U.S. patent application number 10/653347 was filed with the patent office on 2004-03-04 for foamed cleaning liquid dispensing system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tennant Company. Invention is credited to Blanchard, Eric A., Christensen, Bryan L., Field, Bruce F..
Application Number | 20040040102 10/653347 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34273420 |
Filed Date | 2004-03-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040040102 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Field, Bruce F. ; et
al. |
March 4, 2004 |
Foamed cleaning liquid dispensing system
Abstract
A foamed cleaning liquid dispensing system includes a cleaner
cartridge, a flow control device, and an aerator. The cleaner
cartridge includes a collapsible bag containing a supply of
cleaning agent. The flow control device is configured to receive a
flow of the cleaning agent from the cartridge and a flow of a
primary cleaning liquid component. The flow control device combines
the flows of cleaning agent and primary cleaning liquid component
and produces an output flow of cleaning liquid at an output. The
aerator includes a nozzle having an inlet fluidically coupled to
the output of the flow control device, an outlet, a body having a
bore extending between the inlet and the outlet, and a radial port.
The nozzle is configured to receive the output flow of cleaning
liquid at the inlet, inject air into the output flow of cleaning
liquid through the radial port, and produce an output flow of
foamed cleaning liquid through the outlet.
Inventors: |
Field, Bruce F.; (Golden
Valley, MN) ; Christensen, Bryan L.; (Dayton, MN)
; Blanchard, Eric A.; (Orono, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Brian D. Kaul
Westman, Champlin & Kelly
Suite 1600
900 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis
MN
55402-3319
US
|
Assignee: |
Tennant Company
Minneapolis
MN
|
Family ID: |
34273420 |
Appl. No.: |
10/653347 |
Filed: |
September 2, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10653347 |
Sep 2, 2003 |
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10143582 |
May 9, 2002 |
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10143582 |
May 9, 2002 |
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10026411 |
Dec 21, 2001 |
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6585827 |
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10653347 |
Sep 2, 2003 |
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10152537 |
May 21, 2002 |
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6671925 |
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10653347 |
Sep 2, 2003 |
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10152549 |
May 21, 2002 |
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10653347 |
Sep 2, 2003 |
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10328516 |
Dec 23, 2002 |
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10653347 |
Sep 2, 2003 |
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10213849 |
Aug 7, 2002 |
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6662600 |
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60308773 |
Jul 30, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/50.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01J 13/0095 20130101;
B01F 23/291 20220101; A47L 11/4088 20130101; A47L 11/4044 20130101;
A47L 11/03 20130101; A47L 11/30 20130101; A47L 11/4083
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/050.1 |
International
Class: |
A47L 011/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A foamed cleaning liquid dispensing system for use in a mobile
hard floor surface cleaner comprising: a cleaner cartridge
including a collapsible bag containing a supply of cleaning agent;
a flow control device configured to receive a flow of cleaning
agent from the cartridge and a flow of a primary cleaning liquid
component, combine the flows of the cleaning agent and the primary
cleaning liquid component, and produce an output flow of cleaning
liquid at an output; and an aerator including a nozzle having an
inlet fluidically coupled to the output of the flow control device,
an outlet, a nozzle body having a bore extending between the inlet
and the outlet, and at least one radial port extending through a
side of the nozzle body to the bore, the nozzle configured to
receive the output flow of cleaning liquid at the inlet, inject air
into the output flow of cleaning liquid through the radial port,
and produce an output flow of foamed cleaning liquid through the
outlet.
2. The system of claim 1 including a foamed cleaning liquid
distributor configured to receive the output flow of foamed
cleaning liquid and discharge the output flow of foamed cleaning
liquid for wetting of a surface.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the distributor is configured to
direct the output flow of foamed cleaning liquid directly to a hard
floor surface.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the distributor is configured to
direct the output flow of foamed cleaning liquid onto or through a
scrubbing member of a motorized scrubber.
5. The system of claim 2, wherein the distributor includes
distributing conduit having a first end coupled to the nozzle
output, whereby the output flow of foamed cleaning liquid
discharged through the nozzle output is received by the
distributing conduit.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the distributing conduit includes
a section having a plurality of apertures.
7. The system of claim 2, wherein the distributor includes a wand
member through which the output flow of foamed cleaning liquid is
discharged.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the wand member includes the
nozzle and a section of tubing connecting the nozzle input to the
output of the flow control device.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the output flow of foamed
cleaning liquid is approximately 0.5 gallons per minute or
less.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the output flow of cleaning
agent is less than 10.0 cubic centimeters per minute.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the flow control device includes
a valve configured to terminate the output flow of cleaning agent
when a flow rate of the output flow of the primary cleaning liquid
component drops below a threshold value.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the flow control device includes
an injector component through which the output flow cleaning agent
is discharged into the output flow of the primary cleaning liquid
component.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the output flow of cleaning
agent through the injector component of the flow control device is
adjustable.
14. The system of claim 1 including a valve downstream of the
output of the flow control device relative to the output flow of
cleaning liquid, the valve configured to selectively terminate the
output flow of cleaning liquid.
15. The system of claim 5, wherein the distributing conduit
includes a substantially horizontal section having a closed end and
plurality of apertures in a top side, wherein the output flow of
foamed cleaning liquid is routed through the apertures in the top
side.
16. The system of claim 5, wherein the distributing conduit
includes a substantially horizontal section having first and second
closed ends and plurality of apertures in a top side, wherein the
output flow of foamed cleaning liquid is routed through the
apertures in the top side.
17. The system of claim 5, wherein the distributing conduit
includes a second end coupled to a plurality of conduit
sections.
18. The system of claim 2, wherein the foamed cleaning liquid
distributor includes first and second distributing components and a
valve selectively controlling the output flow of foamed cleaning
liquid to the first and second distributing components.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the first distributing
component is configured to direct the output flow of foamed
cleaning liquid to a hard floor surface on which the mobile body
travels and the second distributing component is configured for
remote distribution of the output flow of foamed cleaning
liquid.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the second distributing
component is a wand member configured to receive the output flow of
foamed cleaning liquid from the valve through a length of
tubing.
21. The system of claim 1 including a supply of a second cleaning
agent.
22 The system of claim 21 including a second flow control device
configured to receive a flow of the second cleaning agent and the
flow of primary cleaning liquid component, combine the flows of the
second cleaning agent and the primary cleaning liquid component,
and produce a second output flow of cleaning liquid at an
output.
23 The system of claim 21, including a valve configured to
selectively direct a flow of the first cleaning agent or a flow of
the second cleaning agent through the flow control device.
24. The system of claim 1, wherein the cleaning agent includes a
surfactant.
25. The system of claim 1, wherein the cleaning agent is in
concentrated form.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the cleaning agent includes at
least 30% solids.
27. The system of claim 21, wherein the supply of a second cleaning
agent is contained in a collapsible bag of a second cleaner
cartridge.
28. The system of claim 1, wherein the bore of the nozzle includes
a constricted throat portion having a convergent upstream end and a
divergent downstream end, and the radial port is positioned at the
constricted throat portion.
29. A hard floor surface cleaner comprising: a mobile body; a
supply of primary cleaning liquid component contained in the mobile
body and having an output flow of primary cleaning liquid
component; a cleaner cartridge including a collapsible bag
containing a supply of cleaning agent; a flow control device
configured to receive a flow of cleaning agent from the cartridge
and the output flow of primary cleaning liquid component, combine
the flows of the cleaning agent and the primary cleaning liquid
component, and produce an output flow of cleaning liquid at an
output; and an aerator including a nozzle having an inlet
fluidically coupled to the output of the flow control device, an
outlet, a nozzle body having a bore extending between the inlet and
the outlet, and at least one radial port extending through a side
of the nozzle body to the bore, the nozzle configured to receive
the output flow of cleaning liquid at the inlet, inject air into
the output flow of cleaning liquid through the radial port, and
produce an output flow of foamed cleaning liquid through the
outlet; and a foamed cleaning liquid distributor configured to
receive the output flow of foamed cleaning liquid from the outlet
of the nozzle and discharge the output flow of foamed cleaning
liquid for wetting of a surface.
30. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 29 including a pump
configured to drive the output flow of primary cleaning liquid
component.
31. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 29, wherein the foamed
cleaning liquid distributor includes distributing conduit having a
first end coupled to the nozzle output, whereby the output flow of
foamed cleaning liquid discharged through the nozzle output is
received by the distributing conduit.
32. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 31, wherein the
distributing conduit includes a section having a plurality of
apertures.
33. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 29, wherein the foamed
cleaning liquid distributor includes the nozzle, wherein the nozzle
is configured to direct the output flow of foamed cleaning liquid
to a hard floor surface on which the mobile body travels.
34. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 29, wherein the foamed
cleaning liquid distributor includes a wand member through which
the output flow of foamed cleaning liquid is discharged.
35. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 34, wherein the wand
member includes the nozzle and a section of tubing connecting the
nozzle input to the output of the flow control device.
36. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 29 including a
motorized scrubber configured for rotating engagement with a hard
floor surface over which the mobile body travels, wherein the
foamed cleaning liquid distributor is configured to direct the
output flow of foamed cleaning liquid onto or through a scrubbing
member of the motorized scrubber.
37. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 29 including a
motorized scrubber configured for rotating engagement with a hard
floor surface over which the mobile body travels, wherein the
foamed cleaning liquid distributor is configured to direct the
output flow of foamed cleaning liquid within a central region of
the motorized scrubber.
38. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 29 including a
motorized scrubber configured for rotating engagement with a hard
floor surface over which the mobile body travels.
39. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 38, wherein the
scrubber includes a plurality of discs mounted to a rotatable
shaft, the discs concentrically aligned with an axis of rotation of
the shaft and positioned to engage the hard floor surface.
40. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 39, wherein the discs
are formed of a material comprising approximately 70% polyester and
30% polyamide.
41. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 39 including a debris
collector behind the motorized scrubber and configured to collect
debris that is swept from the hard floor surface by the rotating
engagement of the motorized scrubber with the hard floor
surface.
42. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 39, wherein the foamed
cleaning liquid distributor is configured to direct the output flow
of foamed cleaning liquid onto or through a scrubbing member of the
motorized scrubber.
43. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 39, wherein the foamed
cleaning liquid distributor is configured to direct the output flow
of foamed cleaning liquid to a leading side of the motorized
scrubber.
44. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 29 including a
non-motorized wetting component having a plurality of liquid
dispersing members each having a first end connected adjacent to a
bottom side of the mobile body and a second end positioned to
engage a hard floor surface over which the mobile body travels.
45. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 44, wherein the foamed
cleaning liquid distributor discharges the output flow of foam
cleaning liquid to a leading side of the wetting component.
46. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 29, wherein the hard
floor surface cleaner does not include a motorized scrubbing member
that is configured for rotating engagement with the hard floor
surface.
47. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 46 including a fluid
recovery system configured to remove cleaning liquid from the hard
floor surface.
48. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 47, wherein the fluid
recovery system includes a squeegee and a vacuum.
49. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 29, wherein the output
flow of foamed cleaning liquid is approximately 0.5 gallons per
minute or less.
50. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 29, wherein the output
flow of cleaning agent is less than 10.0 cubic centimeters per
minute.
51. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 29 including a fluid
recovery system configured to remove foamed cleaning liquid from a
hard floor surface.
52. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 29, wherein the flow
control device includes an injector component through which the
flow of cleaning agent is discharged into the output flow of the
primary cleaning liquid component.
53. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 52, wherein a flow rate
of the flow of cleaning agent discharged through the injector
component is adjustable.
54. The hard floor surface cleaner of claim 29 including a valve
between the output of the flow control device and the nozzle input,
the valve configured to terminate the output flow of cleaning
liquid.
55. The system of claim 29 including a supply of a second cleaning
agent.
56. The system of claim 55 including a second flow control device
configured to receive a flow of the second cleaning agent and the
flow of primary cleaning liquid component, combine the flows of the
second cleaning agent and the primary cleaning liquid component,
and produce a second output flow of cleaning liquid at an
output.
57. The system of claim 55, including a valve configured to
selectively direct a flow of the first cleaning agent or a flow of
the second cleaning agent through the flow control device.
58. The system of claim 55, wherein the supply of a second cleaning
agent is contained in a collapsible bag of a second cleaner
cartridge.
59. A foamed cleaning liquid dispenser kit for installation in a
hard floor surface cleaner that includes a primary cleaning liquid
component dispenser configured to provide an output flow of a
primary cleaning liquid component, the kit comprising: a supply of
cleaning agent; a flow control device couplable to the output flow
of primary cleaning liquid component and configured to receive a
flow of cleaning agent from the supply, combine the flows of the
cleaning agent and primary cleaning liquid component, and produce
an output flow of cleaning liquid at an output; an aerator
including a nozzle having an inlet fluidically coupled to the
output of the flow control device, an outlet, a nozzle body having
a bore extending between the inlet and the outlet, and at least one
radial port extending through a side of the nozzle body to the
bore; and packaging containing the conduit, the flow control device
and the aerator.
60. The kit of claim 59 including a cleaner cartridge having a
collapsible bag containing the supply of cleaning agent, wherein
the packaging contains the cleaner cartridge.
61. The kit of claim 59 including conduit contained in the
packaging.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to mobile hard floor
surface cleaners and, more particularly, to a foamed cleaning
liquid dispensing system for use in a hard floor surface
cleaner.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Hard floor surface cleaners are widely used to clean the
floors of industrial and commercial buildings. They range in size
from a small model that is controlled by an operator walking behind
the machine, which may clean a path ranging from 15 inches to 36
inches wide, to a large model that is controlled by an operator
riding on the machine, which may clean a path as wide as 5 feet.
These hard floor surface cleaners include motorized drive wheels, a
solution tank to hold a cleaning solution and a recovery tank to
hold soiled cleaning solution recovered from the floor being
scrubbed.
[0003] The cleaning solution from the solution tank is applied to
the hard floor surface adjacent a motorized scrub head. The
cleaning solution is typically a mixture of a cleaning agent and
water. The scrub head generally contains one or more scrubber
brushes attached either in front of, under, or behind the vehicle.
The scrubber brushes are rotated to provide the desired scrubbing
engagement with the hard floor surface. The soiled cleaning
solution is then recovered using a solution recovery system, which
returns the soiled cleaning solution to the recovery tank.
[0004] Conventional hard floor surface cleaners apply the cleaning
liquid to the floor at a high volume flow rate to provide complete
wetting of the floor being cleaned. This wetting of the hard floor
surface allows the scrub head to transfer dirt from the floor into
the cleaning liquid, which is then removed from the hard floor
surface and deposited in the recovery tank as soiled cleaning
liquid.
[0005] Unfortunately, the high volume flow rate of the cleaning
solution of prior art hard floor surface cleaners also results in
extended operational downtime due to the numerous disposals of
soiled cleaning solution and refills of cleaning solution that must
be performed for a given job. Such refills typically involve
manually filling the solution tank with water and mixing in a
cleaning agent or chemical to form the cleaning liquid. In addition
to being time-consuming, such manual mixing of the cleaning liquid
invites errors in the formulation. Typically, operators add too
much cleaning agent to the water, which results in an undesirable
residue of the cleaning agent on the floor. The residue can be
unsightly and slippery.
[0006] There is a continued demand for improvements to hard floor
surface cleaners including increasing the cleaning efficiency,
improving control of the cleaning liquid formulation, reducing
residue on the hard floor surface following a cleaning operation,
and other improvements.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention is directed to a foamed cleaning
liquid dispensing system for use in a mobile hard floor surface
cleaner. Embodiments of the present invention operate to increase
cleaning efficiency and improve the control of the cleaning liquid
formulation by automating the formulation of the cleaning liquid.
Additionally, the cleaning liquid dispensing system of the present
invention converts the cleaning liquid into a foamed cleaning
liquid to improve the cleaning efficiency of the cleaning liquid,
which allows for a reduction to the amount of cleaning agent that
is used in the cleaning liquid formulation. This reduction to the
amount of cleaning agent in the cleaning formulation reduces the
amount of residue that remains on the hard floor surface following
a cleaning operation resulting in better looking and safer
floors.
[0008] The foamed cleaning liquid dispensing system generally
includes a cleaner cartridge, a flow control device, and an
aerator. The cleaner cartridge includes a collapsible bag
containing a supply of cleaning agent. The flow control device is
configured to receive a flow of the cleaning agent from the
cartridge and a flow of a primary cleaning liquid component. The
flow control device combines the flows of cleaning agent and
primary cleaning liquid component and produces an output flow of
cleaning liquid at an output. The aerator includes a nozzle having
an inlet fluidically coupled to the output of the flow control
device, an outlet, a body having a bore extending between the inlet
and the outlet, and a radial port. The nozzle is configured to
receive the output flow of cleaning liquid at the inlet, inject air
into the output flow of cleaning liquid through the radial port,
and produce an output flow of foamed cleaning liquid through the
outlet.
[0009] Additional embodiments of the present invention are directed
to a hard floor surface cleaner that includes embodiments of the
above-described foamed cleaning liquid dispensing system, and a
foamed cleaning liquid dispensing kit in which embodiments of the
above-described foamed cleaning liquid dispensing system are
packaged for installation into a hard floor surface cleaner.
[0010] Other features and benefits that characterize embodiments of
the present invention will be apparent upon reading the following
detailed description and review of the associated drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is simplified side elevation view of a hard floor
surface cleaner in accordance with embodiments of the
invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid recovery system
and recovery tank of a hard floor surface cleaner in accordance
with embodiments of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a foamed cleaning liquid
dispensing system in accordance with embodiments of the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a simplified front elevation view of a hard floor
surface cleaner having an open front portion exposing a foamed
cleaning liquid dispensing system in accordance with embodiments of
the invention.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view and partial cross-section
of a cleaner cartridge in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of a cleaner cartridge
illustrating various embodiments of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a housing of a cleaner
cartridge in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cleaner cartridge
installed on a cartridge receiver in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an aerating nozzle in
accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0020] FIGS. 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams of a foamed cleaning
liquid distributor and aerator in accordance with embodiments of
the invention.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a
scrub head and foamed cleaning liquid distributor in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a foamed cleaning liquid
distributor and aerator in accordance with embodiments of the
invention.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of distributing conduit
shown in FIG. 13 taken generally along line 14-14.
[0024] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a foamed cleaning liquid
distributor and aerator in accordance with embodiments of the
invention.
[0025] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a foamed cleaning liquid
distributor in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
[0026] FIGS. 17 and 18 are simplified front and side views of a
leading portion of a hard floor surface cleaner in accordance with
embodiments of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of a scrubber-less hard
floor surface cleaner in accordance with embodiments of the
invention.
[0028] FIGS. 20 and 21 are simplified front and side views of a
leading portion of a hard floor surface cleaner in accordance with
embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The present invention is directed to a foamed cleaning
liquid dispensing system, generally designated as 100, for use with
a hard floor surface cleaner, such as hard floor surface cleaner
110 shown in FIG. 1. Hard floor surface cleaner 110 is illustrated
as a walk-behind cleaner used to clean hard floor surfaces 111,
such as concrete, tile, vinyl, terrazzo, etc., over which cleaner
110 travels. Alternatively, cleaner 110 can be a ride-on or
towed-behind cleaner performing a scrubbing operation as described
herein. Cleaner 110 may include electrical motors powered through
an on-board power source, such as batteries, or through an
electrical cord. Alternatively, an internal combustion engine
system could be used either alone, or in combination with, the
electric motors.
[0030] Cleaner 110 generally includes a recovery tank 112, a lid
114, a cleaning liquid component tank 118, and a scrub head 120.
Lid 114 is attached along one side of the recovery tank 112 by
hinges (not shown) so that lid 114 can be pivoted up to provide
access to the interior of tank 112. Tank 118 contains a primary
cleaning liquid component (i.e. water) that is combined with a
cleaning agent by the dispensing system 100 of the present
invention to form a cleaning liquid that can be applied to hard
floor surface 111, as will be discussed in greater detail below.
Scrub head 120 includes a scrubbing member 122, shrouds 124, and a
scrubbing member drive 126. Scrubbing member 122 may be one or more
brushes, such as bristle brushes, pad scrubbers, or other hard
floor surface scrubbing elements. Drive 126 includes one or more
electric motors to rotate the scrubbing member 122. Drive 126 may
also oscillate scrubbing member 122. Scrub head 120 is attached to
cleaner 110 such that scrub head 120 can be moved between a lowered
cleaning position and a raised traveling position. Other
embodiments of cleaner 110 will be discussed below that utilize
alternative scrub heads 120 and that eliminate the scrub head 120
completely.
[0031] A machine frame or mobile body 127 supports recovery tank
112 on wheels 128 and castors 129. Details of the frame are shown
and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,105, the disclosure of which
is incorporated herein by reference. Wheels 128 are preferably
driven by a motor and transaxle assembly shown schematically at
130.
[0032] The rear of the frame 127 carries a linkage 131 to which a
fluid recovery device 132 is attached. In the embodiment of FIG. 1,
the fluid recovery device 132 includes a vacuum squeegee 134 and a
vacuum 135 communication with an inlet chamber of recovery tank 112
through a hose 136, which is illustrated in greater detail in FIG.
2. The bottom of the inlet chamber is provided with a drain 140
with a drain hose 142 connected to it. Soiled cleaning solution
that is collected by squeegee 134 is sucked into recovery tank 112
by vacuum 135. A residue of cleaning liquid typically remains on
the hard floor surface 111 until air dried. Alternative mechanical
devices, structures, or systems may be used to convey the soiled
solution from the floor surface into recovery tank 112.
[0033] Cleaner 110 can include a battery compartment 150 in which
batteries 152 reside. Batteries 152 provide power to drive motors
126, vacuum fan 154 of vacuum 135, and other electrical components
of cleaner 110. Vacuum fan 154 is mounted under lid 114. A control
unit 156 mounted on the rear of the body of cleaner 110 includes
steering control handles 158 and operating controls and gages for
cleaner 110. Additional aspects of automatic hard floor surface
cleaners are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,483,718, 5,515,568, and
5,566,422, each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0034] Foamed cleaning liquid dispensing system 100 of the present
invention dispenses a wet foamed cleaning liquid for use by the
hard floor surface cleaner 110 during surface cleaning operations.
In general, dispensing system 100 combines a cleaning agent with a
primary cleaning liquid component (i.e., water) to form a cleaning
liquid, which is then aerated to produce a foamed cleaning liquid
for use by cleaner 110 to clean a hard floor surface. As will be
discussed below, the foamed cleaning liquid is a very wet foam that
allows for the complete wetting of the hard floor surface.
Additionally, the foamed cleaning liquid utilizes very little
cleaning agent thereby reducing the amount of residue remaining on
the hard floor surface, reducing chemical waste, and extending the
life of the cleaning agent supply.
[0035] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of dispensing system 100 in
accordance with various embodiments of the invention. FIG. 4 is a
simplified front view of cleaner 110 that includes dispensing
system 100. Dispensing system 100 generally includes a supply of
cleaning agent 200, a flow control device 202, and an aerator 204.
Flow control device 202 includes a cleaning agent input 206 that is
configured to receive a flow of cleaning agent 208 from supply 200.
Flow control device 202 is also configured to receive a flow of
primary cleaning liquid component 210 at an input 212. Flow control
device 202 is further configured to combine the flows of cleaning
agent 208 and primary cleaning liquid component 210 and produce an
output flow of cleaning liquid 214 at an output 216. Aerator 204 is
configured to receive the output flow of cleaning liquid 214 and
aerate the cleaning liquid to produce an output flow of foamed
cleaning liquid 218. A foamed cleaning liquid distributor 220 can
receive the output flow of foamed cleaning liquid 218 and discharge
the output flow 218 for wetting of a surface 222, as illustrated in
FIG. 2.
[0036] The primary cleaning liquid component 224 is preferably
water and is contained in tank 118 or provided from another source.
The flow of primary cleaning liquid component 210 is preferably
driven through conduit 226 by a pump 228 at a flow rate that is
desired for the cleaning operation. In accordance with one
embodiment of the invention, the flow of primary cleaning liquid
component 210 is driven at a substantially constant flow rate of
approximately 0.5 gallons per minute. Pump 228 is generally
positioned in line with fluid conduit 226 and includes an outlet
230 that is maintained at a desired high pressure. In accordance
with one embodiment of the invention, the pressure at outlet 230 is
held substantially constant at approximately 60 pounds per square
inch (psi).
[0037] Cleaning agent supply 200 may include one or more
surfactants, builders, solvents, or other components. In accordance
with one embodiment of the invention, cleaning agent 200 includes
an anionic surfactant, a non-anionic surfactant, a cationic
surfactant, or a combination thereof. A particularly preferred
surfactant is DeTeric CP-Na-38 manufactured by DeForest
Enterprises, Inc. of Boca Raton, Fla. Cleaning agent is preferably
in a concentrated form (e.g., more than 30, solids). In accordance
with one embodiment of the invention, the supply of cleaning agent
200 is contained in a container such as a collapsible bag 232 of a
cleaner cartridge 234 (FIG. 2), which will be discussed in greater
detail below.
[0038] Flow control device 202 preferably combines the flow of
cleaning agent 208 with the flow of primary cleaning liquid
component 210 at a ratio of 1 part cleaning agent to 1000 parts
primary cleaning liquid component. Accordingly, the resultant
cleaning liquid 214 is formed of 0.1% cleaning agent, which is
substantially less than conventional hard floor surface cleaning
liquids. As a result, the present invention leaves very little
cleaning agent residue on the surface 222, produces very little
chemical waste, and increases the life of the cleaning agent supply
200.
[0039] Flow control device 202 injects the flow of cleaning agent
208 into the flow of primary cleaning liquid component using an
injector 236 at a rate that is generally less than 10.0 cubic
centimeters per minute and is preferably less than approximately
2.0 cubic centimeters per minute to provide the desired 0.1%
concentration level of cleaning agent in the cleaning liquid 214
when the flow of primary cleaning liquid 210 is approximately 0.5
gallons per minute. Injector 236 preferably operates to siphon the
cleaning agent flow 208 from the supply 200 using a venturi member
238. In operation, the flow of primary cleaning liquid through
venturi member 238 creates a vacuum, preferably approximately -12.0
psi, that draws the flow of cleaning agent 208 into the flow of
primary cleaning liquid component 210 at the desired rate. One such
suitable flow control device 202 is the 50580 siphon produced by
Spraying Systems Company of Wheaton, Ill.
[0040] The vacuum produced by flow control device 202 allows the
supply 200 contained in collapsible bag 232 of cleaner cartridge
234 to be completely drained regardless of its position. That is,
cleaner cartridge 234 can be positioned below flow control device
202 without affecting the draw of the cleaning agent 200 through
conduit 240. However, it is preferred that the length of conduit
240 be kept to a minimum to avoid unnecessary resistance to the
flow of cleaning agent 208 therethrough.
[0041] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the
injector 236 is adjustable using, for example, a needle seat valve
242 that is configured to provide accurate adjustment to the slow
output flow of cleaning agent 208. Needle seat valve 242 preferably
includes a sharp needle having for example, a two degree needle tip
for improved sensitivity.
[0042] Dispensing system 100 preferably includes a valve 244 as a
component of flow control device 202 (FIG. 2) or as a separate
component (FIG. 3) that is in line with supply 200. Valve 244 can
also be formed as part of the injector 236. In accordance with one
embodiment of the invention, valve 244 is a check valve that
operates to prevent the backflow of cleaning agent and/or primary
cleaning liquid component through flow control device 202 when the
flow rate of the flow of primary cleaning liquid component 210
drops below a threshold value. For example, valve 244 can be a 1.0
psi check valve that terminates the flow of cleaning agent 208 when
the pressure at the upstream side 246 is below 1.0 psi, as would
occur when pump 228 is deactivated.
[0043] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, system
100 includes one or more additional supplies of cleaning agent that
can be selectively mixed with the flow of primary cleaning liquid
component 210 in addition to first supply of cleaning agent 200 or
in the alternative. Thus, system 100 can include a second supply of
cleaning agent 250, such as a surfactant as described above for
first cleaning agent supply 200. Alternatively, second cleaning
agent supply 250 can be a brightener, a disinfectant, or other
surface treatment chemical. Supply of second cleaning agent 250 is
preferably contained in a container, such as collapsible bag 232,
of a cleaner cartridge 234 as discussed above with respect to first
cleaning agent supply 200.
[0044] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a second
flow control device 252 is provided to control the injection of a
flow 254 of the second cleaning agent from supply 250. Flow control
device 252 includes valve 256 and an injector 258, which generally
operate in the manner described above for the corresponding
components of flow control device 202. Valves, such as valves 244
and 256, can be selectively opened and closed to control whether
one or both of the first and second cleaning agent supplies 200 and
250 is added to the flow of the primary cleaning liquid component
210 to form the desired cleaning liquid 214. Alternatively, second
cleaning agent supply 250 can be fed to valve 244 of flow control
device 202, which can be a multi-way valve capable of selecting
either flow 208 of first cleaning agent 200 or flow 254 of second
cleaning agent 250 to be passed to injector 236.
[0045] As mentioned above, the cleaning agents, such as first and
second cleaning agents 200 and 250, are preferably contained in a
cleaner cartridge 234, as will be discussed in greater detail with
reference to FIGS. 5-8. Cleaner cartridge 234 generally includes a
container 260 having an interior cavity 262 and conduit 264, as
shown in FIG. 5. Conduit 264 includes a first end 266 that is
fluidically coupled to interior cavity 262 and a second end 268
that is connectable to flow control device 202 through, for
example, conduit 240 (FIG. 4). A volume of 2.8 liters, for example,
of the supply of cleaning agent 200 can preferably be contained
within interior cavity 262 for dispensing to flow control device
202 through conduit 264 and 240.
[0046] Container 260 is preferably a collapsible bag 232 that is
completely sealed except where connected to conduit 264. Thus,
container 260 shrinks as the cleaning agent 200 stored therein is
depleted. In accordance with this embodiment, container 260 can be
formed of vinyl or other suitable material. Alternatively,
container 260 can take the form of a rigid container, such as a
box, that includes a vent for replacing dispensed cleaning agent
200 with air. Container 260 can be transparent or translucent to
allow the cleaning agent 200 to be viewed. Additionally, container
260 can be formed of a material that prevents the exposure of the
cleaning agent contained therein from light.
[0047] First end 266 of conduit 264 is preferably attached to
container 260 such that it is flush with the inside of outlet 270.
A seal 272 is formed between first end 266 and container 260 at
outlet 270 to prevent cleaning agent 200 from escaping at that
junction. In accordance with one embodiment, seal 272 includes an
annular neck 274 surrounding first end 266 and adjoining container
260. A weld can be formed between annular neck 274, first end 266
and container 152 to further seal the junction. Other methods for
sealing the junction of first end 266 and container 260 can also be
used.
[0048] Conduit 264 can also include a flow control member 276,
shown in FIG. 6, mounted to second end 268 of conduit 264 to
terminate the flow of cleaning agent 200 therethrough when conduit
264 is disconnected from flow control device 202. Flow control
member 276 preferably includes a connector (quick-disconnect
coupling) 278 that includes a shut-off valve that is actuated when
disconnected from flow control device 202 to seal container 260 and
prevent the out flow of cleaning agent 200 therethrough. Other
types of flow control members 276 can also be installed at second
end 268 of conduit 264 to seal interior cavity 262 of container 260
such as a valve, a metering device, a clamp, a membrane, or a
cap.
[0049] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, cleaner
cartridge 234 includes a housing 280, shown in FIG. 7, that can
enclose container 260, conduit 264, connector 278 and flow control
member 276. Housing 280 provides protection and support to
container 260, which is particularly useful when container 260 is
in the form of a collapsible bag 232. Housing 280 is preferably
made from a single piece of rigid or semi-rigid material, such as
plastic, cardboard and/or metal that is folded to form a box, which
is preferably glued shut at, for example, tab 282. In accordance
with a preferred embodiment, housing 280 is formed of corrugated
plastic or cardboard.
[0050] Housing 280 also includes openings 284 and 286 on at least
one side wall 288 that are preferably defined by removable portions
290 and 292, respectively. Portions 290 and 292 have perforated
edges 294 and 296, which facilitate their easy removal to expose
openings 284 and 286. Housing 280 can also include apertures 298
and 300 to provide finger access to further simplify the removal of
portions 290 and 292. Opening 284 generally provides visual access
to container 260 and allows a user to asses the volume of cleaning
agent 200 contained therein. Opening 286 also provides access to
conduit 264, connector 278 and flow control member 276 for
connection to flow control device 202. In accordance with one
embodiment of the invention, opening 290 and removable portion 292
can also be formed on bottom 302 through which conduit 264 can
extend for efficient dispensing of the cleaning agent 200 in
container 260, as shown in FIG. 7. Other openings can also be
provided in housing 280 as desired.
[0051] Cleaner cartridge 234 is preferably removably receivable in
a cartridge receiver 304 of cleaner 110, shown in FIG. 8. Cartridge
receiver 304 can be a bracket having a back plate 306, opposing
side walls 308 and 310, a front wall 312, and a bottom 314. Back
plate 306 is mountable to a wall of cleaner 110 to position cleaner
cartridge 234 proximate flow control device 202. Bottom 314 and
side wall 308 include an opening through which conduit 264 can
extend for connection to flow control device 202. Cartridge 234 can
be secured to cartridge receiver 304 using a strap or other
suitable means. Due to the limited jostling that occurs during
cleaning operations, such securing devices are typically
unnecessary. Multiple cleaner cartridges 234 can be provided
proximate their corresponding flow control device 202 to
accommodate the multiple chemical dispenser embodiment of the
invention illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0052] In operation, cleaner cartridge 234 is provided and a supply
of cleaning agent 200 is stored in interior cavity 262 of container
260. Next, second end 268 of conduit 264 is coupled to flow control
device 202 and cartridge 234 is installed in cartridge receiver
304. Flow control device 202 can then receive the supply of
cleaning agent 200 through conduit 264 and provide a controlled
output flow 208 of cleaning agent, as discussed above. When
container 260 is a collapsible bag 232, container 260 collapses in
response to the output flow of cleaning agent 208.
[0053] Aerator 204 preferably includes at least one aerating nozzle
320, as shown in FIG. 4 and the simplified cross-sectional view of
FIG. 9. Nozzle 320 includes a nozzle body 322 having an inlet 324
fluidically coupled to the output 216 of the flow control device
202 for receiving the output flow of cleaning liquid 214. A
suitable fitting 326 (FIG. 4) can connect to nozzle 320 at threaded
section 328 (FIG. 9) to couple inlet 324 to conduit 330 through
which cleaning liquid flow 214 travels from output 216 of flow
control device 202. The output flow of cleaning liquid 214 travels
through a bore 332 toward an outlet 334 of nozzle 320. The bore 332
includes a constricted throat portion 336 having a convergent
upstream end 338 and a divergent downstream end 340. Nozzle 320
also includes one or more radial ports 342 extending through a side
344 of the body 322 to throat 336. Air, represented by arrows 346,
is sucked through radial ports 342 in response to a vacuum
generated within throat 336 by the output flow of cleaning liquid
214 for mixing therewith. The aeration of the cleaning liquid 214
by air induction through radial ports 242 produces the aerated or
foamed cleaning liquid 218 that is discharged through outlet 334 of
nozzle 320. One example of a suitable nozzle 320 is the "FoamJet"
nozzle (also designated as FJP-20015-CE) produced by Spraying
Systems Company of Wheaton, Ill.
[0054] A check valve, such as check valve 350 shown in FIG. 4, is
preferably upstream of outlet 334 of nozzle 320 to terminate the
flow of cleaning liquid 214 through nozzle 320 when pump 228 is
deactivated. Preferably, the check valve 350 is integrated into
nozzle 320.
[0055] The foamed cleaning liquid 218 from aerator 204 is a very
wet foam relative to that used by carpet cleaners. Such a wet foam
is necessary to provide the desired wetting of the hard floor
surface. A foam's "wetness" or "dryness" may be defined in relation
to this volumetric expansion ratio. A "dry" foam has a higher
expansion ratio as compared to a "wet" foam. High-expansion foams
are "dry" due to the high ratio of air to water and are useful in
carpet cleaning to facilitate quick drying of the cleaned carpet. A
"wet" foam is not used in carpet cleaning devices since they can
cause excessive wetting of the carpet, which leads to long drying
times and may result in mold development. In a particular
embodiment of the invention, the ratio of volumes between the
cleaning liquid (non-aerated) 214 and the foamed cleaning liquid
218 is approximately 1:8. For example, 0.15 gallons of cleaning
liquid is aerated to occupy 1.25 gallons. Other volume ratios would
yield acceptable wetting results as well.
[0056] Foamed cleaning liquid dispensing system 100 can also
include a foamed cleaning liquid distributor 220, shown
schematically in FIG. 3. Foamed cleaning liquid distributor 220 is
generally configured to direct the output flow of foamed cleaning
liquid 218 for wetting of a surface 222, such as surface 111 on
which cleaner 110 travels; wetting the scrubbing member 122 of
scrub head 120; or other surfaces as will be discussed below. In
accordance with one embodiment of the invention, foamed cleaning
liquid distributor 220 includes nozzle 320, which directs the
output flow of foamed cleaning liquid 218 directly to the desired
surface 222, such as surface 111, as illustrated in the schematic
diagram of FIG. 10. One or more nozzles 320 can be fluidically
coupled to the output flow of cleaning liquid 214 by conduit 330 to
cover a wide section of surface 211 that extends across a width of
cleaner 110. Outlet 334 of each nozzle 320 is preferably slotted to
provide wide dispersion of the foamed cleaning liquid output flow
218. As mentioned above, check valves 350 can be placed upstream of
outlet 334 of nozzle 320 to prevent passage of cleaning liquid 214
through conduit 330 when pump 228 (FIGS. 3 and 4) is
deactivated.
[0057] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention,
foamed cleaning liquid distributor 220 receives the output flow of
foamed cleaning liquid 218 from outlet 334 of nozzle 320 and
discharges the output flow of foamed cleaning liquid 218 for
wetting of the desired surface 222, such as surface 111, as shown
in FIG. 11. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention,
foamed cleaning liquid distributor 220 includes distributing
conduit 352 having a first end 354 coupled to outlet 334 of nozzle
320 that receives the foamed cleaning liquid flow 218 and
discharges the flow 218 to the desired surface 222, as shown in
FIGS. 1, 4 and 11. Distributing conduit 352 can include one or more
sections or branches 356 that receive foamed cleaning liquid flow
218 from a second end 358 of conduit 352 and operate to spread out
the discharging of the foamed cleaning liquid flow 218 directly to
surface 222, such as surface 111 across the width of cleaner 110,
as shown in FIG. 11. Check valves 360 can be provided in each
branch 356 of distributing conduit 352, or in line with the branch
362 of distributing conduit 352 receiving the cleaning liquid flow
218 from outlet 334 of nozzle.
[0058] Branches 356 can also be configured to discharge the foamed
cleaning liquid flow 218 onto scrubbing member 122 of scrub head
120, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, which in turn wets surface 111. As
illustrated in FIG. 12, distributing conduit 352 can discharge
foamed cleaning liquid flow 218 into an annular trough 364 in the
hub 366 of the rotating scrubbing members 122. A series of holes
368 in the bottom of trough 364 pass the foamed cleaning liquid 218
down to the central region of the scrubbing member 122. During
operation, the foamed cleaning liquid 218 is centrifuged out under
the scrubbing member 122 in contact with the hard floor surface
111.
[0059] Another embodiment of distributing conduit 352 is
illustrated in the front plan view of FIG. 13 and the
cross-sectional view of FIG. 14 taken generally along line 14-14 of
FIG. 13. Distributing conduit 352 includes one or more
substantially horizontal sections or branches 356 that include a
plurality of apertures 370 in a top side 372 that is opposite a
floor-facing side 374. Sections 356 of distributing conduit 352 are
preferably formed of rigid plastic tubing that is mounted to
cleaner 110 in a desired location. Each section 356 includes an end
cap 376 closing an end 378. During operation, foamed cleaning
liquid flow 218 travels into closed sections 356. Once sections 356
fill with foamed cleaning liquid 218, the foamed cleaning liquid
218 is discharged through apertures 370. The discharged foamed
cleaning liquid 218 flows over the exterior surface 380 of sections
356 and drops to the surface immediately below, such as surface
111. Preferably, the apertures 370 positioned closest to ends 378
have a larger diameter than those farther from ends 378 to
compensate for pressure drops in sections 356. This design of
foamed cleaning liquid distributor 220 prevents undesirable
dripping of foamed cleaning liquid 218 to the surface following
deactivation of pump 228 of dispensing system 100 by containing the
foamed cleaning liquid 218 within sections 356 of distributing
conduit 352.
[0060] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention,
foamed cleaning liquid distributor 220 includes a wand member 390,
shown in FIG. 15, that allows a user to direct the foamed cleaning
liquid is discharged to a surface 392 that is remote from cleaner
110. Wand member 390 generally includes a rigid tubing section 394
supporting nozzle 320 of aerator 204 at a dispensing end 396.
Accordingly, wand member 390 can operate in the manner described
above with reference to FIG. 10. A length of flexible tubing 330
connects a receiving end 398 to output 216 of flow control device
202. During operation a user can extend the tubing 330 from cleaner
110 and apply the foamed cleaning liquid 218 to remote surface 392,
such as a wall or an object, for cleaning.
[0061] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a foamed cleaning liquid
distributor 220 that includes first and second distributing
components 400 and 402, respectively. The discharging of foamed
cleaning liquid 218 through either first or second distributing
component 400 or 402 is controlled by a valve 404. First and second
distributing components 400 and 402 can comprise any of the
embodiments of foamed cleaning liquid distributor 220 described
above. For example, first distributing component 400 can take the
form of wand member 390 and second distributing component 402 can
take the form of distributing conduit 352 shown in FIG. 11. As a
result, foamed cleaning liquid 218 can be easily applied to
different types of surfaces, such as surfaces 406 and 408.
[0062] As discussed above, hard floor surface cleaner 110 can be
configured to include a motorized scrub head 120 that includes a
scrubbing member 122 that is configured for rotating engagement
with hard floor surface 111, over which the mobile body 127 of
cleaner 110 travels. FIGS. 17 and 18 show simplified front and side
views of a front or leading portion of a cleaner 110 that includes
a scrub head 120 in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention. Scrub head 120 includes a scrubbing member 122 formed of
a plurality of discs 410 mounted to a shaft 412 that is rotated by
a motor (not shown). The discs 410 are preferably concentrically
aligned with the axis of rotation 414 of the shaft 412 and can be
positioned to engage surface 111. Discs 410 can be mounted to shaft
412 using glue or other suitable means. Discs 410 are preferably
formed of a liquid absorbing material, such as material composed of
approximately 70% polyester and 30% polyamide, or microfiber. Such
liquid absorbing material is known to hold many times its weight in
viscous liquid. Additionally, such material collects dirt, dust,
mildew and other materials without a need for a large volume of
foamed cleaning liquid 218, thereby eliminating a need for fluid
recovery device 132 (FIG. 1). Large particles of dirt and dust that
do not adhere to the discs 410 can be captured by a debris
collector 416 positioned immediately behind scrub head 120. Another
advantage to the vertically oriented discs 410 is that they can
clean grooves that may be encountered in tile, brick, cement, and
rock floors. As illustrated in FIG. 18, foamed cleaning liquid
distributor 220 can discharge the foamed cleaning liquid 218 to a
leading side 418 of scrub head 120 as indicated by arrow 420, on
discs 410 as indicated by arrow 422, or even through the scrubbing
member 122.
[0063] FIG. 19 is a simplified side elevation view of another
embodiment of hard floor surface cleaner 110 that does not include
a motorize scrub head 120. Such a scrubber-less cleaner 110 can be
used on delicate floor surfaces that would be susceptible to
abrasive damage from contact with rotating scrubbing members 122.
Cleaner 110 relies upon the cleaning power of the foamed cleaning
liquid 218 that is applied to hard floor surface 111 by system 100,
as illustrated by arrow 430, to clean the surface 111. The wetting
of the floor with the foamed cleaning liquid 218 traps dirt
particles with the bubbles of the foam, which are then carried into
the recovery tank 112 by the fluid recovery system 132. The
scrubber-less cleaner 110 uses far less power than those including
motorized scrub heads 120 thereby allowing for the removal of some
of the batteries 152 used to power cleaner 110. Scrubber-less
cleaner 110 can also be formed much lighter and smaller due to the
elimination of scrub head 120 and batteries 152, or the solution
and recovery tanks 118 and 112 can be formed larger to accommodate
longer operational runtimes for cleaner 110. Finally, the
elimination of some of the components of cleaner 110 allows
scrubber-less cleaner 110 to be manufactured quicker and cheaper
that those incorporating scrub heads 120.
[0064] In order to facilitate complete wetting of hard floor
surface 111, cleaner 110 can include a non-motorized wetting
component 440, shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, which are front and side
views of a leading portion of cleaner 110, respectively. Wetting
component 440 generally includes a plurality of liquid dispersing
members 442 each having a first end 444 that is connected adjacent
to a bottom side 446 of mobile body 127 of cleaner 110. A second
end 448 of each liquid dispersing member 442 is positioned to
engage hard floor surface 111. Liquid dispersing members 442 are
preferably formed of a soft material that conforms to surface 111.
Foamed cleaning liquid 218 is discharged by foamed cleaning liquid
distributor 220 of dispensing system 100 either on members 442 as
indicated by arrow 450, or to a leading side of members 442 as
indicated by arrow 452, as shown in FIG. 21. Liquid dispersing
members 442 evenly distribute the foamed cleaning liquid 218 on
surface 111 as cleaner 110 moves across surface 111. Cleaner 110
may include a scrub head 120 downstream of liquid dispersing
members 442 to scrub surface 111 with evenly distributed foamed
cleaning liquid 218 thereon, or cleaner 110 can be scrubber-less
and a portion of the foamed cleaning liquid 218 can be removed from
surface 111 by fluid recovery system 132.
[0065] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a foamed
cleaning liquid dispensing kit that is configured to be retrofitted
to a hard floor surface cleaner 110 that includes a primary
cleaning liquid component dispenser (i.e., tank 218 and pump 228)
that is configured to provide an output flow 210 of primary
cleaning liquid component (FIG. 3). The kit includes packaging
containing a supply of cleaning agent (such as supply 200), a flow
control device (such as 202), and an aerator (such as 204) that are
formed in accordance with the embodiments described above. The
packaging can be any suitable packaging such as a bag, a shrink-fit
package, a box, a canister, etc. In accordance with one embodiment
of the invention, supply of cleaning agent 200 is contained in a
cleaner cartridge 234. Conduit sections (such as 240 and 330) can
also be contained in the packaging. Additionally, embodiments of
foamed cleaning liquid distributor 220 can be included in the kit
and contained in the packaging.
[0066] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will
recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should be
understood that fittings, couplings and other conventional
components have not been illustrated to simplify the figures.
* * * * *