U.S. patent application number 11/540173 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-17 for carpet cleaning apparatus and method with vibration, heat, and cleaning agent.
Invention is credited to Yale Smith.
Application Number | 20070107150 11/540173 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31977448 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070107150 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Yale |
May 17, 2007 |
Carpet cleaning apparatus and method with vibration, heat, and
cleaning agent
Abstract
An apparatus and a method for cleaning carpets, upholstered
surfaces, and other surfaces is disclosed, the apparatus and method
utilizing a combination of vibratory motion, controllable heat, and
cleaning agents, the apparatus comprising a base plate, heating
elements with electrical connections, and means for moving the base
plate to produce a scrubbing motion, the method comprising a
replaceable cleaning implement in combination with a mechanical
scrubber, a cleaning agent, and controllable heat.
Inventors: |
Smith; Yale; (Sausalito,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thomas W. Cook;Thomas Cook Intellectual Property Attorneys
P.O. Box 1989
3030 Bridgeway, Suite 425-430
Sausalito
CA
94965
US
|
Family ID: |
31977448 |
Appl. No.: |
11/540173 |
Filed: |
September 29, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10234690 |
Sep 3, 2002 |
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11540173 |
Sep 29, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/98 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 11/12 20130101;
A47L 11/4036 20130101; A47L 11/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/098 |
International
Class: |
A47L 11/28 20060101
A47L011/28 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for cleaning a surface, comprising: a motor, having
a motor shaft; a vibrator plate; means for connecting the vibrator
plate to the motor shaft to produce a scrubbing motion; a base
plate; a plurality of heating elements, attached to the base plate;
and means for removably engaging the base plate with the vibrator
plate.
2. The apparatus for cleaning a surface of claim 1, in which the
means for removably engaging the base plate with the vibrator plate
further comprises: a base plate seat, formed to engage the vibrator
plate; means for attaching the base plate seat to the base plate;
and means for maintaining the orientation of the base plate in
relation to the motor.
3. The apparatus for cleaning a surface of claim 2, further
comprising: means for removably engaging a replaceable cleaning
implement with the base plate.
4. The apparatus for cleaning a surface of claim 3, in which the
means for removably engaging the replaceable cleaning implement
with the base plate further comprises: pointed extrusions on the
lower surface of the base plate.
5. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: means for
electrically connecting the heating elements to a power source, for
supply of electrical current to the heating elements.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising: means for
controlling the electrical current supplied to the heating elements
from the power source.
7. The apparatus for cleaning a surface of claim 1, in which the
means for connecting the vibrator plate to the motor shaft
comprises: a cam; means for attaching the cam to the motor shaft; a
bearing; means for attaching the bearing to the cam; and means for
attaching the vibrator plate to the bearing.
8. The apparatus for cleaning a surface of claim 7, further
comprising: means for removably engaging a replaceable cleaning
implement with the base plate.
9. The apparatus for cleaning a surface of claim 8, in which the
means for removably engaging the replaceable cleaning implement
with the base plate further comprises: a plurality of pointed
extrusions on the lower surface of the base plate.
10. The apparatus for cleaning a surface of claim 7, in which the
means for removably engaging the base plate with the vibrator plate
comprises: a base plate seat, formed to engage the vibrator plate;
means for attaching the base plate seat to the base plate; and
means for maintaining the orientation of the base plate in relation
to the motor.
11. The apparatus for cleaning a surface of claim 10, further
comprising: means for removably engaging a replaceable cleaning
implement with the base plate.
12. The apparatus for cleaning a surface of claim 11, in which the
means for removably engaging the replaceable cleaning implement
with the base plate further comprises: pointed extrusions on the
lower surface of the base plate.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: means for
electrically connecting the heating elements to a power source, for
supply of electrical current to the heating elements.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: means for
controlling the electrical current supplied to the heating elements
from the power source.
15. The apparatus for cleaning a surface of claim 12, in which the
means for removably connecting the vibration plate to the motor
shaft further comprises: a counter weight, and means for attaching
the counter weight to the cam.
16. The apparatus for cleaning a surface of claim 12, in which the
means for removably connecting the vibrator plate to the motor
shaft further comprises: a counter weight, and means for attaching
the counter weight to the motor shaft.
17. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: means for
electrically connecting the heating elements to a power source, for
supply of electrical current to the heating elements.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: means for
controlling the electrical current supplied to the heating elements
from the power source.
19. A method for cleaning a surface, comprising the steps of:
applying a cleaning agent to a soiled area of a surface to be
cleaned; moving a replaceable cleaning implement to the soiled area
of the surface; moving a mechanical scrubber to the replaceable
cleaning implement; applying heat to the replaceable cleaning
implement, and scrubbing the replaceable cleaning implement against
the soiled area of the surface using the mechanical scrubber.
20. A method for cleaning a surface, comprising the steps of:
affixing a replaceable cleaning implement to a mechanical scrubber;
applying a cleaning agent to the replaceable cleaning implement;
placing the replaceable cleaning implement and mechanical scrubber
on a soiled area of the surface; applying heat to the replaceable
cleaning implement; and scrubbing the replaceable cleaning
implement against the soiled area of the surface using the
mechanical scrubber.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
10/234,690, from which applicant claims priority.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the cleaning of carpets,
upholstered surfaces, and other surfaces utilizing a combination of
vibratory motion, heat, and cleaning agents. More particularly, the
present invention relates to a new apparatus and process for
cleaning such surfaces utilizing vibratory or oscillatory
"scrubbing" motions and heat, and generally also utilizing fluids,
such as water or carbon compound cleaning fluids, whereby a user
may remove materials and stains from such carpets or surfaces not
otherwise removable.
BACKGROUND ART OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Methods for cleaning carpets, fabrics, or other similar
items ("workpieces"), and the apparatus associated with such
methods, are common in the prior art. Some such methods and
apparatus involve the movement of air at or close to the workpiece,
oftentimes in combination with some method or apparatus for
vibrating, or otherwise breaking or shaking loose materials
residing on or within, the workpiece. As applied to carpets, for
instance, standard "vacuum cleaner" carpet cleaning technology
falls within these more general methods. Other such methods and
apparatus involve removal of materials more intimately associated
to, or bound to one or more surfaces within, the workpiece. As
applied to carpets, agitating or vibrating machines and methods are
often used, usually in combination with a solvent or cleaning
fluid. The present invention falls within this latter class of
methods and machines designed to agitate, or "scrub," with the
result that the apparatus and method of the present invention may
remove stains from carpets and other surfaces, and may remove other
materials or compounds bound to, or more or less secured into or
upon, such carpets and other surfaces.
[0004] The additional capabilities of the present apparatus and
method of the present invention is achieved through a combination
of agitation, heat, and a fluid. That is, in the present invention,
heat may be applied directly or proximally to the workpiece, and
its closely associated unwanted materials or stains, at the
location of the soiled area, i.e., the area of the carpet or other
workpiece holding unwanted materials. At the same time, the
location of the affected area, and the area of the workpiece
immediately surrounding the affected area, is subjected to both
agitation and a fluid. The combination of agitation, heat, and
fluid accomplishes a level of cleaning not otherwise available.
While such cleaning is generally applicable to all surfaces, and
useful in achieving the removal of materials not otherwise
removable from such surfaces, such cleaning is especially useful in
cleaning complex surfaces, such as the irregular surfaces found in
the pile of a variety of carpet floor coverings.
[0005] Methods and machines utilizing agitation, heat, and fluids
within the prior art, or combinations of such techniques and
materials, include:
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,711,891 to Conway, which discloses an
apparatus and method for cleaning employing a high pressure jet of
hot liquid or cleaning solution, in combination with a vibrator and
vacuum.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,130,954 to Walker, which discloses a
scrubbing method and apparatus for cleaning carpet, the apparatus
having a vibrating drive plate carrying a layer of plastic bristles
for holding a cloth.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,355,542 to Oreck et al., which discloses a
floor machine for agitating a brush in an orbital motion against a
floor or other workpiece.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,030,464 to Azevedo, which discloses a method
of cleaning by the application of a heated water and cleaning
compound solution, and subsequent removal of such solution by means
of a scrubbing machine and a dry towel moved by an oscillating
mechanism.
[0010] Outside the field of cleaning, on the other hand, there
exist means for achieving a vibratory motion, some of which may be
incorporated into a self-propelled vibratory plate, such as that
found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,067,244 to Baumers.
[0011] While the inventions disclosed in these prior patents
fulfill their respective objectives, these prior patents do not
describe or suggest an apparatus or method which simultaneously
utilizes agitation or vibration, in combination with heat, applied
directly to the area to be cleaned, along with a separately applied
(and therefore controllable) fluid, to suspend and remove the
material or particles to be removed.
[0012] More particularly, agitation or vibration is a well known
method of cleaning, particulary on surfaces which are not smooth.
Such agitation is the "scrubbing" which is applied in many tough
cleaning jobs, a process which is intended to increase
effectiveness of cleaners by mechanically breaking grease or other
"dirt" into smaller pieces, so that the dirt may be closely
associated with detergents, solvents, and cleaners. Through such
close association, the soap, solvent, or cleaner may chemically
attach to some part of the dirt, or surround it, so that the dirt
is less closely associated with the material to be cleaned, and may
be floated away from the workpiece by the same agitation via a
fluid such as water or other solvent. Most cleaning jobs require
such agitation or vibration.
[0013] Similarly, heat is a well known component of many cleaning
systems. It is the application of heat which, for instance, allows
the attenuation of grease and oil to a thin film, the individual
molecules of which film may then be exposed to soaps, solvents, or
chelating agents. Chemically, cleaning agents generally double
their reactivity, and therefore, their effectiveness, with each 10
degree centigrade increase in temperature.
[0014] Similarly, a fluid of some type, or other cleaning agent, is
a well known component of perhaps all cleaning systems, as it is
the fluid or cleaning agent which is employed in cleaning systems
to carry away the unwanted particulate matter, solvent and solute,
bound soap and oil molecules, or other materials as the case may
be.
[0015] However, neither the prior patents set forth above nor any
other prior art combines all three of the above components as
described herein, i.e., by the application of agitation, heat, and
a cleaning fluid, each of which is individually controllable. Put
another way, each of the above-noted inventions fails altogether to
employ one component, or fails to employ all components
simultaneously, or fails to employ one or more components
proximately to the material to be affected, or fails to employ each
component to individually control their application, or fails to
employ one or more components in a manner calculated to maximize
its effect on the overall cleaning process when used with the
remaining two components. Neither the prior patents set forth
above, nor any other prior art of which applicant is aware,
discloses an apparatus or method which combines all three of the
above components to maximize the beneficial cleaning effect of each
component.
[0016] The failure of prior art to apply heat, agitation, and fluid
in the way best calculated to achieve thorough cleaning may be most
easily appreciated when we consider that the most commonly used
method of carpet cleaning in homes, whether by homeowners or
professionals, is a hot water extraction method (and appropriate
apparatus) commonly referred to as "steam cleaning." This method
often combines the three components of heat, agitation, and
cleaning fluid. However, the heat of "steam cleaning" is applied in
the form of a pre-heated cleaning fluid. Consequently, to apply
heat, and to keep heat present in any particular area of a carpet,
the heating solution must be continuously applied. At the same
time, suction is applied to remove the solution. However, gravity,
capillary action and the high pressure of the most successful of
applicators combine to put much of the solution beyond the grasp of
even the most powerful suction. The result is that solution far
beyond the amount necessary to produce the desired cleaning action
is applied to the carpet, and driven into the carpet to a position
where it cannot be reached for extraction. The result is overwet
carpets which may take days to dry and is at least very
inconvenient and, at its worst, destructive to the carpet.
[0017] Using the method and apparatus of the present invention, on
the other hand, the application of heat and cleaning solution are
entirely separate and controllable by the user, thus allowing a
user to continuously apply agitation and heat, and exactly the
amount of solution necessary to accomplish the desired cleaning,
without applying more fluid than is necessary for such optimal
cleaning. Yet a user may apply continuous agitation and heat to
problem areas, and "heavy traffic" areas, thereby concentrating the
right mix of heat, agitation, and fluid, without additional
unneeded cleaning solution. Using the method and apparatus of the
present invention, a user may agitate or vibrate a cloth or other
cleaning tool against a carpet or other workpiece, precisely in the
area requiring the most attention, while simultaneously applying
the optimal amount of heat and cleaning agent to the area of the
workpiece to be cleaned. The dirt residing within the carpet is
simultaneously affected by the agitation, the applied heat, and the
detergent, solvent, or other cleaning agent. Such unwanted material
is maximally affected by the simultaneous agitation, heat and
cleaning agent, in just the right amount, as determined by the
user, and such agent therefore picks up a maximum of such material.
As a result, stains and particulate material not otherwise affected
by any two components of the present cleaning system and apparatus,
or even all these components, may be removed with the controllable
application of all three components of the present system and
apparatus.
[0018] By utilizing such a combination of components, the
recognized benefits of each of these components of the system of
the present invention may be applied to maximum effect at the
location intended to be cleaned. Further, only by a combination of
all three of these components of the present invention, for the
correct duration and in the right amount, can the benefit to be
derived from application of each of the other components be
secured. Finally, only by the immediate and proximate application
of these components can the user control the overall effect of the
combination of components within the cleaning process, and only by
use of the apparatus of the present invention can the user direct
his or her attention, and so apply his or her efforts and these
three components, precisely to the area to be cleaned.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Summary of the Invention
[0019] The present invention overcomes the problems and
disadvantages of the prior art by utilizing vibration or agitation
simultaneously with heat and a cleaning agent. The cleaning agent
is applied either directly to the workpiece or to a cloth which may
reside under a base plate attached to a mechanical vibrator or
agitator, which plate then moves the cloth in a very tight circular
motion, or back and forth against the workpiece, or up and down
against the workpiece, or in combinations of such movements, in
small increments. The increments of movement may be increased in
size by appropriate adjustment of the agitator, to increase the
travel of the base plate and cloth, thereby increasing the cleaning
effect when the present invention is used on carpets having thicker
pile, or other workpieces having special characteristics. Heat is
simultaneously applied to the workpiece by the mechanical agitator
by means of a heating element or elements attached to or imbedded
within the base plate of the mechanical agitator. The cloth so
worked against the workpiece may be changed from time to time as
particulates and other matter are dissolved, and picked up by the
cleaning agent and cloth, and held by the agent on or in the
cloth.
[0020] In one preferred embodiment, the present invention utilizes
a floor-treating machine that provides orbital motion for
mechanical vibration or agitation of a cloth against the workpiece.
The treating machine consists of a motor to supply the motive force
for the desired agitating action. An eccentric cam is attached to
the shaft of the motor to provide a "throw," and thereby provide
movement for components attached to the cam. A bearing ring is
attached to the cam in such fashion as to fasten the interior
portion of the bearing ring to the cam, while allowing the exterior
portion of the bearing to move freely with respect to the cam. The
exterior portion of the bearing ring carries an attachment means
for securing a vibration plate to the bearing ring. Accordingly,
the shaft of the motor may rotate the cam to which it is attached,
and the cam and interior portion of the bearing ring may rotate
within the remaining exterior portion of the bearing ring, thereby
creating a circular motion in the exterior portion of the bearing
ring. Such circular motion is translated through the attachment
means, to a vibration plate, which also travels in a generally
circular, or "orbital," motion. Through such eccentric mounting,
the rotation of the drive shaft of the motor is thereby translated
into a rotational "orbital" motion in the exterior portion of the
bearing ring and attachment means. The exterior portion of the
bearing ring and the attachment means, being secured to a vibrator
plate, move together, thereby producing an orbital motion in the
vibrator plate through the bearing ring and attachment means.
[0021] The vibration plate is attached to the bearing ring through
the referenced attachment means, the vibration plate being large or
small, depending upon the application at hand. Thus, a small
vibration plate (and correspondingly small motor) may be utilized
in a small "hand held" apparatus which employs the present
invention for cleaning, for instance a jacket or furniture, while a
large vibration plate (and correspondingly large motor) may be
utilized in a large "industrial" apparatus, which may employ the
present invention for cleaning a warehouse floor. However, the
present invention envisions as one of its most useful applications,
as more specifically described as one preferred embodiment
disclosed below, a medium-sized vibration plate (and
correspondingly sized motor) which employs the present invention
for cleaning carpets. The vibration plate may be of any shape,
however for maximum flexibility in operation the vibration plate is
preferably circular in shape, with upturned edges, the function of
which will become apparent below.
[0022] A base plate is employed to hold a terrycloth towel or other
cleaning implement to the workpiece. The base plate may also be of
any shape, but for ease of manufacture and flexibility in inserting
the base plate and towel into small places or tight corners, the
preferred shape is generally square or rectangular, perhaps with at
least one acute angle at one of its corners. The base plate has
attached to its upper surface a circular dish-like structure with
upturned edges, fashioned to fit snugly against and over the
corresponding upturned edges of the vibrator plate. When placed to
so fit snugly against one another, the vibrator plate and the base
plate remain in the same position with respect to one another so
long as the these two pieces are pressed against (or "urged"
against) one another. The weight of the remaining floor-treating
machine, with its motor and other components, or the force of the
user's hand in the case of a smaller-sized cleaning apparatus, is
generally sufficient to urge the vibrator plate and the base plate
against one another with sufficient force to keep them in the same
position with respect to one another.
[0023] The body of the floor treating machine, on the underside of
its underside base, and the vibration plate, on its upperside, each
have studs attached to them for attachment of tensioning springs or
elastic bands. By such tensioning springs, extending transversely
between the studs of the vibrator plate and the underside base of
the machine, the vibration plate, and through it the base plate,
are prevented from rotating in relation to the underside base of
the machine. As a result, the front edge of the vibration plate
remains facing the front of the cleaning machine during operation,
the rear edge remains facing the rear of the cleaning machine, and
so forth.
[0024] The base plate further has embedded in it, or attached to
it, one or more heating elements, which elements may be
electrically activated to produce heat within the base plate. The
heating elements may be formed on or in the base plate at any
position with good effect, however the heating elements are in one
preferred embodiment formed to cover the entire base plate. In such
embodiment, a metallic sheet may be attached below the heating
element to evenly spread the heat. In any case, however, an
additional means may be supplied to hold a terrycloth towel or
other cleaning implement in position below the base plate when
operating the machine. Such holding means is best accomplished by
high temperature plastic formed with projections on its underside,
or formed to cover projections comprised of other materials.
[0025] A terrycloth towel or other cleaning implement is positioned
to reside between the base plate and the workpiece when the floor
cleaner is in operation. Generally, this "set up" is accomplished
by placing the towel on the workpiece, then placing the
floor-treating machine on the towel, with the lower side of the
base plate facing downward. The edges of the towel may then be
folded back across the upper side of the base plate, or secured
into position by any other means, or not secured at all in many
cases. While this general method may be utilized to set up for
operation, it may be appreciated that the towel or other cleaning
implement may be placed in position on the base plate prior to
positioning the cleaning machine against the workpiece,
particularly when the cleaning method disclosed herein is embodied
in a hand-held machine used to clean furniture, clothing, or other
small or difficult to reach items. Further, as noted above, the
base plate itself, or a component of it, may be formed on its
bottom side to present a rough texture to a towel, which rough
texture is sufficient in many cases to maintain the towel in
position underneath the base plate while the floor-treating machine
operates.
[0026] The heating elements of the invention may also be formed of
a variety of materials, and placed in the cleaning machine in a
variety of arrangements. Two materials and arrangement are
particularly useful given present technology. The first such
material and arrangement is the attachment of resistance-type thin
strip heating elements to the upper side of the base plate at its
forward and rear edges. The second such material and arrangements
is the attachment of modular heating pads to the lower side of the
base plate, either covering the entire lower side of the base plate
or covering portions of the base plate determined most effective at
applying heat where heat is most desired. Such portions might
include the forward or leading edge of the base plate where the
cleaning machine is to be used to clean very close to stationary
objects, or at one side of the base plate where the machine is to
be used to "edge-clean" a large area. A combination of such heating
elements may also be positioned in one versatile embodiment of the
present invention so that separate areas of the base plate may be
individually heated, either one at a time, or in various
combinations as the operator throws appropriate switches supplying
electricity to individual heating elements in such areas.
[0027] The greatest flexibility is placement of heating elements is
presently accomplished by attaching modular heating element pads to
various locations on the bottom side of the base plate. Such
heating pads may be formed of thin-wire or thin-layer resistance
elements, including nickle wire or foil, encased in silicon and
fiberglass, or plasticized fiber, material, which resistance
elements are capable of generating any operating temperature
desirable for the cleaning process of the present invention up to
the melting point of the workpiece. At such temperatures, the
silicon and fiberglass material is capable of continuous operation
without melting, hardening, or otherwise breaking down. The benefit
of all such materials used as heating elements in the present
invention is application of heat directly to the upper side of a
towel or other cleaning element properly positioned in the cleaning
machine, i.e. as close as possible to the workpiece to be cleaned.
By such positioning, heat may be applied during the cleaning
process as closely as possible to the workpiece to be cleaned, to
maximize the benefit of heat within the process of the present
invention.
[0028] As all heating elements require electricity to operate,
suitable provision must be made to supply electricity to such
elements. This may be accomplished by tapping household 110 volt
current as such current is directed for other operations of the
cleaning machine (powering the motor, for instance). However, one
or more operator electrical switches are preferably introduced into
the current path in positions convenient for operation during a
cleaning job, so that heating elements in various areas of the base
plate may be electrically activated, thereby producing the desired
heat, and for setting the temperature to be provided to such areas,
thereby allowing temperature adjustment for use of various cleaning
solutions on a variety of materials. From the operator switches, an
electrical path is provided to one or more electrical "buses,"
which buses are positioned above the eccentric cam and bearing
ring, and extending to points over the vibration plate convenient
for supplying electrical connection to the heating elements on,
within, or under the base plate. Plugs, sockets, or other
electrical connectors may be placed at such points, for connecting
electrical leads from the heating elements to the 110 volt
electrical supply.
[0029] The heating elements may be placed anywhere on the base
plate, including the upper sides of any edge of the place, the
entire lower surface of the base plate, or at only selected areas
on the lower surface of the base plate. However, the preferred
placement for the present invention when used as a rug cleaner is
by placement of a heating element or elements covering
substantially the entire lower side of the base plate. From such
position, and with appropriately connected switches for controlling
current to each heating element individually, a operator may direct
heat evenly throughout the entire base plate (while heat may be
directed as desired to various portions of the base plate utilizing
separate heading elements).
[0030] From the heating elements so placed on the lower side of the
base plate, electrical leads from the heating elements are directed
through or around the base plate. Such leads end with appropriate
connectors for connection with the plugs or sockets leading from
the electrical busses immediately above the base plate. Upon
connecting such connectors to such plugs or sockets, electrical
connection is complete back to the operator electrical switches,
and the heating elements are upon such connection capable of
heating during operation of the cleaning machine at the direction
of the operator. The heating elements may be attached by any means
appropriate to the base plate at the preferred positions, including
use of high temperature silicone glue, such as G.E. Red RTV 116 or
similar adhesive.
[0031] A cleaning solution is used with the cleaning machine
(floor-treating machine, hand-held machine, or otherwise). The
combination of such solution with the heat generated, directed, and
applied by such apparatus maximizes the cleaning action of the
present invention. The solution may be as simple as plain water,
which may be used as a solvent for water-soluable substances, and a
vehicle for removal of such substances. However, it is more usual
to use water and detergent, or a combination of compounds
containing water and either soap or detergent, which soap or
combination of compounds combine chemically with non-water soluble
soils or dirt. As with soap and detergents used in other
applications, the combination of cleaning compound with fat-based
soils proceeds hydrophobically with the fat soluble substances, so
that the water in the combination of compounds may pick up the soap
or detergent hydrophilically, and so float the fat soluble
substance away (to lodge on the terrycloth or other towel residing
under the base plate of the cleaning apparatus when in operation).
In most such cleaning applications, additional rinsing is necessary
to remove the soap or detergent residue from the workpiece to an
acceptable level. In other cases, a solution containing one or more
hydrocarbons may be used to dissolve soils adhering to the
workpiece which are hydrocarbon based. Thus, motor oil may be
dissolved using a cleaning fluid containing carbon compounds,
including, for exceptionally tough cleaning jobs, generally
available compounds containing combinations of N-Butyl Acetate,
Isoparaffinic Hydrocarbons, and Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether
Acetate. The benefit of using such hydrocarbon solvents is that
further rinsing to remove the cleaning fluid after removal of the
soil is generally not necessary.
[0032] In the cleaning operation, the process of the present
invention proceeds initially by placing a towel or other cleaning
material (often "terrycloth" is appropriate for this material) on
the surface to be cleaned, at or near the soil to be removed from
such surface. Thereafter, the cleaning machine herein described is
placed on the towel. The towel may be folded at its edges around
the edges of the base plate of the cleaning machine, and held in
place at its edges by appropriate holding means. The cleaning agent
of choice is then applied to the surface to be cleaned in the area
occupied by the soil to be removed. This is generally accomplished
by use of a spray-bottle applicator, by which the cleaning agent is
directed on to such surface. Once the cleaning agent is applied to
the surface to be cleaned, the motor of the cleaning machine of the
present invention is turned on, thereby causing the vibration plate
to oscillate horizontally against the surface to be cleaned in a
generally circular fashion.
[0033] Once the oscillation of the cleaning begins, the operator
may then also turn on the heating element residing on or below the
base plate of the cleaning machine utilizing the electrical
switches available to the operator. When the heating element of the
base plate is thus activated, the operator may then push the
cleaning machine forward and away from the operator, or pull the
cleaning machine backward toward the operator, or otherwise direct
the cleaning machine over, to, and around the area on the surface
to be cleaned in such fashion as the operator feels is desirable to
accomplish the cleaning task at hand. As the cleaning machine base
plate oscillates against the workpiece, the cleaning machine will
generally have a tendency to move across the ground easily in
response to the operator's efforts, as the oscillatory motion also
has a tendency to produce greater friction against the workpiece as
such motion more closely matches the speed of the workpiece
relative to the base plate. As a result, the cleaning machine of
the present invention is easily moved by the operator in the most
desirable direction. When the cleaning machine moves over the soil
to be removed from the workpiece, and the cleaning agent residing
on the workpiece on or near such soil, the oscillatory motion of
the cleaning machine provides a vigorous "scrubbing" motion to the
workpiece, and to the soil residing thereon, through the towel
residing beneath the base plate. The towel may then pick up the
soil as the cleaning agent combines with or dissolves the soil, and
the towel is forced to move in direct contact with and against the
surface of the workpiece, and its fibers, working the fibers of the
towel into and against the fibers and irregularities of the
workpiece.
[0034] The operator may then actuate the heating element electrical
switches to adjust the heating element residing on or under the
base plate. By such adjustment, the operator may apply the optimal
heat to the surface of the workpiece as the cleaning machine
resides on, and moves against, the workpiece. By such activation,
the operator may direct heat to those areas of the surface of the
workpiece bearing soil as the operator considers best to remove
such soil. When the operator has by this method applied a towel to
the surface of the workpiece, moved the towel in a scrubbing motion
as required by the movement of the cleaning machine, applied a
cleaning agent to the surface at or near the soil to be removed
from such surface at the same time as the cleaning machine produces
its scrubbing motion in the towel, and applied heat by the heating
element at the same time as the cleaning agent and scrubbing motion
are applied to the surface of the workpiece, the operator in his or
her discretion may then remove the cleaning machine from the soiled
area of the workpiece to inspect the results of his or her efforts.
The operator may, as necessary, continue the process by again
applying heat and scrubbing motion to the surface of the workpiece,
generally with the application of additional cleaning agent. On the
other, if the operator considers that one soiled area of the
workpiece is acceptably clean, he or she may then move on to
another area of the surface of the workpiece, and so continue this
above process until the entire cleaning task is complete.
[0035] It may be appreciated that the scrubbing motion provided by
the cleaning machine of the present invention, along with a
cleaning agent, along with heat, each of which is individually
controllable, is the most important part of the above-described
cleaning process, and at the heart of the apparatus and method of
the present invention. Accordingly, the scrubbing action may be
initiated prior to application of cleaning agent or before, the
heating element may be activated in various combinations prior to
or after the scrubbing action is initiated, or prior to or after
the cleaning agent is applied to the surface of the workpiece, and
the elements of scrubbing, cleaning agent, and heat may be applied
in any combination, order, duration, or amount. While such
combinations of scrubbing, cleaning agent, and heat are not each
considered separately here, each such combination of these
elements, and each order, duration, and amount of application for
these elements, are appropriately considered part of the cleaning
method of the present invention.
[0036] By the above process, a user or operator may clean a large
area or a small area, utilizing the benefits of each element of the
invention. More specifically, the operator may take advantage of
(1) the increased chemical activity attendant upon elevated
temperature, as chemical processes proceed about twice as fast with
each ten degree Celsius increase in temperature, (2) the increased
cleaning effect resulting from use of a cleaning agent, such as
detergent, or detergent and solvent combination, (3) the increased
efficiency of cleaning as the cleaning agent either chemically
combines with or dissolves the soil adhering to a workpiece at a
raised temperature, and (3) the increased cleaning effect resulting
from direct application of power oscillating "scrubbing" motion, as
the towel which is affixed to the base plate of the present
invention is vigorously rubbed against the workpiece to increase
direct contact between these pieces.
[0037] The more important features of the invention have thus been
outlined, rather broadly, so that the detailed description thereof
that follows may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
Additional features of specific embodiments of the invention will
be described below. However, before explaining preferred
embodiments of the invention in detail, it may be noted briefly
that the present invention substantially departs from pre-existing
apparatus and methods of the prior art, and in so doing provides
the user with the highly desirable ability to maximally clean
various workpieces, particularly rugs and carpets.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0038] A principal object of the present invention is to present an
apparatus by which a user or operator may achieve cleaning not
heretofore known, primarily by causing the movement of a cloth or
towel against a soiled workpiece in the presence of both a cleaning
agent and heat.
[0039] A further principal object of the present invention is, by
the present apparatus, to achieve for the first time a situation in
which cleaning may proceed with the controllable application of
agitation ("scrubbing), cleaning agent, and heat.
[0040] A further principal object of the present invention is to
utilize the three elements of scrubbing, cleaning agent, and heat
in a process involving all three such elements, such that these
elements may be applied in any order, duration, or amount, at the
discretion of the operator, in such a way as to apply all three
elements to a soiled workpiece in various combinations to achieve
maximum cleaning effect.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0041] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one embodiment
of the present invention and, together with the description, serve
to explain the principles of the invention.
[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of the apparatus of the
present invention, which shows the invention in its overall
aspect.
[0043] FIG. 2 is an elevation, or "edge-on," view of the general
plan of the scrubbing components of the present invention, in which
the vibrator plate and base plate are separated.
[0044] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the scrubbing components of
the present invention in which an alternative means is utilized to
prevent rotation of the base plate of the present invention while
providing tension between the underside base and the base plate,
and in which an alternative construction for such base plate is
shown in detail.
[0045] FIG. 4 is a top-down view of the base plate of the present
invention when it is separated from the vibrator plate.
[0046] FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the apparatus of the present
invention, which shows details of the mechanism between the motive
force and the vibrator plate of the invention, by which the
apparatus achieves the oscillatory motion of one embodiment of such
apparatus.
[0047] FIG. 6 is a flow chart diagram of the first portion of the
method of the present invention when using the apparatus of the
preferred embodiment set forth herein.
[0048] FIG. 7 is a flow chart diagram of the second portion of the
method of the present invention when using the apparatus of the
preferred embodiment set forth herein.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Apparatus of the Invention
[0049] Referring initially to FIG. 1, one variation on the new
apparatus of the present invention is shown in perspective view. In
FIG. 1, the floor-treating machine of the present invention 1 is
shown in perspective in its overall aspect. A vibration plate 2 of
the machine 1 is affixed movably to an underside base 3 of the
machine 1 to allow movement between the vibration plate 2 and the
underside base 3. The vibration plate 2 may be of a variety of
shapes, but is preferably of circular shape. A motor 4 (within a
motor housing) is also attached to the underside base 3 in such
fashion that the motor shaft (not shown) of the motor 4 extends
through the underside base 3 below to allow attachment of the
mechanism which eventually produces the oscillatory motion in the
vibration plate 2. A handle assembly consisting of handle yolk 6
and handle shank 7 is provided for connecting to and controlling
the movement of the floor-treating machine 1, along with a handle
end 8 having handle grips 9. A base plate 10 is affixed to the
vibration plate 2 via any means which allows easy removal, and may
have a projecting corner or "nose" 27 for fitting into tight
corners. In this embodiment, such means for affixation comprises an
upturned edge (not shown) on the base plate 10, which edge is
generally circular in shape, and approximately of the same diameter
as the circular vibration plate 2, so that the upturned edge may
fit snugly against and over the circular vibration plate 2.
Electrical operator switches 12 are provided for controlling the
operation of the motor 4, and for controlling heating elements (not
shown) of the floor-treating machine 1. Electrical power for the
motor 4, and for controlling the application of heat is supplied at
household voltage in this embodiment by a standard electrical wall
plug 11 and electrical cord 13, connected to electrical operator
switches 12, which switches then direct current at such voltage to
the motor 4, and at reduced voltage to other electrical components,
via control cord 14 extending along or within handle shank 7 and
electrical buses 15.
[0050] FIG. 2 is an elevation, or "edge-on" view, of the general
plan of the scrubbing components of the present invention, in which
the vibration plate 2 and base plate 10 are shown separated, as
before use. Beginning at the underside base 3, the motor 4 is
attached for supply of motive power to the working components
thereunder. Underside base studs 20 and vibration plate studs 21
are attached the to underside base 3 and the vibration plate 2
respectively. Tensioning springs 22 are attached at one of their
ends to the underside base studs 20, and at the other of their ends
to the vibration plate studs 21, thereby securing the vibration
plate 2 against rotation in relation to underside base 3, and
thereby preventing such rotation of the vibration plate in relation
to the underside base beyond only a few degrees. Vibration plate 2
has around its circumference upturned edges 23 for seating into
corresponding structure of the base seat 24 on the base plate 10
below. Base plate seat 24 of base plate 10 is fashioned to fit
snugly against and over the corresponding upturned edges 23 of
vibration plate 2. Heating elements 25 reside on, in, or under the
base plate 10, and are securely fastened to base plate 10 by
suitable means. Electrical current for heating elements 25 is
supplied in the embodiment by electrical posts 26, to which
electrical conductors (not shown) may be attached. While FIG. 2
shows heating elements 25 situate within the body of base plate 10,
it may be appreciated that heating elements 25 may also be situate
entirely underneath base plate 10 (i.e., on its lower surface), so
as to reduce the distance between the heating elements 25 and the
workpiece below, thereby increasing the intensity and
controllability of the heat originating from the heating elements
25 over and against the workpiece. In some preferred embodiments
heating elements 25 cover the entire lower surface of base plate
10.
[0051] FIG. 3. shows an alternative to the "suspension" by means of
base studs 20, vibration plate studs 21, and tensioning springs 22
shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, again to secure the vibration plate 2
against rotation in relation to underside base 3, shockmounts 60
composed of rubber or other resilient material may be utilized.
Such shockmounts 60 may be manufactured sufficiently long to bridge
the gap between the underside base 3 and base plate 10 when these
components are in place, and ready for operation (i.e., when in
FIG. 2 the vibration plate 2 with upturned edges 23 is seated
against base plate 10 and snugly within plate seat 24).
Shockmounts. 60 may also be manufactured wide enough to provide
sufficient lateral support so that, when three or more are in
position between underside base 3 and base plate 10, and motor 4 is
operating, shockmounts 60 prevent the vibration plate 2 from
rotating in relation to underside base 3 beyond only a few degrees.
In one preferred embodiment, shockmounts 60 are wider at each end
than they are in the middle, thereby providing additional
flexibility between underside base 3 and base plate 10 when in
operation. The shockmounts 60 may be seated in shockmount brackets
61 affixed to the underside base 3 and the base plate 10 in such
position across the gap between the underside base 3 and the base
plate 10, such that the ends of the shockmounts 60 may fit snugly
within the shockmount brackets 61. Shockmount brackets 61 thereby
securely hold shockmounts 60 so long as tension may be supplied to
close the gap between underside base 3 and base plate 10. However,
shockmount brackets 61 may be eliminated in one preferred
embodiment, where shockmounts 60 are fitted with threads at their
ends (not shown) whereby the user may extend appropriately sized
bolts through underside base 3 and base plate 10, to screw such
bolts into ends of shockmounts 60. Such tension may be supplied by
a variety of means, however a simple means may include simply
providing rubber tensioners 62 (e.g., rubber "bands") of length
appropriate to reduce such gap, and means for holding the rubber
bands 63 at each of their ends.
[0052] Alternative arrangements for vibrating and applying heat
utilizing the present invention also include an alternate base
plate 10 layered construction in which a major portion of base
plate 10 is comprised of plastic, preferably ABS plastic, which may
be formed in a single plastic layer 70 as shown in FIG. 3. Such
plastic layer 70 may be formed from a variety of materials
resistant to high temperature. Immediately thereunder, the heating
element 25 may be formed in a single heating element layer 71
covering the entire underside of plastic layer 70, and immediately
under heating element layer 71, a metallic layer 72, formed
preferably of aluminum and in a single sheet, may be used to spread
heat from the heating element layer 71 more evenly across the
workpiece. Finally, heat resistant plastic sheet 73 having pointed
extrusions 74 across its lower surface, may be affixed to the
underside of metallic layer 72, to grab a terrycloth towel or other
cleaning implement (not shown), and thereby maintain its position
under base plate 10. The pointed extrusions 74 may be simple
plastic projections, or hooks, or the extrusions may be comprised
of separate metal shavings or fibers embedded in the heat resistant
plastic sheet 73. When metal or fiber pieces are embedded in the
heat resistant plastic sheet 73, the better method is to thinly
cover such pieces with the same plastic material to seal such
pieces against moisture, and prevent any sharp edges of the metal
or fibers from cutting into the terrycloth towel.
[0053] FIG. 4 represents a top down view of base plate 10, in which
the interior surface of base plate seat 24 having upturned edge 28
appears superimposed over the remainder of base plate 10. Base
plate seat 24 is sized to fit snugly over, and so engage with, the
correspondingly shaped upturned edges 23 of the vibration plate 2.
As noted above, both base plate seat 24 and the upturned edge 23 of
the vibration plate 2 are preferably circular in shape, to assist
in the easy engagement of these components prior to operation.
Heating elements 25 appear along and under the edges of the base
plate 10 in this embodiment, and are intermittently electrically
connected with electrical busses 15 by electrical posts or
electrical connectors 26 and other suitable connection means. In
this embodiment, heating elements 25 are comprised of
electrically-resistive strips which generate heat as electrical
current is directed to heating element electrical connectors 26.
Base plate 10 is preferably shaped to fit within tight corners with
at least one corner 27 or nose projecting from the main body of the
base plate 10, which the operator may manipulate into such tight
corners. The shape of the base plate 10 preferably matches
generally the shape of the underside base 3, but is somewhat larger
so that the base plate 10 may fit fully into such tight corners
during operation without interference from the underside base 3
immediately above.
[0054] FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the general plan of the
scrubbing components of the present invention, in which the
vibration plate 2 and base plate seat 24 of base plate 10 are shown
engaged, as during use, and also showing mechanical components
which generate the oscillatory motion of the invention. FIG. 5 also
shows the connections 32 necessary to electrically connect the
heating elements 25 to a power supply. Beginning at the underside
base 3, the motor 4 appears above the underside base, along with
one or more electrical busses 15 for electrical supply of heating
elements 25 situate on, in or under base plate 10. The electrical
busses 15 and the motor 4 are each electrically connected by
control cord 14 to electrical operator switches 12 and, through
such switches and electrical cord 13 and wall plug 11, to a power
supply as desired by the user. Electrical busses 15 end at
electrical connectors 30 situated on the underside of base 3. At
the same time, heating elements 25, residing on, in, or under base
plate 10, have electrically attached to them electrical connectors
26. Between electrical connectors 30 and 26, electrical wires 32
make electrical connection, so as to allow power from operator
switches 12 to flow to and through heating elements 25 when the
operator activates electrical switches 12. Electrical connectors 30
and 26 are formed so as to allow easy disconnection and separation
between base plate 10 and vibration plate 2 when these components
are separated as in FIG. 2, but also allow easy electrical
connection or reconnection between electrical busses 15 and heating
elements 25 when the cleaning machine is in operation.
[0055] Continuing with FIG. 5, motor 4, when activated, turns motor
shaft 40 which has attached to it cam 41, residing within bearing
42. Counter weight 43 is attached by counter weight swing arm 44,
to bearing 42 via swing arm bolts 45. Bearing 42 is attached to
vibration plate 2 by vibration plate pins 46. Accordingly, motor 4,
when activated, moves cam 41 in a circular fashion, horizontally,
below underside base 3 within bearing 42 to produce a circular
oscillatory motion in bearing 42, and in vibration plate 2 attached
thereto, while counter weight 43 acts at the same time to provide
an offsetting force to counter-balance the above moving components,
and so stabilize the cleaning machine during operation. Base plate
10 having base plate seat 24 surrounds vibration plate 2 with
upturned edges 23 in FIG. 5, and is in contact therewith, the
vibration plate 2 and the base plate 10 being secured thereby.
Underside base studs 20 and vibration plate studs 21 appear in FIG.
5 (without tension springs 22). A terrycloth towel 50 or other
cleaning implement is associated with the underside of base plate
10 and, when engaged therewith by extensions 74, moves therewith in
the circular, oscillatory motion caused by the connection of base
plate 10 with vibration plate 2, and so on to bearing 42, motor
shaft 40, and motor 4.
[0056] In operation, the user generally sprays a solvent,
detergent, or other cleaning agent on the rug or other workpiece on
the surface to be cleaned at the location of the soil. The user
then fastens towel 50 to base plate 10, and sets the cleaning
machine on or near the location to be cleaned. Of course the towel
may be fastened to base plate 10 prior to spraying the cleaning
agent on the location to be cleaned. In any case, however, once the
cleaning agent has been applied to the surface to be cleaned, the
user may then turn on motor 4, thus initiating the oscillatory
motion of the cam 41, which motion is transmitted through the
bearing 42, and the vibration plate, with its upturned edges 23, to
base plate 10 through seat 24, and to towel 50, which then rubs
against, or scrubs, the workpiece. Upon thus initiating the
oscillatory motion of the towel 50 against the workpiece, the user
may also initiate the application of heat to the surface to be
cleaned at the location of the soil. The application of heat
results as the user activates electrical switches 12, to set the
desired temperature, thus allowing the correct current to flow from
electrical cord 13, through electrical operator switches 12, which
then direct current at appropriate voltage along electrical control
cord 14, and electrical buses 15, to electrical connectors 30.
After base plate seat 24 is placed in position against vibration
plate 2 (or base plate 2 placed on or within base plate seat 24),
and underside base studs 20 connected to vibration plate studs 21
by tensioning springs 22, electrical wires 32 may be attached
between electrical connectors 30 and 26 to complete the electrical
connection from operator switches 12 to heating elements 25.
Through this process, a user may direct heat to the entire surface
of the base plate 10, and so to a large area of the workpiece.
Through this process, a user may also control the temperature to be
applied to heat the base plate 10, as electrical switches 12 may be
selected to allow such control in addition to simple switching
(i.e., only "on" and "off").
[0057] In the alternative, and particularly with reference to
smaller cleaning machines, a user may assemble the cleaning machine
of the present invention as set forth above, and then spray the
towel 50 on the under side of the base plate 10 immediately prior
to application of the machine to the workpiece. The user may in
such case, just as before, move the cleaning machine as necessary
to cover the area to be cleaned, re-spray the towel 50 or re-spray
the workpiece as necessary to adequately clean the surface to be
cleaned, initiate electrical current to heat the base plate 10,
thereby to heat areas of the workpiece. The user may thereby
control temperature of the cleaner heating elements 25 and the base
plate 10 by varying the settings of the electrical operator
switches 12 while the oscillating motion of base plate 10 works
towel 50 against the workpiece.
[0058] While shockmounts 60 are employed with shockmount brackets
61 and tensioner 62 as in FIG. 3, the user may simply place
vibration plate 2 on base plate 10 within or near base seat 24,
with shockmounts 60 between underside base 3 and base plate 10.
Assembly thereafter is quick, as vibration plate 2 may be centered
as it is moved against and engages the upturned edge 28 of base
seat 24, and tensioners 62 are stretched between and engaged with
holding means 63. Finally, assembly is also quick when only
shockmounts 60 are utilized to bridge the gap between underside
base 3 and baseplate 10, as bolts may easily engage either or both
ends of shockmounts 60, generally removably so though underside
base 3. Where only shockmounts 60 are used between underside base 3
and base plate 10, such shockmounts fill the functions of supplying
tension between underside base 3 and base plate 10, and at the same
time maintain the proper orientation of base plate 10 in relation
to underside base 3.
Process of the Invention
[0059] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown a flow chart
which schematically represent the cleaning processes which are a
principal feature of the present invention. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the
cleaning process of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention is comprised of a series of steps, each of which step is
represented by a rectangular box. The order of these steps is
represented serially by the direction of the arrows between the
steps. Thus, one step may be seen to be the step of placing a towel
or other cleaning implement on the surface of the workpiece being
cleaned. Immediately thereafter another step is taken, and so on,
until the cleaning job is complete.
[0060] Referring now specifically to the steps of FIG. 6, the first
portion of the cleaning method of the present invention appears in
flow chart form. In FIG. 6, the user begins the cleaning process at
the point labeled "X," from which the cleaning job may be
approached using any one of, or all of, four general approaches.
The four general approaches are labeled "A" through "D" in FIG.
6.
[0061] Beginning with Approach A, user first places a towel or
other cleaning implement (the "Towel") on the surface of the
workpiece to be cleaned, but at a location other than the soiled
area (the "Surface") 101, and the apparatus of the present
invention (the "Machine") is then placed on the Towel 102. The user
may at this point secure the Towel to the Machine 103, and then
apply detergent or other cleaning agent (the "Cleaner") to the
soiled area of the workpiece (the "Soil") 104, or the user may
apply the Cleaner to the Soil 104 directly after placing the
Machine on the Towel 102, without first securing the Towel to the
Machine 103. The user may skip the step of specially securing the
Towel to the Machine 103 because the weight of the Machine, or the
non-slip under surface of the Machine, or both, hold the Towel in
place on the under surface for at least a short period of time
while the Machine is in operation.
[0062] Continuing with Approach A, the user then turns on the
Machine 105, and adjusts the heat 106, and is now ready to move the
Machine over the Soil. That is, the user is at point "Y" ready to
move the Machine into position over the Soil (step 150 in FIG. 7).
In the alternative, the user may turn on the Machine 105 and then,
if he believes no heat is desirable in Approach A during this
cleaning job, immediately move the Machine into position over the
Soil (step 150 in FIG. 7), without adjusting the heat 106.
[0063] In Approach "B" of FIG. 6, the user again approaches step
150 in FIG. 7, but through a different set of steps. Utilizing
Approach B, the user first places the Towel on the Soil 110, then
places the Machine on the Towel 111. Again the user may secure the
Towel to the Machine 112, and then turn on the Machine 113, or
proceed to turn on the Machine 113 without securing the Towel to
the Machine 112. In either case, the Machine is turned on 113, and
the user must then move the Machine to a portion of the Workpiece
away from the Soil 114, to thereby expose the Soil, and then turn
the Machine off 115 to allow Cleaner to be applied. The user
applies that Cleaner to the Towel 116 or to the Soil 117, and then
again turns on the Machine 118, adjusts the heat 119, and is now
ready to move the Machine over the Soil once again. That is, the
user is again at point "Y" ready to move the Machine into position
over the Soil (step 150 in FIG. 7). In the alternative, the user
may turn on the Machine 118 and then, if he believes no heat is
desirable in Approach B during this cleaning job, immediately move
the Machine into position over the Soil (step 150 in FIG. 7),
without adjusting the heat 119.
[0064] In Approach "C" of FIG. 6 the user again approaches step 150
in FIG. 7, but through yet another different set of steps.
Primarily, the user affixes the Towel to the Machine rather than
laying the Towel on the Surface as in Approach A and Approach B.
Utilizing Approach C, the user first applies Cleaner to the Towel
120 then affixes the Towel to the Machine 121. As with other
approaches, the user may secure the Towel to the Machine 122, and
then move the Machine to the Surface 123, or proceed to move the
Machine to the Surface 123 directly, without securing the Towel to
the Machine 121. However in this Approach C the Machine will be
moved to the Surface 123 in such fashion as to allow the Towel to
fall away from the Machine during movement. Accordingly, securing
the Towel to the Machine 121 is more important in Approach C than
in Approach A or Approach B. Once the Towel and Machine are placed
on the Surface, the user turns on the Machine 124, the heat is
adjusted 125, and the user is now ready to move the Machine over
the Soil. That is, the user is again at point "Y" ready to move the
Machine into position over the Soil (step 150 in FIG. 7). In the
alternative, the user may turn on the Machine 124 and then, if he
believes no heat is desirable in Approach C during this cleaning
job, immediately move the Machine into position over the Soil (step
150 in FIG. 7), without adjusting the heat 125.
[0065] In Approach "D," on the other hand, the user ends up in
position over the Soil, the Machine is vibrating, and Cleaner has
been applied. Accordingly, the Machine is in the process of
removing dirt from the Workpiece upon first turning off the
Machine. The user begins Approach D by affixing the Towel to the
Machine 130, rather than laying the Towel on the Surface as in
Approach A and Approach B. In Approach D, the user again has the
option of specially securing the Towel to the Machine 131, or
proceeding directly to application of the Cleaner to the Towel 132,
however in this Approach, as in Approach C, the Machine will be
moved to the Soil 133 in such fashion as to allow the Towel to fall
away from the Machine during movement. Accordingly, securing the
Towel to the Machine 131 is more important in Approach D than in
Approach A or Approach B. Once the Towel and Machine are placed on
the Soil 133, the Cleaner being already applied to the Towel 132,
the user may then turn on the Machine 134, adjust the heat 135, and
again be ready to move the Machine over the Soil (point "Z").
Again, if the user believes no heat is desirable in Approach D
during this cleaning job, he may immediately move the Machine into
position over the Soil (step 150 in FIG. 7), without adjusting the
heat 135.
[0066] It may be noted that, in Approach C and Approach D, the user
has the option to either move the Machine to the Surface 123, or
move the Machine to the Soil 133 whether Cleaner is applied to the
Towel first 120 and then the Towel is affixed to the Machine 121,
or the Towel is affixed to the Machine first 130 and then the
Cleaner is applied to the Towel 132.
[0067] Referring now to FIG. 7, the remainder of the cleaning
method of the present invention appears in flow chart form. In FIG.
7, the user continues the cleaning process begun in FIG. 6 at
either the point labeled "Y" or the point labeled "Z." Which of
these points are the start of the remainder of the method of the
present invention is determined by which Approach is used in FIG.
6. That is, each of Approaches A, B, and C end at point Y in FIG.
6, and therefore begin at point Y in FIG. 7, while Approach D ends
at point Z in FIG. 6, and therefore begins at point Z in FIG.
7.
[0068] Beginning at point Y, the user moves the Machine on to the
Soil 150, and allows the Machine to vibrate on the Soil 151 for a
time period sufficient, in the user's mind, to accomplish his
immediate objective. This objective may, on the one hand, be as
large as completely cleaning the Soil in a single pass of the
Machine or, on the other hand, just beginning to clean the Soil,
knowing that many passes of the Machine will be necessary to
complete the process, or the objective may be something in between
at the discretion of the user.
[0069] Once the Machine is vibrating on the Soil 151, the user then
may move the Machine around on the Soil for maximum effect 152, but
at some point must move the Machine off the Soil 153 long enough to
observe the effect of his efforts. In the process, the user will
usually adjust the heat (downward) 154, and turn off the Machine
155, but he may skip either or both of these steps.
[0070] In any case, the user must inspect his work 156. At this
point the user evaluates his efforts by determining whether this
portion of the Workpiece is clean 157. If the answer to this
question is "NO," the user may apply more Cleaner to the Soil 158,
or to the Towel 159, or both, or turn on the Machine 160 without
applying any additional Cleaner. As in the Approaches of FIG. 6, if
the user believes additional heat will benefit the cleaning
process, he may adjust the heat 161 and then move the Machine into
position once again over the Soil 150. However, if he believes that
no heat is desirable at this point of his cleaning job, he may
again immediately move the Machine into position over the Soil 150,
without adjusting the heat 161.
[0071] If the user's inspection 156 reveals that this portion of
the Workpiece is satisfactorily clean, and so he answers "YES" to
the question whether this portion of the Workpiece is clean 157,
the user may then go on to determine whether other areas of the
Workpiece are soiled 170. If the answer to this question is "YES,"
he will then move the Machine to the new soiled area, and begin the
cleaning process anew on a new area to be cleaned. Where additional
cleaner is required or a fresh towel, or cleaner and towel, the
user may decide to continue the cleaning process 171 by returning
to point "X" in FIG. 7 (corresponding also to point "X" in FIG. 6,
and proceeding therefrom through the process appearing in FIG. 6).
Where neither additional cleaner nor towel are required to continue
the cleaning process, the user may move on to the soil of the new
area to be cleaned 150, returning through point "Y" in FIG. 7. Of
course, if in asking the question whether other areas of the
Workpiece are soiled 170, the user determines that other areas of
the Workpiece are not soiled, the user then stops the cleaning
process 172.
[0072] Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the
art from consideration of the specification and practice of the
invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification
and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of
the invention being indicated by the following claims and
equivalents.
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