US20160051113A1

US20160051113A1 - Managing Liquid Contaminants

Info

Publication number: US20160051113A1
Application number: US14/832,252
Authority: US
Inventors: Raymond E. Davis
Original assignee: Adco Industries Technologies LP
Current assignee: Adco Industries Technologies LP
Priority date: 2014-08-21
Filing date: 2015-08-21
Publication date: 2016-02-25

Abstract

An apparatus includes a cleaning pad including a sanitary material; a head coupled to the cleaning pad, the head movable together with the cleaning pad; and a handle coupled to the head on a front end of the handle, a back end of the handle being separated away from the head with a distance substantially identical to a length of the handle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/040,225, filed Aug. 21, 2014, and entitled “Managing Liquid Contaminants,” the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to apparatus and methods for managing liquid contaminants on surfaces, and more particularly, to cleaning and/or sanitizing body fluids on surfaces.

BACKGROUND

Liquid contaminants, such as body fluids including blood, feces, and vomit, are considered potentially contaminated with blood borne or other germs. Particularly, blood and blood contaminated materials may contain viruses, bacteria, and parasites that can cause harm to exposed individuals. Spills of these body fluids on surfaces should be cleaned and contaminated areas of the surfaces disinfected immediately. In order to reduce exposure to these blood borne contaminants, a standard procedure is required to clean the body fluids from the surfaces in locations. In some examples, professionals from a licensed cleaning company are required to come to the locations to clean and sanitize the body fluids (e.g., blood). However, it is expensive and time-consuming. It also causes a delay in cleaning and increases contamination risk. The locations might have to be closed for hours, which causes inconvenience. In some cases, contaminated areas with the body fluids are less than one square foot. Safe-to-use, prompt-to-clean, simple, cheap apparatus and methods for managing a certain amount of liquid contaminants on surfaces are in need.

SUMMARY

In an example implementation according to the present disclosure, an apparatus includes a cleaning pad including a sanitary material; a head coupled to the cleaning pad, the head movable together with the cleaning pad; and a handle coupled to the head on a front end of the handle, a back end of the handle being separated away from the head with a distance substantially identical to a length of the handle.
In an aspect combinable with the example implementation, the cleaning pad includes an upper surface and a lower surface.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the cleaning pad is coupled to the head on the upper surface and the lower surface is configured to be applied in contact with a liquid contaminant on a surface.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the cleaning pad includes a back sheet for the upper surface and a facing sheet for the lower surface joined in face-to-face relationship with the sanitary material therebetween, and the facing sheet is permeable for the liquid contaminant to flow through.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the cleaning pad is configured to absorb a particular volume of a liquid contaminant and hold the liquid contaminant without leaching.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the particular volume is approximately 3.5 liquid ounces.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the sanitary material includes a number of cells, each of the cells being configured to draw a liquid contaminant inside the sanitary material and hold the liquid contaminant without leaching.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the number is at least one million, and where each of the cells has a diameter within a range from 0 to 1000 micrometers.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the sanitary material includes wooden fiber and cotton.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the ratio of the wooden fiber and the cotton is about 70% to 30% in weight, respectively.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the cleaning pad has an approximate size of 4″×5.75″×0.25″.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the cleaning pad is configured to be impregnated with a disinfectant solution for sanitizing contaminated areas.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the cleaning pad, together with the head and the handle, is disposable.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the head includes a cardboard box for containing the cleaning pad, so that the cleaning pad is movable together with the head.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the cleaning pad and the handle are coupled to opposite sides of the head.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the head includes a joint configured to connect the head to the handle and enable the handle to be rotatable to the head.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the joint is a hinge, the hinge being formed by cutting out two flaps of the head on one side of the head, folding the two flaps up and putting a hole through the two flaps.
An aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects further includes a handle cap on a top of the handle so that a user operates the apparatus comfortably.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the length of the handle is configured to be long enough to keep a user of the apparatus in a safe distance during cleaning a liquid contaminant from a surface.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the handle includes a plurality of handle portions, and each of the handle portions is coupled to one another in sequence so that a total length of the handle portions is substantially identical to the length of the handle.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, a first handle portion of the plurality of handle portions is coupled to the head on the front end of the handle.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the first handle portion is disposable and the other handle portions are reusable.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the handle includes a first handle portion coupled to the head on a first front end of the first handle portion, the first front end being the front end of the handle, and a first back end of the first handle portion being separated away from the head with a first distance substantially identical to a length of the first handle portion; and a second handle portion coupled to the first handle portion on a second front end of the second handle portion, a second back end of the second handle portion being separated away from the head with a second distance substantially identical to a total length of the first and second handle portions.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the handle further includes a third handle portion coupled to the second handle portion on a third front end of the third handle portion, a third back end of the third handle portion being separated away from the head by a third distance substantially identical to a total length of the first, second and third handle portions.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the handle further includes a fourth handle portion coupled to the third handle portion on a fourth front end of the fourth handle portion, a fourth back end of the fourth handle portion being separated away from the head by a fourth distance substantially identical to a total length of the first, second, third and fourth handle portions, the fourth back end being the back end of the handle.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the first, second, third and fourth handle portions are rigid and have a substantially identical length.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the first, second, third and fourth handle portions are connected to one another by connectors.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the connectors are wooden dowel connectors.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the first handle portion has a first female connector connected to a first male connector of the second handle portion on the second front end, where the second handle portion has a second female connector connected to a second male connector of the third handle portion on the third front end, and where the third handle portion has a third female connector connected to a third male connector of the fourth handle portion on the fourth front end.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the first handle portion has a first female connector connected to a first male connector of the second handle portion on the second front end, wherein the second handle portion has a second female connector connected to a second male connector of the third handle portion on the third front end, and where the third handle portion has a third male connector connected to a third female connector of the fourth handle portion on the fourth front end.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the first handle portion has a first male connector connected to a first female connector of the second handle portion on the second front end, where the second handle portion has a second female connector connected to a second male connector of the third handle portion on the third front end, and where the third handle portion has a third male connector connected to a third female connector of the fourth handle portion on the fourth front end.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the first handle portion is disposable, and where the second, third and fourth portions are reusable.
In another example implementation, an apparatus kit includes a plurality of heads; a plurality of handles; and a plurality of cleaning pads, each of the plurality of cleaning pad including a sanitary material. Each cleaning pad of the plurality of cleaning pads is configured to be coupled to each head of the plurality of heads, so that the cleaning pad is movable together with the head, where each handle of the plurality of handles is configured to be coupled to each head of the plurality of heads on a front end of the handle, a back end of the handle being configured to be separated away from the head with a distance substantially identical to a length of the handle, and where a number of heads is substantially identical to a number of cleaning pads.
In an aspect combinable with the example implementation, the cleaning pad, the head and the handle are disposable.
An aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects further includes a plurality of disinfectant agents for sanitizing contaminated surfaces.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the cleaning pad is configured to absorb a particular volume of a liquid contaminant and hold the liquid contaminant without leaching.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the particular volume is approximately 3.5 liquid ounces.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the sanitary material includes a number of cells, each of the cells being configured to draw a liquid contaminant inside and hold the liquid contaminant without leaching.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the number is at least one million, and where each of the cells has a diameter within a range from 0 to 1000 micrometers.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the sanitary material includes wooden fiber and cotton.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the ratio of the wooden fiber and the cotton is about 70% to 30% in weight, respectively.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the cleaning pad has an approximate size of 4″×5.75″×0.25″.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the plurality of cleaning pads includes a plurality of first cleaning pads and a plurality of second cleaning pads.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, a number of the first cleaning pads is substantially identical to a number of the second cleaning pads.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, each of the first cleaning pads is configured to be dry for absorbing liquid and each of the second cleaning pads is configured to be wet and impregnated with a disinfectant solution for sanitizing contaminated areas.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the number of the heads is substantially identical to a total number of the number of first cleaning pads and the number of the second cleaning pads, and where a number of handles is substantially identical to the number of the heads.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, each of the cleaning pads is pre-attached to a respective head of the plurality of heads.
An aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects further includes a plurality of waste bags labeled Hazard Waste.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, a number of the waste bags is substantially identical to the number of the cleaning pads.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the head includes a joint configured to connect the head to the handle and enable the handle to be rotatable to the head.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the joint is a hinge, the hinge being formed by cutting out two flaps of the head, folding the two flaps up and putting a hole through the flaps.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the length of the handle is configured to be long enough to keep a user of the apparatus in a safe distance during cleaning a liquid contaminant from a surface.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the plurality of handles includes a plurality of first handle portions and a plurality of second handle portions.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, each first handle portion of the first handle portions is configured to be coupled to the head on a first front end of the first handle portion.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, each second handle portion of the plurality of second handle portions is configured to be coupled to the first handle portion on a second front end of the second handle portion.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, a number of the first handle portions is substantially identical to the number of the heads.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, a number of the second handle portions is substantially smaller than a number of the first handle portions.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the plurality of handle further includes a plurality of third handle portions.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, each third handle portion of the plurality of third handle portion is configured to be coupled to the second handle portion on a third front end of the third handle portion.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, a number of the third handle portions is substantially identical to the number of the second handle portions.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the plurality of handles further includes a plurality of fourth handle portions.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, each fourth handle portion of the plurality of fourth handle portions is configured to be coupled to the third handle portion on a fourth front end of the fourth handle portion.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, a number of the fourth handle portions is substantially identical to the number of the third handle portions.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the first, second, third and fourth handle portions are rigid and have a substantially identical length.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the first, second, third and fourth handle portions are configured to be connected to one another by connectors.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the connectors are wooden dowel connectors.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the first handle portion has a first female connector configured to be connected to a first male connector of the second handle portion on the second front end.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the second handle portion has a second female connector configured to be connected to a second male connector of the third handle portion on the third front end.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the third handle portion has a third female connector configured to be connected to a third male connector of the fourth handle portion on the fourth front end.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the first handle portion has a first female connector configured to be connected to a first male connector of the second handle portion on the second front end.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the second handle portion has a second female connector configured to be connected to a second male connector of the third handle portion on the third front end.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the third handle portion has a third male connector configured to be connected to a third female connector of the fourth handle portion on the fourth front end.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the first handle portion has a first male connector configured to be connected to a first female connector of the second handle portion on the second front end.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the second handle portion has a second female connector configured to be connected to a second male connector of the third handle portion on the third front end.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the third handle portion has a third male connector configured to be connected to a third female connector of the fourth handle portion on the fourth front end.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the first handle portions are disposable, and where the second, third and fourth portions are reusable.
In another example implementation, a method for managing a liquid contaminant on a surface includes operating a cleaning apparatus to remove the liquid contaminant from the surface, where the cleaning apparatus includes a first cleaning pad including a first sanitary material, the first cleaning pad being configured to absorb a particular volume of the liquid contaminant, a first head coupled to the first cleaning pad, the first head movable together with the first cleaning pad, and a first handle coupled to the first head on a first front end of the first handle, a first back end of the first handle being separated away from the first head by a first distance substantially identical to a length of the first handle; and after removing the liquid contaminant from the surface, operating a sanitizing apparatus to sanitize contaminated areas of the surface, the sanitizing apparatus includes a second cleaning pad including a second sanitary material, a second head coupled to the second cleaning pad, the second head movable together with the second cleaning pad, and a second handle coupled to the second head on a second front end of the second handle, a second back end of the second handle being separated away from the second head by a second distance substantially identical to a length of the second handle.
In an aspect combinable with the example implementation, operating a cleaning apparatus to remove the liquid contaminant from the surface includes applying the cleaning apparatus against the surface so that the first cleaning pad is in contact with the liquid contaminant to absorb the liquid contaminant and hold the liquid contaminant in the first cleaning pad without leaching.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, operating a sanitizing apparatus to sanitize contaminated areas of the surface includes spraying a disinfectant solution on the contaminated areas; keeping the disinfectant solution on the contaminated areas for a specific time; and applying the sanitizing apparatus against the surface so that the second cleaning pad is in contact with the disinfectant solution to absorb the disinfectant solution and hold the disinfectant solution in the second cleaning pad.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the second cleaning pad is impregnated with a disinfectant solution.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, operating a sanitizing apparatus to sanitize contaminated areas of the surface includes moving the sanitizing apparatus against the surface back and forth so that the second cleaning pad is able to sanitize the contaminated areas.
An aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects further includes, after removing the liquid contaminant from the surface, disposing the first handle, together with the first head and the first cleaning pad, in a first labeled waste bag; and after sanitizing the contaminated areas of the surface, disposing the second handle, together with the second head and the second cleaning pad, in a second labeled waste bag.
An aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects further includes before operating a cleaning apparatus to remove the liquid contaminant from the surface, putting on protective equipment.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the protective equipment includes one or more of gloves, face shield, mask, eye cover, apron and shoe covers.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, after operating a sanitizing apparatus to sanitize contaminated areas of the surface, washing the surface with detergent and fresh water.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the second sanitary material has substantially identical properties to those of the first sanitary material.
An aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects further includes after operating the cleaning apparatus to remove the liquid contaminant from the surface, determining that there is liquid contaminant residue on the surface; operating a second cleaning apparatus to remove the liquid contaminant residue from the surface, where the second cleaning apparatus includes: a third cleaning pad including a third sanitary material, the third sanitary material having substantially identical properties to those of the first sanitary material; a third head coupled to the third cleaning pad, the third head movable together with the third cleaning pad; and a third handle coupled to the third head on a third front end of the third handle, a third back end of the third handle being separated away from the third head by a third distance substantially identical to a length of the third handle.
An aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects further includes before operating a cleaning apparatus to remove the liquid contaminant from the surface, assembling the cleaning apparatus by coupling the first cleaning pad to the first head so that the first cleaning pad is movable together with the first head; and connecting the first handle to the first head so that the first handle is able to operate the first head.
An aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects further includes before operating a sanitizing apparatus to sanitize contaminated areas of the surface, assembling the sanitizing apparatus by coupling the second cleaning pad to the second head so that the second cleaning pad is movable together with the second head; and connecting the second handle to the second head so that the second handle is able to operate the second head.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the first handle includes a first handle portion coupled to the first head and a second handle portion coupled to the first handle portion, where the second handle includes a third handle portion coupled to the second head and a fourth handle portion coupled to the third handle portion, and where the first and third handle portions are disposable, and the second and fourth handle portions are reusable.
An aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects further includes after operating the cleaning apparatus to remove the liquid contaminant from the surface and before operating a sanitizing apparatus to sanitize contaminated areas of the surface, assembling the sanitizing apparatus by disconnecting the second handle portion from the first handle portion; and connecting the second handle portion to the third handle portion, where the fourth handle portion is the second handle portion.
In an aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the first handle further includes a first plurality of handle portions coupled to the second handle portion for extending the length of the first handle, each of the first plurality of handle portions being connected to one another in sequence by first connectors, where the second handle further includes a second plurality of handle portions coupled to the fourth handle portion for extending the length of the second handle, each of the second plurality of handle portions being connected to one another in sequence by second connectors, and where the first plurality of handle portions are reusable and the second plurality of handle portions are reusable.
An aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects further includes after removing the liquid contaminant from the surface, disconnecting the second handle portion together with the first plurality of handle portions from the first handle portion, and disposing the first handle portion, together with the first head and the first cleaning pad, in a first labeled waste bag; and after sanitizing the contaminated areas of the surface, disconnecting the fourth handle portion together with the second plurality of handle portions from the third handle portion, and disposing the third handle portion, together with the second head and the second cleaning pad, in a second labeled waste bag.
An aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects further includes after disconnecting the second handle portion together with the first plurality of handle portions from the first handle portion and before operating a sanitizing apparatus to sanitize contaminated areas of the surface, connecting the second handle portion together with the first plurality of handle portions to the third handle portion for extending the length of the second handle, where the second handle portion and the first plurality of handle portions are used as the fourth handle portion and the third plurality of handle portions.
These general and specific embodiments may be implemented using a device, system or method, or any combinations of devices, systems, or methods. The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example implementation of an apparatus applied for managing a liquid contaminant on a surface;

FIG. 2A illustrates an example implementation of an apparatus with discrete handle portions;

FIG. 2B illustrates an example implementation of the apparatus with connected handle portions;

FIG. 2C illustrates an example implementation of the apparatus after use;

FIG. 3A illustrates an example implementation of an apparatus with discrete handle portions;

FIG. 3B illustrates an example implementation of the apparatus with connected handle portions;

FIG. 3C illustrates an example implementation of the apparatus after use;

FIG. 4A illustrates an example implementation of an apparatus with discrete handle portions;

FIG. 4B illustrates an example implementation of the apparatus with connected handle portions;

FIG. 4C illustrates an example implementation of the apparatus after use; and

FIG. 5 illustrates an operation of an example implementation of an apparatus for managing a liquid contaminant on a surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures and following description illustrate and explain an apparatus 100, which may be used to manage a liquid contaminant 120, such as blood or other body fluids, on a surface 130. The apparatus 100 is typically a handheld device operated by either a left-handed or right-handed user with equal ease. In some implementations, the apparatus 100 allows the user to carry, transport, or otherwise operate the apparatus 100 in a safe condition, whereby the user is protected from exposure by a distance away from the liquid contaminant 120.
With reference to FIG. 1, an example implementation of the apparatus 100 is shown. As illustrated, the apparatus 100 includes a cleaning pad 102, a head 104, and a handle 110. The cleaning pad 102 is coupled to the head 104 on one side of the head 104, and the handle 110 is coupled to the head 104 on an opposite side of the head 104. The handle 110 has a front end 111 coupled to the head 104 and a back end 113 separated away from the head 104 with a distance substantially identical to a length of the handle 110.
In some implementations, the cleaning pad 102 includes an absorbent material. The absorbent material is configured to absorb a particular volume of liquid in the absorbent material and hold the liquid without leaching. In some aspects, it may be advantageous to hold liquid contaminant within the cleaning pad during cleaning, otherwise the absorbed liquid contaminant may drop to the surface from the cleaning pad or be sputtered around the cleaning pad, which may increase contaminated areas on the surface and risk of exposing to surrounding individuals including the user.
In some implementations, the cleaning pad 102 includes a sanitary material as the absorbent material. The sanitary material may include a number of little cells, and the little cells may include small holes with suitable shapes and sizes that are able to quickly draw liquid inside and hold the liquid within the cells. In some examples, the little cells have various hole sizes (e.g., diameters) within a range from 0 to 1000 micrometers. The little cells may have same or different hole sizes, and may have regular or irregular shapes. In some examples, the sanitary material includes at least one million little cells with micrometer sizes. In some examples, the sanitary material is a weave material.
In some implementations, the sanitary material includes substantially identical properties to one or more sanitary products (e.g., napkins or pads) from brands such as Kotex, Always, Essence, Lil-lets, Equate, or Stayfree. In some examples, the sanitary material includes wooden fiber and cotton. The ratio of wooden fiber and cotton in the sanitary material may be about 70% to 30% in weight, respectively.
The cleaning pad 102 can be designed according to application requirements. Absorbing capacity and size of the sanitary material can be designed based on the application requirements. In some examples, the cleaning pad 102 is designed to absorb about one square foot blood splatter, without overloading liquid in the cleaning pad and dropping the absorbed liquid onto the surface. The sanitary material may be a thin plate with an approximate size of 4″×5.75″×0.25″ (e.g., in width×length×height), which may absorb liquid with a volume of approximately 3.5 liquid ounces and hold the liquid without any droplets. In some examples, the cleaning pad 102 is designed to be a thick plate with a large absorbing capacity.
In some implementations, the cleaning pad 102 includes an upper surface 121 and a lower surface 123. The cleaning pad 102 is coupled to the head 104 on the upper surface 121. The lower surface 123 is configured to be flexible to be applied in close contact with the liquid contaminant on the surface, thus the sanitary material that includes the lower surface or is attached to the lower surface, can absorb the liquid contaminant effectively and promptly. The flexible lower surface also enables the apparatus to be applied on irregular surfaces (e.g., uneven surfaces).
In some implementations, the cleaning pad 102 includes the sanitary material. The sanitary material may be fabricated to be a plate. In some other implementations, the cleaning pad 102 includes a back sheet for the upper surface and a facing sheet for the lower surface. The back sheet and the facing sheet are joined in face-to-face relationship with the sanitary material therebetween. In some examples, the facing sheet is permeable so that liquid can go through the facing sheet and be absorbed in the sanitary material. In some examples, the back sheet is impermeable so that the absorbed liquid contaminant in the cleaning pad 102 is isolated from the head 104.
In some examples, the back sheet and the facing sheet are discrete sheets that are attached to upper and lower sides of the sanitary material, separately. In some other examples, the back sheet and facing sheet are made from an integrated sheet wrapping around the sanitary material. The back sheet and facing sheet can be attached to the sanitary material by suitable ways, including but not limited to gluing, stapling, sewing, tying, fastening loop and hook fasteners, or combinations thereof.
In some implementations, the cleaning pad 102 is used to remove liquid contaminant from a surface by absorbing the liquid contaminant and holding it in the cleaning pad without leaching. In some other implementations, the cleaning pad 102 is used to sanitize contaminated areas by being pre-impregnated with a disinfectant solution in the sanitary material. When the cleaning pad 102 is pressed against the contaminated areas, the impregnated disinfectant solution may be pressed out to clean and sanitize the contaminated areas.
In some implementations, the cleaning pad 102 is disposable. In some examples, after one-time use for absorbing the liquid contaminant, the cleaning pad 102 is disposed into a waste bag labeled Hazard Waste. The labeled waste bag can be in red color to be distinguishing. In some examples, after one-time use for sanitizing the contaminated areas, the pre-impregnated cleaning pad 102 is disposed into a labeled waste bag.
Referring back to FIG. 1, the head 104 is coupled both to the cleaning pad 102 and the handle 110. On one hand, the head 104 is configured to hold the cleaning pad 102 and be movable together with the cleaning pad 102; on the other hand, the head 104 is configured to be connected to the handle 110 for extension so that a user can be separated away from the cleaning pad 102 that is configured to be in contact with the liquid contaminant.
In some implementations, the cleaning pad 102 and the handle 110 are coupled to opposite sides of the head 104, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In some other implementations, the cleaning pad 102 and the handle 110 are coupled to orthogonal sides of the head 104. For examples, the cleaning pad 102 is attached to a bottom side of the head 104, and the handle 110 is coupled to a vertical side of the head 104 that is orthogonal to the bottom side. This configuration may be useful for assembling thick cleaning pads in the apparatus 100.
The head 104 can be coupled to the cleaning pad 102 in various suitable ways including but not limited to gluing, stapling, sewing, tying, fastening loop and hook fasteners, or combinations thereof. In some implementations, the cleaning pad 102 includes a back sheet carrying a plurality of fasteners (e.g., hook fasteners), and the head 104 includes a bottom surface carrying a plurality of fasteners (e.g., loop fasteners) matching to the fasteners on the back sheet of the cleaning pad 102. During assembling, the cleaning pad 102 can be attached to the head 104 easily and tightly. In some implementations, the head 104 includes a glued bottom surface covered by a thin plastic sheet. During assembling, the thin plastic sheet is peeled off and the cleaning pad 102 can be attached to the glued surface of the head 104 tightly. In some implementations, the cleaning pad 102 includes one or more ties and the head 104 includes one or more holes. During assembling, the one or more ties of the cleaning pad 102 can be tied through the one or more holes of the head 104 to bind the cleaning pad 102 and the head 104 together.
In some implementations, the head 104 includes a cardboard box that can be used to contain the cleaning pad 102, so that the cleaning pad 102 is movable together with the head 104. The cardboard box may contain the cleaning pad 102 partially inside, so that the cardboard box is not in touch with the liquid contaminant when the bottom surface of the cleaning pad 102 is in contact with the liquid contaminant.
In some implementations, the head 104 is designed to be disposable. After assembled with the cleaning pad 102 and used for cleaning the liquid contaminant, the head 104 attached with the cleaning pad 102 is disposed into a labeled waste bag. The head 104 may be made of cost-effective materials (e.g., paper, plastic, or other materials).
In some implementations, the head 104 comprises a joint 142 configured to connect the head 104 to the handle 110 (e.g., the first handle portion 106). The joint 142 can be an annular joint (e.g., swivel) that enables the handle 110 rotatable to the head 104. In some examples, the joint 142 enables the handle 110 to rotate a full 360 degrees (relative to the head 104 thus the cleaning pad 102) to move the cleaning pad 102 around liquid contaminants or contaminated areas. The joint 142 can also enable the handle 110 to be positioned at a suitable tilted angle (e.g., 0 to 90 degree) relative to the contaminated surface. In some aspects, it may be advantageous for managing liquid contaminant or contaminated areas on corners or under furniture.
In some implementations, the head 104 is a cardboard box. The joint 142 of the head 104 can be formed according to the following steps: first, cutting out two flaps in a top surface of the head 104 at a suitable location (e.g., the center of the top surface); second, folding the two flaps up; and third, putting holes through the flaps. Then the handle 110 can be put through the holes and attached to the head 104.
The handle 110, as illustrated, has a length. On one side, the length of the handle 110 is desirable to be long enough to keep the user in a safe distance away from the liquid contaminant 120 on the surface 130. On the other side, the length of the handle 110 is desirable to make the user comfortable to operate the apparatus 100. Thus a suitable length of the handle 110 can be chosen or determined to satisfy both safety and comfort requirements. In some examples, the handle 110 has a length of about 100 centimeters.
In some implementations, the handle 110 may be rigid, so that the handle 110 will maintain a safe distance for the user and will not be folded or broken during managing the liquid contaminant. In some implementations, the handle 110 includes a handle cap on a top of the handle 110. The handle cap is designed for the user to hold the handle comfortably. The handle cap may be made of plastic material or other suitable materials.
In some implementations, the handle 110 is designed to be disposable. After assembled with the cleaning pad 102 and the head 104 and used for managing liquid contaminant, the handle 110 connected with the head 104 and the cleaning pad 102 is disposed into a labeled waste bag. The handle 110 may be made of cost-effective materials (e.g., plastic, wood, metal, or other materials). The handle 110 may have a hollow core.
In some implementations, the handle 110 includes a plurality of handle portions. Each handle portion is coupled to one another in sequence to extend the length of the handle 110. One of the handle portions is designed to be disposable and coupled to the head 104 on the front end 111 of the handle 110, and the other handle portions are designed to be reusable. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the handle 110 includes a first handle portion 106 and a second handle portion 108. The handle 110 is coupled to the head 104 by coupling the first handle portion 106 to the head 104 on a first front end of the first handle portion. The handle 110 is extended by coupling the second handle portion 108 to the first handle portion 106 on a first back end of the first handle portion (or on a second front end of the second handle portion). A second back end of the second handle portion 108 is separated away from the head 104 (thus the liquid contaminant 110) with a distance substantially identical to a total length of the first handle portion 106 and the second handle portion 108.
In some implementations, the first handle portion 106 is disposable and the second handle portion 108 is reusable. After assembled with the first handle portion 106, the head 104 and the cleaning pad 102 and used for managing liquid contaminant, the second handle portion 108 is disconnected from the first handle portion 106 and saved for further use. The first handle portion 106 connected with the head 104 and the cleaning pad 102 is disposed into a labeled waste bag. On one hand, the cost of the apparatus can be reduced by reusing part of the handle 110 (e.g., the second handle portion 108); on the other hand, the first handle portion 106 can still keep the user away from the cleaning pad with absorbed liquid contaminant. In some examples, the first handle portion 106 is designed to have a length of about 30 centimeters.
In some implementations, the handle 110 is further extended by coupling additional handle portions to the second back end of the second handle portion 108. In some examples, a third handle portion is coupled to the second handle portion on a third front end of the third handle portion, a third back end of the third handle portion being separated away from the head by a distance substantially identical to a total length of the first, second and third handle portions. In some examples, a fourth handle portion coupled to the third handle portion on a fourth front end of the fourth handle portion, a fourth back end of the fourth handle portion being separated away from the head by a distance substantially identical to a total length of the first, second, third and fourth handle portions. After one-time use, the first handle portion 106, together with the head 104 and the cleaning pad 102, is disposed, and the rest of the handle 110 (e.g., the second, third and fourth handle portions) may be disconnected from the first handle portion 106 and saved for further use.
In some implementations, the first, second, third and fourth handle portions can be designed to have a substantially identical length. This design is useful for massively manufacturing the handle portions. With a number of the handle portions, the user has freedom to choose any desired handle length to meet the requirements of safety and comfort. For example, each handle portion has an effective length of 30 centimeters, and the handle is required to have a minimum length of 80 centimeters. The user can connect three handle portions together to get a handle with 90 centimeters; and the user can also connect four handle portions together to get a handle with an effective length of 120 centimeters.
In some implementations, the plurality of handle portions of the handle 110 are connected to one another by connectors. The connectors may be wooden dowel connectors. In some examples, the first handle portion 106 has a female connector (e.g., a hollow core) on the first back end of the first handle portion, and the second handle portion 108 has a male connector (e.g., a dowel) on the second front end of the second handle portion. The wooden dowel connector may be integrated on the second front end. In some other examples, the second handle portion 108 also has a female connector on the second front end, same as the female connector on the first back end of the first handle portion 106. The wooden dowel connector may be an external component that is designed to have male connectors on both ends to connect the first handle portion 106 and the second handle portion 108 together.
FIGS. 2A-2C, 3A-3C, and 4A-4C illustrate three example implementations of an apparatus with different configurations for connecting four handle portions. One of the handle portions, together with a cleaning pad and a head, is designed to be disposable, and the other handle portions are designed to be reusable. Any suitable connectors can be adopted for connection here. In the following discussion, as illustrated, a female connector (e.g., connector 221) is depicted as a hollow core, and a male connector (e.g., connector 222) is depicted as a dowel.
With reference to FIG. 2A, an example implementation of an apparatus 200 with four discrete handle portions is shown. The apparatus 200 includes a cleaning pad 202, a head 204, and a handle having a first handle portion 206, a second handle portion 208, a third handle portion 210 and a fourth handle portion 212. The cleaning pad 202 is attached to the head 204, and the handle (e.g., the first handle portion 206) is connected to the head 204 by a joint 220. This joint 220 can be in any suitable design as discussed above. In some implementations, for connecting the four handle portions together, the first handle portion 206 has a female connector 221 on a first back end; the second handle portion 208 has a male connector 222 on a second front end and a female connector 223 on a second back end; the third handle portion 210 has a male connector 224 on a third front end and a female connector 225 on a third back end; and the fourth handle portion 212 has a male connector 226 on a fourth front end and a closed (or open) end 227.
In some implementations, assembling the apparatus 200 connects all of the components in any desired sequence, which includes: attaching the cleaning pad 202 to the head 204, connecting the first handle portion 206 to the head 204, connecting the second handle portion 208 to the first handle portion 206, connecting the third handle portion 210 to the second handle portion 208, and connecting the fourth handle portion 212 to the third handle portion 210.
In some implementations, assembling the apparatus 200 includes three steps. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the first step is to assemble the cleaning pad 202, the head 204 and the first handle portion 206 together. The second step is to assemble the second handle portion 208, the third handle portion 210 and the fourth handle portion 212 together by connecting the male connector 226 of the fourth handle portion 212 to the female connector 225 of the third handle portion 210 and the male connector 224 of the third handle portion 210 to the female connector 223 of the second handle portion 208. As a final step, the male connector 222 of the second handle portion 208 (connected with the third handle portion 210 and the fourth handle portion 212) is connected to the female connector 221 of the first handle portion 206 (connected with the head 204 and the cleaning pad 202).
After one-time use, the cleaning pad 202 may become the cleaning pad 202′ with absorbed liquid contaminant, which may be disposed. As illustrated in FIG. 2C, the second handle portion 208 connected with the third handle portion 210 and the fourth handle portion 212 is disconnected from the first handle portion 206 by disconnecting the second male connector 222 from the first female connector 221. Then the first handle portion 206 connected with the head 204 coupled with the cleaning pad 202 is disposed into a labeled waste bag. The second handle portion 208 can remain to be connected with the third handle portion 210 and the fourth handle portion 212 for future use.
With reference to FIG. 3A, an example implementation of an apparatus 300 with four discrete handle portions is shown. Similar to the apparatus 200, the apparatus 300 includes a cleaning pad 302, a head 304, and a handle having a first handle portion 306, a second handle portion 308, a third handle portion 310 and a fourth handle portion 312. The cleaning pad 302 is attached to the head 304, and the handle (e.g., the first handle portion 306) is connected to the head 304 by a joint 320. In some implementations, for connecting the four handle portions together, the first handle portion 306 has a female connector 321 on a first back end; the second handle portion 308 has a male connector 322 on a second front end and a female connector 323 on a second back end; the third handle portion 310 has a male connector 324 on a third front end and a male connector 326 on a third back end; and the fourth handle portion 312 has a female connector 325 on a fourth front end and a closed (or open) end 327. Compared to the apparatus 200, the apparatus 300 has the third handle portion 310 with two male connectors 324 and 326 on both ends and the fourth handle portion 312 with one female connector 325 for connection.
In some implementations, assembling the apparatus 300 is to connect all the components in any desired sequence, which includes: attaching the cleaning pad 302 to the head 304, connecting the first handle portion 306 to the head 304, connecting the second handle portion 308 to the first handle portion 306, connecting the third handle portion 310 to the second handle portion 308, and connecting the fourth handle portion 312 to the third handle portion 310.
In some implementations, assembling the apparatus 300 includes three steps. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the first step is to assemble the cleaning pad 302, the head 304 and the first handle portion 306 together. The second step is to assemble the second handle portion 308, the third handle portion 310 and the fourth handle portion 312 together by connecting the female connector 325 of the fourth handle portion 312 to the male connector 326 of the third handle portion 310 and the male connector 324 of the third handle portion 310 to the female connector 323 of the second handle portion 308. As a final step, the male connector 322 of the second handle portion 308 (connected with the third handle portion 310 and the fourth handle portion 312) is connected to the female connector 321 of the first handle portion 306 (connected with the head 304 and the cleaning pad 302).
After one-time use, the cleaning pad 302 may become the cleaning pad 302′ with absorbed liquid contaminant, which need to be disposed. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, the second handle portion 308 connected with the third handle portion 310 and the fourth handle portion 312 is disconnected from the first handle portion 306 by disconnecting the second male connector 322 from the first female connector 321. Then the first handle portion 306 connected with the head 304 coupled with the cleaning pad 302 is disposed into a labeled waste bag. The second handle portion 308 can remain to be connected with the third handle portion 310 and the fourth handle portion 312 for future use.
With reference to FIG. 4A, an example implementation of an apparatus 400 with four discrete handle portions is shown. Similar to the apparatus 200 or the apparatus 300, the apparatus 400 includes a cleaning pad 402, a head 404, and a handle having a first handle portion 406, a second handle portion 408, a third handle portion 410 and a fourth handle portion 412. The cleaning pad 402 is attached to the head 404, and the handle (e.g., the first handle portion 406) is connected to the head 404 by a joint 420. In some implementations, for connecting the four handle portions together, the first handle portion 406 has a male connector 422 on a first back end; the second handle portion 408 has a female connector 421 on a second front end and a female connector 423 on a second back end; the third handle portion 410 has a male connector 424 on a third front end and a male connector 426 on a third back end; and the fourth handle portion 412 has a female connector 425 on a fourth front end and a closed (or open) end 427. Compared to the apparatus 300, the apparatus 400 has the first handle portion 406 with a male connectors 422 and the second handle portion 408 with two female connectors 421 and 423 on both ends for connections.
In some implementations, assembling the apparatus 400 is to connect all the components in any desired sequence, which includes: attaching the cleaning pad 402 to the head 404, connecting the first handle portion 406 to the head 404, connecting the second handle portion 408 to the first handle portion 406, connecting the third handle portion 410 to the second handle portion 408, and connecting the fourth handle portion 412 to the third handle portion 410.
In some implementations, assembling the apparatus 400 includes three steps. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the first step is to assemble the cleaning pad 402, the head 404 and the first handle portion 406 together. The second step is to assemble the second handle portion 408, the third handle portion 410 and the fourth handle portion 412 together by connecting the female connector 425 of the fourth handle portion 412 to the male connector 426 of the third handle portion 410 and the male connector 424 of the third handle portion 410 to the female connector 423 of the second handle portion 408. As a final step, the female connector 421 of the second handle portion 408 (connected with the third handle portion 410 and the fourth handle portion 412) is connected to the male connector 422 of the first handle portion 406 (connected with the head 404 and the cleaning pad 402).
After one-time use, the cleaning pad 402 may become the cleaning pad 402′ with absorbed liquid contaminant, which need to be disposed. As illustrated in FIG. 4C, the second handle portion 408 connected with the third handle portion 410 and the fourth handle portion 412 is disconnected from the first handle portion 406 by disconnecting the second female connector 421 from the first male connector 422. Then the first handle portion 406 connected with the head 404 coupled with the cleaning pad 402 is disposed into a labeled waste bag. The second handle portion 408 can remain to be connected with the third handle portion 410 and the fourth handle portion 412 for future use.
FIG. 5 illustrates an example method 500 for operating apparatus to manage liquid contaminant on a surface. The apparatus can be one or more of the exemplary apparatus 100 of FIG. 1, the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2A, the apparatus 300 of FIG. 3A and the apparatus 400 of FIG. 4A. Each component of the apparatus (including the cleaning pad, the head and the handle) may have substantial identical properties to those discussed above. In the following discussion, the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 is used as exemplary.
An objective of the operation is to clean liquid contaminant (e.g., blood) on a surface and then to sanitize (or disinfect) contaminated areas of the surface. In some examples, the apparatus is designed to manage a one square foot liquid contaminant splatter. If the liquid contaminant has a coverage much larger than one square foot, it may be necessary to contact professionals of a licensed cleaning company. If the liquid contaminant has a coverage around one square foot, a user who has been trained to clean liquid contaminants may immediately execute the operation to manage the liquid contaminant on the surface.
The user may need to first block off the contaminated areas until clean-up and sanitization is complete. Before starting the operation, the user may put on protective equipment. In some examples, the protective equipment includes one or more of gloves, face shield, mask, eye cover, apron and shoe covers.
The user assembles the cleaning apparatus (step 502). The apparatus includes a cleaning pad having a sanitary material, a head and a handle having a plurality of handle portions (e.g., first and second handle portions). Assembling the cleaning apparatus includes: coupling the cleaning pad to the head so that the cleaning pad is movable together with the head, connecting the first handle portion to the head through a joint of the head, and connecting the second handle portion to the first handle portion.
The user operates the assembled cleaning apparatus to remove the liquid contaminant from the surface (step 504). The user may apply the cleaning apparatus against the surface so that the cleaning pad is in contact with the liquid contaminant to absorb the liquid contaminant and hold it in the cleaning pad. The user may move the cleaning apparatus from a boundary of the liquid contaminant to a center of the liquid contaminant. Due to the absorbing capacity of the sanitary material (e.g., 3.5 liquid ounces), the cleaning pad may absorb the liquid contaminant inside and hold the absorbed liquid contaminant without leaching.
In some examples, the absorbing capacity of the cleaning pad is larger than a volume of the liquid contaminant, and the cleaning pad can absorb almost all the liquid contaminant on the surface. After removing the liquid contaminant from the surface, the user may disconnect the second handle portion from the first handle portion, and dispose the first handle portion, together with the head and the cleaning pad holding the absorbed liquid contaminant, into a labeled waste bag. In some examples, the waste bag is put into another waste bag for safety and then disposed into a waste container labeled Hazard Waste.
In some examples, the absorbing capacity of the cleaning pad is close or smaller than the volume of the liquid contaminant, and the cleaning pad is not able to absorb all the liquid contaminant on the surface. The user determines that there is still liquid contaminant residue on the surface, and may operate a second cleaning apparatus to clean the liquid contaminant residue from the surface.
In some examples, the user may disconnect the second handle portion from the first handle portion, and reuse the second handle portion to assemble the second cleaning apparatus by connecting the second handle portion to a new first handle portion connected with a new head and a new cleaning pad. After use, the second handle portion may be disconnected from the new first handle portion and continue to be saved for further use. The new first handle portion, together with the connected new head and the new cleaning pad holding the absorbed liquid contaminant residue, is disposed in a labeled waste bag.
After removing the liquid contaminant from the surface, the user assembles a sanitizing apparatus for sanitizing contaminated areas of the surface (step 506). The sanitizing apparatus includes a cleaning pad having a sanitary material, a head and a handle having a plurality of handle portions (e.g., first and second handle portions). Assembling the sanitizing apparatus includes: coupling the cleaning pad to the head so that the cleaning pad is movable together with the head, connecting the first handle portion to the head through a joint of the head, and connecting the second handle portion to the first handle portion.
In some implementations, the first handle portion of the sanitizing apparatus is a new first handle portion, and the used second handle portion of the cleaning apparatus is reused as the second handle portion of the sanitizing apparatus. In some implementations, a new second handle portion is used for assembling the sanitizing apparatus.
In some implementations, the sanitary material of the sanitizing apparatus has substantially identical properties to the sanitary material of the cleaning apparatus, and the cleaning pad of the sanitizing apparatus has substantially identical properties to the cleaning pad of the cleaning apparatus. The cleaning pad of the sanitizing apparatus is dry and has a capacity for absorbing a particular volume of liquid inside and holding the liquid without leaching.
In some other implementations, the sanitary material of the sanitizing apparatus has substantially identical properties to the sanitary material of the cleaning apparatus, but the cleaning pad of the sanitizing apparatus is wet, different from the cleaning pad of the cleaning apparatus. The cleaning pad of the sanitizing apparatus may be pre-impregnated with a disinfectant solution and hold the disinfectant solution in the cleaning pad. In some examples, the disinfectant solution is made from one or more of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved disinfectant agents that can kill bacterial or viruses and prevent contaminated diseases (e.g., blood borne diseases).
After assembling the sanitizing apparatus, the user operates the sanitizing apparatus to sanitize the contaminated areas of the surface (step 508).
If the cleaning pad of the sanitizing apparatus is dry, operating the sanitizing apparatus to sanitize the contaminated areas includes: first spraying an FDA-approved disinfectant solution on the contaminated areas; then keeping the disinfectant solution on the contaminated areas for a specific time (e.g., 10 minutes) to allow the disinfectant solution clean the areas; and applying the sanitizing apparatus against the surface so that the cleaning pad is in contact with the disinfectant solution to absorb the used disinfectant solution and hold it in the second cleaning pad.
If the cleaning pad is wet and pre-impregnated with the disinfectant solution, operating the sanitizing apparatus includes pressing the sanitizing apparatus against the contaminated areas and moving the sanitizing apparatus back and forth so that the cleaning pad is able to sanitize the contaminated areas. When the sanitizing apparatus is pressed against the contaminated areas, the impregnated disinfectant solution may be pressed out to clean and sanitize the contaminated areas.
After sanitizing the contaminated areas of the surface, the user may dispose the used sanitizing apparatus, including the cleaning pad, the head and the handle, into a labeled waste bag. In some examples, the user may disconnect the second handle portion from the first handle portion and save it for future use, and dispose the first handle portion together with the head and the used cleaning pad into a labeled waste bag. In some implementations, the user may double-bag and securely tie-up all the used waste bags and discard them into a labeled waste container for Hazard Waste.
In some implementations, after sanitizing the contaminated area of the surface, the user may continue to wash the surface with detergent (e.g., bleach solution) and fresh water, using a regular mop. All non-disposable cleaning materials used such as mops and reusable handle portions may be disinfected by saturating with bleach solution and air dried.
Implementations of the apparatus for managing liquid contaminants on surfaces disclosed above also include implementations of an apparatus kit including components of the apparatus (e.g., the cleaning pad, the head, and the handle portions). In some examples, the apparatus kit may be included in an FDA approved apparatus kit provided to retailers or any general business that would transfer to counters for sale, etc. In some examples, the apparatus kit may be a stand-alone product after approved by FDA.
In some implementations, the apparatus kit includes a plurality of heads, a plurality of handles, and a plurality of cleaning pads with each of the plurality of cleaning pad comprising a sanitary material. The cleaning pads, the heads and the handles can have substantially identical properties to those of the cleaning pad 102, the head 104 and the handle 110 of FIG. 1, respectively, those of the cleaning pad 202, the head 204 and the handle portions (including the first, second, third and fourth handle portions 206, 208, 210 and 212) of FIG. 2A, respectively, those of the cleaning pad 302, the head 304 and the handle portions (including the first, second, third and fourth handle portions 306, 308, 310 and 312) of FIG. 3A, respectively, or those of the cleaning pad 402, the head 404 and the handle portions (including the first, second, third and fourth handle portions 406, 408, 410 and 412) of FIG. 4A, respectively.
In some implementations, each cleaning pad of the plurality of cleaning pads is configured to be coupled to each head of the plurality of heads, so that the cleaning pad is movable together with the head. Each handle of the plurality of handles is configured to be coupled to each head of the plurality of heads on a front end of the handle, a back end of the handle being configured to be separated away from the head with a distance substantially identical to a length of the handle. In some examples, the number of the plurality of heads is substantially identical to the number of the plurality of cleaning pads. In some implementations, the cleaning pads, the heads and the handles are designed to be disposable.
In some implementations, each of the cleaning pads is configured to absorb a particular volume of liquid inside and hold the liquid without leaching. In some examples, the particular volume is approximately 3.5 liquid ounces. In some examples, the cleaning pad has an approximate size of 4″×5.75″×0.25″.
In some implementations, the sanitary material of each cleaning pad comprises a number of cells, each of the cells being configured to draw liquid inside and hold the liquid without leaching. In some examples, the number is at least one million, and each of the cells has a size (e.g., diameter) within a range from 0 to 1000 micrometers. In some implementations, the sanitary material of the cleaning pads includes wooden fiber and cotton. In some examples, the ratio of the wooden fiber and the cotton is about 70% to 30% in weight, respectively.
In some implementations, in the apparatus kit, the plurality of cleaning pads comprises a plurality of first cleaning pads and a plurality of second cleaning pads. Each of the first cleaning pads is configured to be dry for absorbing liquid, and each of the second cleaning pads is configured to be wet and impregnated with a disinfectant solution for sanitizing contaminated areas. In some examples, the number of the plurality of first cleaning pads is substantially identical to the number of the plurality of second cleaning pads. The number of the heads may be substantially identical to a total number of the number of the first cleaning pads and the number of the second cleaning pads. The number of handles may be substantially identical to the number of the heads.
In some implementations, the head comprises a joint configured to connect the head to the handle and enable the handle to be rotatable to the head. In some examples, the joint is a hinge that is formed by cutting out two flaps of the head, folding the two flaps up and putting a hole through the flaps.
In some implementations, in the apparatus kit, each of the handles is configured to be long enough to keep a user of the apparatus in a safe distance during cleaning liquid contaminant from a surface. In some examples, the plurality of handles comprises a plurality of first handle portions and a plurality of second handle portions. Each first handle portion of the first handle portions is configured to be coupled to the head on a first front end of the first handle portion; each second handle portion of the plurality of second handle portions is configured to be coupled to the first handle portion on a second front end of the second handle portion.
In some implementations, the first handle portions, together with respective heads and cleaning pads, are disposable, and the second handle portions are reusable. In some examples, the number of the first handle portions is substantially identical to the number of the heads, and the number of the second handle portions is substantially smaller than a number of the first handle portions.
In some implementations, the plurality of handles further includes a plurality of third handle portions. Each third handle portion is configured to be coupled to the second handle portion on a third front end of the third handle portion. The third handle portions are designed to be reusable, and the number of the third handle portions is substantially identical to the number of the second handle portions.
In some implementations, the plurality of handles further includes a plurality of fourth handle portions. Each fourth handle portion is configured to be coupled to the third handle portion on a fourth front end of the fourth handle portion. The fourth handle portions are designed to be reusable, and the number of the fourth handle portions is substantially identical to the number of the third handle portions.
In some implementations, the first handle portions are disposable, and the second, third and fourth portions are reusable. In some examples, the first, second, third and fourth handle portions are rigid and have substantially identical lengths. In some examples, each of the first handle portions, each of the second handle portions, each of the third handle portions, and each of the fourth handle portions are configured to be connected to one another by connectors. In some examples, the connectors are wooden dowel connectors.
In some examples, the first handle portions has a first female connector configured to be connected to a first male connector of the second handle portion on the second front end; the second handle portions has a second female connector configured to be connected to a second male connector of the third handle portion on the third front end; and the third handle portion has a third female connector configured to be connected to a third male connector of the fourth handle portion on the fourth front end.
In some examples, the first handle portion has a first female connector configured to be connected to a first male connector of the second handle portion on the second front end; the second handle portion has a second female connector configured to be connected to a second male connector of the third handle portion on the third front end; and the third handle portion has a third male connector configured to be connected to a third female connector of the fourth handle portion on the fourth front end.
In some examples, the first handle portion has a first male connector configured to be connected to a first female connector of the second handle portion on the second front end; the second handle portion has a second female connector configured to be connected to a second male connector of the third handle portion on the third front end; and the third handle portion has a third male connector configured to be connected to a third female connector of the fourth handle portion on the fourth front end.
In some implementations, each of the cleaning pads is pre-attached to respective head of the plurality of heads. In some implementations, the apparatus kit comprises a plurality of FDA-approved disinfectant agents for making disinfectant solutions to sanitize (or disinfect) contaminated surfaces. In some implementations, the apparatus kit comprises a plurality of waste bags labeled Hazard Waste, and the number of the plurality of waste bags is substantially identical to the number of the plurality of cleaning pads.
A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made and various applications may be derived. In some examples, the apparatus and methods implemented in the disclosure may be designed to manage automotive fluids, fuel and oil fluids, or chemical fluids on surfaces. In some examples, the apparatus implemented in the disclosure may also be designed to manage gas or solid phase substances, such as slurry, gelatinous substances, semi-solid, powder, etc. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a cleaning pad comprising a sanitary material;

a head coupled to the cleaning pad, the head movable together with the cleaning pad; and

a handle coupled to the head on a front end of the handle, a back end of the handle being separated away from the head with a distance substantially identical to a length of the handle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning pad comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the cleaning pad is coupled to the head on the upper surface and the lower surface is configured to be applied in contact with a liquid contaminant on a surface.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the cleaning pad comprises a back sheet for the upper surface and a facing sheet for the lower surface joined in face-to-face relationship with the sanitary material therebetween, and the facing sheet is permeable for the liquid contaminant to flow through.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning pad is configured to absorb a particular volume of a liquid contaminant and hold the liquid contaminant without leaching.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the particular volume is approximately 3.5 liquid ounces.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sanitary material comprises a number of cells, each of the cells being configured to draw a liquid contaminant inside the sanitary material and hold the liquid contaminant without leaching.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the number is at least one million, and wherein each of the cells has a diameter within a range from 0 to 1000 micrometers.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sanitary material comprises wooden fiber and cotton.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the ratio of the wooden fiber and the cotton is about 70% to 30% in weight, respectively.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning pad has an approximate size of 4″×5.75″×0.25″.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning pad is configured to be impregnated with a disinfectant solution for sanitizing contaminated areas.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning pad, together with the head and the handle, is disposable.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the head comprises a cardboard box for containing the cleaning pad, so that the cleaning pad is movable together with the head.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning pad and the handle are coupled to opposite sides of the head.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the head comprises a joint configured to connect the head to the handle and enable the handle to be rotatable to the head.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the joint is a hinge, the hinge being formed by cutting out two flaps of the head on one side of the head, folding the two flaps up and putting a hole through the two flaps.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprises a handle cap on a top of the handle so that a user operates the apparatus comfortably.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the length of the handle is configured to be long enough to keep a user of the apparatus in a safe distance during cleaning a liquid contaminant from a surface.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the handle comprises a plurality of handle portions, wherein each of the handle portions are coupled to one another in sequence so that a total length of the handle portions are substantially identical to the length of the handle, and wherein a first handle portion of the plurality of handle portions is coupled to the head on the front end of the handle.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the first handle portion is disposable and the other handle portions are reusable.

21. A method for managing a liquid contaminant on a surface, comprising:

operating a cleaning apparatus to remove the liquid contaminant from the surface, wherein the cleaning apparatus comprises:

a first cleaning pad comprising a first sanitary material, the first cleaning pad being configured to absorb a particular volume of the liquid contaminant;

a first head coupled to the first cleaning pad, the first head movable together with the first cleaning pad; and

a first handle coupled to the first head on a first front end of the first handle, a first back end of the first handle being separated away from the first head by a first distance substantially identical to a length of the first handle; and

after removing the liquid contaminant from the surface, operating a sanitizing apparatus to sanitize contaminated areas of the surface, wherein the sanitizing apparatus comprises:

a second cleaning pad comprising a second sanitary material;

a second head coupled to the second cleaning pad, the second head movable together with the second cleaning pad; and

a second handle coupled to the second head on a second front end of the second handle, a second back end of the second handle being separated away from the second head by a second distance substantially identical to a length of the second handle.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein operating a cleaning apparatus to remove the liquid contaminant from the surface comprises applying the cleaning apparatus against the surface so that the first cleaning pad is in contact with the liquid contaminant to absorb the liquid contaminant and hold the liquid contaminant in the first cleaning pad without leaching.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein operating a sanitizing apparatus to sanitize contaminated areas of the surface comprises:

spraying a disinfectant solution on the contaminated areas;

keeping the disinfectant solution on the contaminated areas for a specific time; and

applying the sanitizing apparatus against the surface so that the second cleaning pad is in contact with the disinfectant solution to absorb the disinfectant solution and hold the disinfectant solution in the second cleaning pad.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the second cleaning pad is impregnated with a disinfectant solution, and wherein operating a sanitizing apparatus to sanitize contaminated areas of the surface comprises moving the sanitizing apparatus against the surface back and forth so that the second cleaning pad is able to sanitize the contaminated areas.

25. The method of claim 21, further comprising:

after removing the liquid contaminant from the surface, disposing the first handle, together with the first head and the first cleaning pad, in a first labeled waste bag; and

after sanitizing the contaminated areas of the surface, disposing the second handle, together with the second head and the second cleaning pad, in a second labeled waste bag.

26. The method of claim 21, further comprising: before operating a cleaning apparatus to remove the liquid contaminant from the surface, putting on protective equipment.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the protective equipment includes one or more of gloves, face shield, mask, eye cover, apron and shoe covers.

28. The method of claim 21, wherein, after operating a sanitizing apparatus to sanitize contaminated areas of the surface, washing the surface with detergent and fresh water.

29. The method of claim 21, wherein the second sanitary material has substantially identical properties to those of the first sanitary material.

30. The method of claim 21, further comprising:

after operating the cleaning apparatus to remove the liquid contaminant from the surface, determining that there is liquid contaminant residue on the surface;

operating a second cleaning apparatus to remove the liquid contaminant residue from the surface, wherein the second cleaning apparatus comprises:

a third cleaning pad comprising a third sanitary material, the third sanitary material having substantially identical properties to those of the first sanitary material;

a third head coupled to the third cleaning pad, the third head movable together with the third cleaning pad; and

a third handle coupled to the third head on a third front end of the third handle, a third back end of the third handle being separated away from the third head by a third distance substantially identical to a length of the third handle.

31. The method of claim 21, further comprising: before operating a cleaning apparatus to remove the liquid contaminant from the surface, assembling the cleaning apparatus comprising:

coupling the first cleaning pad to the first head so that the first cleaning pad is movable together with the first head; and

connecting the first handle to the first head so that the first handle is able to operate the first head.

32. The method of claim 21, further comprising: before operating a sanitizing apparatus to sanitize contaminated areas of the surface, assembling the sanitizing apparatus comprising:

coupling the second cleaning pad to the second head so that the second cleaning pad is movable together with the second head; and

connecting the second handle to the second head so that the second handle is able to operate the second head.