one pad disposed at the distal end of the at least one strut. In some embodiments, the first pad and the second pad may be arranged such that the first pad and the second pad can be substantially aligned along a vertical plane. In some embodiments, the first pad and the second pad may be arranged such that the handrail moves first through the first pad and then through the second pad. In some embodiments, the strut is further a substantially straight portion having a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to the forward portion of the support structure. And a mounting bracket disposed at the second end of the strut, the bracket further comprising an upper mount and a lower mount. In some embodiments, the first pad can be located on the upper mount of the mounting bracket and the second pad can be located on the lower mount of the mounting bracket.

  In some embodiments, the system for cleaning the handrail is a strut having a support structure; a first end and a second end, the first end being disposed on the support structure. A mounting bracket having an upper mount and a lower mount, wherein the mounting bracket is disposed at a second end of the strut; a first pad disposed on the upper mount; and a lower mount A second pad disposed on the surface. In some embodiments, the system for cleaning the handrail further includes a caster disposed on the leading edge of the support structure. In some embodiments, the system for cleaning handrails further comprises a wheel disposed at the trailing edge of the support structure.

  In addition to the above, various other method, system, and / or program product embodiments can be found in the text (eg, claims, drawings, and / or forms for carrying out the invention) and / or the present disclosure. Described and explained in the teachings such as

  The above is a summary and thus necessarily includes simplification, generalization and omission of detail. Consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is merely illustrative and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Other aspects, embodiments, features and advantages of the apparatus and / or processes and / or other subject matter described herein will become apparent from the teachings described herein.

  Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings.

1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a system for cleaning an escalator handrail in an extended or operating position. FIG. FIG. 2 is an isometric view around the system. It is a side view of the circumference | surroundings of the said system. It is a side view of one embodiment of the system. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a part of the system. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a system for cleaning an escalator handrail in a maintenance position. FIG. 1 is a side view of a portion of an embodiment of a system for cleaning an escalator handrail in a maintenance position. FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a system for cleaning an escalator handrail in a retracted position. FIG. It is a side view of the said system. 1 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a system for cleaning an escalator handrail. FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a cleaning element for a system for cleaning an escalator handrail; FIG. FIG. 12a is a front view of the above elements. FIG. 12b is a side view of the element. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a system for cleaning an ADA-applied handrail in a stowed position. FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a system for cleaning an ADA-applied handrail in an extended position. FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of a system for cleaning an ADA-applied handrail. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a cleaning element device of a system for cleaning ADA applied handrails. FIG. It is a front view of the said apparatus. FIG. 18a is a right side view of the device. FIG. 18b is a left side view of the device. FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of another embodiment of a system for cleaning ADA-applied handrails. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a system for cleaning an escalator handrail. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a system for cleaning an escalator handrail. It is a right side view of the system. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a system for cleaning an escalator handrail in an extended or operating position. FIG. 24 is an isometric view of the periphery of the system shown in FIG. FIG. 24 is a side view of the periphery of the system shown in FIG. 23. 1 is an isometric view of a system configured with a cart in a retracted position and a cart door in an open position. FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the back of a system configured with the cart in a stowed position and the cart door in a closed position. 1 is an isometric view of a system for cleaning an escalator handrail in a maintenance position. FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary subassembly of a system including a post, a mounting bracket, and a cleaning element. FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of an exemplary subassembly of the system. FIG. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a cleaning element for a system for cleaning handrails. FIG. 32 is an isometric view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 31 including a pad. FIG. 32 is a front view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 31 including a pad. FIG. 32 is a side view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 31 including a pad. FIG. 32 is an isometric view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 31 including a retaining clip. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a retaining clip engaged with a cleaning element. FIG. 37 is a front view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 36, showing exemplary ranges of deflection of the cleaning element to accommodate insertion on a handrail and / or different cross-sectional profiles of different handrails. FIG. 36 is an isometric view of the cross section of the cleaning element shown in FIG. FIG. 36 is a front cross-sectional view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 35. FIG. 40 is a front view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 39 without the retaining clip, showing an exemplary range of deflection of the cleaning element to accommodate insertion on the handrail and / or different cross-sectional profiles of different handrails. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of yet another embodiment of a system for cleaning handrails. Fig. 4 shows a handle configured to be selectively coupled to a cleaning element. FIG. 42 is an isometric view of a cross section of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 41. FIG. 42 is an isometric view of a system shown in FIG. 41 and including a pad coupler configured to secure a pad to a cleaning element.

  The present disclosure relates generally to handrails, and more specifically to systems and methods for cleaning handrails. Specific details of certain embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in the following description and in FIGS. 1-43 to provide a thorough understanding of such embodiments. The present disclosure may have additional embodiments and may be implemented even if one or more of the details are not described for any particular described embodiment, and is described for another embodiment Any of the details described for one particular embodiment may be implemented, along with any other details made.

  Importantly, groupings of aspects of the invention in any particular “embodiment” in the detailed description and / or groupings of restrictions in the claims presented herein. It is not intended to be limiting to the disclosure and / or its specific embodiments and / or claims, which limit their specific aspects. The substance of this invention presenting this disclosure is fully intended to be any disclosed aspect of any embodiment in the Detailed Description and / or this disclosure and / or this application. Any claim limitation so far presented to any continuation application (eg, continuation, continuation partial and / or divisional application) claiming priority from May be implemented in any other disclosed aspect of any embodiment in the form of and / or with any claim limitation. Claimed combinations derived from the various embodiments and / or originally presented claims are fully within the scope of ownership of the invention at the time this disclosure is filed. Limitations that are each disclosed herein and therefore supported as originally filed or originally filed in this specification (or any continuation application claiming priority from this application) Any future claims that contain any combination of these are presently owned by the present entity, regardless of whether such combinations are described herein. Because all such combinations are deemed by the substance of the present invention to be presently feasible without undue experimentation given the disclosure herein, so any such claims in the future will be This is because it does not represent a new matter.

  FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a system for cleaning an escalator handrail in an operating position. This system consists essentially of a cart device 100 and a cleaning pad device 200.

  In some embodiments, cart 100 may include a handle 110. The handle 110 can be versatile. First, the handle 110 can be used to push and pull the cart 100 to the appropriate position. Second, the handle 110 can be used to engage or disengage the spring 111, which then engages or disengages the handle brake 112. In some embodiments, the brake 112 normally engages the wheel 172 and the handle 112 must be manipulated to disengage the brake 112. For example, in some embodiments, the handle 110 is depressed, causing the spring 111 to raise the brake 112 and disengage the wheel 172. When the handle 110 is removed, the spring 111 is removed and the brake 112 engages the rear wheel 172 to prevent the cart from moving. In other embodiments, the handle 110 must be raised to remove the brake 112. When the handle 110 is removed, the brake 112 engages the wheel 172 to prevent cart movement.

  In other embodiments, the brake 112 is typically disengaged and the handle 110 must be operated to brake the wheel 172. For example, the handle 110 can be raised to the locked position so that the spring 111 pushes down the brake 112 to engage the wheel 172. In another embodiment, the handle 110 can be pushed down to the locked position, causing the spring 111 to move to the brake 112 and engage the rear wheel 172. The spring 111 may be a compression spring, a clock spring, a torsion spring, a tension spring, or any other type of tensioning device that does not change the function of the spring. Similarly, the handle 110 may be made of metal, plastic, wood, curved, straight, or any other shape or material that does not change the function of the handle.

  In some embodiments, the cart 100 can include a receptacle 120. Receptacle 120 may be used to reject other elements of the present disclosure, or to store or transport. The receptacle 120 may have an opening at the top of the cart, may include a lid (not shown), may be removable or replaceable, and may be a rigid or flexible material as required for the application. It can consist of

  In some embodiments, cart 100 may also include at least one tray 130. In an embodiment, the tray 130 may be used to store a cleaning liquid used with the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the tray 130 can be used to store or transport additional cleaning pads or cleaning elements of the present disclosure. The tray 130 can be made of any rigid or semi-rigid material. In some embodiments, the tray 130 can be made of a material having specific properties such as non-reactivity with recommended cleaning fluids, rust prevention, strength or thermal properties. In some embodiments, tray 130 is supported by beam 140. In some embodiments, the number of beams 140 can be as many as four. In other embodiments, the number of beams 140 may be as many as three as shown in FIG. In some embodiments, the cart 100 can include a second tray 131. The tray 131 can serve any of the purposes of the tray 130.

  In some embodiments, the cart 100 can include a base 170. The base 170 is a support structure for the cart 100 and can itself be any rigid material that does not affect the function of the base. In some embodiments, the base 170 can include a front wheel 171. Although the wheels 171 tend to be smaller than the rear wheels 172, allowing for better maneuverability of the cart 100, in some embodiments the front wheels are substantially the same size or larger than the rear wheels 172. It can be even larger. In some embodiments, the wheel 172 may be covered by a portion of the base 170 such as the wheel guard 175.

  In some embodiments, the base 170 can include a bracket 173 to which the strut 160 is coupled. The bracket 173 can be secured to the base 170 in any number of ways as long as the bracket does not move substantially. The strut 160 can be secured to the bracket 173 in any number of ways as long as the strut is designed to be movable so that it can rotate around the fastener. In some embodiments, strut 160 may be a single strut. In some embodiments, the strut 160 may consist of a plurality of arms, such as a front arm 161 and a rear arm 162. In some embodiments, the strut 160 may consist of one, two, three, four, or more individual arms. In a multi-arm embodiment, each arm can move in series or individually depending on the needs of a particular application. In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the strut 160 includes two front arms 161 and two rear arms 162, and the lower portions of both sets of arms are attached to the front and rear portions of the bracket 173, respectively. It has been. The upper part is connected to a crossbar 165, which moves the individual arms in series. Crossbar 165 is further coupled to a mounting bracket, which is better depicted in FIG.

  FIG. 2 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a system for cleaning the operating position and the escalator handrail in use. In this embodiment, the struts 160 extend to allow the cleaning element 200 to be at least partially disposed about the escalator handrail 270. Details regarding the cleaning element 200 are better disclosed in other figures discussed further herein.

  3 and 4 are side views of one embodiment of a system for cleaning an escalator handrail. FIG. 3 shows a system with an escalator handrail. FIG. 4 is a system for exemplary purposes only. These drawings better show the integration of the rest of the struts 160 with the mounting bracket 150, otherwise known as the cleaning pad carriage.

  In some embodiments, there may be a stopper 180 between the cart base 170 and the strut 160. In some embodiments, the stopper 180 may be fixed, giving the strut 160 a fixed position when the strut extends to the operating position. In other embodiments, the stopper 180 may be adjustable. In a further embodiment, the stopper 180 can be adjusted by rotating the knurled knob 181. In a different further embodiment, the stopper 180 can be adjusted by loosening the stopper from the attachment to the base 170 and rotating it relative to the plane of the base.

  In some embodiments, the strut 160 can further include a position element 163. The function of the position element 163 is to assist in positioning and stability of the cleaning element 200. In some embodiments, the position element 163 can be a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder. In some embodiments, the position element 163 can be a gas spring. In some embodiments, the position element 163 can be any other type of linear spring. The reciprocating linear movement of the position element 163 can be achieved in many ways without changing the function of the element.

  The strut 160 is connected to the mounting bracket 150. In some embodiments, the joint between the strut 160 and the bracket 150 is fixed. In some embodiments, the joint between the strut 160 and the bracket 150 is movable. In an embodiment, the mounting bracket 150 rotates about the junction with the strut 160, allowing the mounting bracket and cleaning element 200 to have different positions with respect to the strut 160. See FIGS. 6 and 9 for examples. Allowing movement at the junction between the strut 160 and the bracket 150 further allows the cleaning element 200 to be more accurately positioned relative to the cart 100 and the escalator handrail 270. In some embodiments, the junction between them may allow movement in only one direction. In other embodiments, the joint can allow movement in more than one direction. In some embodiments, the joint may be a ball joint, allowing approximately 100% freedom of movement. In some embodiments, the joint may allow movement in more than two axes.

  In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 150 can have only one mount. In the embodiment, the mounting bracket 150 has two mounts, an upper mount 151 and a lower mount 152. In this configuration, the user can clean the escalator handrail 270 by passing the handrail through both the upper and lower cleaning elements. In one method of use, the user immerses one cleaning element 200 in the cleaning liquid and attaches it to the lower mount 152. The dry cleaning element 200 is attached to the upper mount 151 and the cleaning element is bent to fit snugly around the handrail 270. The handrail 270 is cleaned as it first passes through the wet cleaning element and then through the dry element. Note the direction of travel 280 as shown in FIG. The specific direction of movement is recommended because it allows the handrail to dry more nearly as it travels the full length of the escalator. This is important for at least three reasons. One is to prevent dust and other debris from escalator mechanisms such as rollers and guides from collecting on the handrail. In addition, if wet handrails enter the system, the guidance and tracking of the drive system is interrupted, which can damage the handrails and escalator as a whole. In addition, placing the handrail cleaner at the new (emerging) end of the escalator helps to prevent situations where any part of the handrail cleaner is caught on the handrail and trapped by the handrail system. With the advent of handrails, any element that gets caught in the handrail can be pulled away before entering the system, eliminating the damage and safety risks associated with the items that will be taken into the handrail system .

  In other uses, the dry cleaning element 200 can be attached to the upper mount 151 and a brightener or conditioner can be placed on the cleaning element attached to the lower mount 152. In other methods of use, the solution can include brighteners or conditioners, and the drying element can act as a desiccant and buffer. There are a number of uses that are facilitated by placing two cleaning elements one above the other that allow automated, almost autonomous cleaning of the escalator handrail.

  In some embodiments, the cleaning element 200 is coupled to the mounts 151 and 152 via fasteners 153. In some embodiments, the fastener 153 is permanent. In some embodiments, the fastener 153 is removable, allowing easy installation and removal of the cleaning element 200. In some embodiments, the fasteners 153 can be push button pins, quarter turn fasteners, tension latches, quick release fasteners such as push turn fasteners, or other easily removable standard fasteners.

  FIG. 5 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the joint between the strut 160 and the mounting bracket 150. Here, it can be seen that the strut 160 has a front arm set 161 and a rear arm set 162. One can see the position element 163 arranged between the set of arms comprising the struts 160. In one embodiment, the front arm 161 can be joined by a fastener 166. In some embodiments, the rear arm 161 can be joined by a fastener 167. In some embodiments, the fasteners 166 or fasteners 167 may be further disposed via the mounting bracket 150. In this embodiment, the mounting bracket 150 can rotate around the fasteners 166 or 167 to allow alternative positioning of the bracket. In some embodiments, the left and right arm sets may be joined via a central bracket 164. The central bracket 164 may house the latch 190. In some embodiments, the latch 190 may have a first notch 191, a second notch 192, and a third notch 193. This particular feature and alternative positioning is discussed in more detail in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a system for cleaning an escalator handrail, wherein the system is in a cleaning element change position. As can be seen, the bracket 150 can be rotated so that the mounts 151 and 152 are substantially parallel to the base 170. This allows the user to change the cleaning element 200 or a part thereof more easily.

  The cross-sectional view at this position shown in FIG. 7 is illustrative. Note that the image is rotated so that the front of the cart 100 is to the left. FIG. 7 illustrates that in some embodiments, the cleaning element 200 can be presented by rotating the bracket 150 for easy and quick replacement. As bracket 150 rotates, its surface becomes substantially horizontal or substantially parallel to the plane of base 170 (not shown in this view), thereby allowing easy access to cleaning element 200.

  In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 150 is coupled to the latch 190. One way to use is when the bracket 150 is in the alternate position, the latch 190 engages to prevent the bracket from returning to its use position. In another embodiment, the latch 190 is used to hold the bracket 150 in any position, including the in-use position, for further structural integrity. In another embodiment, the latch 190 can be used to remove the bracket 190 from the in-use position to allow movement to another position. In some embodiments, the latch 190 can have a first notch 191. When the bracket 150 rotates to the change position, the notch 191 can engage the catch 194 to hold the bracket in that position. In other embodiments, the latch 190 can have a first notch 191 and a second notch 192. When the bracket 150 is in the use position, the notch 192 can engage the catch 194 to hold the bracket in the cleaning or use position. As the bracket 150 rotates to the change position, the notch 191 can engage the catch 194 to hold the bracket in the change position. In some embodiments, the latch 190 can have a first notch 191, a second notch 192, and a third notch 193, each notch allowing a different position of the mounting bracket 150. In some embodiments, the latch 190 can include a spring 195. The spring 195 can be used to establish a “standard” position by the bracket 150, allowing the bracket to return to that position when the latch is disengaged from the catch 194. In some embodiments, the spring 195 may only provide a force that acts against the force exerted by the bracket 150 on the rest of the system when the bracket is in any position. As depicted in FIG. 7, the spring 195 is a torsion spring. However, the spring 195 can be a compression spring, a clock spring, a tension spring, or any other type of spring without changing its function.

  FIG. 8 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a system for cleaning an escalator handrail in a retracted position. FIG. 9 is a side view thereof. In this position, the strut 160 is stowed so as to be substantially vertical, as opposed to when the system is in the operating position, with the strut being at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to the vertical. In some embodiments, the cart 100 may include a latch to maintain a retracted position. In other embodiments, the retracted position may be maintained by a linear spring 163 or by some combination of a linear spring and a separate locking mechanism.

  FIG. 10 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a system for cleaning an escalator handrail. A bracket 173 to which a strut (not shown) is fixed is disposed through the surface of the base 170. In some embodiments, the fastener that connects the bracket 173 to the base 170 may be permanent, such as a rivet. In other embodiments, the fastener may be removable, such as a nut or bolt. In certain applications, it may be worthwhile to allow the entire strut to be replaced, or to move the strut assembly from a damaged base to an intact one. Thus, any number of fasteners can be used at that location without changing the function of the base 170 and bracket 173.

  FIG. 11 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the cleaning element 200. The cleaning element 200 consists essentially of a flexible foam 210. In some embodiments, the flexible foam 210 may be any flexible material such as plastic, foam, or any number of composite materials. In other embodiments, the flexible foam 210 may be made of a non-reactive or substantially inert material such as silicone, silicone rubber, Teflon, and the like. The main function of the flexible foam 210 is to provide a specific shape of the cleaning element 200, which allows the element to approximately match the surface and sides of the handrail and cover almost completely, It is still flexible enough to be placed on or removed from the handrail without damaging the handrail or foam. However, the flexible foam 210 will almost certainly be in contact with at least one cleaning fluid, many of which contain at least one corrosive or chemically abrasive component. The flexible foam 210 may also come in contact with brighteners, waxes, and handrail materials. Thus, the material properties of flexible foam 210 can be related to a particular application. Thus, many flexible materials can function without changing either the primary or secondary function of the flexible foam 210 and can be varied as needed for a particular application. .

  The cleaning element 200 may also include a cleaning cloth 240. The fabric 240 may be microfiber, cotton, terry cloth, or any number of standard cleaning fabric materials, but embodiments may contain microfibers to retain moisture and collect and hold debris. use. In this application, the cleaning cloth 240 often needs to both hold the cleaning liquid and catch any debris removed in the cleaning process, and microfibers are particularly suitable for that application. .

  The cleaning cloth 240 is designed to be flush with the inner portion of the foam 210 and cover the entire surface. In order to do so, it must be held on the foam 210 in some manner that does not interfere with the function of the cleaning fabric 240. One solution is to use a support cloth 230. In some embodiments, the support fabric 230 is connected to the cleaning fabric 240 with a seam that is generally along the edge between the inner and outer portions of the foam 210. Support fabric 230 and cleaning fabric 240 extend over foam 210, leaving an upper spot to allow the foam to protrude and access pinhole 260. In some embodiments, the fabric is held on the foam 210 by the strap 220, which is placed through the slit 250 at the top of the flexible foam. In other embodiments, the support fabric 230 may be elastic enough to maintain its position on the foam 210 without the use of a strap. In other embodiments, the strap 220 can be directly connected to the cleaning cloth 240. In other embodiments, the fabrics 230 and 240 can be a single material that is placed on the foam 210 in any of the manners described above.

  The pinhole 260 is a point where the foam 210 is joined to the mounting bracket 150 via the fastener 153. This is discussed in more detail above.

  FIG. 12 a is a front view of the cleaning element 200. The side-to-side profile of the cleaning element 200 is designed to cover and fit snugly on the top and side of the handrail, so that the cleaning cloth 240 is the entire surface of the handle that the user may touch. Allows to touch. FIG. 12b is a side view showing the outline of the cleaning element 200 from the front to the back. This is a non-limiting example where the depicted embodiment has a slight curve. As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the system for cleaning the handrail of the escalator can be placed at the end of the escalator where the handrail begins to exit the floor and travel the entire length of the escalator. The slightly curved longitudinal profile allows the cleaning element 200 to maintain a slightly longer contact with the new end of the handrail, resulting in better cleaning between the handrail and the cleaning element. Also, the number of friction points is reduced, and eventually the wear of the system is reduced. However, in other embodiments, the longitudinal profile is substantially straight, allowing the system to be used on a moving walkway or other part of the escalator where there is no curve on the handrail.

  Also, the American law with disabilities requires cleaning and conditioning. FIG. 13 is an isometric view of one embodiment of an ADA application handrail cleaner. In this embodiment, the cleaning element 200 is attached to the handle element 300. In some embodiments, the handle 300 can be a fixed length. In some embodiments, the handle 300 can be telescoping, as seen in FIG. Embodiments of telescoping handle 300 can include one or more sections 301 in which the sections are gradually made slightly smaller, allowing the majority of the handle to be accommodated in a single section length. Like that. In FIG. 14, this feature can be seen as the diameter of each section decreases as the handle moves away from the cleaning element 200. This should not be construed to limit the number of sections of telescopic handle 300. As long as there are more than one section, the handle will be telescopic. When the handle 300 is telescopic, the sections may be joined together with a locking mechanism 302. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 301 may be a clamp lever, a twist lock, or any other telescopic locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the handle 300 can include a return spring such that the portions of the handle automatically retract relative to each other when the locking mechanism 301 is removed. This telescopic mechanism allows the user to extend the cleaning element 200 along the entire length of the handle without having to stand on a staircase or ramp to do so, making the cleaning process safer and more ergonomically normal To do.

  FIG. 15 is an exploded view of an embodiment of an ADA application handrail cleaner. The handle 300 is coupled to the cleaning element 200 by adding a socket 310, a bracket 320, a thumbscrew 330, and a bolt 340. The bracket 320 is connected to the flexible foam 210 via a fastener 153 that is placed through the foam of the pinhole 260 as in the escalator handrail cleaner embodiment. In some embodiments, the bracket 320 can include one or more gaskets 321. In some embodiments, the bracket 320 can be rigidly connected to the foam 210 such that the handle 300 is at a constant angle relative to the cleaning element 200. In other embodiments, the bracket 320 can be coupled to the foam 210 such that the handle 300 can be rotated relative to the cleaning element 200. In one such embodiment, the handle 300 may be movable along a longitudinal plane so that the handle can move from a substantially horizontal state to a substantially vertical state. In another such embodiment, the handle 300 may pivot universally to allow the handle to move in any plane around the cleaning element 200. This type of embodiment may be useful in sending the cleaning element 200 to a curved staircase or ramp or around a corner.

  Fastener 340 is placed through the hole in bracket 320 and socket 310 is screwed into the fastener. In some embodiments, the fasteners 340 can be permanent fasteners such as rivets. In other embodiments, the fastener 340 may be removable such as a bolt. In further embodiments, fasteners 340 can be scored to allow installation and removal without the use of instruments. When the socket 310 is in place, the handle 300 is screwed into the socket. Next, the thumbscrew 330 can be screwed into the top hole of the socket 310 and the user can tighten the screw by hand to reinforce the joint between the handle 300 and the cleaning element 200. In some embodiments, the thumbscrew may be scored to facilitate better gripping or facilitate user control.

  FIGS. 16, 17, and 18 are detailed views of the cleaning element 200 with improvements for use with the handle 300. FIG. 16 is an isometric view showing the bracket 320 connected to the foam 210 by a fastener 153. It also shows that the cleaning element 200 is substantially identical to the cleaning element used in the escalator handrail cleaning embodiment. The cleaning element 200 has a cleaning cloth 240 that is connected to the support cloth 230 by a strap 220 and to the plastic foam 210. The variations of cleaning element 200 are not repeated here, but all of the variations disclosed above still apply. In some embodiments, the cleaning element 200 may be slightly different in size for ADA applications compared to escalator applications, but it performs the same function.

  FIG. 17 is a front view of one embodiment of the cleaning element 200. This figure shows the joint of the bracket 320 to the socket 310. The socket 310 is coupled to the bracket 320 by a fastener 340 that passes through the hole in the bracket 320 and enters a threaded receptacle at the bottom of the socket 310. The thumbscrew 330 allows the user to tighten the handle 300 (not shown) into the socket 310.

  18a is a right side view of one embodiment of the cleaning element 200 with the bracket 320, socket 310, and screw 330 installed, the bracket being connected to the cleaning element 200 by a fastener 153. FIG. FIG. 18b is a left side view thereof.

  FIG. 19 is an exploded isometric view of a different embodiment of a handrail cleaner. In this embodiment, the cleaning element 200 consists of a substantially flexible foam 210 and a cleaning fabric 240 as discussed in FIG. In this embodiment, the cleaning fabric 240 can include a strap 241. The strap 241 can be used to hold the pad 240 on the foam 210 with the aid of the strap 220 and spring clip 234, in which case the strap 220 passes through the slit 250 at the top of the flexible foam. And are held in place by clips 234. The strap 241 is then coupled to the strap 220 to hold the fabric 240 in place while the spring clip 234 holds the strap 242 to the foam 210. This embodiment of the fabric 240 is compatible with an escalator handrail cleaning mechanism or an ADA handrail cleaning mechanism. The pinhole 260 is still available for use with a handrail cleaner, and the joint between the ball 420 and the socket 421 allows it to be used as an ADA application handrail cleaner. The joint between the ball 420 and the socket 421 also allows for greater mobility between the handle 300 and the cleaner 200 because the ball fits into the socket but still rotates freely therein.

  FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a different embodiment of an escalator handrail cleaner. In this embodiment, the position element 163 is connected to the two-part base, and the lower part 176 and the upper part 177 are joined by a fastener 178, leaving a gap between the upper base part and the lower base part. . In this embodiment, the mounting bracket 150 may be further positionable via a thumbscrew 196. This can be turned to loosen or tighten the clamp to allow the mounting bracket to be raised or lowered.

  FIG. 21 illustrates that in some embodiments, a two-part base may be operably coupled with the slider portion 179, which may be free-standing or attached to the floor or cart base 170. Also good. The clamp 197 is operably connected to the two parts base to provide a locking mechanism that allows the base to be held in place or the base along the slider portion 179 when the clamp is released. Allow sliding.

  FIG. 22 is a right side view of an embodiment of the slider so that claim 197 in place with respect to the two-part base and slider and the mounting bracket can be moved, tilted, removed, or replaced. A thumbscrew 198 configured as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 23 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a system for cleaning an escalator handrail. The system is shown in the extended position (or operating position). This system comprises a cart 500 and a cleaning element assembly 600.

  In some embodiments, the cart 500 can include a handle 510. The handle 510 can be used to push or pull the cart 500 to the appropriate position. The handle 510 may be made of metal, plastic, wood, and may be curvilinear, straight, or any other shape or material that does not change the function of the handle.

  In some embodiments, the cart 500 can include a receptacle 520. The receptacle can be defined as a space between the base 570 and the door 530. Receptacle 520 can be used to store and / or transport supplies, such as cleaning fluids, tabs, replacement parts, instruments, and / or other items, through cart 500.

  The door 530 is rotatable and may be connected to the support portion 540. Support 540 may couple handle 510 to base 570. The support portion 540 may be an elongated member connected to the base in the vertical direction. The door 530 can be opened and closed by rotation around the support portion 540. The door 530 opens during the cleaning process and can be used to block or define a space near the cleaning element assembly 600, for example, to prevent the possibility of unauthorized interaction with the cleaning element assembly 600 during the cleaning process. Or reduce that possibility.

  The base 570 is a support structure for the cart 500 and can therefore be any hard material that does not affect the function of the base. Base 570 may be substantially rectangular or square in shape. However, other shapes (eg, rhombus, parallelogram, ellipse, etc.) may be used. In various embodiments, the base may have a generally square shape, but may include a chamfer that removes a portion of a square corner (when viewed from above). In some embodiments, the base 570 can include wheels 571. The wheels 571 may be located near the corners or edges of the base. In some embodiments, the cart 500 can include three or four wheels 571. Wheel 571 may be a caster, which is configured to pivot to allow movement of cart 500 when the direction is different. Using casters, the cart 500, and thus the cleaning element assembly 600, can be moved to perform the cleaning functions described herein. In some embodiments, the wheel 571 may be covered by a portion of the base 570, such as a wheel guard.

  In some embodiments, the cart 500 can include a post 560. The pillar 560 can be directly connected to the base 570. The post 560 can be an elongated arm or member that projects outwardly from the base 570. Even an escalator installed adjacent to a wall can be positioned at a corner or base 570, or near the edge of the base, to allow the cleaning element assembly 600 to be positioned on virtually any escalator handrail. Column 560 can be connected. The post 560 may include features that allow adjustment of the cleaning element assembly 600 relative to the base 570, thereby providing adjustment of the height of the cleaning element assembly 600.

  In some embodiments, the column 560 may be coupled to the column pivot mechanism 562. The column turning mechanism 562 may be connected to the base 570. The column turning mechanism 562 may allow the column 560 to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the column 560. In some embodiments, the column turning mechanism 562 may be implemented as a disk connected at the center of rotation.

  The yoke 564 can be connected to the column 560. The yoke 564 can be moved along the column 560, thereby allowing the height of the yoke 564 relative to the base 570 to be adjusted. The yoke 564 can include a coupling mechanism that selectively engages the column 560. The yoke 564 may not move relative to the column 560 when the coupling mechanism is engaged with the column 560. When the coupling mechanism is at least partially disengaged from the post 560, the yoke 564 can be moved relative to the post 560, for example, along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the post 560.

  The mounting bracket 566 may be rotatably coupled to the yoke 564. A mounting bracket (otherwise known as a cleaning pad carriage) may support one or more cleaning elements 568 that form the cleaning element assembly 600. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 566 may be “C” shaped and may include two cleaning elements disposed at the end of the mounting bracket 566. Rotation of the mounting bracket 566 relative to the post 560 may allow the cleaning element 568 to be placed in the correct position, maintenance position and / or retracted position of the escalator handrail. The mounting bracket 566 can be coupled to the yoke 564 via a pin and can rotate about the pin at or near an intermediate position of the body of the mounting bracket 566. Thus, the yoke 564 can be coupled to the location of the mounting assembly 566 that is between the coupling elements 568. Other types of joints may be used to allow the rotation described in this way.

  In various embodiments, the cleaning element 568 may be rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket 566. The rotation of the cleaning element 568 relative to the mounting bracket 566 may allow the cleaning element 568 to be placed in the correct position on the escalator handrail during the cleaning operation. Each cleaning element 568 may be coupled to the mounting bracket 566 via a pin and may rotate about the pin. However, other types of joints may be used to allow the rotation described in this way.

  FIG. 24 is an isometric view around the system shown in FIG. As shown, the cleaning element 568 is disposed at least partially around the escalator handrail 270 during the cleaning operation. During the cleaning operation, the escalator handrail 270 can move in the direction shown in FIG. 24 (clockwise as shown in this example). The first cleaning element 568 (1) of the cleaning elements 568 can be immersed in a cleaning liquid that is applied to the escalator handrail 270 during operation of the escalator. It is not necessary to stop the escalator to begin cleaning with the system described herein. The second cleaning element 568 (1) of the cleaning elements 568 absorbs at least a portion of the cleaning liquid and removes debris, dirt, and / or other foreign matter from the escalator handrail 270 to remove the escalator handrail 270. An absorbent pad that can be cleaned and / or disinfected can be included. The cleaning process may be performed for a predetermined time, after which the cart 500 may be repositioned on another escalator handrail, the cleaning element may be re-immersed in the cleaning liquid, or cleaning may be stopped.

  According to various embodiments, the cart 500 may be configured to clean the escalator handrail 270 rotating in the opposite direction. In that situation, the second cleaning element 568 (2) includes being immersed in the cleaning liquid, while the first cleaning element 568 (1) absorbs at least a portion of the cleaning liquid and the escalator handrail 270. It includes an absorbent pad for cleaning and / or disinfecting the escalator handrail 270 by removing dirt, dirt, and / or other foreign material from the escalator. The cleaning elements 568 may be the same or each may include an absorbent pad. The difference in operation is that one can be immersed in the cleaning liquid while the other is initially dry and used to regain at least some cleaning liquid.

  FIG. 25 is a side view of the periphery of the system shown in FIG. While positioning the cleaning element 568 relative to the escalator handrail 270, the mounting assembly 566 can be raised and lowered by moving the yoke 564 relative to the column 560. As shown in FIG. 25, the mounting assembly 566 can be rotated relative to the yoke 564 to position the cleaning element 568 in place on the escalator handrail 270. The system can self-adjust and reposition cart components (eg, mounting assembly 566, rotation of column 560, movement of cart 500 via wheels 571, etc.), thereby enabling cleaning operations. Next, the cleaning element 568 is engaged in the correct position of the escalator handrail 270. In various embodiments, the gap created by the interaction between the mounting assembly 566 and the yoke 564 is a gauge that can be used to determine whether the cleaning element 568 is in place on the escalator handrail 270. 590 can be created. When viewed by gauge 590, the position of the gap may indicate in which direction, if any, the operator should rotate mounting assembly 566 relative to yoke 564 (eg, clockwise, counterclockwise). it can.

  FIG. 26 is an isometric view of a system configured with the cart 500 in the retracted position and the cart door in the open position. To move from the cleaning position shown in FIG. 25 to the retracted position, the column 560 can be rotated to position the cleaning element 568 on the base 570 and possibly near the center of the base 570. The yoke 564 can be moved along the column 560 toward a lower position toward the base 570, thus reducing the height of the yoke 564. Door 530 is shown in the open position.

  FIG. 27 is an isometric view of the back of the system configured with the cart door 530 in a closed position in the cart 500. During transfer of the cart 500, the door may be placed in a closed position. The door may include a coupling mechanism that engages another door, base, and / or corresponding coupling mechanism to secure the door in the closed position.

  FIG. 28 is an isometric view of a system for cleaning an escalator handrail in the maintenance position. To move from the cleaning position shown in FIG. 25 to the maintenance position, the mounting assembly 566 can be rotated to position the cleaning element 568 above the yoke 564. Position the cleaning element 568 above the yoke 564 to use it for inspection of the cleaning element, application of a pad to one or more of the cleaning elements 568, application of cleaning fluid to one or more of the cleaning elements 568, etc. One can easily use the cleaning element.

  FIG. 29 is a side view of an exemplary subassembly 502 of the system including post 560, yoke 564, mounting bracket 566, and cleaning element 568. The secondary assembly 502 may be removable from the base 570 of the cart 500 shown in FIG. The secondary assembly 502 can be configured to attach to different platforms including fixed and / or mobile platforms. The secondary assembly 502 is shown in a maintenance position, but can be moved to a cleaning position, a storage position, or an intermediate position.

  Cleaning element 568 is shown in FIG. 29 along with pad 569. The pad 569 can be formed of a cleaning material such as microfiber that can efficiently remove dust, debris, and other foreign matter from the handrail of the escalator. The pad 569 may include a foam core such as a sponge material that absorbs cleaning fluid. The foam core may be sandwiched between layers of material, for example, microfiber layers. Pad 569 may be secured to the cleaning element using a coupler and / or by fitting the pad in shape onto at least a portion of the cleaning element. For example, the pad 569 can be formed of a material having elastic properties that can be stretched across the cleaning element to cause a frictional fit. Pad 569 may be secured by other means such as hook and loop couplers, snaps, and "c" shaped spring clips.

  In various embodiments, the yoke 564 can include a coupling device 563 that selectively engages the column 560 to limit movement of the yoke 564 relative to the column 560. In some embodiments, the coupling device 563 is a spring loaded pin that engages one of the plurality of openings disposed in the post 560. To move the yoke 564 relative to the column 560, the operator operates the coupling device 563 to disengage the pin from the opening, allowing the yoke 564 to move. Other coupling mechanism designs may be used to achieve equivalent motion and height adjustment.

  FIG. 30 is an exploded isometric view of an exemplary subassembly of the system. The exploded view shows the various coupler devices that can be used to connect the various components of the system and to allow rotational movement between those components. The first coupling mechanism 565 can couple the mounting assembly 566 to the yoke 564. The first coupling mechanism 565 can be a pin, which can rotate the mounting assembly 566 about the longitudinal axis of the pin. The second coupling mechanism 567 can couple the cleaning element 568 to the mounting assembly 566. The second coupling mechanism 567 can be a pin, which can rotate the cleaning element 568 about the longitudinal axis of the pin.

  The profile of the side plates of the mounting assembly 566 can limit the movement (eg, rotation) of the mounting assembly relative to the yoke 564 and / or the movement (eg, rotation) of each cleaning element 568 relative to the mounting assembly 566. Can be limited. For example, a tab near the mounting position of the cleaning element 568 of the mounting assembly 566 engages the cleaning element 568 and rotates its rotation, for example, caused by movement of an escalator handrail through the cleaning element during a cleaning operation. Can be limited.

  FIG. 31 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a cleaning element 568 for a system for cleaning handrails. In some embodiments, the cleaning element 568 may be formed from a partially or substantially flexible foam. The cleaning element can be formed from any flexible material, such as plastic, foam, or any number of composite materials. In other embodiments, the flexible foam may be comprised of a non-reactive or substantially inert material such as silicone, silicone rubber, Teflon, and the like. The main function of the flexible foam is to provide a particular contoured shape 702 of the cleaning element 568. This allows the element to be substantially flush with the surface and sides of the handrail where it is exposed to human use while still being flexible enough to be placed on and removed from the handrail without damaging the handrail or form. And it will be possible to at least partially cover them. The outer shape 702 may resemble the shape of a “C”. The flexible foam will be in contact with at least one cleaning fluid, many of which contain at least one corrosive or chemical polishing component. Flexible foam is also likely to come into contact with brighteners, waxes, and handrail materials. As such, the material properties of the flexible foam can be related to a particular application. Thus, many flexible materials can function without changing either the primary function or the secondary function of the flexible foam, and can be changed as needed for a particular application.

  The cleaning element 568 can include an attachment component 704 that is configured to be coupled to the attachment assembly 566 shown in FIG. 23 and / or the handle described below and shown in FIG. Configured to be coupled to similar handles. The mounting component 704 can be molded into a cylindrical shape and can include a pin opening 706 that passes through or near the longitudinal axis of the mounting component 704. The pin opening 706 can receive the second coupling mechanism 567 shown in FIG. The mounting component 704 can include a ball joint cavity 708 that can be configured to receive a corresponding ball joint component. A corresponding ball joint component may be coupled to the handle and may allow an operator to manually use the cleaning element by grasping the handle. Exemplary handle and ball joint components are shown in FIGS.

  The cleaning element 568 can include various recesses, cavities, and / or other coupling mechanisms to allow devices, materials, and / or other objects to be coupled to the cleaning element. The cleaning element 568 can include a plurality of clip recesses 710 that can be engaged by spring clips, such as “C” shaped clips. The cleaning element 568 can include a plurality of pad couplers 712 that can be coupled to a pad (eg, pad 569 shown in FIG. 30) to secure the pad to the cleaning element. The pad coupler 712 may use a hook-look type coupler to connect to the pad. The pad coupler can engage the cleaning element 568 via the pad coupler opening 714.

  FIG. 32 is an isometric view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 31 including a pad 569. The pad (also referred to herein as “fabric”) may be formed from at least a portion of microfiber, cotton, terry cloth, or any number of standard cleaning fabric materials. Microfibers are ideal for holding moisture and also capable of collecting and holding debris. In this application, the pad 569 can be used both to hold the cleaning liquid and to catch any debris that was removed during the cleaning process, for which microfibers are particularly well suited. .

  The pad 569 may be designed to be flush with the inner portion 716 of the cleaning element 568 and cover most or all of the inner portion 716 and possibly other portions of the cleaning element 568. In doing so, the pad 569 may be able to be coupled to the cleaning element 568 in any way that does not interfere with the function of the pad 569. One solution is to create a pocket in the pad that can be coupled to the cleaning element 568. In some embodiments, the pad 569 is stretched over a portion of the cleaning element that is at least partially inserted into the pocket (s) so that the foam protrudes and allows access to the coupling mechanism and attachment component 704. Leave a spot at the top to make it. In some embodiments, the pad 569 is held on the cleaning element 568 by a strap 718 that couples to the pad coupler 712, such as by a hook and loop coupler. In various embodiments, the pad 569 can be elastic enough to maintain position in or across a portion of the cleaning element 568 without the use of a strap 718. In other embodiments, the strap 718 may connect directly to the pad 569.

  FIG. 33 is a front view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 31 including a pad 569. The side-to-side profile of the cleaning element 568 is designed to fit snugly, partially or substantially covering the top and side of the handrail, and the pad 569 is on the surface of the handle that may be touched by humans. Allows touching. The shape 702 of the outer shape of the cleaning element is a major cut-off of standard handrails, including both mobile handrails (eg escalators) and stationary or stationary handrails (eg stairs, balconies, offshore ship decks, etc.). It is “C” shaped to cover the area.

  34 is a side view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 31 including a pad. This is a non-limiting example, where the body of the cleaning element 568 includes a slightly curved longitudinal profile 720. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the system for cleaning the escalator handrail can be placed at the end of the escalator, where the handrail exits the floor and begins to travel over the entire length of the escalator. The slightly curved longitudinal profile 720 allows the cleaning element 568 to maintain a little longer contact with the end of the handrail's parent post, and provides a better cleaning and friction point between the handrail and the cleaning element. This can lead to a reduction, which can ultimately reduce system wear. However, in other embodiments, the longitudinal profile is substantially straight, allowing the system to be used on moving walkways or other parts of the escalator when the handrail has little or no curvature. To.

  FIG. 35 is an isometric view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 31 including one or more retaining clips 722. The retaining clip 722 may be a “C” shaped spring clip that engages the clip recess 710 to connect the retaining clip (s) 722 to the cleaning element. The retaining clip 722 can cause the foam cleaning element to retain a specific shape (eg, a “C” shape) to match the handrail outer shape, thus bringing the pad into contact with the handrail during the cleaning operation. be able to. The retaining clip can bend (eg, bend outward) when the cleaning element is inserted over the handrail. In some embodiments, the retaining clip can serve other and / or additional purposes, such as securing the pad 569 to the cleaning element.

  FIG. 36 is a schematic view showing a retaining clip engaging the cleaning element. The end of the retaining clip 722 is at least partially inserted into the clip recess 710 to secure the retaining clip 722 to the cleaning element. The retaining clip can be selectively removed for a variety of reasons, including allowing cleaning of handrails having a diameter larger than the diameter of retaining clip 722 (sometimes even when deflected outward).

  FIG. 37 is a front view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 36, illustrating exemplary ranges of deflection of the cleaning element to accommodate insertion into the handrail and / or different cross-sectional shapes of different handrails. Even without an external force, the contour of the cleaning element may be shaped as the first contour 724. The cleaning element may extend outward to the second profile 726 and / or the third profile 728 depending on the handrail diameter. The form of the cleaning element and retaining clip may retain the shape of the cleaning element and may return to the first outer shape 724 without engagement with the handrail.

  FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional isometric view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. FIG. 39 is a front sectional view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 38 and 29 show the clip recess 710 and the inner surface 716. FIG.

  40 is a front view of the cleaning element shown in FIG. 39, excluding the retaining clip 722 (shown in FIG. 35), to accommodate insertion on the handrail and / or different cross-sectional outlines of different handrails. 2 shows an exemplary deflection range of the cleaning elements. Even without an external force, the contour of the cleaning element may be shaped like the first contour 724. In the absence of the retaining clip 722, the cleaning element may be extended outwardly to the fourth outer shape 730 depending on the handrail diameter. However, if the retaining clip is secured in the clip recess (as shown in FIG. 37), the fourth profile 730 cannot be achieved due to the force applied to the cleaning element 568 by the retaining clip 722. There is a case. The fourth outer shape has a larger diameter than the third outer shape 728 shown in FIG. The shape of the cleaning element 568 may retain the shape of the cleaning element, and may return to the first outer shape 724 if there is no engagement with the handrail.

  FIG. 41 is an isometric view of yet another embodiment of a system for cleaning handrails. FIG. 41 shows a handle assembly 800 configured to selectively couple to the cleaning element 900. The cleaning element 900 may be the same as or similar to the cleaning element 568 shown in FIG. However, the cleaning element 900 may be different and may include a smaller diameter than the cleaning element 568, for example, to accommodate cleaning of a stationary handrail having a smaller diameter than a standard escalator handrail. it can. For example, the cleaning element 900 may be designed to clean handrails having a cross-sectional diameter of less than 2 inches (less than about 50 millimeters).

  The handle assembly 800 can include a handle 802 that is gripped by a human operator during a cleaning operation. Handle 802 may be coupled to shaft 804 at a first end of shaft 804. The second end of the shaft 804 may be coupled to the ball joint 806. A coupling mechanism 808 can be coupled to a position along the shaft that is between the first end and the second end.

  The cleaning element 900 can include a body 902 that engages a handrail during a cleaning operation. The cleaning element 900 can include any of the properties and / or features described above with respect to the cleaning element 568 shown in FIG. The cleaning element 900 can include a socket joint 904 for receiving the ball joint 806. The cleaning element 900 can include an attachment component 906 for coupling to the coupling mechanism 808. The attachment component 906 can have a contour that is complementary to the contour of the coupling mechanism 808 and can be clipped or snapped together, for example. The cleaning element 900 may include a pad coupler 908 that can be configured to secure the pad to the cleaning element. The pad may be similar or identical to the pad 569 shown in FIG.

  Handle assembly 800 may be cleaned as shown in FIG. 31, such as by engaging a corresponding coupling mechanism of cleaning element 568 to secure the ball to a corresponding socket (eg, ball joint cavity 708 shown in FIG. 31). It can be configured to couple to element 568.

  FIG. 42 is an isometric view of a cross section of the cleaning element 900 shown in FIG. The cross-sectional view shows an illustration of the socket joint 904 and exemplary positioning of the pad coupler 908.

  FIG. 43 is an isometric view of the system shown in FIG. 41 and including a pad coupler 908 configured to secure the pad to the cleaning element 900.

  During operation of the assembled handle 800 assembly and cleaning element 900, a human user moves the cleaning element across the handrail to clean the handrail while the ball joint 806 is moving relative to the socket joint 904. Allowing the operator to comfortably move the cleaning element from a wide range of angles. The shaft 804 allows the operator to reach a distance that causes the cleaning element 900 to engage the handrail, which may be several inches or feet away from the human operator, such as above the operator.

  While particular aspects of the subject matter described herein have been shown and described, changes and modifications may be made based on the teachings herein without departing from the subject matter described herein and the broader aspects thereof. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present subject matter described herein. Will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims. In general, terms used herein and specifically in the appended claims (eg, the body of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (eg, “including” The term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to”, the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least”, and the term “includes” It should be understood by those skilled in the art that “including but not limited to” is to be construed. Where the enumeration of a particular number of introduced claims is intended, such intent is explicitly recited in the claims, and in the absence of such enumeration, no such intention exists. Will be further understood by those skilled in the art. For example, the following appended claims may include use of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations as an aid to understanding. However, using such a phrase means that the claim includes the introductory phrase “one or more” or “at least one” and an indefinite article such as “a” or “an” (eg, “A” and / or “an” should normally be taken to mean “at least one” or “one or more”), even when the indefinite article “a” or “an” enumerates claims. The introduction should not be construed to mean that any particular claim, including a list of such introduced claims, should be limited to a disclosure containing only one such list. The same applies to the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. Moreover, those skilled in the art will recognize that even if a particular number of introduced claim lists are explicitly stated, such list should normally be interpreted to mean at least the number recited. (For example, directly enumerating “an enumeration of 2” without other modifiers usually means at least two enumerations, or two or more enumerations). Further, in those examples, where a convention similar to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, such a configuration generally means that those skilled in the art understand the convention. (Eg, “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” includes A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Including, but not limited to, systems having C together and / or A, B and C together, etc.).

  While the preferred and alternative embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the disclosure of these preferred and alternative embodiments. Rather, the present disclosure should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.

Claims (20)

A system for cleaning a handrail comprising at least one arm having a distal end and a proximal end, and at least one pad disposed at the distal end of the arm.   The system for cleaning a handrail according to claim 1, wherein the pad disposed at the far end of the arm is configured to wrap at least a part of the handrail.   The system for cleaning a handrail according to claim 1, wherein the pad disposed at the far end of the arm substantially matches the shape of the handrail.   The system for cleaning a handrail according to claim 1, wherein the pad disposed at the far end of the arm is pivotally connected to the arm.   The system for cleaning a handrail according to claim 1, wherein the pad disposed at the far end of the arm is configured to slide on and off the handrail at an end of the handrail. .   The system for cleaning a handrail according to claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the arm has a handle.   The system for cleaning a handrail according to claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the arm is disposed in a support structure.   The system for cleaning a handrail according to claim 7, wherein the proximal end of the arm is pivotally disposed on a support structure. A first arm and a second arm, wherein the second arm is disposed below the first arm, and the proximal end of the second arm is disposed on the support structure; The first arm and the second arm;
A first pad and a second pad, wherein the second pad is disposed at a distal end of the second arm, and the first pad and the second pad are substantially disposed through a vertical plane. The system for cleaning a handrail according to claim 7, further comprising the first pad and the second pad being aligned. At least one support structure;
At least one strut having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is disposed in a forward portion of the at least one support structure; and the at least one strut A system for cleaning a handrail, comprising at least one pad disposed at the far end. The system for cleaning a handrail according to claim 10, further comprising at least a first pad and a second pad disposed at the distal end of the at least one strut.   The handrail according to claim 11, wherein the first pad and the second pad are arranged such that the first pad and the second pad are substantially aligned along a vertical plane. System for cleaning.   12. The first pad and the second pad are arranged such that a handrail moves first through the first pad and then through the second pad. A system for cleaning handrails. The strut is
A substantially straight portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the front portion of the support structure; The handrail of claim 10, further comprising: at least one mounting bracket disposed at the second end of the strut, the at least one bracket further including an upper mount and a lower mount. System for cleaning.   15. The system for cleaning handrails of claim 14, wherein a first pad is disposed on the lower mount of the mounting bracket and a second pad is disposed on the upper mount of the mounting bracket. At least one support structure;
At least one strut having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is disposed on the support structure;
At least one mounting bracket having an upper mount and a lower mount, wherein the at least one mounting bracket is disposed at the second end of the strut;
A system for cleaning handrails, comprising at least one first pad disposed on the lower mount and at least one second pad disposed on the upper mount.   17. The handrail of claim 16, wherein the first pad and the second pad are arranged such that the first pad and the second pad are substantially aligned along a vertical plane. System to do. The at least one strut is
The system for cleaning a handrail according to claim 16, further comprising at least one position element. The at least one strut is
A first arm disposed on the right side of the at least one support structure;
The handrail according to claim 16, further comprising: a second arm disposed on a left side of the at least one support structure; and at least one position element coupled to the first arm and the second arm. System for cleaning. The system for cleaning a handrail according to claim 16, further comprising at least one set of wheels disposed on a lower surface of the at least one support structure.