U.S. patent application number 10/711358 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-16 for a method and apparatus for self-propelled cleaning.
Invention is credited to Raquel Barela, Bradford Morse.
Application Number | 20060054187 10/711358 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36032571 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060054187 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morse; Bradford ; et
al. |
March 16, 2006 |
A Method and Apparatus for self-propelled cleaning
Abstract
A self-propelled cleaning machine is provided to remove dust,
hair, common allergens and debris from surfaces. The self-propelled
cleaning machine includes a sheet assembly that is attached to or
encompassing the drive unit. This combination is used to clean
surfaces in a self-guided fashion with no effort from the user.
Inventors: |
Morse; Bradford; (Syracuse,
NY) ; Barela; Raquel; (Austin, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RAQUEL BARELA
1619 THE HIGH ROAD
AUSTIN
TX
78746
US
|
Family ID: |
36032571 |
Appl. No.: |
10/711358 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
134/6 ;
15/98 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 11/4036 20130101;
A47L 2201/00 20130101; A47L 11/00 20130101; A47L 2201/04
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
134/006 ;
015/098 |
International
Class: |
A47L 11/00 20060101
A47L011/00 |
Claims
1. A self-propelled cleaner, comprising: a drive unit having an
outer surface and a motorized internal mechanism adapted to impart
motion to said drive unit; a sheet having a first side and a second
side; wherein first side of said sheet is operatively connected to
the outer surface of said drive unit.
2. The self-propelled cleaning machine as in claim 1, wherein said
sheet completely encompasses said drive unit.
3. The self-propelled cleaning machine as in claim 1, wherein said
sheet partially encompasses said drive unit.
4. The self-propelled cleaning machine as in claim 2, wherein the
shape of said outer surface of said drive unit is at least
substantially spherical.
5. The self-propelled cleaning machine as in claim 2, wherein the
shape of said outer surface of said drive unit is at least
substantially elliptical.
6. The self-propelled cleaning machine as in claim 2, wherein the
shape of said outer surface of said drive unit is at least
substantially cylindrical.
7. The self-propelled cleaning machine as in claim 3, wherein the
shape of said outer surface of said drive unit is at least
substantially spherical.
8. The self-propelled cleaning machine as in claim 3, wherein the
shape of said outer surface of said drive unit is at least
substantially elliptical.
9. The self-propelled cleaning machine as in claim 3, wherein the
shape of said outer surface of said drive unit is at least
substantially cylindrical.
10. The self-propelled cleaning machine as in claim 2, wherein said
sheet is connected to said drive unit.
11. The self-propelled cleaning machine claim 3, wherein said sheet
is connected to said drive unit.
12. The self-propelled cleaning machine as in claim 1, further
comprising a means to detect and display low battery power.
13. The self-propelled cleaning machine as in claim 1, further
comprising a means such as an audible alarm to alert the user when
said machine is out of power or lost.
14. The self-propelled cleaning machine as in claim 1, further
comprising a means to detect and indicate that the machine's motion
is impeded.
15. A method for cleaning comprising; acquiring a drive unit having
a motorized internal mechanism adapted to impart motion to said
drive unit; applying a sheet directly to said drive unit;
activating said drive unit; placing said drive unit and said sheet
onto the surface to be cleaned.
16. A method of making a covering for said drive unit of claim 1,
comprising: forming an envelope from one or more cleaning sheets
into which said drive unit can be snugly inserted and removed.
17. A method of making a self-propelled cleaner, comprising:
obtaining a drive unit having a motorized internal mechanism
adapted to impart motion to said drive unit; providing a sheet for
use with said drive unit.
18. A method of cleaning multiple surfaces comprising; acquiring a
drive unit having a motorized internal mechanism adapted to impart
motion to said drive unit; directly applying a sheet to more than
one dimension of said drive unit; activating said drive unit;
placing said drive unit and sheet in area where simultaneous
contact with multiple surfaces can occur.
19. A toy comprising; a drive unit having an outer surface and a
motorized internal mechanism adapted to impart motion to said drive
unit; a sheet having a first side and a second side; wherein first
side of said sheet is operatively connected to the outer surface of
said drive unit.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus
for self-propelled cleaning. The present invention relates to a
surface cleaner capable of collecting dirt, hair, common allergens
and debris from a surface while moving by itself.
[0002] It is known that floor cleaners such as dry mops, stick and
upright vacuum cleaners are used to remove dust and debris. While
these cleaners may have been suitable for the purposes in which
they were intended these bare floor cleaners do not allow for easy
cleaning under furniture and have to be manually controlled.
[0003] It is also known that self-propelled bare floor cleaners
exist with a drive unit and a separate frame onto which the
cleaning element is attached. The aforementioned drive unit is
inside and free in relation to the separate frame. The separate
frame extends outward from the drive unit and is larger than the
drive unit. The aforementioned drive unit is typically similar to
that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,968, which discloses a hollow
ball within which a driving mechanism is inserted to impart
motion.
[0004] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,415 to Gerber et al
discloses a random motion drive unit housed in a separate cleaning
frame with a dusting surface that contacts and cleans the parallel
plane of the floor surface. Similarly, U.S. Patent Application
20030126701 discloses a random motion drive unit arranged inside a
separate top-hat shaped frame with a duster attached to the
underside of the frame and extending over the floor to clean only
the floor surface.
[0005] These self-propelled cleaners work to clean in wide open
spaces, however, there exists a need to make the cleaning device
travel to smaller areas such as corners, drawers, underneath low
furniture and the like for which the larger frame in the
aforementioned cleaners does not allow. The larger frame of the
aforementioned cleaners also prevents movement into areas where the
opening into the area to be cleaned is smaller than the frame (i.e.
a furniture post next to a wall). Accordingly, a need also exists
for a device capable of greater range of motion and greater
cleaning versatility.
[0006] Furthermore these self-propelled cleaners are constrained to
cleaning only the surfaces parallel to one plane of the framework;
thus restricting their ability to remove dust, hair, common
allergens, debris and the like. This restriction does not allow
cleaning in areas that have more than one surface such as corners,
toe kicks, underside of furniture where debris and the like is more
likely to collect.
[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a smaller, more easily maneuverable, compact, cheaper
self-propelled cleaner solution.
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
self-propelled cleaning machine that makes it easy for singles,
single parents and other individuals short on time to clean. The
present invention provides an efficient method of cleaning that
requires little or no human intervention.
[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
disabled persons and the elderly an easy to use self-propelled
cleaning machine.
[0010] Still further, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a self-propelled cleaner that can be propelled over,
across, or underneath bare surfaces in hard to reach areas such as
underneath furniture, in drawers, ductwork and the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention advantageously fills the
aforementioned deficiencies by providing a method and apparatus for
self-propelled cleaning. The present invention utilizes a novel
method and apparatus for overcoming the limitations of the present
self-propelled cleaning tools. The present invention guides itself
under furniture, in and out of corners, and around electrical cords
requiring little or no human intervention. This is particularly
advantageous to the elderly, disabled, singles, single parents or
others who are limited in time or mobility. This solution may not
completely replace the need for manual cleaning but is an important
supplement to manual cleaning, and for some the present invention
may indeed be a complete replacement for the need to perform manual
cleaning.
[0012] One advantage of the present invention is that the cleaner
will contact multiple surfaces rather than only the surface beneath
it by touching surfaces that are both parallel and perpendicular to
the cleaner. For example the present invention can simultaneously
come in contact with three surfaces of a corner, while the current
cleaning tools are constrained to cleaning only one surface of a
corner namely the floor. Another example is when the present
invention is in close proximity to the bottom-side of furniture,
thereby, allowing contact with both the bottom-side of the
furniture and the surface on which the furniture rests (above and
below the self-propelled cleaner).
[0013] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention a
cleaning sheet directly surrounds the drive unit allowing the
overall footprint of the self-propelled cleaner to remain close to
the size of the drive unit (i.e. no outward extension or frame).
This allows for greater maneuverability particularly into and out
of corners or small spaces such as drawers, duct work, closets, and
the like. This small footprint provides a benefit by reaching areas
that cannot otherwise be reached by the current self-propelled
cleaners.
[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention a
cleaning sheet is formed into an envelope through stitching, which
results in a mostly encompassed drive unit. Therefore the envelope
substantially surrounds the drive unit allowing the drive unit to
be inserted into and removed from the envelope. The drive unit is
spherically shaped, like a ball, and moves simultaneously with the
envelope. The drive unit is activated/deactivated by a switch that
is located on the drive unit.
[0015] In other embodiments of the present invention the cleaning
sheet can be formed into an envelope via adhesives or other bonding
methods provided it contains the drive unit therein and allows for
insertion and removal of the drive unit. In yet another embodiment
the envelope has an elastic lined opening so as to snugly contain
the drive unit.
[0016] In another embodiment of the present invention the envelope
is substantially larger than the drive unit allowing one or more
drive units to fit within the envelope or allowing one or more
drive units to move freely within the envelope imparting motion on
the overall envelope across the surface to be cleaned and allowing
for greater surface area coverage.
[0017] In another embodiment of the present invention the envelope
can consist of one or more materials with different
characteristics. For example, the envelope can be made by combining
plastic in the shape of a cone and a cleaning sheet, whereby, the
drive unit is contained. Another example is an envelope that is
both cardboard, shaped as a box, and a cleaning sheet containing
the drive unit. Furthermore, in additional embodiments of the
present invention the envelope can be made into various shapes. For
example circular, cone-like, or rectangular.
[0018] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the
cleaning sheet is a disposable dry electrostatic cloth that
substantially encompasses the drive unit. In other embodiments the
cleaning sheet can be laundered and re-used. In yet another
embodiment a scented cleaning sheet delivers a scent incident to
the motion of the drive unit.
[0019] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention the
cleaning sheet possesses one or more appendages protruding form the
outer surface of the cleaning sheet. These appendages can be of
similar or dissimilar material to that of the sheet. In yet a
different embodiment the cleaning sheet is an appendage that is
attached to the drive unit. This appendage trails the drive unit
and collects dirt and debris. Additionally, more than one cleaning
sheet or appendage can be attached.
[0020] In another embodiment of the present invention the cleaning
sheet is wetted with a cleaning/polishing agent such as ammonia,
borax, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hypo chlorite, sodium hydroxide,
water, detergents, lemon oil, pine oil, solvents, surfactants, or
antimicrobial.
[0021] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the
drive unit is spherical in shape. In other embodiments the drive
unit can be various shapes such as cylindrical or elliptical; all
shapes allow motion across a surface. Furthermore the drive unit
size is small enough to fit in tight spaces such as between a wall
and the leg of a piece of furniture. In another embodiment of the
present invention the drive unit is sufficiently sized to
effectively clean larger spaces. For example, a drive unit the size
of a beach ball can clean a large arena that has few obstacles.
[0022] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the
drive unit shell is made of a rigid plastic material. In other
embodiments the drive unit shell can be multi-faceted, solid, or
wiffle-like. The outermost surface of the drive unit can be made of
rubber and be smooth or textured in nature. Furthermore the shell's
outer surface can be electro-statically charged or coated with an
adhesive.
[0023] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the
construction of the drive unit shell and motorized mechanism are
separate elements but joined as one. The drive unit shell and
motorized mechanism are sufficient in mass thus providing momentum
for forward and random motion. This motion prevents the
self-propelled cleaner from stopping or getting stuck. In another
embodiment the drive unit shell and motorized mechanism are
monolithic. In yet another embodiment the drive unit shell and
motorized mechanism contain additional elements such as a vacuum or
additional cleaning sheets.
[0024] In the preferred embodiment the self-propelled cleaner moves
independently about the surface to be cleaned. In an alternate
embodiment of the present invention the motion of the drive unit is
controlled remotely, whereby, the controller can be human or
machine. For example a base station could control the time, range,
and area cleaned by the self-propelled cleaner.
[0025] In other embodiments of the present invention the drive unit
is activated/deactivated by a remotely controlled switch or by
removing/inserting the drive unit into a docking station or
recharging station. In yet another embodiment the drive unit is
activated/deactivated at certain time intervals through the use of
a clock chip or other timing device.
[0026] In the preferred embodiment rechargeable batteries power the
drive unit. In other embodiments disposable batteries, solar power,
kinetic energy (such as wind-up), or a fuel cell power the drive
unit.
[0027] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention one or
more cleaning sheets and a stitched seam form an envelope that can
be removeably attached to the drive unit. This envelope or sheet
assembly snuggly encompasses the drive unit. Thus the drive unit
and cleaning sheet move simultaneously.
[0028] In alternate embodiments other means to fasten the cleaning
sheet to the drive unit can be used such as hook and loop,
adhesives, buttons, tape, snaps, glue, rubber, rope, string,
magnetic seal, elastic bands, tacks and the like.
[0029] In an alternate embodiment a formed sheet is made such that
it does not require a fastener, connector, or adhesive layer to
operatively move with the drive unit. Such a formed sheet is
constructed in a manner that it can expand to be placed over the
drive unit and contract for a snug fit to the drive unit. Any such
process that can produce the desired shape and fit may be used. For
example the formed sheet can be stamped, sewn or constructed into
shape. One novel construction would involve the use of heat shrink
material woven into the cleaning sheet forming the desired shape
around the drive unit when heat is applied.
[0030] In another embodiment the outer shell of the drive unit
facilitates the fastening of the cleaning sheet to the drive unit.
For example, the drive unit shell can incorporate adhesives,
rubber, hook and loop or other features. In yet another embodiment
attachment structures can be incorporated into the shell of the
drive unit to receive and retain the cleaning sheet.
[0031] In another embodiment of the present invention the cleaning
sheet is woven with a magnetic material and magnetically attached
to the drive unit whose shell if made of a magnetic material. In
yet another embodiment of the present invention the cleaning sheet
is removably attached to the drive unit by an external semi-rigid
skeletal clip that emulates the shape of the drive unit.
[0032] In another embodiment of the present invention the cleaning
sheet and shell of the drive unit are one entity. The cleaning
sheets are layered on top of each other such that one cleaning
sheet is peeled off or removed and another cleaning sheet is
revealed beneath it. In an alternate approach multiple cleaning
sheets are contained within the shell of the drive unit. An opening
in the shell of the drive unit allows for a cleaning sheet to be
extracted from the shell of the drive unit.
[0033] In another embodiment of the present invention the sheet is
made of a durable material such as rubber, fur, leather and the
like. The random motion of the drive unit motivates pets or
children to chase and engage in play with the present invention as
a toy. The durable sheet material provides longevity and withstands
rough handling such as teeth marks, clawing, and the like. In this
embodiment sensors and indicators can be included to detect and
indicate impeded motion, low battery power, location, or other
useful information.
[0034] The present invention will be more fully understood from the
accompanying drawings that are intended to be read in conjunction
with the description and preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] While the specification concludes with claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed
that the present invention will be better understood from the
following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the self-propelled cleaner
according to the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 2 shows the self-propelled cleaner in use.
[0038] FIG. 3A is a view of an alternate embodiment of the
self-propelled cleaner in use.
[0039] FIG. 3B is yet another view of an alternate embodiment of
the self-propelled cleaner in use.
[0040] FIG. 4A through 4D are partial cross sectional views of the
self-propelled cleaner.
[0041] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the self-propelled
cleaner simultaneously in contact with three surfaces.
[0042] FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C show alternate shapes of the
self-propelled cleaner.
[0043] FIG. 7 is a view of an alternate embodiment of the present
invention in use as a toy.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] A self-propelled cleaner 1 is illustrated by way of example
in FIG. 1. The self-propelled cleaner 1 is comprised of a drive
unit 2 and a sheet assembly 24. The sheet assembly 24 is formed
with one or more sheets 4 and one or more fasteners 6. The sheet
assembly 24 is formed to substantially encompass and fit snuggly
around the drive unit 2. The sheet 4 is preferably an electrostatic
cloth but may consist of any sheet such as but not limited to an
adhesive sheet or a sheet created by an electric field. The
fastener 6 is preferably a stitched seam but may consist of any
fastener such as but not limited to hook and loop, buttons, glue
and the like. An opening 20 in the sheet assembly 24 allows access
for inserting and removing the drive unit 2. The opening 20 also
allows the user to activate and deactivate the drive unit 2 with an
on/off switch 8.
[0045] The preferred embodiment of and method of using the
self-propelled cleaner 1 of the present invention is shown in
motion in FIG. 2. The self-propelled cleaner 1 is propelled across
a surface by the drive unit 2. The fastener 6 ensures that the
sheet 4 is operatively connected as a sheet assembly 24 to the
drive unit 2. As the drive unit 2 rotates across the surface the
sheet assembly 24 gathers debris 10.
[0046] In FIG. 3A the self-propelled cleaner 1 is shown in motion
with an alternate embodiment of the sheet assembly 24. A drive unit
2 is shown surrounded loosely by a sheet assembly 24. In FIG. 3A
one drive unit 2 is shown, however, the sheet assembly 24 can
contain more than one drive units. The drive unit 2 propels the
sheet assembly 24 across the surface to gather debris 10.
[0047] Turning now to FIG. 3B, an alternate embodiment of the sheet
assembly 24 is shown. In this figure, the sheet assembly 24 is
formed with one or more sheets 4 and one or more fasteners 6. The
sheet assembly 24 fully encompasses and is operatively connected to
the drive unit 2.
[0048] Continuing to view FIG. 3B, the sheet 4 may have a single
appendage 12 or a plurality of appendages 12 that extend outward
from the outer surface of the sheet assembly 24. The appendage(s)
12 may extend in myriad lengths, widths and can be flexible or
semi-rigid. The appendage 12 material can be similar to the sheet 4
or dissimilar. For example, the appendage(s) 12 can be strips of
tape, rubber or any other material while the sheet 4 can be an
electrostatic cloth. The sheet assembly 24 and appendage(s) 12
gather debris 10 as the drive unit 2 propels the self-propelled
cleaner 1 across the surface.
[0049] FIG. 4 provides expanded partial cross sectional views of
the relationship of the drive unit 2 to the sheet 4 or sheet
assembly 24.
[0050] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown
in FIG. 4A, the fastener 6 is shown as a seam, thereby allowing one
or more sheets 4 to form a sheet assembly 24. The sheet assembly 24
is formed to substantially encompass and fit snuggly around the
drive unit 2. The fastener 6 can be a stitched seam, a glue bond,
and the like. This fastener 6 can be a continuous or non-continuous
connector. For example multiple staples can create a non-continuous
seam. Furthermore FIG. 4A illustrates that the fastener 6 is a
member of the sheet assembly 24 and does not directly connect the
sheet 4 to the outer surface of the drive unit 2.
[0051] Alternatively FIG. 4B illustrates the sheet 4 directly
connected to the drive unit 2 with connector(s) 26. The
connector(s) 26 are shown in multiple locations on the outer
surface 30 of the drive unit 2. The connector(s) 26 may cover the
outer surface 30 of the drive unit 2 partially or entirely. These
connector(s) 26 can be hook and loop, adhesive, double sided tape,
rubber, or other material to facilitate connection of the sheet 4
to the drive unit 2.
[0052] Moving to FIG. 4C, this figure shows a formed sheet 28 next
to the outer surface 30 of the drive unit 2. There may be space
between this formed sheet 28 and the drive unit 2 as shown in FIG.
4C or there could be direct contact between the formed sheet 28 and
the drive unit 2. The construction of the formed sheet 28 is such
that it operatively moves with the drive unit 2 without needing the
elements shown in other figures such as a fastener 6, connector(s)
26, or adhesive layer 22. One such example of a formed sheet 28
would closely resemble that of a knitted hat or headband.
[0053] FIG. 4D illustrates a sheet 4 connected via an adhesive
layer 22 to the outer surface 30 of the drive unit 2. The adhesive
layer 22 may cover the outer surface 30 of the drive unit 2
partially or entirely. Furthermore the adhesive layer 22 may be a
material or mechanical feature built directly into the outer
surface 30 of the drive unit 2. This adhesive layer 22 can be glue,
rubber, magnetic material, micro fingers, and the like that adheres
the sheet 4 to the drive unit 2.
[0054] FIG. 5 illustrates the sheet assembly 24 of the
self-propelled cleaner 1 in simultaneous contact with multiple
surfaces A, B and C to facilitate maximum collection of debris,
dirt, hair and the like. Additionally, while in operation, the
drive unit 2 can travel along intersection AC or BC bringing the
sheet assembly 24 in direct simultaneous contact with two
surfaces.
[0055] FIG. 6A shows the preferred embodiment of the present
invention where the drive unit 2 of the self-propelled cleaner 1 is
spherical. In FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C, alternate embodiments of the
self-propelled cleaner 1 are illustrated. FIG. 6B shows an
alternate embodiment where the drive unit 2 is elliptical.
Furthermore FIG. 6C shows yet another alternate embodiment where
the drive unit 2 is cylindrical. All of the drive unit 2 shapes in
FIG. 6 facilitate movement across a surface.
[0056] In FIG. 7 an alternative embodiment of the present invention
1 is shown as a toy in pursuit by an animal 32. In this embodiment
the sheet assembly 24 is made of fur. The drive unit 2 is shown
substantially surrounded by the sheet assembly 24. The drive unit 2
propels the sheet assembly 24 across the surface to motivate the
animal to chase and engage in play.
CONCLUSION RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF THE INVENTION
[0057] From the aforementioned description and drawings, a number
of advantages of the self-propelled cleaner become evident: [0058]
(1) Little or no human intervention is required allowing the
self-propelled cleaner to clean a surface while the user is free to
do something else. [0059] (2) The self-propelled cleaner has the
ability to clean areas that are normally out of reach such as
underneath furniture. [0060] (3) Helps eliminate dust, dirt, hair
and common allergens from surfaces. [0061] (4) Multiple surfaces
are cleaned as the self-propelled cleaner contacts and collects
dirt and hair that gather in corners or against walls. A
traditional dry mop, stick or upright vacuum cleaner and other
cleaners cannot accomplish this. [0062] (5) Ideal for use where
access is limited and in small or large areas. Examples where
access is limited include the space between a washer and dryer.
Examples of small or large areas include drawers, ducts, and floor
surfaces.
[0063] With respect to the above description, it is to be realized
that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the
invention, to include variations on size, materials, shape, form,
function and manner of operations, assembly and use, are deemed
readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art. All
equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and
described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by
the present invention.
[0064] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction, embodiments and/or operation(s) shown and described.
Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be
resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
[0065] While the present invention has been described above in
terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Variations
are possible within the teachings of the present invention. The
scope of the invention should be determined by proper
interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their
legal equivalents.
* * * * *