Container for collecting different types of laundry fabrics.

Abstract

A container (1) is described for the collection of washcloths (2, 3) of at least two types (A, B), a first type (A) comprising flat linen, such as sheets or towels, and a second type (B) comprising personal clothing; the container (1) includes at least a first basket (4) for inserting washcloths of the first type (A) and at least a second basket (5) for inserting washcloths of the second type (B).At least one first label reader (8) is applied to the first basket (4) and configured to read a code (31) from a label (30) applied to a piece of fabric to be washed (3), the code (31) being identifiable as belonging to the second type (B) of fabric; a controller is configured to receive an input signal from the first label reader (8) if the first label reader (8) detects the code (31) identifiable as belonging to the second type (B) of fabric, and to activate the first alarm signalor (25) if it receives the signal from the first label reader (8), in order to alert an operator to the incorrect use of the first basket (4). Figure for the abstract: Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Container for collecting different types of washing fabrics. Scope

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for collecting wash fabrics of at least two types, for example a first type comprising flat linen, such as sheets or towels, and a second type comprising personal clothing (clothes, underwear,...).

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a container of the aforementioned type used for the collection of fabrics to be washed in a nursing home or other accommodation establishment, in particular for the collection of bed sheets, bath towels, table napkins, pillowcases, etc., and the subsequent sending of these fabrics to a specialized laundry for washing, disinfection and return to the accommodation establishment for further reuse. Known art

[0003] Containers for collecting laundry fabrics in residential care facilities such as nursing homes are well known. These containers are equipped with swivel wheels for transport from room to room, where soiled sheets, towels, and other fabrics that have already been used and are intended for reuse are collected according to set intervals, for example, every day.

[0004] In particular, the container is equipped with a trolley A of the type illustrated in [Fig. 1]. The trolley A is equipped with a frame (indicated in [Fig. 1] by an arrow B1 but not visible) intended to support a collection bag Cl (which, in the example in [Fig. 1], is folded over the frame Bl). The bag Cl is either emptied by pouring the fabrics into a larger container, or deposited in a facility (also known as a "roller laundry") to be transported by vehicle to an external laundry, a service provider acting on behalf of the nursing home.

[0005] The collection of fabrics for washing may also include other types of fabrics, for example, the personal clothing of a nursing home resident, such as trousers, pajamas, underwear, or other items. Fabrics of this type must be collected in a separate compartment of trolley A, as their processing in the laundry is different. Indeed, laundries that process flat linen are normally different from those that process personal clothing. This is why the selection of fabrics must be done with great care. Trolley A is then equipped with a second frame B2 supporting a second bag C2, separate from the first, for collecting personal clothing. The second bag C2 can also be emptied, either by pouring the fabrics to be washed in a larger container, different from the flat linen container, either by depositing them in a facility (also known as "roller laundry"), but separately from flat linen, for transport to the laundry for personal laundry service. Additional B3 frames and C3 bags can be provided.

[0006] However, it sometimes happens that, through human error, negligence, or accident, a personal item of clothing ends up in the bag of flat linen. For example, a personal item of clothing may be hidden among the sheets and thus transported with them. In this case, the garment may be irretrievably lost, much to the owner's disappointment. Indeed, the item (the dress) is sent with the flat linen to the wrong laundry, which is set up to process the linen it receives (flat linen in particular) in an industrial and mechanized manner and therefore cannot handle the garment that arrived in error. The latter is very likely to be lost or damaged. Only in exceptional cases will it be retrieved and returned to the facility. This situation generates considerable dissatisfaction on the part of the facilities, the residents, and their families, as well as significant costs to compensate for and / or replace the lost and / or damaged clothing.

[0007] The technical problem underlying the present invention is to avoid the loss of personal clothing and errors of the type mentioned above, by providing assistance in collecting fabrics to be washed without increasing the workload of the operator, but by simplifying and accelerating his activity, thus overcoming the limitations which still affect containers of the known art. Brief description of the figures

[0008] [Fig.1] schematically represents a container trolley according to the known art.

[0009] [Fig.2] schematically represents a container according to the present invention.

[0010] [Fig.3] schematically represents a container according to one embodiment variant of the present invention.

[0011] [Fig.4] is a rear view of the container of the present invention.

[0012] [Fig.5] is a front image of the container of the present invention.

[0013] [Fig.6] is a side view of the container of the present invention.

[0014] [Fig.7] is a front view of the container of the present invention.

[0015] [Fig.8] is another side view of the container of the present invention.

[0016] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of the container of the present invention.

[0017] [Fig. 10] is an image of the container of the present invention, according to a variant of realization. Summary of the invention

[0018] The idea behind the present invention is to create a tissue collection cart The washing machine is equipped to emit an alarm if a second type of fabric, particularly personal clothing, is placed or is about to be placed in a basket of the trolley designed for a first type of fabric, especially flat linen. Advantageously, if the operator is about to accidentally or distractedly missort the textiles to be washed, they are immediately alerted and can correct the error. This prevents sending the second type of fabric to a laundry that only processes the first type. Consequently, the loss of personal clothing is also avoided, as it is processed at a designated laundry facility.

[0019] Generating an immediate alert is advantageous compared to systems that control sorting after the fact, that is, after the collection of the laundry. Indeed, removing one or more personal items of clothing from a cart already full of laundry would result in a considerable loss of time due to the need to empty the bag to locate, sort, and remove the personal items mistakenly placed inside. Such removal would also be inappropriate from a hygiene standpoint, as the personal item would come into contact with other fabrics that, by their nature, may be dirtier (flat linen, towels, etc.). Finally, contact between the cart operator and soiled clothing is avoided. Since no personal items of clothing are mistakenly placed in the cart, there is no need to remove them.

[0020] According to the above solution idea, the technical problem underlying the present invention is solved by a container as claimed in claim 1.

[0021] Advantageously, a first label reader associated with a first basket of the container, intended to receive the first type of fabric to be washed, recognizes a label applied to a fabric of the second type, and triggers an alarm when the fabric of the second type is near an opening of the first basket. The alarm is not triggered if, on the other hand, the fabric of the second type is correctly placed in a second basket, designed to receive the second type of fabric.

[0022] According to this operating mode, the container can be equipped with only the first label reader, i.e., without verification (reading) of the first type of fabric. The use of only one first reader reduces the container's costs and simplifies its operation.

[0023] In one embodiment, a second reader is provided for the second basket of the container, i.e., the one intended to receive the second type of tissue. In this case, even the incorrect sorting of a first type of tissue is immediately detected so that the operator can correct the error.

[0024] Other advantages and features of the container according to the present invention will emerge from the following description, given with reference to the accompanying figures, by way of illustration and not limitation of the present invention. Detailed description

[0025] With reference to [Fig. 2], a container for collecting washcloths according to the present invention is described below. The container, designated collectively by reference number 1, is used, for example, for collecting washcloths in residential care facilities such as nursing homes. Preferably, the container is therefore equipped with swivel casters so that it can be transported from one room to another, where the used sheets, towels, and other fabrics are collected and replaced. The container is therefore also referred to as trolley 1 in the remainder of this document.

[0026] An example of a trolley 1 is given with reference to figures 4 to 10. It is clear from these figures that the trolley is equipped with a frame and swivel wheels for transport.

[0027] The container comprises a first basket 4 and a second basket 5. Baskets 4 and 5 are either filled and emptied separately, by pouring the fabrics into larger containers (not shown), or deposited at a facility (also known as a "roller laundry") for transport by vehicle to laundries that have an agreement with the nursing home or to laundries specializing in processing fabrics from the first or second basket, respectively. The collection of fabrics to be washed includes fabrics of a first type A, such as sheets, towels, and other aforementioned fabrics, also referred to as flat linen 2, and of a second type B, for example, the personal clothing 3 of a nursing home resident, such as trousers, pajamas, underwear, or other items.

[0028] The term "basket" is not limiting to the scope of protection of the invention. In the example of trolley 1 given with reference to Figures 4 to 10, a bag 4 can be used as a collection basket 4 which fits into the frame of the trolley 1. In particular, two or more bags 4, 5 can be inserted into the frame of the trolley 1. In Figures 4 to 9, the bag is not shown, while in [Fig. 10], three bags are inserted into three separate frames of the trolley 1. Two bags, represented in [Fig. 10] by 4, are, for example, intended for the collection of flat linen (sheets, towels, etc.) and a basket 5 for the collection of personal linen.

[0029] The selection of fabrics must be done with great care, avoiding sorting errors, which could lead to the loss of fabrics, in particular personal clothing 3.

[0030] For this purpose, container 1 for collecting wash fabrics 2, 3 comprises: - the first basket 4, which has an opening 6 through which the washing fabrics 2 of the first type A can be inserted, - the second basket 5, which has an opening 7 through which the washing fabrics 3 of the second type B can be inserted.

[0031] In the case of the trolley illustrated in [Fig. 4] or 10, the opening is formed by the frame to which the bag is attached. Normally, the bag is folded around the frame.

[0032] The second basket 5 is separated from the first basket 4 so that the fabrics to be washed 3 in the second basket 5 remain separate from the fabrics to be washed 2 in the first basket 4, to be sent separately to different laundries. For example, baskets 4 and 5 can be removed from container 1. Container 1 therefore contains, for example, a support structure for baskets 4 and 5, which separates the two baskets D by a predetermined distance.

[0033] According to the present invention, the container 1 comprises - a first label reader 8 applied to the first basket 4 and configured to read a code 31 from a label 30 applied to a wash fabric 3, - a first alarm signaler 25; - and a controller configured to receive an input signal from the first label reader 8 if the first label reader 8 detects code 31 identifying a second type of fabric B, the controller is further configured to trigger the first alarm signaller 25 if it receives the signal from the first tag reader 8.

[0034] The alarm alerts the operator to the incorrect use of the first basket 4 to insert a washcloth 3 of the second type B. This allows the operator to correct the error immediately, i.e., to refrain from continuing the incorrect sorting. If the incorrect sorting has already been carried out, the operator can immediately remove the washcloth 3 mistakenly placed in basket 4 and sort it in basket 5.

[0035] In [Fig. 2], the fabric of the second type B is schematically represented as a T-shirt, without any restriction concerning other personal clothing, particularly higher-value items such as suits, sweaters, or shirts. The T-shirt is equipped with a tag 30 that stores a code 31. The code can be unique. The tag is preferably passive, in particular an RFID tag. The first reader 8 of the first trolley 4, at a fixed distance from the tag 30, reads the code 31. Using the code 31, the first reader refers to the second type B of the fabric, namely personal clothing. Type B can be determined by decoding the code 31. For example, the 31 codes for personal clothing can be different from each other (unique) but include information (e.g., a subset of characters or digits from the code 31) indicating type B.

[0036] In one embodiment, it is sufficient for the first reader 8 to read the code 31 (i.e., regardless of its content) to trigger the first alarm signalor 25. In this embodiment, the tissues of the first type A are not associated with any label and therefore never give rise to a reading, i.e., the first reader does not need to distinguish between a code 31 representing the second type B of tissues and a code representing the first type A.

[0037] However, there is also an implementation variant in which container 1 checks the codes of the second type B, namely flat linen. According to this variant, if the nursing home or residential care facility does not have labeled flat linen, the check of the codes of the second type, even if it is handled by container 1, is not carried out.

[0038] In particular, according to this variant, the container comprises: - a second label reader 9 attached to the second basket 5 and configured to read another code 21 from a label 20 attached to a fabric, this other code being an identifier of the first type of fabric A; - the controller is configured to receive an input signal from the second label reader 9 when it reads the identification code 20 of the first type A fabric, and is further configured to trigger a second alarm signalor when it receives the signal from the second label reader 9.

[0039] The alarm generated by the second alarm signaler is therefore used to alert the operator of an incorrect use of the second basket 5 to insert a wash fabric 2 of the first type A.

[0040] According to this variant, if the nursing home or residential care facility does not have flat linen labeled 20, the check of the codes of the first type A, even if it is handled by container 1, is not carried out (since the labels 20 are missing). Container 1 would then function as in the variant already described above (that of a single first reader 8).

[0041] The first 8 and optionally the second 9 readers are preferably associated with the distal part of the basket, that is, the part closest to the operator during use. For example, the first and second baskets may be rigid and fitted with flanges at the openings 6, 7. The first and second baskets 8, 9 may be integrated into the flanges. The readers include a respective antenna. The antenna is oriented towards the inside of the basket and is configured to emit a radio signal that radiates not only inside the basket but also outside of it, above the opening, affecting a gap through which the fabric to be washed must pass to be placed in the basket.

[0042] In one embodiment, the first and second baskets 4, 5 do not have a lid (closure).

[0043] In another embodiment, there are shutters that close and are controlled. For example, the first basket 4 has an opening and closing shutter 6 for basket 4. Similarly, the second basket 5 includes a shutter for opening and closing the respective opening 7 of the second basket 5. The controller is configured to control the opening of the shutter of the first basket 4 if the first reader 8 detects the identification code of the first type A, and to control the opening of the flap of the second basket 5, if the second reader 9 detects the identification code of the second type B. Such an embodiment (with flap with controlled opening) is adopted if the different types of fabrics A, B are equipped with labels 21,31.

[0044] In the presence of an opening flap, the first reader 8 and the second label reader and / or their respective antennas can be structurally linked to the flap. For example, the flap is hinged to the basket flange and can be opened by folding it. The antenna is attached at the hinges so that it always remains close to the basket opening, whether the flap is open or closed. Similarly, the second basket can be structured. This type of construction is particularly advantageous because it allows older containers to be adapted by means of a flap.

[0045] The position of the antenna (or that of the reader, if it is equipped with an integrated antenna) is particularly important.

[0046] In one embodiment, the antenna is located on the side of the basket.

[0047] The first alarm signal may include an audible alarm and / or a flashing light, preferably both. The second alarm signal may also include an audible alarm and / or a flashing light, preferably both.

[0048] The container electronics are powered by a battery. Preferably, a rechargeable battery is provided to power the controller, the first reader 8 (and the second reader, if applicable) and the first alarm signaler (and the second alarm signaler, if applicable).

[0049] Fig. 9 shows some details of the carriage 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Reference number 30 indicates a cable support structure. The cables electrically connect the reader to the battery.

[0051] Reference number 32 indicates a partition, preferably made of 4 mm ALUPANEL. The partition 32 separates the basket 5 intended for collecting personal clothing from the basket(s) 4 intended for flat linen.

[0052] Reference number 31 indicates a sheet metal casing, preferably 1.5 mm thick. The casing separates the cables from the part of the trolley used to support the baskets or bags 4, 5.

[0053] The visual and / or audible alarm is preferably supported by the cable support structure 30, as illustrated in [Fig.5].

[0054] A sheet metal battery support 33, preferably 1.5 mm thick, is supported by the base frame of the trolley 1. However, in one embodiment, the trolley 1 is not intended to support the battery.

[0055] Advantageously, the applicant has designed a cart or container that eliminates pra This eliminates any possibility of incorrect sorting of fabric types in establishments. The container is easy to use, simple to implement, versatile (it works equally well with flat linen without labels as with flat linen with labels) and can be immediately adopted in accommodation establishments, possibly by simply adapting existing containers.

Claims

Claims

1. Container (1) for collecting washing fabrics (2, 3) of at least two types (A, B), these types comprising: - a first type (A) comprising flat linen, such as sheets or towels, - a second type (B) comprising personal clothing, the container (1) comprises: - At least one first basket (4) equipped with an opening (6) through which the washing fabrics (2) of the first type (A) can be inserted;- At least one second basket (5), equipped with an opening (7) through which the fabrics to be washed (3) of the second type (B) can be inserted, said second basket (5) is separated from the first basket (4) so ​​that the fabrics to be washed (3) in the second basket (5) remain separated from the fabrics to be washed (2) in the first basket (4), to be sent separately to different laundries, characterized in that it comprises: - at least one first label reader (8) applied to the first basket (4) and configured to read a code (31) from a label (30) applied to a fabric to be washed (3), said code (31) identifying the second type (B) of fabric; - at least one first alarm signaler (25);- a controller configured to receive an input signal from the first label reader (8) if the first label reader (8) detects the code (31) identifying the second type of fabric (B), the controller is further configured to trigger the first alarm signaler (25) if it receives said signal from the first label reader (8). this alarm is intended to warn the operator of an incorrect use of the first basket (4) to introduce a fabric to be washed (3) of the second type (B).;

2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one second label reader (9) attached to the second basket and configured to read another code of a label attached to a fabric, this other code being an identifier of the first type of fabric (A); - the controller being configured to receive an input signal from the second label reader (9) when the second label reader (9) reads the identification code (20) of the first type (A) of fabric, the controller is further configured to trigger a second alarm signaller when it receives said signal from the second label reader (9), this alarm is intended to warn the operator of incorrect use of the second basket (5) to introduce a washing fabric (2) of the first type (A).

3. Container according to claim 2, characterized in that: - the first basket (4) comprises a flap for opening and closing the respective opening (6) of the first basket (4), - the second basket (5) comprises a flap for opening and closing the respective opening (7) of the second basket (5). - the controller is configured to control the opening of the flap of the first basket (4), if the first reader (8) detects the identification code of the first type (A), and to control the opening of the flap of the second basket (5), if the second reader (9) detects the identification code of the second type (B).

4. Container according to claim 3, characterized in that the first label reader (8) is structurally associated with the opening and closing flap of the first basket (4) and that the second label reader (9) is structurally associated with the opening and closing flap of the second basket (9).

5. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the first alarm signaler comprises an acoustic beacon and / or a light beacon.

6. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that said respective opening (6) of the first basket (4) and said respective opening (7) of the second basket (5) are without a closing flap.

7. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a rechargeable battery for powering the controller, at least a first reader (8) and the first alarm signaler (25).

8. System for controlling a container (1) for collecting washing fabrics (2, 3) of at least two types (A, B), the system comprising: - a container according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and - washing fabrics (2, 3) of at least two types (A, B), wherein each washing fabric of a first type (A) is associated with a label (20) which stores a code (21) identifying the first type (A) of fabric; and each of the washing fabrics of a second type (B) is associated with a label (30) which stores a code (31) identifying the second type (B) of fabric.

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