Container for collecting different types of washing fabrics.

Abstract

A container (1) is described for collecting fabrics to be washed (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) comprises at least a first basket (4) for inserting fabrics of the first type (A) and at least a second basket (5) for inserting fabrics 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 fabric to be washed (3), the code (31) being identifiable of 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 of the second type (B) of fabric, and to actuate the first alarm signaler (25) if it receives the signal from the first label reader (8), in order to alert an operator of the incorrect use of the first basket (4). Figure for abstract: Figure 1.

Description

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

[0001] The present invention relates to a container intended to collect fabrics to be washed 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, etc.).

[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 retirement home or other accommodation establishment, in particular for the collection of bed sheets, towels, table napkins, pillowcases, etc., and the subsequent sending of these fabrics to a specialized laundry for their washing, disinfection and return to the accommodation establishment for subsequent reuse. Known art

[0003] Containers for collecting fabrics to be washed in accommodation establishments such as retirement homes are well known. These containers are equipped with swivel wheels to be transported from room to room, where the soiled sheets, towels and other fabrics already used and intended for reuse are collected, according to determined deadlines, for example every day.

[0004] In particular, the container is equipped with a trolley A of the type illustrated in [Fig.l]. The trolley A is equipped with a frame (indicated in [Fig.l] by an arrow B1 but not visible) intended to support a collection bag C1 (which, in the example of [Fig.l], is folded over the frame B1). The bag C1 is either emptied by pouring the tissues 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 on behalf of the nursing home.

[0005] The collection of fabrics to be washed can also concern other types of fabrics, for example the personal clothing of a resident of a retirement home, such as trousers, pajamas, underwear or others. Fabrics of this type must be collected in a separate compartment of trolley A, because their treatment in the laundry is differentiated. Normally, in fact, laundries that treat flat linen are different from those that treat 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, to collect the personal clothing. The second bag C2 can also be emptied, either by pouring fabrics to be washed in a larger container, different from the flat linen container, or by depositing them in a facility (also known as "roller laundry"), but separately from the flat linen, to transport them to the laundry for personal laundry care. Other B3 frames and C3 bags can be provided.

[0006] However, it does happen that, through human error, negligence or accident, a personal item of clothing ends up in the flat linen bag. For example, a personal item of clothing may remain hidden among the sheets and thus be transported with them. In this case, the item of clothing may be irretrievably lost, much to the disappointment of the owner. This is because the item (the dress) is sent with the flat linen to the wrong laundry, which is organized to process the linen it receives (flat linen in particular) in an industrial and mechanized manner and therefore cannot deal with the item of clothing that has arrived by mistake. The latter is very likely to be lost or damaged. Only in exceptional cases will it be recovered and returned to the facility. This situation generates considerable dissatisfaction on the part of the facilities, residents and their families, as well as significant costs to compensate for and / or replace 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 the collection of fabrics to be washed without increasing the workload of the operator, but by simplifying and accelerating his activity, thus overcoming the limitations that still affect the containers of the known art. Brief description of the figures

[0008] [Fig.l] 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 an alternative embodiment 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 produce a tissue collection trolley washing machine capable of emitting an alarm in the event that a fabric of a second type, and in particular a personal item of clothing, is or is about to be placed in a basket of the trolley which is instead designed to accommodate a fabric of a first type, in particular flat linen. Advantageously, when the operator, by accident or distraction, is about to commit an incorrect sorting of the textile to be washed, he is immediately alerted and can thus correct himself. This avoids sending the fabric of the second type to a laundry which only handles the first type of fabric. Consequently, the loss of personal items of clothing is also avoided, since they are handled in a designated laundry.

[0019] The generation of an immediate alert is advantageous compared to systems that control sorting a posteriori, i.e. after the collection of the fabrics to be washed. In fact, the removal of one or more personal items of clothing from a trolley already filled with fabrics to be washed would result in a considerable loss of time due to the need to empty the bag to locate, sort and remove the personal items of clothing introduced by mistake. Such removal would also not be appropriate in terms of hygiene, since the personal item of clothing comes into contact with other fabrics which, by nature, may be dirtier (flat linen, towels, etc.). Finally, contact of the trolley operator with soiled clothing is avoided. In fact, since there are no personal items of clothing placed by mistake in the trolley, there is also 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 makes it possible to trigger an alarm when the fabric of the second type is located 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 mode of operation, the container can be equipped only with the first tag reader, i.e. without verification (reading) of the first type of fabric. The use of only one first reader reduces the costs of the container and simplifies its operation.

[0023] In one embodiment, it is provided to associate a second reader with the second basket of the container, that is to say the one intended to receive the tissues of the second type. In this case, even the incorrect sorting of a tissue of the first type is immediately detected so that the operator can correct himself.

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

[0025] With reference to [Fig. 2], a container for collecting fabrics to be washed according to the present invention is described below. The container, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, is for example used for the collection of fabrics to be washed in accommodation establishments such as retirement homes. Preferably, the container is therefore equipped with swivel wheels, so that it can be transported from one room to another, where the sheets, towels and other fabrics already used are collected and replaced. The container is therefore also referred to as a trolley 1 in the remainder of the 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 pivoting wheels for transport.

[0027] The container comprises a first basket 4 and a second basket 5. The baskets 4 and 5 are either filled and emptied separately, by pouring the fabrics into larger containers (not shown), or deposited in a facility (also known as a "roller laundry") to be transported by vehicle to laundries having an agreement with the retirement home or to laundries specialized in the treatment of fabrics coming from the first or second basket respectively. The collection of fabrics to be washed in fact comprises fabrics of a first type A, such as the aforementioned sheets, towels and other fabrics, also called flat linen 2, and of a second type B, for example the personal clothing 3 of a retirement home resident, such as trousers, pajamas, underwear or the like.

[0028] The term "basket" is not limiting of 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 collection basket 4 which is inserted 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, ...) 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, especially personal clothing 3.

[0030] For this purpose, the container 1 for collecting the fabrics to be washed 2, 3 comprises: - the first basket 4, which has an opening 6 through which the fabrics to be washed 2 of the first type A can be inserted, - the second basket 5, which has an opening 7 through which the fabrics to be washed 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, the baskets 4 and 5 can be removed from the container 1. In the container 1 there is therefore, for example, a support structure for the baskets 4, 5, which separates the two baskets D to a predetermined extent.

[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 fabric to be washed 3, - a first alarm signaller 25; - and 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 a second type of fabric B, the controller is further configured to trigger the first alarm signaler 25 if it receives the signal from the first tag reader 8.

[0034] The alarm warns the operator of incorrect use of the first basket 4 to insert a washing fabric 3 of the second type B. In this way, the operator can correct himself immediately, i.e. refrain from continuing the incorrect sorting. If the incorrect sorting has already been carried out, the operator can immediately remove the washing fabric 3 placed by mistake in the basket 4, and sort it in the basket 5.

[0035] In [Fig. 2], the fabric of the second type B is schematically indicated as a T-shirt, without any restriction regarding other personal clothing, in particular those of higher value such as suits, sweaters or shirts. The T-shirt is equipped with a tag 30 which stores a code 31. The code may be unique. The tag is preferably passive, in particular an RFID tag. The first reader 8 of the first carriage 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. The type B can be determined by decoding the code 31. For example, the 31 codes of the personal clothing may be different from each other (unique) but include information (e.g. a subset of characters or numbers of the code 31) indicating the type B.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment, it is sufficient for the first reader 8 to read the code 31 (i.e. independently of its content) to trigger the first alarm signaller 25. In this alternative, 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 the container 1 checks the codes of the second type B, namely flat linen. According to this variant, if the retirement home or accommodation facility does not have labeled flat linen, the check of the codes of the second type, even if it is supported by the 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 of 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 tag reader 9 when the latter reads the identification code 20 of the first type A fabric, and is further configured to trigger a second alarm signaler when it receives the signal from the second tag reader 9.

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

[0040] According to this variant, if the retirement home or accommodation establishment does not have flat linen labeled 20, the control of the codes of the first type A, even if it is supported by the container 1, is not carried out (since the labels 20 are missing). The container 1 would then operate as in the variant already described above (that of a single first reader 8).

[0041] The first 8 and possibly the second 9 readers are preferably associated with the distal part of the basket, i.e. the one closest to the operator during use. For example, the first and second baskets may be rigid and provided with flanges at the openings 6, 7. The first and second baskets 8, 9 may be integrated into the flanges. The readers comprise a respective antenna. The antenna is oriented towards the inside of the basket and is configured to emit a radio signal which radiates not only inside the basket but also outside it, above the opening, affecting a space 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 cover (closure).

[0043] In another embodiment, there are shutters that close and are controlled. For example, the first basket 4 is provided with a shutter 6 for opening and closing the basket 4. Similarly, the second basket 5 comprises 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 tag reader and / or their respective antennas may be structurally associated with the flap. For example, the flap is hinged to the basket flange and can be opened by folding it. The antenna is fixed at the hinges, so that it always remains close to the basket opening, both when the flap is open and when it is closed. Likewise, the second basket may be structured. This form of construction is particularly advantageous because it allows old 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 signaler may comprise an audible warning device and / or a light beacon, preferably both. The second alarm signaler may also comprise an audible warning device and / or a light beacon, preferably both.

[0048] The electronics of the container 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 an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Reference numeral 30 indicates a cable-carrying structure. The cables electrically connect the reader to the battery.

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

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

[0053] The light and / or sound alarm is preferably supported by the supporting structure of the cable 30, as illustrated in [Fig.5].

[0054] A battery holder 33 made of sheet metal, preferably 1.5 mm, 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 trolley or container which eliminates pra tically any possibility of incorrect sorting of fabric types in establishments. The container is easy to use, simple to implement, versatile (it works with both unlabeled and labeled flat linen) and can be immediately adopted in accommodation establishments, possibly by simply adapting old containers already in use.

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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