CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 14/463,206, filed August 19, 2014, entitled ROOM CLEANING SYSTEM AND METHOD (Atty. Dkt. No. ARSL-32382), and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/867,451, filed August 19, 2013, entitled ROOM CLEANING SYSTEM AND METHOD, the specifications of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

10002] The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for cleaning a room or space such as methods to reduce the allergen exposure within the space or room.

BACKGROUND

[Θ003] Within the air purification industry, and in particular within the commercial air purification market, it can be difficult to insure that a space, such as a house, apartment, hotel room, motel room or similar enclosure is properly treated to provide an environment that is both clean and substantially free of allergens. This begins with the fact that many cleaning methods leave behind additional allergens and many allergen treatment processes to don sufficiently clean the space,

[0004] A need exists, therefore, for a process having the necessary steps to result in a clean and substantially allergen free environment in a space such as a house, apartment, hotel room, motel room or similar enclosures.

[0005] All references cited herein are incorporated by reference to the maximum extent allowable by law. To the extent a reference may not be fully incorporated herein, it is incorporated by reference for background purposes and indicative of the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[Θ006] The problems presented in providing a clean a substantially allergen free environment are solved by the systems and methods of the present invention. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a multi-step process is provided for systemically cleaning, disinfecting and substantially removing all allergens from a room.

[0007] Other embodiments have been described wherein the tools used for this system are specified with more detail as to their desired characteristics.

[0008] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the detailed description that follows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[Θ009] All references cited herein are incorporated by reference to the maximum extent allowable by law. To the extent a reference may not be fully incorporated herein, it is incorporated by reference for background purposes and indicative of the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.

[Θ010] In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, 10 reference is made to specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical mechanical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the description may omit certain information laiown to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

[0011] The embodiments described below will be described in relation to a room which is not to be interpreted as limiting the process to s single room, but to a predetermined space, such as a hotel room which would include the restroom and closet space, or an apartment which would include all of the living space in the apartment, or a house which would include all of the li ving space within the house, or any occupied building or area such as but not limited to. commercial offices, daycare, elder care and 25 retail. Therefore, any reference to a room shall not be intended to be limited to a single room unless the entirety of the enclosure is a single room.

[0012] The embodiments described below will be described as if a standard heating ventilation and air conditioning (HV AC) system were in installed In the room. Assumptions as to the layout and components of the HVAC system are not to be limiting. The embodiments will be effective on many different types of HVAC systems as will be apparent to one skilled in the art. For example, coils will refer to the coils that air from the room would pass over before returning to the room, whether the coils are being used as expansion coils as in a standard AC setup or as condensing coils as in a heat pump set up. The important aspect is that the air entering the room has just passed over the coils, not the function of the coils. Therefore, the use of the phrase HV AC system is intended to be inclusive of many styles of systems that provide heating, ventilation or air conditioning to the room.

[0013] The embodiments are most easily discussed in terms of standard Steps. There are 15 Steps to the standard embodiment as discussed below. Variations to the Steps and the order of performing the S teps will be discussed after the description of the 10 Steps.

[0014] Step 1 : Air Purifier Placement and Activation.

[0015] An air purification system, such as the Guardian Air Purification system sold by Aerus LLC, is placed within the room, but not within the HVAC system, and activated. The air purification system will remove airborne particulates and odors by 15 means of ionization, carbon filtration, and HEPA filtration capable of removing particles as small as 0.1 μηι. Air purification system may also in technology to create oxidizers, other than Tree Tea Oil, to eliminate surface contaminants throughout the air purification system.

[0016] Step 2: Initial Vacuum

[0017] Using a HEPA vacuum cleaner, such as the Lux Guardian Platinum Canister Vacuum sold by Aerus LLC or another Carpet & Rug Institute approved HEP A vacuum cleaner, all surfaces (hard and soft) of the room are vacuumed to remove dirt, dust, allergens and other types of organisms. Surfaces include carpeting, rugs, tile, wood, upholstered furnishings, drapes, •desks, mattresses, pillows, chairs, etc.

10018] Step 3 : Clean & Treat the HVAC System.

10019] With the HVAC system turned off, the coils are vacuumed using HEPA vacuum cleaner to remove loose dirt, and other contaminates built up on the coils. After vacuuming coils, a coil solution is applied by hand, not sprayed. The coil solution cleans the coils and disinfects in one step. No rinsing or separate disinfectant application is required after applying coil solution.

[Θ020] Step 4: HVAC Filter Replacement.

[Θ02Ϊ ] The used HVAC filter is removed from the IWAC system and placed in an appropriate plastic bag for disposal. A new HVAC filter is installed.

[0022] Step 5 : Hand Cleaning & Treating of HVAC Vents.

[Θ023] All HVAC vents are removed and are vacuumed to remove surface dust and dirt and then cleaned by hand. After hand cleaning all vents are treated by hand with disinfectant, then reinstalled.

[0024] Step 6: Condensation Pan Treatment.

[0025] Before closing up the HVAC system, a water activated enzyme tablet is placed in the HVAC condensation drip pan. The enzyme tablet prevents the growth of mold and bacteria In the condensation water that accumulates in the pan during HVAC operation. No Tea Tree oil is used.

[Θ026] Step 7: Hard Surface Disinfection.

[Θ027] Using either a hand operated air sprayer or micro cloth, all hard surface areas are treated with disinfectant to eliminate germs, bacteria and other contaminates 15 that may be present. These would include desks, chairs, dressers, most other types of wooden furnishings, light switches, TV remote control, Telephone, thermostat, counter top, etc. No cleansing agent is applied, only disinfectant.

[0028] Step 8: Soft Surface Disinfection.

[0029] Using a micro sprayer, such as the Healthy Home MicroSprayer sold by Aerus, LLC, a ULV fogger or similar device, all soft surface areas are treated with a dust mite and flea control product, such as Home Solutions dust mite and flea control sold by Aerus, LLC, and an allergen and odor neutralizing product, such as Home Solutions Allergen Relief with Odor Neutralize!' sold by Aerus LLC. Soft surfaces would include drapes, upholstered furnishings, mattresses, pillows, etc. No cleansing agent is applied in this step.

[0030] Step 9: Carpet Treatment.

[0031] Using a multi-functional cleaning device, such as the Lux Floor Pro sold by Aerus LLC or a similar device for applying shampoo to carpet all carpeted surfaces in room are treated with a crystal drying shampoo, such as the Turbo Shampoo sold by Aems LLC. The carpet is treated with a dust and mite control , allergen and odor control and a disinfectant to eliminate germs or bacteria, etc, in the carpet. This process is only done to the carpets and excludes all upholstery. This type of shampoo allows for deep cleaning without getting the carpeting too wet. Dry time for such shampoos is typically less than 1 hour, at which point it dries to a. crystal,

10032] Step 10: Hydroxyl Treatment.

[0033] The room is treated with a hydroxyl process to ensure germ, bacteria, mold and other contaminates are eliminated from cracks and crevices or other hard to reach places. The hydroxyl process uses a photo catalytic system powered by UV light of different wavelengths to turn oxygen and humidity in the air into oxidizers that may be dispersed into the air, such as hydroxyls, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, and super oxides. Residual odors are eliminated as part of the hydroxy! process without producing substantial levels of ozone.

[0034] Step II: Post Clean Vacuum.

[0035] All carpeted areas of room arc vacuumed with vacuum cleaner to remove the crystallized shampoo from the carpet. Allergens, dirt, dust mites, etc., which are trapped in the dried crystals of shampoo are removed by this process.

[0036] Step 12: Bedding.

[0037] Mattresses and pillows are covered with protectors to prevent dust mite and a!lergens from getting onto the mattresses and pillows.

[0038] Step 13 : Protectant Treatment.

[0039] A protectant, such as the AllerGuard protectant sold by Aerus LLC, is applied to all surfaces using a ULV fogger or cloth to put a !ong lasting barrier that prevents the growth of bacteria, germs, mold and other types of contaminates. A ULV fogger is used to apply the protectant to soft surfaces such as drapes and upholstered furnishings. A cloth is used to apply the protectant to hard surfaces such as desks, chairs, telephone, remote control, light switches, door knobs, thermostat, etc. No cleansing agent is applied in this step, only the protectant.

[0040] Step 14: Permanent Air Purifier Placement.

[0041] During the above steps it is expected that air purification system has been moved about the room to allow for the steps to occur as every surface must be accessed at some point. Air purification system is now turned off to allow for proper permanent placement. Air purification system is positioned within the room to provide ongoing efficacy and occupant comfort. Once in a permanent location, air purification system is turned back on.

[0042] Step 15: Vacuum.

[0043] To aid in keeping flooring (soft or hard) free from contaminates, a vacuum cleaner, such as the Aerus Commercial Upright HEP A filter vacuum cleaner, is located within the room for use by occupant. This ensures each treated room is vacuumed each day with a. product designed to remove contaminates brought in from the outside and between treatments,

[0044] Record Keeping,

[0045] A Room Checklist & Release may be filled out as the process is being performed or shortly thereafter. A copy of the completed and signed Room Checklist & Release shall be maintained in electronic and/or hard copy. The Checklist & Release details the steps required for a given room and confirms that each step has been accomplished. [Θ046] A copy of the completed Room Service Performance Checklist shall be maintained in electronic and/or hard copy.

[Θ047] It should be apparent from the foregoing that an invention having significant advantages has been provided. While the invention is shown in only a few of its forms, it is not just limited but is susceptible to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the order of steps may be varied with the exception that there must be a delay of 1 to 2 hours after the caipet is shampooed and the room is vacuumed.