U.S. patent application number 11/288335 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-01 for indoor/outdoor cleaning system.
Invention is credited to Albert E. Tetteh.
Application Number | 20060112513 11/288335 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36566052 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060112513 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tetteh; Albert E. |
June 1, 2006 |
Indoor/outdoor cleaning system
Abstract
An indoor/outdoor cleaning system includes a portable,
pressurized housing for containing cleaning fluids (water,
chemicals and mixtures thereof). Multiple hoses connect the
interior of the housing with a cleaning wand. The wand includes a
handle, a hollow trunk portion and a cleaning head. The multiple
hoses have outlets adjacent the cleaning head for feeding water,
cleaning chemicals, or surface treating fluids thereto. The outlets
open adjacent a cleaning pad, which pad is attached to the cleaning
head via a mechanism that allows the pad to vibrate at sonic
frequency. A variety of cleaning pad accessories (brush, sponge,
sanding pad, buffing pad, etc.) can be optionally attached to the
cleaning pad based on the type of surface to be cleaned or treated.
A suction conduit, disposed in the cleaning head, functions to draw
used fluids away from the surface for safe disposal thereof.
Inventors: |
Tetteh; Albert E.;
(Frederick, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD
PO BOX 15035
CRYSTAL CITY STATION
ARLINGTON
VA
22215
US
|
Family ID: |
36566052 |
Appl. No.: |
11/288335 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60631211 |
Nov 29, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/321 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 11/4088 20130101;
A47L 11/4069 20130101; A47L 11/201 20130101; A47L 11/4075 20130101;
A47L 11/4038 20130101; A47L 11/307 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/321 |
International
Class: |
A47L 11/30 20060101
A47L011/30 |
Claims
1. An indoor/outdoor cleaning system, comprising: a housing unit,
said housing unit having an interior volume; plural hoses, each
hose of said plural hoses having a distal end and a proximate end,
said distal end opening into said interior volume; a cleaning wand,
said plural hoses attached to said cleaning wand; a cleaning head,
said cleaning head attached to said cleaning wand; a cleaning pad,
said cleaning pad disposed adjacent said cleaning head; and a
vibration inducing motor disposed in said cleaning head and
attached to said cleaning pad.
2. The indoor/outdoor cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein
said cleaning head has a base and wherein the proximate end of each
hose opens adjacent said base.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/631,211, filed Nov. 29, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to cleaning systems.
More specifically, the present invention is drawn to a cleaning or
surface-treating system in which pressurized water, water/chemical
mixtures or surface treating fluids are supplied to a sonic
vibrating cleaning pad.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Homeowners and small commercial establishments constantly
search for affordable, portable, efficient cleaning devices that
are also versatile. Surfaces around the home or office such as
floors, decks, walls, driveways carpets, upholstery, etc. require
cleaning or treating on a periodic basis. More often than not, the
home or business owner will attempt to clean or treat these
surfaces instead of hiring professional cleaners. The most popular
cleaning devices, as shown in the related art, rely on pressurized
spray nozzles to accomplish the above noted functions. While
somewhat effective, the pressurized nozzle units still leave a lot
to be desired, especially when used to clean heavy, layered grime
and dirt from surfaces. The art would certainly welcome a cleaning
system that could handle a variety of cleaning situations in an
effective and efficient manner and yet have the simplicity to be
operated by almost anyone.
[0006] None of the inventions and patents identified in the
accompanying IDS, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to
describe the cleaning system as will subsequently be described and
claimed in the instant invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The indoor/outdoor cleaning system of the present invention
comprises a portable, pressurized housing for containing cleaning
or treating fluids (water, chemicals and mixtures thereof). The
housing is pressurized for reasons that will be explained below.
Multiple hoses connect the interior of the housing with a cleaning
wand. The wand includes a handle, a hollow trunk portion and a
cleaning head. The multiple hoses have outlets in the cleaning head
for feeding water and cleaning chemicals thereto. The outlets open
adjacent a cleaning pad, which pad is attached to the cleaning head
via a mechanism that allows the pad to vibrate at sonic frequency.
An accessory (brush, sponge, sanding pad, buffing pad, etc.) is
removably attached to the pad and will be selected based on the
type of surface to be cleaned or treated. A suction conduit,
disposed in the cleaning head, functions to draw used fluids away
from the surface for safe disposal thereof.
[0008] Accordingly, the invention presents a cleaning system, which
system is capable of effectively cleaning and/or treating almost
any surface. The system is relatively compact and portable, which
permits the system to be utilized by homeowners and small business
establishments. Utilization of sonic vibration technology permits
the cleaning or treating fluids to be applied to the desired
surface area with minimum spillage and waste.
[0009] The invention provides for improved elements and
arrangements thereof for the purposes described which are
inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their
intended purposes.
[0010] A clear understanding of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of an
indoor/outdoor cleaning system according to the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cleaning wand of an
indoor/outdoor cleaning system according to the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a partial view showing a cleaning head of an
indoor/outdoor cleaning system according to the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a plan view of an LCD screen of an indoor/outdoor
cleaning system according to the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cleaning caddy of an
indoor/outdoor cleaning system according to the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
cleaning wand of an indoor/outdoor cleaning system according to the
present invention.
[0017] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Attention is first directed to FIGS. 1 and 2 wherein the
cleaning system of the present invention is generally indicated at
10. System 10 includes a cleaning wand 12 having a handle 14
attached at an upper end and a cleaning head 16 attached at a lower
end. Pressurized housings 18, 18a respectively contain fluids to be
supplied to cleaning head 16 via hoses 20 and 20a. Power cord 22
extends from handle 14 for connection to a source of electrical
power E. A suction hose 24 is in fluid communication with cleaning
head 16. As best seen in FIG. 2, handle 14 is pivotally attached to
wand 12 at 14a. Wand 12 is pivotally attached to cleaning head 16
at 12a. A multi-function operating switch 26 and a LCD monitor 28
(both of whose functions are explained below) are mounted on handle
14.
[0019] As best illustrated in FIG. 3, wand 12 and head 16 have
hollow interiors for receiving hoses 20, 20a and power cord 22.
Hose 20a has an outlet 30 at base 16a of cleaning head 16. A
cleaning pad 34 is disposed adjacent base 16a and is spaced
therefrom. Pad 34 has a hollow interior and a perforated base 34a.
Hose 20 has an outlet 32 that opens into the interior of pad 34. An
electrically powered motor 36 is positioned in head 16 and is
connected to power cord 22. Motor 36 functions to produce vibratory
motion in shaft 36a, which shaft is connected to cleaning pad 34.
The motor is designed to produce vibratory motion in the range of
40,000-150,000 strokes per minute. A replaceable accessory 38 is
removably mounted on pad 34. As noted above, accessory 38 will be
selected based on the type of surface that is to be cleaned or
treated. A suction port 40 is provided to remove the used fluids
from the treated surfaces. Suction port 40 is connected to suction
hose 24. LCD readout device 28 (FIG. 4) is mounted on the handle
and is programmed to monitor selected functions. The functions
shown are merely examples of the many functions that may be
monitored.
[0020] To facilitate the cleaning or treating operation and to
enhance portability, a caddy 50 (FIG. 5) is provided to transport
housings 52. Housings 52 are adapted to contain all fluids that are
utilized in a cleaning or treating process. The housings are
provided with pumps 54 for pressurizing the fluids and supplying
said fluids to the wand via hoses 20, 20a. A pump also induces
suction in suction hose 24 for evacuating the used fluids and
disposing of the same. A heating coil is utilized 56 to heat the
cleaning or treating fluids if desired.
[0021] In a second embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the wand
12 is self-contained in that a rechargeable battery 60 and pump 62
(both shown in phantom lines) are encased in wand 12. The battery
provides power to motor 36 while the pump extracts fluids from
housing 18. It should also be noted that housing 18 can take on the
form of a canister mounted to the exterior of the wand.
[0022] In use, manipulation of multi-function switch 26 will
activate a pump(s) for supplying fluids (for example cleaning fluid
and water) through hoses 18, 18a. Switch 26 also functions to
operate motor 36 to vibrate the cleaning pad. Cleaning fluid and
water will exit the cleaning head whereby the cleaning pad employs
vibratory motion to clean the desired surface. A suction pump can
be activated to withdraw the used fluids away from the surface for
safe disposal.
[0023] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
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