WO2021062469A1

WO2021062469A1 - A sanitising system

Info

Publication number: WO2021062469A1
Application number: PCT/AU2020/051040
Authority: WO
Inventors: Glenn Campbell; Tony STANDEN; Dianne STANDEN
Original assignee: Glenn Campbell; Standen Tony; Standen Dianne
Priority date: 2019-09-30
Filing date: 2020-09-30
Publication date: 2021-04-08

Abstract

A system for sanitising a trolley, the system comprising a housing configured to house at least one trolley therein; and a sanitising material dispersion assembly comprising at least one outlet, the at least one outlet configured to disperse a sanitising material over the at least one trolley.

Description

A SANITISING SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a sanitising system. In particular, the present invention relates to a system for sanitising a trolley or cart.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Customers and store personnel generally realise that shopping trolleys and baskets are normally covered with harmful bacteria, germs, viruses and other infectious material.

[0003] One problem faced by the owners or operators of shops and stores is that the sanitising of shopping trolleys and baskets is difficult and resource intensive.

[0004] Various potential solutions have been provided in the past including freestanding gates and the like with refillable containers providing sterilising solution, ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection lamps, and the like. However, the prior art solutions have not been found cost-effective or may not be effective in sanitising or sterilising. Other prior art solutions may require the trolleys to be physically scrubbed, although this cleans the trolleys, it can be labour intensive and may be more suited to ‘deep cleaning’ of the trolleys on a less frequent basis than cleaning the trolleys before every use.

[0005] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] The present invention is directed to a system for sanitising a trolley, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0007] While the system for sanitising a trolley must be suitable for sanitising a trolley, it is envisaged that it may also be suitable for use in other situations where an object may be enclosed by a housing and a sanitisation material dispersed over the object and where the high surface area of the object may make it uneconomical or impractical to physically clean exposed surfaces. In particular, it is envisaged that the system may also be suitable for use in other situations where the object to be sanitised may be used or handled by multiple users over a period of time. For instance, the sanitisation system may also be suitable for sanitising shopping trolleys or carts, luggage trolleys or carts, shopping baskets, rental scooters, rental bicycles, chairs, or the like. For instance, the sanitisation system may also be suitable for sanitising escalators, conveying systems, travelators, stairs, railings, or the like.

[0008] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a system for sanitising a trolley comprising a housing configured to house at least one trolley therein and a sanitising material dispersion assembly comprising at least one outlet, the at least one outlet configured to disperse a sanitising material over the at least one trolley.

[0009] In another form, the invention resides in a system for sanitising a trolley wherein the sanitising material dispersion assembly comprises a boom located within the housing, wherein the boom may be configured for movement relative to the at least one trolley, and wherein the at least one outlet may be located on the boom. In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one outlet located on the boom may be connected to a source of sanitising material to disperse the sanitising material over the at least one trolley in the housing.

[0010] In another form, the invention resides in a system for sanitising a trolley wherein the housing may be configured to allow at least one trolley to pass therethrough and wherein the sanitising material dispersion assembly may be configured to disperse a sanitising material over the at least one trolley as the trolley passes through the housing. In this instance, the housing may comprise a shroud defining an opening sized and shaped to allow at least one trolley to pass therethrough, and at least one outlet located relative to the shroud to disperse sanitising material onto the at least one trolley as it passes the opening. In an embodiment of the invention, the shroud may be movably mounted to a track such that the shroud may move relative to the trolleys. The shroud may be provided with a mechanism configured to move the shroud. The mechanism may be automatic, manual or a combination of the two. The mechanism may programmable. For instance, the mechanism may be configured to move the shroud along the track from one end to the other end a set number of times or over a set period of time. [0011] In another form, the invention resides in a system for sanitising a trolley comprising a housing configured to house at least one trolleys therein and a sanitising material dispersion assembly comprising at least one outlet, at least one supply conduit, at least one source of sanitising material, and at least one controller to control supply and dispersion of the sanitising material within the housing.

[0012] The applicant acknowledges that generally speaking, sanitising is an action that removes 99.999% of organisms (a sterilization process removes 99.99999999% of organisms). Disinfection uses antimicrobial agents on non-living objects or surfaces to destroy or inactivate microorganisms. Disinfectants may not kill all bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores. Most disinfectants are weakened or inactivated by organic matter such as dirt and faeces. Sanitisation uses an antimicrobial agent on objects, surfaces or living tissue to reduce the number of disease-causing organisms to non-threatening levels. Sanitising does not affect some spores and viruses. Sterilization is using chemicals, temperature, gas and/or pressure to kill or inactivate all disease-causing bacteria, spores, fungi and viruses.

[0013] The system of the present invention is not intended to be limited through use of the term “sanitising” or “sterilising”. Therefore, the use of disinfectants or sterilising materials are both included within the scope of the term “sanitising” as it is used in the present specification and vice versa.

[0014] The system for sanitising a trolley of the present invention may additionally include a cleaning assembly or mechanism in order to clean the trolleys as well as sanitising the trolleys, but the sanitising of the trolleys to effectively kill or remove at least 99.999% of organisms, is particularly important.

[0015] Any method of sanitising may be used. The method used may be a batch method or a continuous method or a hybrid system including both batch and continuous modes.

[0016] The sanitising system of the present invention may use any sanitising material or method. Preferably however, a sanitising method using a dispersible sanitising material which may be applied directly to the trolleys or indirectly into the environment surrounding the trolleys may be used. The sanitising material may be provided in a liquid form, as an aerosol, as a foam, or any suitable combination thereof. Sanitising systems such as for example the use of ultraviolet radiation and/or ultrasonics may be used in addition to the application of sanitising material or in the alternative to the sanitising material. Importantly, the sanitising system should allow for sanitation of the trolleys rather than washing the trolleys.

[0017] Trolleys may be cleaned individually but preferably when nested. Generally speaking, the trolleys may be moved relative to the sanitising assembly or alternatively, the sanitising assembly may be moved relative to the trolleys.

[0018] In some embodiments, the system for sanitising a trolley of the present invention includes a housing configured to house at least one trolley therein. The trolleys may be housed in the housing for any suitable period of time, however it is envisaged the trolleys may be housed in the housing for a period of time sufficient to sanitise the trolleys. In this instance, it will be understood that the trolleys may be housed in the housing temporarily. Typically, where a housing may be used, a batch methodology may be followed. The housing normally contains a number of trolleys within the housing whilst the sanitisation occurs. The provision of a housing and locating the trolleys within the housing during the sanitisation process will preferably prevent or minimise dispersion of the sanitising material as it may have unwanted or deleterious effects to other organisms.

[0019] Typically, the housing may be provided with a least one access door which may be normally opened and closed in order to locate the trolleys within the housing and to remove the trolleys from the housing once sanitisation has been completed.

[0020] The housing may have any shape and any size. Typically, the housing may be generally rectangular in cross-section. This generally rectangular housing will normally have at least one side wall and a top wall or roof defining an enclosure and at least one door, but in some embodiments a pair of doors, wherein a door may be located on opposing walls of the housing. However, it will be understood that the size and shape of the housing may vary depending on the type and number of objects to be sanitised, the sanitising method to be used and the configuration of the site where the sanitising system may be located. In some embodiments of the invention the housing may be configured to be flat-packed. In some embodiments of the invention, the housing may be configured to be modular. In this instance, it is envisaged that two or more housings may be connected together to extend at least one dimension of the housing. For instance, two or more housing when connected together may be wider, taller and/or longer than one housing alone. [0021] A base wall may or may not be provided on the housing. According to one embodiment, the housing without a base wall may be located on the ground surface such as a concrete base for example and fixed there, allowing trolleys to be loaded and unloaded on the ground surface without any changes in the level.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment, a base wall may be provided which may be substantially flush with the ground surface at the entrance and exit. The provision of a base wall will typically allow formation of a collection sump below the level of the base wall. Where a sump is desired, the base wall of the housing may be a grate or grill in order to allow any oversupply of sanitising material to collect in the sump after draining through the grill or the grate. Alternatively, the base wall may be provided with an angled surface configured to direct any oversupply of sanitising material towards a drain or other recessed portion where the sanitising material may drain into the sump.

[0023] One or more walls of the housing may be transparent, may comprise a transparent portion therein, or may be fitted with a window or similar structure in order that an operator may visually inspect the trolleys whilst undergoing the sanitisation process.

[0024] Normally all of the walls of the housing may be substantially planar. Preferably, an entry/exit opening may be provided in at least one, in some embodiments at opposing ends of the housing. Normally, at least one door will be provided in or as an end wall of the housing. The doors will typically be able to be opened and closed to allow loading and unloading of the apparatus. The doors may open and close in any direction and utilising any method. In embodiments where space may be a consideration, the doors may be sliding may slide up and down relative to the housing, may fold back towards the hinges, or the like. Preferably, the doors may form a relatively water- or air-tight seal when in the closed condition.

[0025] Inside the housing, one or more guide portions may be provided in order to guide the trolleys during the loading and unloading process of the housing. Preferably, the one or more guide portions be flexible. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a flexible skirt or bumper fabricated from a resilient material may be provided as a guide portion on either side of the housing at a lower portion thereof. In use, it is envisaged that the guide portions may assist with the protection of the trolley wheels during the loading and unloading process, may reduce damage to the housing from impact by the trolleys and/or may enable the housing to be used with different size and types of trolleys. In some embodiments of the invention, the housing may be provided with one or more bays, wherein the bays may be substantially parallel to one another and wherein each bay may be configured to receive at least one trolley therein. In some embodiments of the invention, the conveying system of the housing may be provided with one or more projections configured to brace an object such as a rental scooter, rental bicycle, or the like, against movement as the conveying system passes through the housing.

[0026] One or more bumpers and/or bollards may be provided outside the housing.

[0027] One or more trolley guide rails may be provided at each end of the housing so as to align the trolleys for passage into and out of the housing. In some embodiments of the invention, the trolley guide rails may be the rails of a trolley bay located adjacent the housing.

[0028] In an embodiment of the invention, the housing may be provided with a conveying system. In use, it is envisaged that one or more objects may be placed on the conveying system for passage into and out of the housing. Any suitable object may be placed on the conveying system, for instance, the objects may be trolleys, shopping baskets, chairs, rental scooters, rental bicycles, or the like. For instance, one or more shopping baskets may be placed in a stack or singly on the conveying system such that they pass under the sanitising material dispersion assembly. Any suitable conveying system may be used. However, it will be understood that the type of conveying system may vary depending on the type and number of objects to be sanitised, the type of sanitising material and the size, shape and configuration of the housing.

[0029] As mentioned above, the housing may be configured to house at least one trolley therein. Any suitable number of trolleys may be located in the housing, however it will be understood that the number of trolleys may vary depending on a number of factors such as the size and type of trolley, the size, shape and configuration of the housing and the type of sanitising method to be used. .

[0030] In some preferred embodiments, the housing may be in the form of a shroud, wherein the shroud defines an opening sized and shaped to allow at least one trolley to pass therethrough. In this instance, it will be understood that a shroud may be a form of housing which may cover a trolley housed therein without being fully enclosed, that is, the shroud may be a form of housing that may not be capable of being closed. In use, it is envisaged that a shroud may be used in situations where the sanitising takes place as the trolleys pass through the shroud and in this case, the shroud may be used in a substantially continuous operation.

[0031] The shroud may be preferably substantially U-shaped. Normally, the trolleys will pass below and between the portions of the shroud. Normally, the U-shaped shroud will include a pair of upstanding walls with a crossmember extending between an upper portion of the upstanding walls to create the substantially U-shaped shroud.

[0032] A sanitising material dispersion assembly comprising at least one outlet may be preferably associated with the shroud. Preferably, the at least one outlet may be directed inwardly relative to the opening in the shroud in order that sanitising material dispersed into the opening in the shroud may sterilise or sanitise the trolleys as the trolleys pass through the opening. In an embodiment of the invention, the shroud may be movably mounted to a track, such that the shroud may move relative to the trolleys.

In this instance, the shroud may pass over the top of the trolleys one or more times to ensure proper sanitisation. In an embodiment of the invention, the shroud may pass over the top of the trolleys to disperse a sanitising material over the trolleys and may make subsequent passes over the top of the trolleys to dry the trolleys.

[0033] Whether the housing or shroud embodiment may be used, a sanitising material dispersion assembly is preferably provided. The sanitising material dispersion assembly may have any suitable configuration. The sanitising material dispersion assembly may be fixed, or may move relative to the trolleys, that is, the sanitising material dispersion assembly may move over the trolleys, or the trolleys may be moved relative to the sanitising material dispersion assembly. The configuration of the sanitising material dispersion assembly may vary depending on a number of factors, including whether the sanitising material dispersion assembly is used with a housing or a shroud. For instance, the sanitising material dispersion assembly may comprise a moveable boom located within the housing, a conduit or pipe associated with a wall of the housing, or any suitable combination thereof. In use, it is envisaged that a sanitising material may be supplied to the sanitising material dispersion assembly via a supply conduit associated with a source of the sanitising material.

[0034] The sanitising material dispersion assembly may be provided with any suitable outlet. For instance, the outlet may be an aperture, a nozzle, a spray head, a sprinkler, a foam-generating nozzle, an atomiser, an ultrasonic fogger, or the like. The outlet may be adapted to form a stream, a mist, a fog, a foam, a spray, or the like, in order to ensure dispersion of the sanitising material sufficiently to sterilise the trolleys.

In some embodiments of the invention, the sanitising material dispersion assembly may be provided with one or more different types of outlets. However, it will be understood that the type of outlet used in the sanitising material dispersion assembly may vary depending on a number of factors, such as the characteristics of the sanitising material, the configuration of the housing, the size, shape and configuration of the trolley to be sanitised and the number of trolleys to be sanitised. For instance, where the system comprises a boom, it is envisaged that the outlets may comprise a nozzle configured to disperse a spray or mist over the trolley. For instance, where the system does not comprise a boom, the housing may be provided with a fogging system, wherein the sanitising material may be dispersed as a fog by an ultrasonic fogger or alternatively, the housing may be provided with a micro spray or mist nozzle wherein the sanitising material may be dispersed as a mist or fine spray over the trolley.

[0035] The sanitising material dispersion assembly may comprise any suitable number of outlets. However, it will be understood that the number of outlets provided may vary depending on a number of factors such as the size, shape and configuration of the sanitising material dispersion assembly, the type of outlet and the type of sanitising method. The outlets may be configured to be controlled individually or in combination. Preferably, the outlets may be configured to be controlled individually so as to form a desired spray pattern and/or to ensure that the optimum or at least a minimum level of sanitising material may be reached in the housing for effective sanitisation.

[0036] The sanitising material may be dispersed from the at least one outlet in any suitable manner. For instance, the sanitising material may be dispersed directly onto the trolleys, may be dispersed into the housing so as to fall onto the trolleys, may be dispersed into the housing so as to be suspended in the air in the housing for a period of time, or any suitable combination thereof. However, it will be understood that the method of dispersion of the sanitising material may vary depending on a number of factors such as the configuration of housing, the type of outlet, the properties of the sanitising material and the desired sanitisation regime for the trolleys. Preferably, the sanitising material may be dispersed into the housing as a fog, wherein the fog comprises droplets of sanitising material. In this instance, it is envisaged that the droplets of the sanitising material which may contact the surface of the trolley may dry by evaporation. In this instance, it is envisaged that the surface of the trolley may not need to be dried before use, such as by air drying, heating, wiping, or the like.

[0037] In an embodiment of the invention, the sanitising material dispersion assembly comprises a boom, wherein the boom may be configured for movement relative to the at least one trolley and wherein the at least one outlet may be located on the boom. The boom may be preferably substantially U-shaped to allow the boom to pass over the trolleys. Preferably, the boom may be associated with one or more pipes or conduits through which a sanitising material may flow from a source of sanitising material to the at least one outlet. The boom may be associated with the one or more pipes or conduits in any suitable manner, for instance, the boom may be formed from one or more pipes or conduits, the one or more pipe or conduits may be attached to at least a portion of the boom, may pass at least partially through the boom, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0038] Preferably, the at least one outlet located on the boom may be oriented towards the trolleys. This configuration allows sanitising material, normally provided as a fluid or an aerosol, to be pumped into the pipe or conduit associated with the boom through to the outlet. A supply arrangement may preferably be provided to supply sanitising material to the boom.

[0039] The pipe or conduit associated with the boom may be continuous or may comprise one or more portions in order to create a substantially continuous conduit. In an embodiment of the invention, one or more portions of the pipe or conduit may be at least partially pressurised. As mentioned above, according to a preferred embodiment, a number of outlets may be spaced part along a surface of the boom. The outlets may be configured so as to disperse the sanitising material in any suitable direction, however it will be understood that the direction may vary depending on the type of sanitising material and the sanitising method. For instance, where the sanitising method requires the trolleys to be sanitised in a fog, the outlets may be directed into the space defined by the housing rather than being directed towards the at least one trolley. For instance, where the sanitising method requires the trolleys to be sprayed or misted, the outlets may be directed towards the trolleys such that sanitising material is dispersed over the at least one trolley. The outlets on the boom may preferably be oriented inwardly, preferably toward one another. At least some of the outlets may be directed laterally, some outlets may be directed downwardly from above and/or some outlets may be directed downwardly from the sides of the boom.

[0040] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the boom translates longitudinally within the housing over the trolleys in order to disperse the sanitising material over the trolleys. The boom may pass over the trolleys at least once in any sanitising cycle and preferably a number of times, in a reciprocating manner. One or more tracks or rails may be provided within the housing in order to guide movement of the boom. The boom may preferably be provided with the ability to translate longitudinally within the housing and any suitable drive or motive mechanism may be provided.

[0041] The boom will normally be provided with one or more wheels corresponding to the one or more tracks or rails in order to guide movement of the boom within the housing. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, one or more drive wheels may be provided, and these may be driven in any manner. A particularly preferred configuration may provide an electric drive on or relative to the hub of the one or more wheels. Preferably, at least one wheel may be provided on each lateral side of the boom. A carriage including multiple wheels may be preferred for balance and stability, particularly while the boom is translating over the trolleys. Preferably, more than one wheel may be provided on each carriage in order to spread load and balance the upstanding boom.

[0042] One or more drying units may be provided relative to the shroud or housing in order to dry the trolleys after a sanitising material has been dispersed over the at least one trolley. In this way, when the application of sanitising material to the trolley has been completed, the trolleys may then be substantially dried so that they may be immediately ready for use.

[0043] One preferred drying unit may be an air drying unit. Normally, compressed air may be supplied to the air drying unit for application to the trolley. Preferably, where a drying unit may be provided, the drying unitwill be provided above the boom, within the housing. The drying unit may translate with the boom or the drying unit may be fixed to the housing. In an alternative configuration, a drying unit may be provided adjacent to the entry and/or exit from the housing or on an exit side of the shroud. [0044] The drying unit may include an elongate unit wide enough to span the width of the at least one trolley and a plurality of openings, from which the gas blown from the drying unit may escape. Preferably, there will be a plurality of elongate openings spaced apart across the drying unit, wherein the elongate openings may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing or the direction of travel of the trolley through the shroud. The elongate openings may preferably be slot openings. In an embodiment of the invention, the drying unit may comprise an elongate unit comprising five openings spaced apart along the elongate unit. In the preferred embodiment, the drying unit may comprise one central opening directed substantially vertically downwards with one or more openings positioned on either side of the central opening and oriented at an angle relative to the central opening.

[0045] The flow of sanitising material and/or air as well as any drive mechanism provided in the sanitising system of the present invention may be controlled by respective controllers, or alternatively, a single controller may be used to control all operations of the sanitising system.

[0046] The boom may be provided with a hinge mount system to allow the boom to rotate away from the opening in the housing so that of the at least one trolley may be loaded and/or unloaded more easily whilst minimising the potential for damage to the boom. The boom may rotate and translate in any suitable direction.

[0047] In an embodiment of the invention wherein the housing is a shroud, one or more outlets may be provided in the shroud. The outlets may be located in any suitable portion of the shroud. For instance, the outlets may be located in one or more of the upstanding walls, the crossmember, or any suitable combination thereof. The outlets provided in the shroud may be a fixed system rather than a movable system in that the trolleys may move relative to the outlets in the shroud during the sanitising process. However, it will be understood that depending on the type of outlet used in the shroud, the outlet may be capable of being moved relative to the shroud so as to alter the direction of the sanitising material being dispersed from the outlet. In this embodiment, the outlets preferably mist the sanitising material and direct the misted sanitising material onto the trolleys as the trolleys pass under the shroud. In some embodiments of the invention, the nozzles mist the sanitising material and direct the misted sanitising material onto the trolleys as the shroud passes over the top of the trolleys. [0048] Preferably, the sanitising process will be such that the trolleys will be exposed to the sanitising material for a pre-set or minimum time, regardless of whether the shroud or the housing may be used. In the housing embodiment, the trolleys may be loaded into the housing and the sanitising material misted into the housing, the housing remains closed for a pre-set time either including the time required to disperse the mist into the housing or after misting has been completed and then the trolleys may be removed. Optionally, the trolleys may be dried prior to removal, during removal or after removal from the housing.

[0049] In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one outlet may be associated with the housing. The outlets may be associated with any suitable portion of the housing. For instance, the outlets may be associated with one or more of the side walls, the top wall or roof, or any suitable combination thereof. The outlets provided in the housing may be a fixed system rather than a movable system in that the trolleys may move relative to the outlets in the housing during the sanitising process. However, it will be understood that depending on the type of outlet used in the housing, the outlet may be capable of being moved relative to the housing so as to alter the direction of the sanitising material being dispersed from the outlet. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outlets may be a fogging system that produces ultra-fine particles of sanitising material which may be suspended in the air in the housing for a period of time. In this embodiment, it is envisaged that the fog of sanitising material substantially surrounds the trolleys during the sanitising process.

[0050] The system for sanitising a trolley may comprise an air handling system. Any suitable air handling system may be used. Preferably, however, the air handling system may be configured to ventilate and/or exhaust the housing. In an embodiment of the invention the air handling system may comprise a filter, wherein the filter may be configured to remove sanitising material from the exhaust air. Preferably, the sanitising material may be removed prior to the housing being opened. The air handling system may be configured to recover the sanitising material from the air exhausted from the housing. In this instance, it is envisaged that the recovered sanitising material may be recycled and recirculated within the sanitising material dispersion assembly. Alternatively, the recovered sanitising material may be neutralised prior to disposal.

[0051] In an embodiment of the invention, the system for sanitising a trolley may comprise a sensor. Preferably, the sensor may be a humidistat. The humidistat may be provided in association with the housing. Preferably, the humidistat may be associated with the air handling system and/or the sanitising material dispersion assembly to ensure that the optimum or at least a minimum level of sanitising material may be reached within the housing for effective sanitisation or sterilisation. In use, it is envisaged that the humidistat may have a feedback loop provided to the sanitising material controller in order to adjust the amount of sanitising material dispersed into the housing. In use, it is envisaged that the controller may monitor and adjust all spray variables based on humidity levels, including spray pattern, flow rate, drop size, liquid pressure, atomising air pressure, fan air pressure and the like. Alternatively, the controller may activate the air handling system to ventilate or exhaust the housing in order to adjust the level of sanitising material in the housing.

[0052] Alternatively, the system for sanitising a trolley may operate on a programmable cycle. In this instance, it is envisaged that the system may be programmable to ensure a minimum exposure time of the trolley to the sanitising material and to activate the air handling system to exhaust the housing following completion of the cycle. At the completion of the cycle, the air handling system may exhaust the housing for a period of time, until the sensor indicates the level of sanitising material in the housing has reached the desired level, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0053] As will be clear, any sanitising material may be used but normally, the sanitising material will be provided as a fluid and preferably a liquid material for ease of material handling.

[0054] In use, it is envisaged that an electronic lockout system may be used to lock any doors or openings in the housing during the sanitisation process and until any residual sanitising material in the housing has been extracted by the air handling system. In this instance, the electronic lockout system may prevent a person from entering the housing during the sanitisation process and until the level of sanitising material in the housing has reached safe or non-harmful levels.

[0055] In some embodiments of the invention, the system for sanitising a trolley may be mobile and able to be moved between sites, or may be permanently located at a site. In some embodiments of the invention, the system for sanitising a trolley may be flat- packed so that it may be transported in a relatively space-saving format and reassembled at a site. [0056] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0057] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0058] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0059] Figure 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a housing which is empty.

[0060] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 1 but with trolleys loaded in the sanitising location within the housing.

[0061] Figure 3 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 4 is an isometric view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 showing the shroud passing over the trolleys.

[0063] Figure 5 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 6 is an isometric view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5 showing the trolleys passing through the shroud.

[0065] Figure 7 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 8 is an isometric view of a misting nozzle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 9 is a front elevation view of a movable boom according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0068] Figure 10 is an alternative view of the movable boom illustrated in Figure 9.

[0069] Figure 11 is a side elevation view of the movable boom illustrated in Figure 9.

[0070] Figure 12 is a front elevation view of the lower portion of the movable boom illustrated in Figure 9.

[0071] Figure 13 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the hinged, movable boom.

[0072] Figure 14 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the hinged movable boom translating longitudinally.

[0073] Figure 15 is a partially sectional view of a housing according to an embodiment with the hinged, movable boom of Figures 13 and 14.

[0074] Figure 16 is a partially sectional view of the housing illustrated in Figure 15 immediately prior to initialising of the sanitisation cycle.

[0075] Figure 17 is a detailed schematic view of the movable boom relative to trolleys according to an embodiment.

[0076] Figure 18 is a detailed schematic view similar to that of Figure 17 showing the movement of the movable boom according to an embodiment.

[0077] Figure 19 is a plan view of the configuration in Figure 18.

[0078] Figure 20 is a partially sectional plan view of the configuration illustrated in

Figure 16.

[0079] Figure 21 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention with a bank of trolleys about to enter the housing.

[0080] Figure 22 is an isometric view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 21 with the trolleys temporarily housed in the housing.

[0081] Figure 23 is an isometric view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 21 with the trolleys on the exit side of the housing.

[0082] Figure 24 is a side elevation view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 21. [0083] Figure 25 is an end elevation view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 21 , from the entry end.

[0084] Figure 26 is a plan view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 21.

[0085] Figure 27 is an end elevation view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 21 , from the entry end.

[0086] Figure 28 is sectional elevation view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 27, along line A-A.

[0087] Figure 29 is an isometric view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 21 from the reverse side.

[0088] Figure 30 is an exploded isometric view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 21.

[0089] Figure 31 is an exploded isometric view of the door illustrated in Figure 30. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0090] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system for sanitising a trolley is provided.

[0091] A number of preferred embodiments are illustrated in the Figures associated with the specification.

[0092] The sanitising system illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 includes a housing 10 for housing a number of trolleys 11 temporarily therein and a sanitising material dispersion assembly to supply and disperse sanitising material over the trolleys 11 within the housing 10. The sanitising material dispersion assembly includes a number of outlets in the form of nozzles (such as that illustrated in Figure 8), at least one supply conduit (not shown) to supply sanitising material to the nozzles, at least one source of sanitising material (not shown), and at least one controller (not shown) to control supply and dispersion of the sanitising material within the housing 10. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system further comprises an air handling system (not shown) associated with housing 10 such that it may ventilate and/or exhaust the housing. Preferably, the air handling system may be configured to filter and/or recover sanitising material from the air exhausted from housing 10. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a humidistat may be associated with the air handling system and/or the sanitising material dispersion assembly in the form of nozzles so as to maintain an optimum level of sanitising material in housing 10 for effective sanitisation of trolleys 11. A pair of trolley guide rails 24 may be provided at each end of housing 10 so as to align the trolleys 11 for passage into and out of housing 10.

[0093] The sanitising system illustrated in Figures 3 to 6 includes a housing in the form of a shroud 15, wherein the shroud defines an opening 16 sized and shaped to allow trolleys 11 to pass therethrough, a plurality of nozzles 12 located relative to the shroud 15 to disperse sanitising material onto the at least one trolley 11 as they pass through the opening 16 and a source of sanitising material. In Figures 3 and 4, shroud 15 may be moveable relative to trolleys 11 in a substantially continuous operation. In Figures 5 and 6, trolleys 11 may be moveable relative to shroud 15 in a substantially continuous operation. A pair of trolley guide rails 24 may be provided at each end of shroud 15 so as to align the trolleys 11 for passage into and out of shroud 15.

[0094] The sanitising system illustrated in Figures 9 to 20 includes a housing 10 for housing at least one trolley 11 therein and a boom 17 located within the housing 10, wherein boom 17 is configured for movement relative to the trolleys 11 located therein, and wherein the boom 17 comprises at least one nozzle 18 connected to a source of sanitising material to provide sanitising material for dispersion over the trolleys 11 in the housing 10. A pair of trolley guide rails 24 may be provided at each end of housing 10 so as to align the trolleys 11 for passage into and out of housing 10.

[0095] As illustrated in all of the embodiments, trolleys 11 will normally be cleaned individually when nested regardless of whether the trolleys may be moved relative to the sanitising material dispersion assembly or whether the sanitising material dispersion assembly may be moved relative to the trolleys.

[0096] Typically, where a housing 10 may be used such as in Figure 1 , 2, and 9 to 20, a batch methodology may be followed. The housing 10 may be normally loaded with at least one trolley 11 whilst the sanitisation occurs. The provision of a housing 10 and locating the trolleys 11 within the housing 10 during the sanitisation process helps prevent or minimise dispersion of the sanitising material as it may have unwanted or deleterious effects. [0097] The housing 10 may be provided with at least one access door which is normally opened and closed in order to locate the trolleys 11 within the housing 10 and to remove the trolleys from the housing 10 once sanitisation has been completed.

[0098] The housing 10 of the preferred embodiments may be generally rectangular in cross-section. This generally rectangular housing will normally have a number of walls and a top wall roof defining an enclosure and preferably a pair of doors, one door located at either end of the housing one designated as an entry 19 and one designated as an exit 20. Trolleys 11 to be sanitised may be loaded through the entry 19 and sanitised trolleys exit the housing through the exit 20.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the housing 10 without a base wall may be located on the ground surface such as a concrete base for example and fixed there allowing trolleys 11 to be loaded and unloaded on the ground surface without any changes in the level.

[0100] In an alternative embodiment, a base wall may be provided which is substantially flush with the entrance 19 and exit 20 ground surface. The provision of a base wall may allow formation of a collection sump 38 below the level of the base wall in the housing. Where a sump is desired, the base wall of the housing will typically be a grate or grill in order to allow any oversupply of sanitising material to collect in the sump after draining through the grill or the grate.

[0101] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 in particular, one or more walls of the housing 10 and/or access doors may be transparent or at least a portion of one or more of the walls and/or doors may be transparent in order that an operator may visually inspect the trolleys 11 whilst undergoing the sanitisation process.

[0102] Normally, the entry and exit doors will be provided in or as an end wall of the housing 10. The entry and exit doors will typically be able to be opened and closed to allow loading and unloading of the apparatus. The doors may open and close in any direction and utilising any method. Preferably however the doors will be sliding rather than hinged as this may use less space. Preferably, the doors will slide up and down relative to the housing 10 as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. It is also preferred that the doors will seal when in the closed condition.

[0103] Inside the housing 10, one or more guide skirts 21 will preferably be provided in order to guide the trolleys 11 during the loading and unloading process. It is preferred that the guide skirts 21 be flexible, manufactured of a resilient material and provided on either side of the housing 10 at a lower portion as illustrated in Figure 1. This will also assist with the protection of the trolley wheels during the loading and unloading process.

[0104] As mentioned above, any number of trolleys 11 may be placed in the housing 10 provided that the housing 10 may be adapted to receive the trolleys 11. Typically, the housing 10 will be sized to limit the number to between five and 20 trolleys and normally around 10 trolleys 11.

[0105] As stated above, in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 3 to 6, the sanitising system includes a shroud 15 defining an opening 16 sized and shaped to allow at least one trolley to pass therethrough. The shroud may typically be used in situations where the sanitising takes place as the trolleys pass through the shroud and in this case, the shroud may be used in a substantially continuous operation.

[0106] The shroud 15 illustrated is substantially U-shaped. Normally the trolleys 11 will pass below and between the portions of the shroud 15. As illustrated, the U-shaped shroud 15 includes a pair of upstanding walls 22 with a crossmember 23 extending between an upper portion of the upstanding walls 22 to create the substantially U- shaped shroud. A pair of trolley guide rails 24 may be provided at each end of shroud 15 so as to align the trolleys 11 for passage into and out of shroud 15.

[0107] A sanitising material dispersion assembly may preferably be located on the shroud 15 and directed inwardly relative to the opening 16 in the shroud 15 in order to sterilise or sanitise the trolleys 11 as the trolleys 11 pass through the opening 16. The timing according to which the trolleys pass through the shroud 15 may be important to ensure proper sanitisation.

[0108] In the shroud embodiment, nozzles 12 may be typically provided in the shroud 15. The nozzles provided in the shroud may be a fixed system rather than a movable system and the trolleys will preferably be moved relative to the nozzles in the shroud during the sanitising process. In this embodiment, the nozzles preferably mist the sanitising material and direct the misted sanitising material onto the trolleys as the trolley to pass under the shroud.

[0109] In Figures 3 and 4, shroud 15 may be movably mounted to a track 26 manufactured of a resilient material such that shroud 15 may move relative to trolleys 11. [0110] A strap 25 or similar may be used to hold the nested trolleys together for movement through the shroud 15.

[0111] Whether the housing 10 or shroud 15 embodiment may be used, a sanitising material dispersion assembly may preferably be provided. The sanitising material dispersion assembly may have any configuration.

[0112] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 9 to 20, the sanitising material dispersion assembly includes a boom 17 mounting a number of outlet nozzles 18 for dispersion of the sanitising material onto the trolleys 11. The boom illustrated in those Figures is substantially U-shaped to allow movement of the boom 17 over trolleys 11.

As illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 particularly, the boom 17 may be formed from a single, continuous pipe or conduit 27 bent into shape in order to allow the flow of sanitising material through the boom 17 and to allow the sanitising material to escape through the outlet nozzles 18 onto trolleys 11.

[0113] The nozzles 18 provided on the boom 17 may be oriented towards the trolleys 11. This configuration allows sanitising material, normally provided as a fluid, to be pumped into the pipe or conduit of the boom and to exit through the nozzles. A supply arrangement may preferably be provided to supply sanitising material to the boom.

[0114] A plurality of nozzles 18 may be spaced apart along the boom 17. The nozzles 18 may be oriented inwardly toward one another with at least some of the nozzles directed laterally, some nozzles directed downwardly from above and some nozzles directed downwardly from the sides of the boom.

[0115] According to this embodiment, the boom 17 translates longitudinally within the housing over the trolleys in order to disperse the sanitising material over the trolleys as illustrated in Figure 18 and 19. The boom 17 passes over the trolleys 11 at least once in any sanitising cycle and preferably a number of times in a reciprocating manner. A pair of rails 28 may be provided within the housing 10 in order to guide movement of the boom 17.

[0116] The boom 17 may preferably be provided with the ability to translate longitudinally within the housing 10 and a drive or motive mechanism may be provided. The boom 17 illustrated may be provided with wheels 29 corresponding to the rails 28 in order to guide movement of the boom 17 within the housing 10. Preferably, an electric drive 30 on the hub of at least one of the wheels 29 may be provided on each lateral side of the boom 17. A communication ribbon 34 may be provided to allow communication of instructions to the drive 30.

[0117] Any type and number of nozzles 18 may be used. The nozzles may be adapted to form a stream, mist, fog, foam, and/or spray 31 or the like in order to ensure dispersion of the sanitising material sufficiently to sterilise the trolleys.

[0118] A pair of flexible skirts 37 may be provided on either lateral side of the housing 10 at a lower portion thereof to protect the boom 17 and/or the trolleys wheels during translation of the boom 17.

[0119] A drying unit 32 may be provided relative to the boom 17 in order to dry the trolleys 11 when a fluid sanitising material may be used. In this way, when the application of sanitising material to the trolley has been completed, the trolleys may then be substantially dried so that they may be immediately ready for use.

[0120] The preferred drying unit may be an air drying unit 32. Compressed air may be supplied to air drying unit 32 for application to the trolley 11. As illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, where a drying unit 32 may be provided, the drying unit 32 may be located above the boom 17 within the housing 10. The drying unit 32 of the illustrated translates with the boom 17.

[0121] Normally, the drying unit 32 will include an elongate unit wide enough to span the trolleys 11 and a plurality of openings 33 provided therein to allow the air to escape. As illustrated, there will be a number of elongate slot openings extending across the unit 32 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing or the direction of travel through the shroud. In the preferred embodiment, a central opening may be directed substantially vertically downward with one or more openings located on either side of the central opening, and at an angle relative thereto. The drying unit 32 may be supported on an arm 33 and supplied air through a compressed air line 36.

[0122] The boom may be provided with a hinge mount system including a swivel knuckle 35 to allow the boom to rotate away from the opening in the housing in order to allow loading and unloading of trolleys more easily whilst minimising the potential for damage to the boom. The boom may rotate and translate as illustrated in Figures 13 and 14. [0123] As mentioned above, the boom may translate over the trolley one or more times in any sanitising cycle as shown in Figure 18.

[0124] Preferably, the sanitising process will be such that the trolleys will be exposed to the sanitising material for a preset time, regardless of whether the shroud or the housing may be used. In the housing embodiment, normally the trolleys may be loaded into the housing by an operator 40, the sanitising material may be misted into the housing, the housing remain closed for a preset time either including the misting or after the misting has been completed and then the trolleys may be removed (the trolleys may be dried prior to removal, during removal or after removal).

[0125] According to the particularly preferred embodiment of the housing embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, a device such as a humidistat 39 may be provided in association with the housing. Humidistat 39 may be associated with a controller 14 to ensure that the optimum or at least a minimum level of sanitising material may be reached within the housing 10 for effective sanitisation or sterilisation. The humidistat 39 has a feedback loop provided to the sanitising material controller 14 in order to adjust the amount of material dispersed into the housing by the sanitising material dispersion assembly and/or control the rate of air flow into or out of the housing by the air handling system. The system may be programmable to ensure a minimum exposure time of the trolley (not shown) to the sanitising material and humidity levels of sanitising material. The system activates the air handling system (not shown) to exhaust housing 10 following completion of the cycle.

[0126] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 21 to 32, the housing may be associated with a fogging system that produces ultra-fine particles of antimicrobial material (in this case peroxide based) mist in high quantities, using ultrasonics to separate the particles and fans to deliver them into the cabinet. Preferably, the housing may be substantially air- and/or water-tight so as to maintain an effective concentration of sanitising material suspended in the air during sanitisation so as to affect microorganisms living on surfaces of the trolley with the antimicrobial mist. As a fogging system is used, the benefit of the fine particles is that the air above the trolleys is not saturated with sanitising material and the trolleys and surrounding surfaces may be not excessively wetted.

[0127] The benefit of this system as against wet systems that effectively wash the trolleys is that the present system allows for a quick clean cycle (less than 15 minutes) and leaves minimal residue or moisture on the trolleys, meaning they may be cycled through quickly and used as soon as they may be removed from the housing. It also means there is very little plumbing or hardware other than the unit itself required so it is easily installed in areas of a shopping centre / retail outlet where the trolleys may be otherwise simply stored.

[0128] Housing 10 may be provided with an entry door 210 at one end thereof and an exit door 211 at the opposite end thereof, both provided with elongate handles 212 which extend across the width of the door and function as buffers against damage from incoming trolleys 11. As illustrated the entry door 210 and the sidewall of the housing include transparent portions 213 to allow customers to view the sanitisation process. Mist or fog supply pipes 214, typically manufactured from stainless steel pipe to minimise the need for cover housings, may be provided to housing 10. Figure 21 shows the trolleys being loaded into the housing, Figure 22 shows the trolleys within the housing being sanitised and Figure 23 shows the trolleys on the exit end of the housing with the exit door 211 opened.

[0129] The housing includes a raised platform or floor 215 which strengthens the housing and allows the unit to be transported as an assembled unit. There may also be an entry ramp 216 and an exit ramp 217.

[0130] Fogging system 218 in the form of an ultrasonic fogging system, produces a very fine mist of sanitising material which is delivered through supply pipes 214 into housing 10. Air handling system (not shown) may assist in distributing the fog throughout housing 10. After the sanitising cycle has been completed, air handling system may exhaust the fog from housing 10 so that the trolley may be removed from housing 10.

[0131] Figure 30 shows an isometric view of a form of construction of the apparatus so that the apparatus may be “flat packed” for transport and then assembly on site.

[0132] In Figure 31 , a potential exploded assembly of the entry door of a preferred embodiment is shown. The construction includes a door frame 223, preferably stainless steel and an insert 221 which sandwich a transparent window panel 222. The insert may be provided with an EVA seal 224 and the door may be associated with a pneumatic or hydraulic strut 220 which is used to control the door in the open and closed conditions. [0133] As will be clear, any sanitising material may be used but normally, the sanitising material will be provided as a fluid and preferably, a liquid material for ease of material handling.

[0134] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0135] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0136] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A system for sanitising a trolley, the system comprising a. a housing configured to house at least one trolley therein; and b. a sanitising material dispersion assembly comprising at least one outlet, the at least one outlet configured to disperse a sanitising material over the at least one trolley.

2. A system for sanitising a trolley according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one outlet is a misting system.

3. A system for sanitising a trolley according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one outlet is an ultrasonic fogging system.

4. A system for sanitising a trolley according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the system further comprising an air handling system, wherein the air handling system is configured to ventilate and/or exhaust the housing.

5. A system for sanitising a trolley according to claim 4, the system further comprising a humidistat, wherein the humidistat is associated with the air handling system and/or the sanitising material dispersion assembly to maintain an optimum level of sanitising material within the housing for effective sanitisation.

6. A system for sanitising a trolley according to claim 4, wherein the system operates on a programmable cycle.

7. A system for sanitising a trolley according to claim 4, the system further comprising an electronic lockout system.

8. A system for sanitising a trolley according to claim 4 wherein the air handling system is configured to recover the sanitising material from the air exhausted from the housing.

9. A system for sanitising a trolley according to claim 6 wherein the recovered sanitising material is recirculated within the sanitising material dispersion assembly.

10. A system for sanitising a trolley according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sanitising material dispersion assembly comprises a boom located within the housing, wherein the boom is configured for movement relative to the at least one trolley, and wherein the at least one outlet is located on the boom.

11. A system for sanitising a trolley according to claim 8, wherein the boom is configured to move longitudinally within the housing.

12. A system for sanitising a trolley according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing is configured to allow at least one trolley to pass therethrough and wherein the sanitising material dispersion assembly is configured to disperse a sanitising material over the at least one trolley as the trolley passes through the housing.

13. A system for sanitising a trolley according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the housing is configured for movement relative to the at least one trolley.

14. A system for sanitising a trolley according to any one of the preceding claims, the system further comprising a drying unit, wherein the drying unit is configured to dry the at least one trolley following dispersal of the sanitising material over the at least one trolley.

15. A system for sanitising a trolley according to claim 12, wherein the drying unit is associated with housing.

16. A system for sanitising a trolley according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the drying unit is configured to move longitudinally within the housing.