WO2013175223A2

WO2013175223A2 - An antibacterial apparatus and method for the use thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2013175223A2
Application number: PCT/GB2013/051360
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ronald Alexander Young (Scot)
Original assignee: Young Ronald Alexander Scot
Priority date: 2012-05-24
Filing date: 2013-05-23
Publication date: 2013-11-28
Also published as: GB2502321A; GB201209111D0; WO2013175223A3

Abstract

An antibacterial apparatus and method for the use thereof An antibacterial apparatus for treating a cleaning cloth or mop material, and a cleaning cloth or mop material including a photocatalyst or photoinitiator, the antibacterial apparatus including: a main body defining a chamber configured to receive the mop material or at least part of the cleaning cloth; and one or more ultra-violet light emitters which are positioned to illuminate at least a portion of the mop material or at least part of the cleaning cloth received by the chamber.

Description

Title: An antibacterial apparatus and method for the use thereof Description of Invention

The present invention relates to an antibacterial apparatus and methods for use in relation to cleaning tasks. Embodiments of the present invention relate to antibacterial arrangements and methods which seek to minimise the need for antibacterial chemicals.

The cleaning of a floor or work surface is typically performed using a damp cloth or mop material which is wiped over the floor or work surface. The cloth or mop material is rinsed periodically to remove dirt from the cloth. Bacteria will typically accumulate in the water in which the cloth or mop material is rinsed, as well as on the cloth or mop material.

Conventionally, antibacterial chemicals are added to the water which is used to rinse the cloth or mop material to reduce the number of bacteria on the cloth or mop material, and the floor or work surface being cleaned.

The antibacterial chemicals may be relatively effective. However, many of the antibacterial chemicals which are used are harmful to the environment and can be harmful to the user - particularly in the event of repeated exposure.

Such issues are particularly acute when the floor or work surface being cleaned is exposed to potentially dangerous and resilient bacteria - such as in a hospital.

Furthermore, if the chemicals used are incorrectly mixed, then the antibacterial effect may be reduced significantly. The supply of chemicals in sufficient quantities to allow a particular cleaning task to be completed, is also an issue - especially when the cleaning task must be performed frequently.

There is, therefore, a need to reduce or eliminate the need for chemicals in order to perform a cleaning task.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to ameliorate one or more problems associated with the prior art. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides an antibacterial apparatus for treating a cleaning cloth or mop material, and a cleaning cloth or mop material including a photocatalyst or photoinitiator, the antibacterial apparatus including: a main body defining a chamber configured to receive the mop material or at least part of the cleaning cloth; and one or more ultra-violet light emitters which are positioned to illuminate at least a portion of the mop material or at least part of the cleaning cloth received by the chamber.

The photocatalyst may be titanium dioxide. At least a portion of the cleaning cloth or mop material may be impregnated with titanium dioxide.

At least a portion of the cleaning cloth or mop material may be coated with titanium dioxide.

The or each ultra-violet light emitter may include a light emitting diode or an array of light emitting diodes.

The main body may include an access aperture through which access can be gained to the chamber, and the apparatus further includes a sealing arrangement which is configured to close, at least partially, the access aperture.

The apparatus may further include one or more spray arrangements configured to spray a fluid within the chamber.

The apparatus may further include a source of fluid, and the fluid includes titanium dioxide. There may be a plurality of ultra-violet light emitters which are positioned such that a first of the plurality of ultra-violet light emitters is configured to illuminate a first part of the mop material or the cleaning cloth and a second of the plurality of ultra-violet light emitters is configured to illuminate a second part of the mop material or the cleaning cloth.

The first part of the mop material or cleaning cloth may be a first side and the second part of the mop material or cleaning cloth may be a second side.

The first part of the mop material or cleaning cloth may be a first side and the second part of the mop material or cleaning cloth may be an end.

The apparatus may further include a fluid treatment arrangement which is configured to perform an antibacterial treatment on a fluid. The fluid treatment arrangement may include one or more of a source of silver, a source of titanium dioxide, a source of a photocatalyst or photoinitiator, an emitter of electromagnetic radiation, and a source of a chemical treatment.

Another aspect of the invention provides a bucket and an antibacterial apparatus for treating a cleaning cloth or mop material, the apparatus including: a main body defining a chamber configured to receive mop material or at least part of a cleaning cloth; and one or more emitters of electromagnetic radiation which are positioned to illuminate at least a portion of the mop material or at least part of the cleaning cloth received by the chamber; wherein the bucket is for containing liquid for use in a cleaning task and the antibacterial apparatus is configured to be secured to the bucket.

The bucket and antibacterial apparatus may further include a wringer for wringing the mop material or cleaning cloth, wherein the antibacterial apparatus is configured to be secured to the bucket via the wringer.

The electromagnetic radiation may be light in the ultra-violet frequency range.

The bucket and antibacterial apparatus may further include a fluid treatment arrangement configured to treat liquid in the bucket, the fluid treatment arrangement may include a source of a photocatalyst or photoinitiator and one or more emitters of ultra-violet light.

The bucket and antibacterial apparatus may further include a fluid treatment arrangement configured to treat liquid in the bucket, the fluid treatment arrangement including a source of silver.

The fluid treatment arrangement may further include one or more sources of electromagnetic radiation. The bucket and antibacterial apparatus may further include a liquid in the bucket, the liquid including water and a chemical treatment.

The chemical treatment may be one or more of a detergent, a flocculent, a surfactant, a disinfectant, titanium dioxide, and silver. Another aspect of the present invention provides a wringer and an antibacterial apparatus for treating a cleaning cloth or mop material, the apparatus including: a main body defining a chamber configured to receive mop material or at least part of a cleaning cloth; and one or more emitters of electromagnetic radiation which are positioned to illuminate at least a portion of the mop material or at least part of the cleaning cloth received by the chamber; wherein the antibacterial apparatus is configured to be secured to the wringer. The electromagnetic radiation may be light in the ultra-violet frequency range.

The wringer and antibacterial apparatus may be integrally formed.

The wringer and antibacterial apparatus may be configured to be secured to a bucket.

The wringer and antibacterial apparatus may further include a fluid treatment arrangement configured to treat liquid in the bucket, the fluid treatment arrangement including a source of a photocatalyst or photoinitiator and one or more emitters of ultra-violet light.

The wringer and antibacterial apparatus may further include a fluid treatment arrangement configured to treat liquid in the bucket, the fluid treatment arrangement including a source of silver.

The fluid treatment arrangement may further include one or more sources of electromagnetic radiation.

Another aspect of the invention provides mop material or a cleaning cloth including a photocatalyst or photoinitiator. The photocatalyst or photoinitiator may be titanium dioxide.

The mop material or cleaning cloth may be impregnated with titanium dioxide. The mop material or cleaning cloth may be coated with titanium dioxide.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of treating mop material or a cleaning cloth including titanium dioxide, the method including: exposing the mop material or at least part of the cleaning cloth to ultra-violet light.

The method may further include: exposing the mop material or at least part of the cleaning cloth to titanium dioxide before exposure to ultra-violet light.

Wetting the mop material or at least part of the cleaning cloth may include wetting with water including a chemical treatment.

The method may further include wringing the mop material or at least part of the cleaning cloth before exposure to ultra-violet light. The method may further include wetting the mop material or at least part of the cleaning cloth before exposure to ultra-violet light.

The method may further include rinsing the mop material or at least part of the cleaning cloth after exposure to ultra-violet light.

Embodiments of the present invention are described herein, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows an external view of an antibacterial apparatus; Figure 2 shows a schematic and simplified cross-section through an antibacterial apparatus;

Figure 3 shows a schematic and simplified cross-section through an antibacterial apparatus;

Figure 4 shows a schematic and simplified cross-section through an antibacterial apparatus; Figure 5 shows a schematic and simplified cross-section through an antibacterial apparatus;

Figure 6 shows a schematic and simplified cross-section through an antibacterial apparatus;

Figure 7 shows a schematic and simplified cross-section through an antibacterial apparatus;

Figure 8 shows a schematic and simplified cross-section through an antibacterial apparatus;

Figure 9 shows a schematic and simplified cross-section through an antibacterial apparatus including a fluid treatment arrangement; Figure 10 shows a schematic and simplified cross-section through an antibacterial apparatus including a fluid treatment arrangement;

Figures 1 1 a and 1 1 b shows a mop, bracket and mop material in two configurations;

Figure 12 shows a cleaning cloth; Figure 13 shows a schematic and simplified cross-section through an bucket including a wringer and an antibacterial apparatus; Figure 14 shows a schematic and simplified cross-section through an bucket including a wringer and an antibacterial apparatus; and

Figure 15 shows a schematic and simplified cross-section through an bucket including a wringer and an antibacterial apparatus.

Embodiments of the invention include an antibacterial apparatus 1 (see figures 1 -10 & 13-15) for treatment of mop material 3 or a cloth 3 used to perform a cleaning task (see figures 1 1 and 12). The antibacterial apparatus 1 includes a main body 1 1 (see figures 1 -10) which defines a chamber 2 (see figures 2-10). The chamber 2 is configured to receive mop material 3 or at least part of a cleaning cloth 3 (see figure 3, for example). Accordingly, the main body 1 1 also defines an access aperture 21 (see figures 1 -10 & 13-15) through which the mop material 3 or at least part of a cleaning cloth 3 may pass to be received by the chamber 2.

The antibacterial apparatus 1 houses one or more ultra-violet light emitters 12 (see figures 2-10). The or each ultra-violet light emitter 12 is arranged with respect to the chamber 2 defined by the main body 1 1 such that mop material 3 or at least part of a cleaning cloth 3 which is received by the chamber 2 is exposed to at least a portion of the light emitted by the or each ultra-violet light emitter 12.

The or each ultra-violet light emitter 12 is connected to a power supply 13 (see figures 7 and 8, for example). The power supply 13 is configured to supply electrical power to the or each ultra-violet light emitter 12 (which are electrically operated).

The power supply 13 may be housed in the main body 1 1 (as in figure 7) or may be an external unit (as in figure 8) which is in electrical communication with the or each ultra-violet light emitter 12.

In embodiments, a control unit 14 is provided (see figure 7, for example). The control unit 14 may be housed in the main body 1 1 or may be coupled thereto. The control unit 14 is configured to control the operation of the or each ultraviolet light emitter 12. Control of the operation of the or each ultra-violet emitter 12 may include controlling actuation of the or each ultra-violet emitter 12 and/or the frequency of light emitted by the or each ultra-violet light emitter 12 and/or a pulsed operation of the or each ultra-violet light emitter 12.

Embodiments of the invention include the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 (see figures 1 1 and 12 in particular). At least a part of the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 includes titanium dioxide 31 (see figure 12, for example). The mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 may, for example, include a microfiber material. The microfiber material may be woven or non-woven or knitted. The mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 may include a plurality of different materials which are combined together to form the mob material 3 or cleaning cloth 3. For example, the mob material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 may include a microfiber material and an absorbent non-woven material which secured together in a back-to-back configuration to provide quilted mop material or a quilted cleaning cloth. In embodiments, only some of the materials forming the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 include titanium dioxide. The titanium dioxide 31 may, for example, be provided as a coating or the materials may be impregnated with titanium dioxide 31 - for example. Mop material 3 or a cleaning cloth 3 is typically used to perform a cleaning task. When a user wishes to treat the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 with the disclosed antibacterial apparatus 1 then, in some embodiments, the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 is rinsed in a fluid such as water. Excess water is then, in some embodiments, removed from the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 by a wringing operation - for example. At least part of the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 is then placed into the chamber 2, through the access aperture 21 , such that part of the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 which includes titanium dioxide is exposed to ultra-violet light emitted from the or each ultra-violet light emitter 12.

When exposed to ultra-violet light, the titanium dioxide 31 assists in the provision of an anti-bacterial effect. This effect may be enhanced by the presence of water in the damp mop material or cleaning cloth.

In embodiments, the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 is substantially dry when treated by the ultra-violet light. In embodiments, the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 is damp or wet when treated by the ultra-violet light. Exposing the titanium dioxide to ultra-violet light in the presence of water initiates a photocatalytic reaction. The titanium dioxide acts as a catalyst, with the overall reaction forming hydroxyl radicals. Some of the hydroxyl radicals may combine to form hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide is highly oxidising because it can be split by ultra-violet light to form hydroxyl radicals).

Hydroxyl radicals are highly reactive and react with organic matter (oxidising the organic matter). In other words, exposure of a colony of bacteria to hydroxyl radicals generally depletes the colony. Once treated, the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 is removed from the chamber 2 through the access aperture 21 (or some other aperture) and used to perform a cleaning task. The mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 may be rinsed and wrung again after treatment and before the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 is used to clean a floor or work surface.

Sealing arrangement

The main body 1 1 of the antibacterial apparatus 1 may include a sealing arrangement 22 (see figures 7 and 8, for example). The sealing arrangement 22 is configured to inhibit or substantially prevent light emitted by the or each ultra-violet light emitter 12 from escaping from the chamber 2. The sealing arrangement 22 may be configured to inhibit or substantially prevent fluid escaping from the chamber 2 through the access aperture 21 .

Accordingly, in embodiments, the sealing arrangement 22 may include a member 24 which is moveable between a disengaged and an engaged position. When in the disengaged position the member 24 of the sealing arrangement 22 permits substantially open and free access to the access aperture 21 - such that the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 can be inserted through the access aperture 21 and into the chamber 2. When in the engaged position the member 24 of the sealing arrangement 22 at least partially closes or otherwise blocks the access aperture 21 .

The member 24 of the sealing arrangement 22 in the engaged position may close the access aperture 21 substantially entirely. As will be appreciated, the mop material 3 and cleaning cloth 3, in such embodiments, would be substantially entirely contained within the chamber 2 during operation of the antibacterial apparatus 1 . In embodiments in which the member of the member 24 of the sealing arrangement 22 in the engaged position partially closes the access aperture 21 , the sealing arrangement 22 may engage a portion of the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3, or a portion of a bracket for the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3.

The sealing arrangement 22 may include a resiliently deformable portion 25 (see figure 8) which is configured to deform around a portion of the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3, or bracket. The resiliently deformable portion 25 may include a rubber or synthetic rubber member. The resiliently deformable portion 25 may be a skirt of material which extends around at least part of a periphery of the member of the sealing arrangement 22 and/or the access aperture 21 . As will be appreciated, in embodiments, the member of the sealing arrangement 22 may include one or more doors (as shown in figure 7, for example) which are moveable with respect to the access aperture 21 between the engaged and disengaged positions (the movement may be rotational or linear).

The ultra-violet light emitters

The or each ultra-violet light emitters 12 may include a light emitting diode which is configured to emit light in the ultra-violet frequent range. In embodiments, a plurality ultra-violet light emitters 12 (such as light emitting diodes) are provided in one or more arrays 15 (see figures 2-10).

The or each array 15 may be independently controlled - by the control unit 14 if provided. In embodiments, light is provided over a range of frequencies by the ultraviolet light emitters 12. In such embodiments, each array 15 may include a first ultra-violet light emitter 12 which is capable of emitting light of a first frequency and a second ultra-violet light emitter 12 which is capable of emitting light of a second frequency - the first and second frequencies being different.

In embodiments, the or each ultra-violet light emitter 12 may be isolated from the chamber 2 by an isolation shield 17 which is transparent (or substantially transparent) to light in at least part of the ultra-violet frequency range. In embodiments, the or each array 15 may be isolated from the chamber 2 by an isolation shield 17 which is transparent (or substantially transparent) to light in at least part of the ultra-violet frequency range.

The isolation shield 17 may inhibit or substantially prevent fluid within the chamber 2 from coming into contact with the or each ultra-violet light emitter 12 and/or a circuit board or other structure 18 (see figures 2-10) on which the or each emitter 12 is mounted.

In embodiments, a plurality of ultra-violet light emitters 12 are provided, wherein a first of the plurality of ultra-violet light emitters 12 is configured to have a main axis (along which the majority of the light is emitted) which is inclined with respect to the main axis of a second of the plurality of ultra-violet emitters 12 (see the arrangement in figure 4, for example). In embodiments, a first ultra-violet light emitter 12 is positioned with respect to the chamber 2 to illuminate a first part of the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3, and a second ultra-violet light emitter 12 is positioned with respect to the chamber 2 to illuminate a second part of the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 (see figures 2-10, for example). In embodiments, the first part is a first side of the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 and the second part is a second side of the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 - the two sides opposing each other across a width of the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 (see figures 2-10, for example). In embodiments, one of the first and second parts is an end of the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 (see figure 4). In embodiments, the first and second parts are parts of the same surface of the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 - and that surface may be folded such that the first part is to one side of the fold and the second part is to the opposing side of the fold (see figures 2-10). In embodiments, the first and second parts are substantially opposite each other across a width of folded mop material 3 or a folded cleaning cloth 3 (see figures 2-10).

In embodiments, a third of the plurality of ultra-violet light emitters 12 is positioned with respect to the chamber 2 to illuminate a third part of the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3. The third part may be an end of the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 (see figure 7).

The first, second, and third of the plurality of ultra-violet light emitters 12 may each include an array of ultra-violet light emitters 15.

Chamber

The chamber 2 may house an agitator 23 (see figure 2, for example) which is configured to agitate or otherwise move the mop material 3 or portion of the cleaning cloth 3 received by the chamber 2 to allow greater exposure to the light emitted by the or each ultra-violet light emitter 12. The agitator 23 may include a paddle coupled to a motor. The motor may be an electric motor which is connected to a power supply - which may or may not be the same power supply which powers the or each ultra-violet light emitters 12. The paddle may be positioned such that, in use, the paddle engages at least a portion of the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3. The agitator 23 may include an arrangement configured to force a fluid into contact with the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 so as to move at least part of the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 with respect to the or each ultra-violet light emitter 12. The arrangement may include a fan or blower and the fluid may be substantially formed of air. The arrangement may be configured to force the fluid against an end region of the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3. The agitator 23 may operated in a pulsed or intermittent manner.

The chamber 2 may include one or more spray arrangements 26 (see figure 6) which are configured to spray one or more fluids onto mop material 3 or a cleaning cloth 3 within the chamber 2 or entering the chamber 2 through the access aperture 21 . The or each spray arrangement 26 may be coupled to and in fluid communication with a fluid source 27 (of which there may be more than one). The or each spray arrangement 16 may be configured to spray the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 with one or more of: water, a detergent, a flocculent, a surfactant, a disinfectant, a fluid containing titanium dioxide, and a fluid containing silver.

The or each spray arrangement 16 may be configured to coat or impregnate at least part of the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 when in the chamber 2 or on entry into the chamber 2.

The chamber 2 may include a temperature control unit 28 which is configured to maintain the temperature in the chamber 2 within a predetermined range. The temperature control unit 28 may include a thermostat and a heating element. The temperature control unit 28 may include a fan or pump to circulate fluid within the chamber 2. The fan or pump may direct fluid out of the chamber 2 through a filter 29. The filter 29 may inhibit certain particles or fluids from leaving the chamber 2. The chamber 2 may include one or more internal surfaces 201 (see figures 2- 10) which are reflective to light in the ultra-violet frequency range such that light emitted by the or each ultra-violet light emitter 12 is reflected within the chamber 2.

Fluid treatment arrangement

The antibacterial apparatus 1 may, in embodiments, further include a fluid treatment arrangement 4 (see figures 9 and 10). The fluid treatment arrangement 4 may define an inlet 41 and an outlet 42. The inlet 41 is configured to receive a fluid to be treated and the outlet 42 is configured to expel the fluid following treatment. More than one inlet 41 and outlet 42 may be provided. The inlet 41 may direct fluid towards the or each ultra-violet light emitter 12.

The inlet 41 may be in fluid communication with a fluid treatment chamber 43 of the fluid treatment apparatus 4. The fluid treatment chamber 43 may be arranged with respect to the or each ultra-violet light emitter 12 and may be constructed out of a suitable material (i.e. transparent or substantially transparent to light in the ultra-violet frequency range) such that light from the or each ultra-violet light emitter 12 illuminates at least part of the fluid in the fluid treatment chamber 43. The fluid in the fluid treatment chamber 43 may be exposed to titanium dioxide 31 1 (see figure 10, for example). For example, the fluid may pass through or past a mesh coated in titanium dioxide 31 1 or otherwise containing titanium dioxide 31 1 . The mesh may be provided in the fluid treatment chamber 43 or elsewhere. The fluid treatment chamber 43 may include some other source of titanium dioxide 31 1 - such as a bar or wire or a powder. A source of titanium dioxide 31 1 (as described above) may be provided in the inlet 41 of the fluid treatment arrangement 4.

The fluid treatment chamber 43 may include a tube through which the fluid to be treated may pass. The fluid treatment chamber 43 may be defined between the isolation shield 17 which may isolate the or each ultra-violet light emitter 12 from the chamber 2 and a further shield 171 (see figure 9) which is substantially parallel to the isolation shield 17 such that the fluid in the fluid treatment chamber 43 forms a curtain which flows past the or each ultra-violet light emitter 12.

The fluid treatment chamber 43 is in fluid communication with the outlet 42.

The inlet 41 and the outlet 42 may include fittings to which respective pipes may be secured.

In embodiments, a pump 44 is provided. The pump 44 is configured to draw fluid from the inlet 41 through the fluid treatment chamber 43 and out through the outlet 42. The pump 44 may be electrically driven and electrically power may be provided by a power supply which may or may not be the same power supply as the supply 13 which powers the or each ultra-violet light emitter 12.

The or each ultra-violet light emitter 12 used by the fluid treatment arrangement 4 may or may not be the or each ultra-violet light emitter 12 which are configured to illuminate mop material 3 or a cleaning cloth 3 in the chamber 2 (compare figures 9 and 10, for example). In embodiments, the fluid treatment arrangement 4 has one or more of its own ultra-violet light emitters 12 (as in figure 10) which are not used to illuminate mop material 3 or a cleaning cloth 3 in the chamber 2. Again, the or each light ultra-violet light emitter 12 of the fluid treatment arrangement 4 may include a plurality of emitters which are provided in an array 15 - in the same manner as the or each ultra-violet light emitter 12 associated with the chamber 2.

Instead of or in addition to titanium dioxide 31 1 the fluid in the fluid treatment chamber 43 may be exposed to silver (which may include silver ions).

The fluid treatment arrangement 4 may include a source of a chemical treatment. The chemical treatment may include one or more of a detergent, a flocculent, a surfactant, a disinfectant, titanium dioxide, and silver. The source of a chemical treatment may be configured to deliver the chemical treatment to a fluid passing therethrough.

The mop material or cleaning cloth

As discussed above, the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 may be constructed from a microfiber material or a combination of materials including a microfiber material.

In embodiments, the mop material 3 is in the form of a pad of material which may be rectangular in shape. The mop material 3 may include an attachment arrangement to allow the mop material 3 to be attached to a bracket 32 (or other corresponding attachment member) which may be part of a mop 33. In embodiments, the bracket 32 is moveable between a mopping position (as shown in figure 1 1 a) in which the mop material 3 is held with respect to the bracket 32 so that a cleaning task can be performed and a treatment position (as shown in figure 1 1 b) in which the mop material substantially freely depends from the bracket 32.

The attachment arrangement of the mop material 3 may include one part of a hook and loop attachment arrangement (with the bracket 32 or other corresponding attachment arrangement including the other part of the hook and loop attachment arrangement). The bracket 32 or other corresponding attachment arrangement may include a clip.

The chamber 2 and the mop material 3 may be configured such that the mop material 3 is folded when it is received by the chamber 2 (see figure 3 and figure 1 1 b). The fold may be such that the two remote ends of the mop material 3 are substantially adjacent each other and the mop material 3 depends substantially freely from the bracket 32. The cleaning cloth 3 may be of a similar arrangement to the mop material 3 but, in embodiments, may not include an attachment arrangement - the cloth, in such embodiments, being configured to be held directly by a user during use in a cleaning task. The mop material 3 is impregnated, coated, or otherwise treated with titanium dioxide 31 . This may be achieved by, for example, exposing the mop material 3 to a vapour of titanium dioxide 31 , or by dipping the mop material 3 in a bath containing titanium dioxide 31 . In embodiments, the material which forms the mop material 3 is treated with titanium dioxide 31 before the mop material 3 is formed.

The cleaning cloth 3 may be treated with titanium dioxide 31 in the same manner as discussed above in relation to the mop material 3. The material forming the cleaning cloth 3 may, equally, be treated with titanium dioxide 31 before the cleaning cloth 3 is formed.

Instead of, or in addition, to the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 being constructed from microfiber material, nanofiber material may be used. Other mop materials and cleaning cloth materials are also contemplated, as are other forms of mop material - for example, the mop material may include a number of absorbent strips or strings which extend from a bracket. The main body of the antibacterial apparatus

The main body 1 1 of the antibacterial apparatus 1 may be integrally formed with a wringer 5 (see figures 14 and 15, for example). The wringer 5 may be configured to be fitted to a bucket 6 (see figure 1 3). The main body 1 1 of the antibacterial apparatus 1 may be configured to be removably attachable to the wringer 5 and/or bucket 6. The main body 1 1 may, therefore, include one or more hooks or clips 61 (see figure 13, for example) which are configured to pass around a part of the wringer 5 and/or bucket 6 - an outer rim, for example (as shown in figure 13).

The main body 1 1 of the antibacterial apparatus 1 may be configured to be coupled to a bucket 6 and/or wringer 5 such that the main body 1 1 is substantially within the confines of the bucket 6 (see figures 13 and 14, for example). In embodiments, the main body 1 1 of the antibacterial apparatus 1 may be configured to be coupled to a bucket 6 and/or wringer 5 such that the main body 1 1 is substantially outside of the confines of the bucket 6 (see figure 15, for example). In embodiments, the main body 1 1 of the antibacterial apparatus 1 may be configured to be coupled to a bucket 6 and/or wringer 5 such that the main body 1 1 is partly within the confines of the bucket 6.

In embodiments, the main body 1 1 is configured to be supported on a work surface - such as adjacent a sink.

In embodiments, the main body 1 1 is configured to be coupled (as discussed above) to the wringer 5 or bucket 6. In such embodiments, the access aperture 21 may be such that it is adjacent an access aperture for the wringer 5 such that the wringer 5 and antibacterial apparatus 1 are independently operable (see figure 15, for example).

In embodiments, the main body 1 1 is positioned with respect to the wringer 5 such that the access aperture 21 is located immediately below a wringing mechanism of the wringer 5 (see figure 14). In such embodiments, the access aperture 21 may be configured to receive mop material 3 that is being wrung by the wringer 5. In embodiments, the antibacterial apparatus 1 is configured such that the fluid treatment arrangement 4 is below the chamber 2 (see figure 13, for example). In such embodiments, the main body 1 1 may be coupled to the bucket 6 such that the fluid treatment arrangement 4 extends below the normal fluid level of the bucket 6 within the confines of the bucket 6 (as generally shown by the phantom line in figure 13). The inlet 41 and outlet 42 may, therefore, be below the normal fluid level within the bucket 6 during use.

In embodiments, the antibacterial apparatus 1 is coupled to a brush arrangement as disclosed in WO201 1 148155. The antibacterial apparatus 1 may be arranged adjacent the brush arrangement. The antibacterial apparatus 1 may be positioned within the brush arrangement such that the mop material or cleaning cloth is exposed to ultra-violet light before, after, or during brushing. Control

The control unit 14 may be configured to control operation of the antibacterial apparatus 1 - including the operation of the or each ultra-violet light emitter 12 and, if provided, the fluid treatment arrangement 4. The control unit 14 may be coupled to a plurality of sensors 16 which may each sense one or more aspects of the operation of the antibacterial apparatus 1 and/or the location of the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3 relative to the antibacterial apparatus 1 (see figure 7, for example).

The sensors 16 may include a proximity sensor which is configured to sense the receipt of mop material 3 or part of a cleaning cloth 3 by the access aperture 21 and/or the chamber 2. The control unit 14 may be configured to activate the or each ultra-violet light emitter 12 when the proximity sensor is actuated by the proximity of the mop material 3 or cleaning cloth 3. The proximity sensor may sense the presence of a radio frequency ID tag 161 (see figures 1 1 and 12), for example, which is attached to the mop material 3, the cleaning cloth 3, or the bracket 32.

The sensors 16 may include a flow sensor which detects the flow of fluid through the fluid treatment arrangement 4. The sensors 16 may include a fluid detection sensor which detects the presence of fluid adjacent the inlet 41 . Operation of the fluid treatment arrangement 4 may be controlled by the control unit 14 in response to sensed flow of fluid and/or the presence of fluid. The sensors 16 may include a sensor which detects a mode of operation of a wringer 5 associated with the antibacterial apparatus 1 such that the operation of the or each ultra-violet light emitter 12 may be controlled dependent on the mode of operation of the wringer 5 - modes of operation of the wringer 5 including, the start of a wringing operation, a wringing operation, the end of a wringing operation, and the inoperative mode in which a wringing operation is not underway.

The control unit 14 may include a timer 141 (see figure 7, for example). The control unit 14 may be configured to cease the operation of the or each ultra- violet light emitter 12 and/or the fluid treatment arrangement 4 a predetermined time period after activation thereof. The control unit 14 may control the operation of the or each ultra-violet light emitter 12 and the fluid treatment arrangement 4 independently or in unison. The sensors 16 may include a chemical concentration sensor which sense the concentration of a chemical in the fluid being treated by the fluid treatment arrangement 4 - the sensor may be adjacent the inlet 41 , the outlet 42, or the fluid treatment chamber 43. The control unit 14 may be configured to control the operation of the fluid treatment arrangement 4 and/or the or each ultra- violet light emitters 12 in response to the sensed concentration. If provided, the or each spray may also be controlled by the control unit 14 is dependence on the sense concentration. This control may inhibit an aspect of the operation of the antibacterial apparatus 1 in response to a high concentration or a low concentration depending on the chemical concentration being sensed.

Further embodiments

According to further embodiments, in addition to or instead of titanium dioxide 31 ,31 1 , silver or a silver containing material may be provided. It will be understood that titanium dioxide is one example of a photocatalyst or photoinitiator which may be used with embodiments of the present invention. Other photocatalyst or photoinitiator may be used instead of or in addition to titanium dioxide in embodiments. In embodiments, the photocatalyst or photoinitiator contains titanium dioxide. In embodiments, zinc oxide may be used instead of or in addition to titanium dioxide. In other embodiments, the following may be used alone or in combination with titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Octocrylene, Benzophenone-3, Benzophenone-4, (PEG) Poly ethylene glycol-25 PABA, Benzophenoe-9, Zinc Oxide (and) Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Titanium Oxide (and) Trimethoxycaprylysilane, Titanium Dioxide (and) Hydrated Silica (and) Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer (and) Aluminium Hydroxide, Butyl Hydroxy Anisole, and/or Butyl Hydroxy Toluene. According to further embodiments, in addition to or instead of one or more ultra-violet light emitters 12, one or more emitters of electromagnetic radiation of a different frequency may be provided - for example, light in the visible or infrared frequency ranges.

The bucket 6 may include or may be secured to a plurality of ground engaging wheels 62 for engagement with a ground surface. The bucket 6 of embodiments may contain a liquid. The liquid may be substantially water. The liquid may include a chemical treatment. The chemical treatment may be one or more of a detergent, a flocculent, a surfactant, a disinfectant, titanium dioxide, and silver. The liquid in the bucket 6 may be used to rinse the mop material 3 or at least part of the cleaning cloth 3 during use.

Embodiments seek to reduce the need for aggressive chemical treatements which may be harmful to human health. However, the use of some chemicals may be required in certain embodiments.

It will be appreciated that specific features have been depicted in particular drawings by way of example only. Unless it is specifically stated that a particular feature is present only in combination with another feature or features, then it is to be understood that features are interchangeable between the depicted embodiments. Thus, for example, the agitator 23, and/or the power supply 13, and/or control unit 14, and/or sensors 16, and/or tag 161 , and/or isolation shield 17, and/or further shield 171 , and/or structure 18, and/or sealing arrangement 22, and/or spray arrangement 26, and/or fluid source 27, and/or temperature control unit 28, and/or fluid treatment arrangement 4, and/or wringer 5, and/or bucket 6, etc, may be used in relation to any of the described embodiments. When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1 . An antibacterial apparatus for treating a cleaning cloth or mop material, and a cleaning cloth or mop material including a photocatalyst or photoinitiator, the antibacterial apparatus including:

a main body defining a chamber configured to receive the mop material or at least part of the cleaning cloth; and

one or more ultra-violet light emitters which are positioned to illuminate at least a portion of the mop material or at least part of the cleaning cloth received by the chamber.

2. An apparatus and cleaning cloth or mop material according to claim 1 , wherein the photocatalyst or photoinitiator is titanium dioxide.

3. An apparatus and cleaning cloth or mop material according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the cleaning cloth or mop material is impregnated with titanium dioxide.

4. An apparatus and cleaning cloth or mop material according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the cleaning cloth or mop material is coated with titanium dioxide.

5. An apparatus and cleaning cloth or mop material according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each ultra-violet light emitter includes a light emitting diode or an array of light emitting diodes.

6. An apparatus and cleaning cloth or mop material according to any preceding claim, wherein the main body includes an access aperture through which access can be gained to the chamber, and the apparatus further includes a sealing arrangement which is configured to close, at least partially, the access aperture.

7. An apparatus and cleaning cloth or mop material according to claim 6, wherein the apparatus further includes one or more spray arrangements configured to spray a fluid within the chamber.

8. An apparatus and cleaning cloth or mop material according to claim 7, wherein the apparatus further includes a source of fluid, and the fluid includes titanium dioxide.

9. An apparatus and cleaning cloth or mop material according to any preceding claim, wherein there is a plurality of ultra-violet light emitters which are positioned such that a first of the plurality of ultra-violet light emitters is configured to illuminate a first part of the mop material or the cleaning cloth and a second of the plurality of ultra-violet light emitters is configured to illuminate a second part of the mop material or the cleaning cloth.

10. An apparatus and cleaning cloth or mop material according to claim 9, wherein the first part of the mop material or cleaning cloth is a first side and the second part of the mop material or cleaning cloth is a second side.

1 1 . An apparatus and cleaning cloth or mop material according to claim 9, wherein the first part of the mop material or cleaning cloth is a first side and the second part of the mop material or cleaning cloth is an end.

12. An apparatus and cleaning cloth or mop material according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus further includes a fluid treatment arrangement which is configured to perform an antibacterial treatment on a fluid.

13. An apparatus and cleaning cloth or mop material according to claim 12, wherein the fluid treatment arrangement includes one or more of a source of silver, a source of titanium dioxide, a source of a photocatalyst or photoinitiator, an emitter of electromagnetic radiation, and a source of a chemical treatment.

14. A bucket and an antibacterial apparatus for treating a cleaning cloth or mop material, the apparatus including:

a main body defining a chamber configured to receive mop material or at least part of a cleaning cloth; and

one or more emitters of electromagnetic radiation which are positioned to illuminate at least a portion of the mop material or at least part of the cleaning cloth received by the chamber; wherein the bucket is for containing liquid for use in a cleaning task and the antibacterial apparatus is configured to be secured to the bucket.

15. A bucket and antibacterial apparatus according to claim 14, further including a wringer for wringing the mop material or cleaning cloth, wherein the antibacterial apparatus is configured to be secured to the bucket via the wringer.

16. A bucket and antibacterial apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is light in the ultra-violet frequency range.

17. A bucket and antibacterial apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 16, further including a fluid treatment arrangement configured to treat liquid in the bucket, the fluid treatment arrangement including a source of a photocatalyst or photoinitiator and one or more emitters of ultra-violet light.

18. A bucket and antibacterial apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 16, further including a fluid treatment arrangement configured to treat liquid in the bucket, the fluid treatment arrangement including a source of silver.

19. A bucket and antibacterial apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the fluid treatment arrangement further includes one or more sources of electromagnetic radiation.

20. A bucket and antibacterial apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 19, further including a liquid in the bucket, the liquid including water and a chemical treatment.

21 . A bucket and antibacterial apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the chemical treatment is one or more of a detergent, a flocculent, a surfactant, a disinfectant, titanium dioxide, and silver.

22. A wringer and an antibacterial apparatus for treating a cleaning cloth or mop material, the apparatus including:

one or more emitters of electromagnetic radiation which are positioned to illuminate at least a portion of the mop material or at least part of the cleaning cloth received by the chamber; wherein the antibacterial apparatus is configured to be secured to the wringer.

23. A wringer and antibacterial apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is light in the ultra-violet frequency range.

24. A wringer and an antibacterial apparatus according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the wringer and antibacterial apparatus are integrally formed.

25. A wringer and antibacterial apparatus according to any of claims 22 to 24, wherein the wringer and antibacterial apparatus are configured to be secured to a bucket.

26. A wringer and antibacterial apparatus according to claim 25, further including a fluid treatment arrangement configured to treat liquid in the bucket, the fluid treatment arrangement including a source of a photocatalyst or photoinitiator and one or more emitters of ultra-violet light.

27. A wringer and antibacterial apparatus according to claim 25, further including a fluid treatment arrangement configured to treat liquid in the bucket, the fluid treatment arrangement including a source of silver.

28. A wringer and antibacterial apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the fluid treatment arrangement further includes one or more sources of electromagnetic radiation.

29. Mop material or a cleaning cloth including a photocatalyst or photoinitiator.

30. Mop material or a cleaning cloth according to claim 29, wherein the mop material or cleaning cloth is impregnated with titanium dioxide.

31 . Mop material or a cleaning cloth according to claim 29, wherein the mop material or cleaning cloth is coated with titanium dioxide.

32. A method of treating mop material or a cleaning cloth including a photocatalyst or photoinitiator, the method including:

exposing the mop material or at least part of the cleaning cloth to ultraviolet light.

33. A method according to claim 32, wherein the photocatalyst or photoinitiator is titanium dioxide.

34. A method according to claim 33, further including: exposing the mop material or at least part of the cleaning cloth to titanium dioxide before exposure to ultra-violet light.

35. A method according to any of claims 32 to 34, further including wetting the mop material or at least part of the cleaning cloth before exposure to ultraviolet light.

36. A method according to claim 35, wherein wetting the mop material or at least part of the cleaning cloth includes wetting with water including a chemical treatment.

37. A method according to claim 35 or 36, further including wringing the mop material or at least part of the cleaning cloth before exposure to ultra- violet light.

38. A method according to any of claims 32 to 37, further including rinsing the mop material or at least part of the cleaning cloth after exposure to ultraviolet light.

39. An antibacterial apparatus for treating a cleaning cloth or mop material substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

40. A bucket and an antibacterial apparatus for treating a cleaning cloth or mop material substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

41 . A wringer and an antibacterial apparatus for treating a cleaning cloth or mop material substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

42. Mop material or a cleaning cloth substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

43. A method substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

44. Any novel feature or novel combination of features disclosed herein.