GB2428208A

GB2428208A - Cleaning nozzle arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2428208A
Application number: GB0613897A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Geoffrey Norman Sloan; Steven Edward Orchard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-07-13
Filing date: 2006-07-13
Publication date: 2007-01-24
Also published as: GB0613897D0

Abstract

The invention provides a device for the cryogenic removal of substances from the surface, the device comprising a hood 12 and a coupling device for coupling with an a source of cryogenic fluid such as an aerosol can 14, whereby to provide cryogenic fluid to a nozzle situated within an interior of the hood, whereby to deliver, in use, a flow of cryogenic fluid within the interior of the hood, whereby to freeze the substance, to be removed by subsequent use of a scraper (fig 8), brush (fig 9) or viewing window. The coupling device may be in the form of a screw thread. The hood may comprise an inner hood element 11 and an outer hood element 13 that may be integrally formed from plastic or the inner hood may be able to slide with respect to the outer element. Trigger 30 Is included as part of the associated canister.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO CLEANING

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to cleaning and to the removal of materials from pavements, upholstery, clothing, carpets and the like and, in particular, relates to the removal of chewing gum and similar products from pavements, soft furnishings and clothing.

Background to the Invention

It will be appreciated that in all civilized societies, urban paths and walkways are maintained at a certain level of cleanliness and hygiene. Municipal authorities the World over have attendants who ensure that pavements and sidewalks are maintained, through the use of brushes and other waste removal equipment such as vacuum devices. One particular problem that arises in the maintenance of such pavements and sidewalks is the requirement to remove gum and similar materials, including gum Arabic and other confectionery such as boiled sweets. Once dropped onto pavement and subsequently compacted by persons walking over such discarded substances, they are particularly difficult to remove.

: 20 There have been many attempts made to provide devices and methods to clean such residues from sidewalks, shopping malls and other public places. Water Jetting is a sin-iple method of cleaning but requires relatively expensive equipment, a water supply and an *..s : electrical power supply unless powered by an internal combustion motor, which means that **.

they cannot be used in enclosed areas because of the risk associated with fumes, noise and other factors. Steam cleaners can also be used but suffer from problems similar to those I....

* : encountered by water jet machines - although they may be considered as being more *I.*..

* dangerous. Furthermore, where water and steam are employed to remove gum etc, the gum may be moved to a new position where it later adheres to and hardens. Flame lances can also be used, but are considered to be still further dangerous.

Various methods of chewing gum removal including use of a freezing agent are also known. GB-A-21 22833 discloses apparatus for cleaning carpets comprising a hub which is rotated at high speed and which carries a plurality of flexible fingers which are made to impinge on the area of the carpet being cleaned. The apparatus may be supported on wheels and may be provided with a handle, a scraper blade, and a nozzle for applymg a freezing agent to chewing gum and the like to assist in its removal.

JP-A-1O323307 employs cryogenic fluids in conjunction with a crushing cutter assembly, the crushing cutter being detachably mounted on a crushing cutter holder on a lower end of an elevating and rotatable shaft is rotated to crush the matter. The crushed matter is, after that, sucked by a suction blower to Convey the crushed matter into a bag for recovery.

JP-A820923 utilizes a cryogenic a power-driven crusher having a large number of crushing devices moving back-and forth towards a substance such as chewing gum. A sucoon port for sucking the crushed chewing gum is provided. JP-A-8-107869 discloses a liquid nitrogen cylinder and a cartridge-type waste collection bag are carried on a hand truck for transportaton DE-A-2553977 (Roehl, R) provides a chewing gum apparatus having a frame, support means and a nozzle for spraying cryogenic fluid in an open fan spray fashion. A scraper is : also provided. * S* **..

* 20 FR-A-266751 enables the removal of sticky substances e. g. chewing gum, from * fabrics by rapid cooling and removal by brushing, sweeping or vacuuming. Cooling is achieved : by spraying a refrigerant. *.

*:i I FR-A-2520745 (Chambourd, D) discloses a cryogenic treatment! collection unit *....: 25 for dog faeces and comprises a suction head and vacuum system fro the removal of such wastes matter. FR-A-2533466 (Chailou, C et al) provides a cryogenic treatment for canine faeces, but does not provide any collecting means.

Object of the Invention The present invention seeks to provide a solution to the problems addressed above.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved apparatus and method for clearing up matter such as gum from pavements and the like. - 2

Satement OUnventjpn In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an attachment for a canister of cryogenic fluid comprising a hood, a valve means and a trigger, wherein the hood is connectible with the canister such that the valve means, when operated by the trigger can direct a spray of cryogenic fluid within a flared section of the hood, whereby, when the hood is placed adjacent a surface, cryogenic fluid can be applied in a localised fashion, substantially impervious to ambient conditions. By the application of a cryogenic fluid to a surface, foreign matter such as discarded - and perhaps subsequently compacted - chewing gum, boiled sweets and the like can be made brittle, whereby subsequent application of a scraper to the foreign matter can dislodge the substance from the surface so that it may be brushed away or other wise removed by way of a vacuum device, for example.

Conveniently, the source of cryogenic fluid comprises a aerosol canister of freezer spray. Conveniently, the hood can also comprise a scraper element: advantageously this allows the use of a scraper to be both pushed away from a user of the device as well as bemg pulled toward, whereby a substance may more easily be removed from a surface.

Conveniently, the hood includes a viewing window or is made from a transparent or translucent material. Additionally, there may also be provided a brush element, operable to assist in the cleaning up of the debris, once made brittle. * *S.

Convemently, the hood comprises an inner hood and an outer hood. The space * between may comprise insulating material, such as insulating foam plastics material between the inner and outer hoods.

***.e. *

* The inner hood can be movable with respect to an outer hood, which can also conveniently operate a trigger associated with a delivery of cryogenic fluid. There is associated with each hood an axis. This can be generally coaxial with an axis of a canister to be connected therewith. Alternatively, the axis of the hood, at its exit, can generally be perpendicular with respect to an axis associated with such a canister and can be connected therewith.

The inner hood and the outer hood can be integrally formed from a plastics material.

The inner hood and the outer hood may comprise separate components, with the inner hood being slideable with respect to the outer hood.

The hood can be connected to a frame, the frame defining an aperre for allowing a canister of cryogenic fluid therein, having a resilient biasing means, operable to retain the canister in place. This can provide an easy to use device, especially for household use. The hood can be connected to a frame, the frame allowing the hood to be spaced from the canister of cryogeuic fluid. Convependy the frame comprises a handle element, akin to a broom being elongate, whereby an operator may easily attend to the removal of gum or other debris, without having to stoop or otherwise cause discomfort.

Thc cauister can haves one of a push-fit, bayonet attachment means or screw thread attachment means whereby a camster of cryogemc flwd can be securely attached thereto. To 1 5 assist in the containment of cryogenic fluid, it is convenient if a hood has a resthent foam or elastomenc plastics element arranged around a penpheraj rim thereof.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention there is provided a device for the cryogenic removal of substances from the surface, the device comprising an elongate handle *::::. 20 with a scraper and a hood at a disthi end thereof, and a coupling device for coupling with a source of cryogenic fluid, whereby to provide cryogenic fluid to a nozzle situated within an

: interior of the hood, whereby to deliver, in use, a flow of cryogenic fluid within the interior of the hood, whereby to freeze the substance, to be removed by subsequent use of the scraper. ..DTD: Converuently, a trigger is provide adjacent the grip portion of the handie whereby to : 25 enable a controlled delivery of the cryogenic fluid.

S

In accordance with a still further embodiment, there is provided a method of operating a device in accordance with claim one, comprising the step of applying a cryogenic flwd in a controlled fashion through a hooded element, whereby to effectively freeze a substance to be removed fro m a surface, and subsequently removing a frozen substance by the use of the scraper associated with the device.

llnef Description of the Figures

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the Figures as shown in the accompanying drawing sheets, wherem:- Figures land 2 illustrate underside plan and a side view of a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 details an underside view of a hood; Figure 4 and 5 show perspective and underside views of a hood in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 shows a fifth embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 10 illustrates a yet further embodiment of the invention; Figure ha illustrates a detail of a hood as shown in the device of Figure 10; Figure 12 shows a view of a pavement cleaner using the device of Figure 10; Figure 13 shows a first alternative device; Figure 1 3a details the hood of the device shown in Figure 13; Figure 1 4a and I 4b show side and underside views of an integral scraper hood; Figure 15a and 15b show side and underside views of a further type of integral scraper hood; * Figure 16 shows a view of a pavement cleaner using a short handled device, and; **.

: Figure 17 details a further feature in accordance with a further embodiment. ..DTD: Detailed description of the Preferred Embodiments

: 25 There wifi now be described, by way of example only, the best mode contemplated by **s 0.

the inventor for carrying out the present invention. In the following description, numerous specific details are set out in order to provide a complete understanding to the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the present invention may be put into practice with variations of the specific With reference to Figure 1, there is shown a first embodiment of the invention, wherein an apparatus 10 comprises a hood element 12 which is attached to a canister 12 of cryogenic fluid 14. Conveniently the canister of cryogenic fluid is an aerosol canister such as a canister of a freezer spray, obtainable under the trade name Arctic Spray and produced by Arctic Products limited or a similar cryogenic fluid container is operable to provide a flow of cryogenic fluid to the hood 12. In use, hood 12 is placed over subject matter to be frozen, for example chewing gum upon a pavement, and cryogenic fluid is caused to flow through nozzle and delivered within a protective shroud defined by hood 12. The cryogenic fluid freezes the chewing gum, which may then be removed with relative ease by use a scraper (not shown).

Once dislodged from a surface, it is then relatively easy to brush the chewing gum (or other material) by means of a brush or a vacuum device. The hood may comprise a window section, being of a clear plastics material or similar, whereby the surface and subject matter to be treated can be viewed by an operator.

With reference to Figure 3, trigger 16 is attached to a valve mechanism by means of a linkage 32 whereby, upon activation of the trigger, cryogenic fluid is delivered in spray form within the hood, to provide a concentrated cryogenic effect upon a surface surrounded by the 1 5 hood. The apparatus can thus provide a concentrated delivery of cryogenic fluid which is not subject to atmospheric effects such as heat from the sun or wind whereby to ensure simple and effective removal of foreign matter such as chewing guru etc., which becomes brittle and thus easy to remove under conditions of such intense cold. The hood may be applied against : : surfaces such as carpets, upholstery and the like in a similar fashion as to pavements, walls and *::::* 20 the like and so can be applied by professional cleaners and householders alike in a simple and * effective fashion. Of course, the cryogenic treatment is effective not only against chewing gum and boiled sweets but also against a wide variety of foreign bodies. Figure 3 shows two * shrouds: an inner shroud or hood 11 and an outer hood or shroud 13. The space between the * inner and outer shrouds enables the device to be used safely: an operator need not get hands damaged by the extreme cold. There may be an air space between the shrouds or it may be filled with a foam plastics insulator. Alternatively the shroud may be a single plastics element with a thick wall being provide so as to ensure that the user of the device does not suffer from accidental cold burns or similar. To assist in the retention of a cryogenic fluid, resilient foam plastics or an elastomeric material may be attached to a peripheral rim of the, one or both of the hood elements.

Figures 4 and 5 show respective perspective and end-on views of a second embodiment of the invention, wherein a hood 13 has an axis which is coaxial with that of an aerosol canister, with which it is associated. It can be seen, with reference to Figure 5 that the two hood elements are coaxial and provide insulation as described above.

Figure 6 shows a further embodiment, in part sectional view, wherein the inner hood 11 a is directly connected with the valve assembly 30: the outer hood 1 3a is fixed relative to the aerosol can 14. Inner hood ii a, is preferably fitted with a foam plastics/elastomeric lip 15, which, in use, abuts against a surface: upon contact, further pressure causes the valve mechamsm to operate and a spray of cryogenic fluid is applied to the area defmed within the hood 11 a To assist in movement of the inner hood 11 a relative to the outer hood I 3a, it is convenient to have a slide mechanism present 16, which slide mechanism ensures smooth operation of the hood 11 a within and relative to the outer hood I 3a. Alternatively the inner hood may be integrally formed with the outer hood 13a and a resilient attachment of the inner hood relative to the outer hood ensures a single piece to be produced and which provides simple use and application of a cryogenic spray. Conveniently, the outer hood 1 3a has a rim 1 5 with which a raised lip on an inside edge which enables the outer hood to attach in a snap-fit fashion to a canister. An integral nozzle/trigger may comprise part of the inner hood.

Figure 7 shows a still further embodiment wherein the hood element 12 comprises part of an integral plastics moulding 70 which is operable to retain a camster 74 and defines a 20 handle 72. This can provide a simple to use device for householders, which can be painted appropriate colours so that it is not considered to be an eyesore around the house. Equally, a :. plastics metallization may be applied whereby to give a different appearance, which some may find more acceptable. Conveniently the scraper blades are replaceable and may be connected : by screws or other types of gripping means. Figure 8 shows a generally similar design to that of Figure 7: a scraper is associated with the peripheral edge or rim of the outer hood. * S

In accordance with a further embodiment, there may also be provided a brush 92, as best seen schematically in Figure 9: this may assist in the clean up of debris, since a cleaner need not have to swap tools, but merely rotates the tool about the axis of the handle.

Other types of cleaning fluids may be applied through the use of different types of canisters, with different fluids contained therein for specific jobs. * 7

With reference to Figure 10, there is shown a yet further embocliirient of the Invention, wherein an elongate handle 31 has a grip at a first, proximal end thereof a grip 33 and at a distal end thereof a scraper 15 and an associated hood 12. Hood 12 is attached to the handle 33 by means of an attachment member 24. A canister of a freezer spray is operable to provide a flow of cryogemc fluid to the hood 16, wherein and as best seen with reference to Figure ha, there is disposed a nozzle 26. In use, hood 12 is placed over subject matter to be frozen, for example chewing gum upon a pavement, and cryogenic fluid is caused to flow through nozzle 26. Cryogenic fluid freezes the chewing gum, which may then be removed with relative ease by use of the scraper 15. once dislodged from a surface, it is then relatively easy to brush the chewing gum (or other material) by means of a brush or a vacuum device.

Figure 12 shows a pavement or sidcwallc cleaner using a device in accordance with the invention It will be appreciated that by the use of a long handle, the cleaner can easily use the scraper once the chewing gum has been frozen. It will be appreciated by that by the use of the hood, the use of the cryogenic fluid is constrained within the hood, whereby a minimal amount of cryogenic fluid is used and cleaning can be performed simply and quickly Figure 13 shows a further device in accordance with the invention. The handle, 33 is smaller than that disclose with reference to figure 10. Furthermore, the hood has edges 35, which may be employed as instead of the scraper 15. In view of the use of the hood and scraper in one unit, it may be appropriate to have a window through the wood to enable the S., * : pavement cleaner to see exacy where material to be removed it. Control means for control of the delivery of the cogenic fluid is not shown, for simplici. Nevertheless, it wdl be appreciated that a trigger associated with the handle is connected to be filed associated with . S... .

* : 25 the can. It will also be appreciated there is the length of achieving from the canister to the **..s hood should be as short as possible to maxiinise the efficiency in the delivery of the cryogenic fluid. The longer the tube is, then the greater the absorption of heat of the cryogenic fluid as it flows through the tube. Figure 1 3a details, the presence of the nozzle 26 within the hood 12. Handle 33 is shown as being of a fixed length. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that a telescopic handle could be employed, whereby to provide a variable length handle. A telescopic handle may have indentations or other features to enable simple adjustment and to ensure that the handle remains that a particular length, once adjusted.

Figures 1 4a and I 4b show respective side and underside views of a further design of combined scraper-hood. The design being generally triangular, which may assist in the removal of certain types of substances. Alternatively a generally rectangular hood as shown in Figures 1 Sa and I Sb may be more appropriate for other kinds of surface and/or type of substance to be removed.

Figure 16 shows a further example of a pavement cleaner with a short handled device.

It will be appreciated that the use of a smaller handle may be beneficial in exerting the required amount of force to remove particularly stubborn substance.

The small size of the device in accordance with the present invention enables the device to be easily transported, for example in a cleaner's cart: the removed substance can be easily collected with a brush or vacuum device and disposed of in such a cart. Conveniently the handle is telescopic whereby the device may easily stored. Furthermore, the device may be 1 5 more effective in certain situations if employed with a short handle.

In accordance with a further embodiment, there may also be provided a brush 92, as best seen schematically in figure 17: this may assist in the dean up of such mess, since a cleaner does not have to swap tools, but merely rotates the tool about the axis of the handle.

Conveniendy the scraper blades are replaceable and may be connected by screws or :: :* other types of gripping means. Other types of cleaning fluids may be applied through the use *S..

of different types of canisters, with different fluids contained therein for specific jobs p * * 25 a S. * . a I..... * S

Claims

1. An attachment for a canister of cryogenic fluid comprising a hood, a valve means and a trigger, wherein the hood is connectible with the canister such that the valve means, when operated by the trigger can direct a spray of cryogenic fluid within a flared section of the hood, such that, when the hood is placed adjacent a surface, cryogenic fluid is applied in a localised fashion, substantially impervious to ambient conditions.

2. An attachment according to claim I wherein the source of cryogenic fluid 1 0 comprises a canister of freezer spray.

3. A device according to claim br 2, wherein the hood also comprises a scraper element.

4. A device according to any one of claims 1- 3, wherein the hood includes a viewing window.

5. A device according to any one of claims 1- 4, wherein there is provided a brush element.

6 A device according to any one of claims I - 5 wherein there is provided an inner and an outer hood. * .

7. A device according to claim 6 wherein there is provided insulating material * 25 between the inner and outer hoods. *

S

: *

8. A device according to any one of claims I - 7 wherein the hood has an axis, * :* which axis is generally coaxial with an axis of a canister to be connected therewith.

9. A device according to any one of claims 1 -7 wherein the hood has an axis associated with an exit portion, said axis being generally perpendicular with respect to an axis associated with a canister to be connected therewith.

10. A device according to any one of claims I - 9 wherein the inner hood is movable with respect to an inner hood.

11. A device according to claim 10, wherein movement of the inner hood with respect to the outer hood causes a trther action whereby a valve can be caused to open, to allow a release of cryogemc fluid.

12. A device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the inner hood and the outer hood are integrally formed from a plastics material.

13. A device according to claim I or 11, wherein the inner hood is slideable with respect to the outer hood.

14. A device according to anyone of claims I - 13, wherein the hood is connected

1 5 to a frame, the frame defining an aperture for allowing a canister of cryogenic fluid therein, having a resilient biasing means, operable to retain the canister in place.

A device according to any one of claims I - 14, wherein the canister has one of a bayonet attachment means or screw thread attachment means whereby a canister of cryogenic fluid can be securely attached thereto. * S. * S S...

16. A device according to any one of claims I - 15 wherein a hood has a resilient foam or elastomeric plastics element arranged around a pephera1 m thereof. S...

S * *

:. 25

17. An attachment according to claim 1, the device further comprising an elongate handle with a hood at a distal end thereof.

*S*... * S

* :

18. A method of operating a device in accordance with claun one, comprising the step of applying a cryogenic fluid in a controlled fashion through a hooded element, whereby to effectively freeze a substance to be removed fro m a surface, and subsequently removing a frozen substance by the use of the scraper associated with the device.