Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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MOBILE FOAM PRODUCING UNIT
Background of the Invention
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a mobile foam producing unit for cleaning,
and more
particularly to a mobile foam producing unit for cleaning and sanitizing a
work area.
2. Description of the Prior Art
For many cleaning situations, it is desirable to have a foam product for
easier and better
cleaning. One area where such cleaning is utilized is in the food retail
business, such as the
deli area of a large store such as Wal-Mart or the like. In addition to
cleaning, it is also desired
to sanitize the work area, which would also include rinsing away the chemicals
used in the
cleaning and sanitizing. Such an operation necessarily has involved the use of
several hoses,
creating problems with hose management and simply having the hoses not getting
in the way
of the cleaning operation.
Further, in generating a high quality foam, it is often desirous to have a
high pressure
source of air and/or water. However, such high pressure sources cause safety
concerns. The
present invention addresses the issues noted above and provides for a mobile
foam producing
unit that is applicable for cleaning and sanitizing a work area.
Summary of the Invention
In one embodiment, the invention is a mobile foam producing unit for
dispensing a first
liquid and a second liquid using a municipal water supply providing water at a
pressure of less
than 100 psi. The unit includes a base having a plurality of wheels. A housing
is operatively
connected to the base, the housing having first, second, third and fourth
sides. The housing has
a first docking area for receiving a first liquid and a first reservoir for
receiving the first liquid
and a second docking area for receiving a second liquid and a second reservoir
for receiving
the second liquid. An air compressor supplies compressed air and is
operatively connected to
the base. A water pump, having a water pump inlet and a water pump outlet, is
operatively
connected to the base. A first hose assembly has a first outer hose and a
first inner hose. A
second hose assembly has a second outer base and a second inner base. A water
inlet has a
first opening adapted and configured to be connected to a municipal water
supply and a second
opening in fluid communication with the water pump inlet. A rechargeable
battery is
operatively connected to the base, the rechargeable battery being used to
power the air
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compressor and the water pump. The water inlet, through the water pump, is in
fluid
communication with the first outer hose and the water inlet in fluid
communication with the
second outer hose. The first reservoir is in fluid communication with the
first outer hose,
wherein a use solution is made. The air compressor is in fluid communication
with the first
inner hose. The second reservoir is in fluid communication with the second
inner hose. A first
spray gun is operatively connected to a discharge end of the first hose
assembly, whereby foam
is dispensed by combining the use solution in the first outer hose and the
compressed air in the
first inner hose. A second spray gun is operatively connected to a discharge
end of the second
hose assembly, the second spray gun having a selector valve for allowing
separate dispensing
of the water in the second outer hose and the second liquid in the second
inner hose. A first
hose rack is operatively connected to a first side of the housing, wherein the
first hose
assembly is storable on the first hose rack. A second hose rack is operatively
connected to a
second side of the housing, wherein the second hose assembly is storable on
the second hose
rack.
In another embodiment, the invention is a mobile foam producing unit for
dispensing a
first liquid and a second liquid using a municipal water supply providing
water at a pressure of
less than 100 psi. The unit includes a base having a plurality of wheels. A
housing is
operatively connected to the base, the housing having first, second, third and
fourth sides. The
housing has a first docking area for receiving a first liquid and a first
reservoir for receiving the
first liquid and a second docking area for receiving a second liquid and a
second reservoir for
receiving the second liquid. An air compressor for supplies compressed air and
is operatively
connected to the base. A water pump, having a water pump inlet and a water
pump outlet, is
operatively connected to the base. A first hose assembly has a first outer
hose and a first inner
hose. A second hose assembly has a second outer base and a second inner base.
A water inlet
has a first opening adapted and configured to be connected to a municipal
water supply and a
second opening in fluid communication with the water pump inlet. A
rechargeable battery is
operatively connected to the base, the rechargeable battery being used to
power the air
compressor and the water pump. The water inlet, through the water pump, is in
fluid
communication with the first outer hose and the water inlet in fluid
communication with the
second outer hose. The first reservoir is in fluid communication with the
first outer hose,
wherein a use solution is made. The air compressor is in fluid communication
with the first
inner hose. The second reservoir is in fluid communication with the second
inner hose. A first
spray gun is operatively connected to a discharge end of the first hose
assembly, whereby foam
is dispensed by combining the use solution in the first outer hose and the
compressed air in the
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first inner hose. A second spray gun is operatively connected to a discharge
end of the second
hose assembly, the second spray gun having a selector valve for allowing
separate dispensing
of the water in the second outer hose and the second liquid in the second
inner hose. A first
hose rack is operatively connected to a first side of the housing, wherein the
first hose
assembly is storable on the first hose rack. A second hose rack is operatively
connected to a
second side of the housing, wherein the second hose assembly is storable on
the second hose
rack. A first handle is operatively connected to the unit proximate the third
side of the
housing. A second handle is operatively connected to the unit proximate the
fourth side of the
housing, the third side opposite the fourth side, wherein the unit is capable
of being separately
pushed and pulled from both the third and fourth sides. The air compressor
provides
compressed air at less than 130 psi. The water pump provides water at a
pressure of less than
100 psi. The first liquid is provided in a first bottle having a first outer
configuration. The first
docking area has a first cross-sectional area matched to receive the first
bottle outer
configuration. The second liquid is provided in a second bottle having a
second outer
configuration. The second docking area has a second cross-sectional area
matched to receive
the second bottle outer configuration, wherein a product lockout is created to
prevent mixing of
the liquids and the docking areas. A self-retracting hose reel is operatively
connected to a
support surface. A supply hose is carried by the self-retracting hose reel,
the supply hose
having a first end adapted and configured to be connected to the municipal
water supply and a
second end in fluid communication with the water inlet, wherein the mobile
foam producing
unit has improved hose management of the first hose assembly, second hose
assembly and the
supply hose.
In another embodiment, the invention is a portable system to clean and
disinfect a work
area using a municipal water supply providing water at a pressure of less than
100 psi, using a
cleaning concentrate and a liquid sanitizer. The system comprises a base
having a plurality of
wheels. A housing is operatively connected to the base, the housing having a
first docking area
for receiving a cleaning concentrate and a first reservoir for receiving the
cleaning concentrate
and a second docking area for receiving a liquid sanitizer and a second
reservoir for receiving
the liquid sanitizer. An air compressor supplies compressed air and is
operatively connected to
the base, the air compressor providing compressed air at less than 130 psi. A
first hose
assembly has a first conduit and a second conduit, the second conduit carried
by the first
conduit. A second hose assembly has a third conduit and a fourth conduit, the
fourth conduit
carried by the third conduit. A water pump has a water pump inlet and a water
pump outlet,
and is operatively connected to the base. A water inlet has a first opening
adapted and
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configured to be connected to receive water from a municipal water supply and
a second
opening in fluid communication with the water pump inlet. The water from the
water pump
outlet is at a pressure less than 100 psi. A foam spray gun is in fluid
communication with the
water pump outlet and the first reservoir, wherein a quality foam is produced.
A sanitizer gun
is in fluid communication with the water inlet and the second reservoir, the
sanitizer gun
having a selector valve for allowing the dispensing of both the water from the
third conduit and
the dispensing of a combination water from the third conduit and liquid
sanitizer from the
fourth conduit.
In another embodiment, the invention is a portable system to clean and
disinfect a work
area using a municipal water supply providing water at a pressure of less than
100 psi, using a
cleaning concentrate and a liquid sanitizer. The system includes a base having
a plurality of
wheels. A housing is operatively connected to the base, the housing having a
first docking area
for receiving a cleaning concentrate and a first reservoir for receiving the
cleaning concentrate
and a second docking area for receiving a liquid sanitizer and a second
reservoir for receiving
the liquid sanitizer. An air compressor supplies compressed air operatively
connected to the
base, the air compressor providing compressed air at less than 130 psi. A
first hose assembly
has a first conduit and a second conduit, the second conduit carried by the
first conduit. A
second hose assembly has a third conduit and a fourth conduit, the fourth
conduit carried by
the third conduit. A water pump has a water pump inlet and a water pump
outlet, and is
operatively connected to the base. A water inlet has a first opening adapted
and configured to
be connected to receive water from a municipal water supply and a second
opening in fluid
communication with the water pump inlet. The water from the water pump outlet
is at a
pressure less than 100 psi. A foam spray gun is in fluid communication with
the water pump
outlet and the first reservoir, wherein a quality foam is produced. A
sanitizer gun is in fluid
communication with the water inlet and the second reservoir, the sanitizer gun
having a
selector valve for allowing the dispensing of both the water from the third
conduit and the
dispensing of a combination water from the third conduit and liquid sanitizer
from the fourth
conduit. The foam has a rating on a modification of foam quality test of 25
seconds or more.
The foam has a unit foam ratio of 6.0 or greater.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 is a perspective view, viewed generally from above, of a mobile foam
producing unit according to the principles of the present invention;
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Figure 2 is a perspective view of the mobile foam producing unit shown in
Figure 1
viewed generally from above and having been rotated 180 degrees from Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a top plan view of a portion of the mobile foam producing unit
shown in
Figure 1, with the housing removed, and also shown without connecting hoses or
conduits;
Figure 4 is a top plan view, similar to Figure 3, showing a flow diagram for
the
degreaser and water thereof;
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a sanitizer gun for use with the mobile
foam
producing unit shown in Figure 1;
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view, similar to Figure 5, showing a flow
diagram thereof;
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a foam gun, for use with the mobile foam
producing unit shown in Figure 1;
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view, similar to Figure 7, showing a flow
diagram thereof;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of the manifold shown in Figure 3;
Figure 10 is a top plan view of the manifold shown in Figure 9;
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the lines 11-11 in
Figure 10;
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the lines 12-12 in
Figure 10;
Figure 13 is a perspective view of the manifold shown in Figure 9, with
portions broken
away;
Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the sanitizer block shown in Figure 3;
Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the foam block shown in Figure 3;
Figure 16 is a component side view;
Figure 17 is a top plan view, similar to Figure 4, showing a flow diagram
thereof for
the sanitizer and water;
Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the lines 18-18 in
Figure 2;
Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the lines 19-19 in
Figure 18;
Figure 20 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 19;
Figure 21 is a side elevational view of a container for degreaser concentrate;
Figure 22 is a top plan view of the container shown in Figure 21;
Figure 23 is a side elevational view of a sanitizer container;
Figure 24 is a top plan view of the container shown in Figure 23;
Figure 25 is a perspective view of the mobile foam producing unit shown in
Figure 1,
attached to a retractable reel mounted on a wall;
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Figure 26 is a perspective view of the sanitizer gun shown in Figure 5, with
portions of
the outer housing broken away;
Figure 27 is an exploded perspective of the media and media case shown in
Figure 7;
and
Figure 28 is a perspective view of the mobile foam producing unit shown in
Figure 1,
with the housing removed.
Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment
Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like parts
throughout the
several views, there is generally disclosed at 10 a mobile foam producing
unit. The mobile
foam producing unit 10 includes a base 11 that includes two rear wheels 12 and
a front swivel
caster 13. The wheels 12 and 13 are operatively connected to the base by
suitable means, well
known in the art, and provide for the mobile foam producing unit 10 to be
rolled about on the
wheels 12 and 13.
A housing 14 is operatively carried by and may also be connected to the base
11 by
suitable means such as bolts 15. The housing 14 may take any suitable shape
and may have
four sides 14a-14d all operatively connected to a top 14e to form the housing
14. As will be
described more fully hereafter, the top 14e has a degreaser compartment 16 and
a sanitizer
compartment 17. While the compartments 16 and 17 are designated as a degreaser
and
sanitizer, it is understood that any suitable chemicals may be utilized. A
degreaser container
18, containing a liquid degreaser is positioned in the degreaser compartment
16 and a sanitizer
container 19 containing a liquid sanitizer is positioned in the sanitizer
compartment 17.
The lockout arrangement of the degreaser container 18 and sanitizer container
19 will
be described more fully hereafter. A fixed rear handle 20 extends upward and
away from the
side 14a. The handle 20 may be any suitable handle and may be operatively
connected to the
housing 14 or base 11 by means well known in the art. Similarly, a front
adjustable pull along
handle 21 is operatively connected to the housing 14 by means well known in
the art. The
handle 21 pivots around pivot point 21a. A pivotable stand 22 pivots about
point 22a in the
handle 21. The adjustable handle 21 is then able to be raised and lowered.
Figure 2 shows the
handle 21 raised. To lower the handle 21, the handle 21 is raised slightly and
the stand 22 is
pivoted so that the stand 22 pivots upward. This then allows the handle 21 to
pivot about 21a
and move down towards the side 14c. Figure 1 shows the handle 21 in a down
position.
A first hose rack or hose wrap 23 is operatively connected to the housing 14
and a
second hose wrap or hose rack 24 is operatively connected to the housing 14 on
a side opposite
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the first hose wrap 23. The hose wraps 23 and 24 may take any suitable shape
but typically are
generally rectangular in shape and form a U-shaped channel 23a and 24a in
conjunction with
the housing 14. The hose may then be wrapped around the hose wraps 23, 24. The
top 14a(e)
also has an opening 14f that may be utilized as a nozzle holder for the foam
gun, as will be
described more fully hereafter.
Referring now especially to Figures 3, 4 and 17, the mobile foam producing
unit 10 is
shown without the housing 14 to show the components more clearly. Further, the
hoses or
conduits that would connect the various components have been deleted for
clarity. However,
in Figures 4 and 17, flow diagrams are shown, it being obvious to one skilled
in the art where
appropriate hoses or conduits would be needed to place in fluid communication
the various
inlets and outlets as will be described in detail hereinafter. A manifold 25
has a water inlet 26.
The water inlet has a first opening 26a that is in fluid communication with a
supply hose 100.
A second opening 26b is in fluid communication with the first opening 26a and
also is in fluid
communication with a manifold 27. The manifold 27 includes a top portion 27a
operatively
connected to a bottom portion 27b by a suitable means such as screws 28.
Referring now to
Figures 9-13, the second opening 26b is in fluid communication with a bore 29.
As seen in
Figure 11, the bore 29 is in fluid communication with an outlet 30 that
provides for water for a
sanitizer. Water that enters the bore 29 is also in fluid communication with a
degreaser use
solution outlet 31. The water will go from bore 29 through bore 32. A check
valve 33 is
positioned in bore 34. A flow control 35 is positioned in bore 34. A flow
control 35 is also
positioned in the bore 32 and is utilized to control flow through the outlet
30. The flow control
35 is a suitable flow control mechanism that will control flow at a rate of 1
to 2 gallons per
minute and preferably from 1.5 to 1.7 gallons per minute. An inline filter 36
by a check valve
and body 37 to the top portion 27a of the manifold 27. The check valve and
body 37 includes
a check valve 37a. The inline filter 36 includes an inlet bore 36a through
which a degreaser
concentrate line is operatively connected. The bore 36a is in fluid
communication with a bore
40. The degreaser concentrate that is in bore 40 will mix with the water
coming up bore 34
and form a use solution that will exit the outlet 31. A water pressure sensor
41 is positioned in
an opening in the top portion 27a of the manifold 27. The water pressure
sensor 41 is activated
by water coming in through the water inlet 26 through bore 29. The water
pressure sensor 41
is set at a minimal pressure, such as 8-10 psi. The water pressure 41 is in
turn connected to a
relay 42. If there is not pressure through the water inlet 26, the relay 21
does not allow for the
operation of the water pump 43, peristaltic pump 44 and water cutoff solenoid
valve 45. The
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exit 45a of the water cutoff solenoid valve 45 is connected by a suitable
conduit or hose to an
inlet 43a of water pump 43. The water pump 43 provides for a discharge of the
degreaser use
solution to the outlet 43b at a desired pressure, such as in the 40-60 psi
range. The water pump
43 allows for the degreaser use solution to exit the water pump 43 at a given
or desired
pressure, independent of the water pressure that is entering the inlet 26. The
water pressure
entering the inlet 26 is dependent upon the municipal water pressure that is
used. It is
understood that besides a municipal water source, a well or other source may
also be utilized.
However, a municipal water source is used to refer to a larger water source,
not included in the
mobile foam producing unit. The water pressure from the municipal water source
may vary.
Accordingly, as will be described hereinafter, a variable water pressure would
affect the
quality of foam ultimately produced. By utilizing the water pump to provide a
given or known
pressure, the foam quality is able to be maintained from the mobile foam
producing unit 10
independent of the water pressure of the municipality.
The degreaser reservoir 200 is in fluid communication with the peristaltic
pump 44 by
suitable means such as a conduit. The conduit is connected at one end to the
outlet of the
reservoir 200 and at the other end at the inlet 44a of the peristaltic pump
44. The outlet 44b of
the peristaltic pump 44 is in fluid communication with the bore 36a of the
inline filter 36. The
degreaser concentrate is thereby supplied to the inline filter 36 and then
into the manifold 27
and mixed appropriately with the water, as previously described, to form the
degreaser use
solution.
As the degreaser use solution exits the degreaser use solution outlet 31, the
degreaser
use solution travels through the water pump 43 and out the outlet 43b. The
outlet 43b is then
in fluid communication with the foam block 46. The block 46 is shown in Figure
15. The
function of the block 46 is to supply the first outlet hose 110 with both a
degreaser use solution
and compressed air. Compressed air is generated from the air compressor 47. An
air line 47a
is in fluid communication with the outlet of the air compressor 47 and is
secured by means of
an elbow 47b. The pressure that is generated by the air compressor is 130 psi
or less and
preferably 100 psi or less. This lower pressure provides for added safety for
the operator. The
line 47a enters the block 46 through a nut 98 that is secured to the block 46
and it utilizes and
0-ring 99 that is positioned around the air line 47a. The air line 47a at that
point is continuous
and extends through the block 46 and through the bore 110a of the hose 110.
The block 46 has
an opening 46a through which a conduit 88 is inserted and secured with a nut
89 and
appropriate seals. The conduit 88 is connected at the other end to the outlet
43b of the water
pump 43. The water then enters the opening 43a and goes up through fitment 48
that is sealed
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with 0-ring 49 to the block 46. The water will proceed around the outside of
the line 47 still
within the bore 48a of the fitment 48. The water then continues out of the
fitment 48 into the
hose 110 and travels between the outer wall 110b and the line 47a toward the
foam gun 140.
A sanitizer block 50 is shown in Figure 14 and is similar to the foam block
46. It is
understood that the sizes and connections may vary, depending upon the
specific design
utilized. However, the function of the sanitizer block 50 is somewhat similar
to that of the
foam block 46. The sanitizer block 50 provides for a mechanism to provide both
water and the
sanitizer concentrate to the second outlet hose 120. The sanitizer block 50
has an opening 50a
that is in fluid communication with the water outlet 30. A suitable conduit
(not shown) places
the outlet 30 in fluid communication with the opening 50a in a manner similar
to the conduit
88 and nut 89 is utilized for the foam block 46. The liquid sanitizer
concentrate moves from
the sanitizer reservoir 250 through the conduit 251. The conduit 251 enters
the bottom of the
sanitizer block, as shown in Figure 14 and extends up through the sanitizer
block 50 through
the second outlet hose 120. The water will enter the opening 50a and go up
through the bore
51a of fitment 51 on the outside of the conduit 251. The water will then go
into the outlet hose
120 and will be between the outer wall 120b and the conduit 251. The conduit
251 is in the
bore 120a of the second outlet hose 120. The first outlet hose 110 and second
outlet hose 120
are considered a hose assembly and are a hose-in-hose assembly. By such a
construction, the
two liquids or a liquid and compressed air are able to travel in one assembly,
thereby making
the handling of the hoses easier. There are only two hoses to handle, as
opposed to four.
Another construction would be to have the hoses separate, but secured to each
other, such that
the cross-section of the assembly would appear as a figure 8, with appropriate
changes for
connections to the blocks 46 and 50 and the foam gun 140 and the sanitizer gun
160.
However, it preferable to have a hose and hose construction as this reduces
the overall volume
in the hoses 110 and 120. This provides for a reduced volume of the hose 110
and 120,
thereby allowing for improved hose management as well as increasing the amount
of hose that
may be stored on the racks 23, 24.
The sanitizer gun 160 is shown in more detail in Figures 5 and 6. The
sanitizer gun 160
provides for the dispensing of the liquid sanitizer along with water in one
mode of operation
and just water in a second mode of operation. The gun 160 includes a housing
161. The
second outlet hose 120 is secured in an opening in a manifold 160a in the
housing 161 and
sealed with 0-rings 162. The sanitizer line 251 extends through the housing
161 to a metering
tip 163. The metering tip 163 is positioned in a rubber elbow 180. The
metering tip has an
opening and extends into the sanitizer outlet bore 164a formed in the
sanitizer dispensing tube
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164. As will be described more fully hereinafter, movement of the water
through the bore
164a will, by venturi effect, dispense the sanitizer through the metering tip
163 and into the
bore 164a it will combine with the water and a sanitizer solution will exit
the outlet 165a of the
sanitizer spray fan 165. A brass standoff 166 is utilized to hold the
sanitizer line 251 and the
metering tip 163 in position. The water will enter the housing 161 into a
chamber 167. The
water is then directed either to the sanitizer dispenser tube 164 or the rinse
dispenser tube 168
by operation of a first valve 169 and a second valve 170. The valve 169 has an
opening 169a
and flow from the chamber 167 through the opening 169a is controlled by valve
stem 169b.
Figure 5 shows the valve stem 169b in an open position. Water is then able to
flow around the
valve stem 169b and into the bore 164a. The second valve 170 has an opening
170a that is
sealed or opened by valve stem 170b. As shown in Figure 5, the valve stem 170b
is down and
will close flow from the chamber 167 to the bore 168a of the rinse dispensing
tube 168. A
selector switch 171 controls the movement of the first valve 169 and second
valve 170. As can
be seen at Figure 26, a first rod 172 is connected between the valve 169 and
the selector switch
171 and a second rod 173 is connected between the selector switch 171 and a
lever 174.
Rotation of the selector switch 171 will result in the first valve 169 moving
up and down by
movement of the first rod 172 and will also result in the second rod 173
causing movement of
the lever 174 about its pivot point 174a. This in turn will cause the second
valve 170 to move
up and down, as shown in Figure 5. The selector switch 171 therefore opens one
valve while
closing the other valve. If, as shown in Figure 5, the valves are in the
positions shown, the
water will move through the chamber 167 and out the bore 164a picking up
liquid sanitizer as
it exits. If the selector switch 171 is moved in the other direction, the
valve stem 169b will
close flow through the bore 164a and will allow flow from the chamber 167 to
the bore 168a.
However, water will not be able to exit the bore 168a unless the rinse trigger
175 is moved to
the left, as shown in Figure 5. The rinse dispenser tube 168 includes a first
part 175 and a
second part 176, that is slidable over the first part 175. A portion of the
trigger 175a is
operatively connected to the second part 176. Therefore, as a trigger 175
pivots about its pivot
point 175b, the second part 176 is moved to the left, thereby moving the tip
177 away from the
rinse outlet 178. This then will allow flow of the water from the bore 168a
through the rinse
outlet 178. A trigger spring 179 is provided to provide a biasing force on the
second part 176
into the closed position. A brass hose sprayer tip 179 may be utilized to
provide better control
of the water exiting the rinse outlet 178.
Figure 6 shows the flow of the sanitizer through the sanitizer gun 160 The
line with a
double arrow is the path traveled by the sanitizer concentrate and the dashed
lines show the
CA 02681884 2013-09-10
two alternative paths for the water. Strain relief 384 may be positioned on
top of the housing
14, to reduce strain on the hoses 110, 120.
Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, there is shown in more detail the foam gun
140. The
foam gun 140 includes a housing 141. A manifold 142 is positioned in the
housing 141. The
first outlet hose 110 is in fluid communication with the manifold 142 and is
sealed by seals
143. The air line 47a extends through the manifold and is in fluid
communication with an air
check valve 144. The manifold 142 has a chamber 142a into which the degreaser
use solution
inside of the bore 110a empties. Flow out of the chamber 142a into bore 145 is
controlled by
valve assembly 146. The valve assembly 146 is shown in the closed position in
Figure 7. The
valve stem 146a closes the opening 146b when in this position. Pulling back of
the trigger 148
will cause rotation about its pivot point 148a and will move the valve
assembly 146 upward.
This will unseat the valve stem 146a from the opening 146b and allow degreaser
use solution
to flow into the bore 145. A plastic member 149 is positioned inside of the
and has a chamber
149a into which both of the compressed air, through air line 47a enters from
the top and the
degreaser use solution enters from the bottom from bore 145. The compressed
air turns 90
degrees and impinges upon the degreaser use solution inside of the chamber
149a and the
degreaser use solution and compressed air then travels through a foam
cartridge 150. The
foam cartridge 150 provides for the production of a quality foam as the
compressed air and
degreaser use solution travels through the foam cartridge 150. The foam
cartridge 150
includes a media cage 151 that forms multiple circular compartments 151a.
Inside of the
compartments 151a are placed media disks 152. The compartments prevent the
compression
of the media disks 152 so as the media disks 152 maintain the desired density
for producing
foam. An exploded perspective of the media disks 152 and multiple circular
compartments
151a is shown in Figure 27. The media disks 152 are represented as a circular
disk. It is
understood that the general shape of the media disks 152 are circular.
However, the media
disks 152 are composed of a synthetic, non-woven material containing many
interstitial spaces.
Each individual disk 152 is a circular column with an approximate diameter of
4.454 cm and
an approximate height of 0.76 cm. Each disk 152 weighs approximately 0.84 gm
yielding a
bulk density of 0.21 gm per cubic cm.
The media cage 151 includes seven multiple circular compartments 151a. Each of
the
compartments 151a hold three individual media disks 152 for a total of 21
media disks 152 per
media cage 151. The individual circular compartments 151a prevent the media
disks 152
from becoming overly compressed by the flow of pressure of the foam solution,
which would
decrease the number of interstitial spaces, reducing turbulence which in turn
would negatively
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impact the quality and stability of the foam produced. The circular
compartments 151a form a
basket. There is a top ring 151b with four supports 151c that extend
underneath and are
operatively connected together to form a basket in which the bottom of the
three media disks
152 rests. To the left, in Figure 27 is a threaded surface 151d that is
threaded into the
manifold. To the right is a threaded surface on 151e that is utilized to spray
nozzle 153. The
foam is then generated and exits the gun 140 through the fan spray nozzle 153.
The foam is
generated right at the point of use, the fan spray nozzle 153. This allows for
a higher quality
foam.
Figure 8 shows the flow path of the water in a line with close dashes and the
air with a
line with longer dashes. Then, the mixing of the air and degreaser use
solution in the foam
cartridge 150 is shown by the crossing of the lines.
The foam produced by the mobile foam producing unit 10 has a high quality.
There are
two tests that are used to quantify the quality of foam. One is a blender/foam
density/stability
stance lubricity test. Such a test is discussed in the October 24 issue of
Cosmetics and
Toiletries magazine, Vol. 119, No. 10, p. 32-35. This test was modified
slightly as it was not
necessary to use a blender since the mobile foam producing unit 10 produces
its own foam. In
addition, instead of measuring between 80-40 ml, the test was measured between
the two
points 100 ml to 80 ml. The test that was conducted is as follows:
The foam is poured into a 100-ml graduated cylinder to overflowing. A rubber
stopper
is gently dropped into the foam. This stopper has been shaved so that it is
slightly
smaller in diameter than the inside of the graduated cylinder. The time for
the rubber
stopper to pass between two points (100-ml ¨ 80-ml) is measured. A longer time
indicates denser and more stable foam. The rate at which the stopper falls is
dependent
on the upward pressure. This upward pressure is inversely proportional to the
size of
the bubbles. Thus, more dense foam will cause the rubber stopper to fall more
slowly.
Most current foam products have a time of between 10 and 15 seconds using the
above-
noted test. The present invention consistently provides a high quality foam
having a time of 25
seconds or greater. Further, the unit 10 produces a high quality foam having a
time of 50
seconds or greater.
Another test is a drainage stability test. The drainage stability test is as
follows:
1. Fill a 1000-ml graduated cylinder with foam.
2. Quickly remove excess foam from top using a flat stainless steel panel and
start
timer.
3. After 2 minutes, record liquid level (ml).
4. Continue taking liquid level readings every 2 minutes until:
a. Foam has dissipated
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b. Ten readings (20 minutes)
c. If the foam has not dissipated after 20 minutes, record at 20 minute
intervals until dissipated
5. Measure the volume of the liquid after the foam is dissipated.
To Calculate the Volume of the Foam
1. Tare the empty, dry 1000-ml graduated cylinder.
2. Fill with water and record the weight.
3. Use the density of the water at room temperature to calculate the volume.
The Unit Foam Ratio is:
cr= V, foam V, foam = Initial volume of foam
Vi liquid V, liquid = Final volume of liquid
4. Plot the natural log of the measurements of the volume of the
liquid versus time to
find the relative foam stability constant.
The foam made in accordance with the present invention has a ratio of 6.0 and
above
and is typically 6.7. The typical prior art foam that is utilized has an
average of between 4.8 to
5.4 for a ratio under the drainage stability test.
Referring now to Figures 18-20, it can be seen that the shape of the sanitizer
compartment 17 formed by the housing 14 as well as the shape of the degreaser
compartment
16 formed by the housing 14. The degreaser compartment 16 is generally
circular and the
sanitizer compartment 17 is hexagonal shaped. These shapes are designed to
form a lockout
with the degreaser container 18 and the sanitizer container 19. The container
18 has a circular
top section 18a that is adapted and configured to fit within the degreaser
compartment 16.
Similarly, the container 19 has a hexagonal shaped top portion 19a that is
designed and
configured to fit into the comparably shaped sanitizer compartment 17. The
shapes are
designed so as to not be interchangeable. That is, the sanitizer container 19
will not fit within
the degreaser compartment 16 and the degreaser container 18 will not fit
within the sanitizer
compartment 17. This prevents the accidental mix-up by an operator. A
sanitizer docking cup
249 is positioned inside of the sanitizer reservoir 250. The sanitizer docking
cup includes a
chamber 249a for receiving the neck of the container 19. The neck of the
container 19 includes
a fitment that will cooperate with the docking member 249b that will allow
liquid to drain from
the container 19 through the member 249b into the reservoir 250. The liquid
inside the
container 19 will accumulate in the reservoir 250 and will exit the reservoir
via the conduit
251. An elbow fitting 252 is utilized to connect the conduit 251 to the
docking cup 249.
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A degreaser docking cup 349 is positioned inside of the degreaser reservoir
200. The
degreaser docking cup includes a chamber 349a for receiving the neck of the
container 18.
The neck of the container 18 includes a fitment that will cooperate with the
docking member
349b that will allow liquid to drain from the container 18 through the member
349b into the
reservoir 200. The liquid inside the container 18 will accumulate in the
reservoir 200 and will
exit the reservoir via the conduit 351 to the inlet of the peristaltic pump
44. An elbow fitting
352 is utilized to connect the conduit 351 to the docking cup 349.
Both of the bottles 18 and 19 are not vented. The water only goes through the
fitment
(not shown) in the neck of the containers. The vacuum created prevents the
dispensing of the
entire contents of the container 18 and 19 as long as there is fluid in the
reservoirs 250 and 200.
More specifically, the plunger insert in the bottle and the docking cups work
together with
pressure equilibriums. When the bottle is first docked on the docking cup, the
plunger insert
depresses and allows product to flow into the reservoir. Air bubbles enter the
bottle through
the liquid and allow the pressure to stabilize at equilibrium. The liquid
column is held in the
bottle by the vacuum created by the air head space. As the liquid column level
decreases, less
vacuum is needed to hold the liquid column in the bottle. Atmospheric air
enters the bottle to
place the system in equilibrium. The bottle thickness determines if the bottle
will collapse. If
the bottle has a hole in it, the vacuum is depleted and not enough to hold the
liquid column.
The product would then drain trying to establish an equilibrium. Such a system
is known in
the art and has been used by Ecolab Inc., St. Paul, Minnesota, in their
AeroLiteTm dispenser.
As seen in Figure 2, a product overflow 300 is formed in the housing in the
unlikely
event that there is an excess of liquid in the reservoirs 200 and 250. As seen
in Figure 1, there
is a charge adaptor port 301 that is operatively connected to a battery. The
battery 500 is
shown in Figure 28, it being understood that suitable electrical connections
are made from the
battery 500 to power the unit 10.
Also, a battery LED indicator 302 is provided to show the status of the
battery.
Referring now to Figure 25, there is shown the mobile foam producing unit 10
in use
with a wall mounted self-retractable reel 400. The self-retractable reel 400
is mounted to a
wall 501 by a suitable means, such as bolts (not shown) through brackets 401.
Preferably, the
self-retractable reel is mounted 5-6 feet off of the floor. This gives more
area to properly
manage the hose 100. Still further, it is preferable that the self-retracting
hose reel 400 be able
to swivel 180 degrees on the brackets 401. The brackets 401 are attached to
the retractable reel
400. The supply hose 100 is contained in the reel 400. Such a construction is
well known.
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The hose 100 may be pulled out to have additional length. Then, when it is
desired to retract,
the hose 100 is simply pulled sharply forward and then it retracts to take up
any slack. The
municipal water supply is connected to the end of the hose in the reel 400.
Typically a short
section of hose, 4-6 feet, is used to connect the water faucet to the inlet of
the hose 100. The
In use, the water supply from the spigot or faucet that receives water from
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Next, the operator can wrap up the hose 110 on the hose wrap 24 and uncoil the
hose
120 and utilize the sanitize'. gun 160. As previously described, the selector
switch 171 is
turned to allow only the dispensing of water and the work surface is rinsed
down. Then, the
selector switch is rotated, as previously described, to allow the dispensing
of the combination
sanitizer and water. The hose 120 can then be wrapped back on the hose wrap
23, the two
water valves turned off and the hose 100 disconnected from the mobile foam
producing unit
10.
While the present invention has been described with respect to a degreaser
(that foams)
and a sanitize', it is understood other cleaning concentrates may also be
dispensed. Further,
more than two could also be utilized, if the present invention is
appropriately modified.
The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of
the
manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many
embodiments of the
invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention, the
invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.
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