U.S. patent application number 12/276470 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-27 for cleaning apparatus.
Invention is credited to Connie Genna, Michael Genna.
Application Number | 20100125969 12/276470 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42194870 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100125969 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Genna; Michael ; et
al. |
May 27, 2010 |
CLEANING APPARATUS
Abstract
Disclosed is an apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area,
such as fins, evaporation coils, and condenser coils. The apparatus
comprises a container having a first compartment and a second
compartment, a first pump accommodated in the first compartment and
a second pump accommodated in the second compartment. The apparatus
further comprises a first hose detachably coupled to the first
compartment, a second hose detachably coupled to the second pump,
and a cleaning attachment detachably coupled to the first hose and
the second hose. The cleaning attachment comprises a housing, a
cleaning member, and a fluid dispensing pipe. The housing comprises
a front end portion mounting the cleaning member thereon, a rear
end portion coupled to the first hose, and a passage extending
between the front end portion and the rear end portion. Further,
the fluid dispensing pipe is coupled to the housing and the second
hose.
Inventors: |
Genna; Michael; (Sulphur,
LA) ; Genna; Connie; (Sulphur, LA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICE OF JERRY D. HAYNES , P.A
P.O. Box 350392
Fort Lauderdale
FL
33335
US
|
Family ID: |
42194870 |
Appl. No.: |
12/276470 |
Filed: |
November 24, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/320 ;
15/348 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 5/365 20130101;
B08B 1/04 20130101; A47L 11/34 20130101; B08B 2203/0229 20130101;
B08B 3/026 20130101; A47L 7/009 20130101; A47L 9/04 20130101; A47L
11/4011 20130101; F25B 47/00 20130101; A47L 11/4041 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/320 ;
15/348 |
International
Class: |
A47L 7/00 20060101
A47L007/00; A47L 9/00 20060101 A47L009/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area, the apparatus
comprising: a container having a first compartment and a second
compartment, the second compartment storing a fluid therein; a
first pump accommodated in the first compartment for creating
vacuum within the first compartment; a second pump accommodated in
the second compartment, the second pump being submerged in the
fluid stored in the second compartment and adapted to pump the
fluid; a first hose detachably coupled to the first compartment
from a first end portion thereof; a second hose detachably coupled
to the second pump from a proximal end portion thereof, the second
hose adapted to receive the fluid pumped by the second pump; and a
cleaning attachment detachably coupled to the first hose and the
second hose, the cleaning attachment comprising a housing having a
front end portion, a rear end portion, and a passage extending
between the front end portion and the rear end portion, the rear
end portion of the housing being adapted to be detachably coupled
to a second end portion of the first hose, a cleaning member
mounted at the front end portion of the housing, and a fluid
dispensing pipe coupled to the housing, the fluid dispensing pipe
adapted to be detachably coupled to a distal end portion of the
second hose for dispensing the fluid received by the second hose on
the work area, wherein the cleaning member is adapted to displace
the dirt from the work area upon being placed in vicinity thereof,
and wherein the vacuum created within the first compartment enables
in drawing the displaced dirt and a remnant dispensed fluid from
the work area into the first compartment through the passage of the
housing and the first hose, thereby cleaning the dirt from the work
area.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first pump is a wet vacuum
pump.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second pump is a sump
pump.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning attachment
further comprises a motor operatively coupled to the cleaning
member for rotating the cleaning member.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the cleaning member comprises
a shaft member mounted on the front end portion of the housing, and
a brush member removably received on the shaft member.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the brush member comprises a
body member and a plurality of bristles configured on a peripheral
surface of the body member.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the cleaning attachment
further comprises a gear train for operatively coupling the motor
and the shaft member of the cleaning member, the gear train adapted
to rotate the shaft member thereby rotating the brush member for
enabling the plurality of bristles to brush against the work area
for removing the dirt therefrom.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the plurality of bristles is
composed of a plastic material.
9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the plurality of bristles is
composed of a steel material.
10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the plurality of bristles is
composed of a brass material.
11. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising an operating
switch configured on the housing of the cleaning attachment,
wherein the operating switch is adapted to selectively operate the
first pump, the second pump, and the motor.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a wheel mechanism
configured at a bottom portion of the container for enabling the
apparatus to move from one place to another.
Description
OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to cleaning
apparatuses, and, more particularly, to an apparatus for cleaning
dirt from a work area, such as fins, evaporation coils, and
condenser coils, of an air conditioner, a heat exchanger, and a
refrigerator, respectively.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Periodic cleaning of fins, evaporation coils, and condenser
coils of devices, such as refrigerators, heat exchangers, and air
conditioners, respectively, is desirable for maintaining a better
efficiency of such devices. Specifically, a cleaning activity may
include removing dirt, such as dust, oil, and insects, trapped
between the fins, the evaporation coils, and the condenser coils.
Generally, cleaning the fins, the evaporation coils, and the
condenser coils is time consuming and cumbersome due to
inconspicuous gaps between adjacent fins, between adjacent
evaporation coils, and between adjacent condenser coils.
[0003] Further, the cleaning of the fins, the evaporation coils,
and the condenser coils typically involves the removal of the fins,
evaporation coils, and the condenser coils from their respective
positions on the devices. In such an instance, the removed fins,
the evaporation coils, and condenser coils need to be handled
carefully for avoiding any damage being caused thereto. For
example, the condenser coils need to be handled carefully for
avoiding a leakage of a refrigerant filled in the condenser coils.
As such, service of a skilled professional is required for the
removal of the fins, the evaporation coils, and the condenser
coils, which in turn increases labor costs. Moreover, the cleaning
activity of the removed fins, the evaporation coils, and the
condenser coils is generally performed by application of water, and
thereafter drying of water from the removed fins, the evaporation
coils, and the condenser coils is required before reinstallation
thereof. Accordingly, time required for the drying of water from
the fins, the evaporation coils, and the condenser coils increase
an overall time of the cleaning activity.
[0004] Accordingly, there exists a need for an apparatus for
cleaning dirt from a work area, such as fins, evaporation coils and
condenser coils, of an air conditioner, a heat exchanger, and a
refrigerator, respectively, to facilitate cleaning of the dirt from
the work area in an easy, convenient, and time-efficient
manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior
art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area that is configured to
include all the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the
drawbacks inherent therein.
[0006] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to
provide an apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area, such as
fins, evaporation coils and condenser coils, of an air conditioner,
a heat exchanger, and a refrigerator, respectively, in an easy,
convenient and time-efficient manner.
[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus for cleaning dirt from fins, evaporation coils and
condenser coils, which precludes a need for dismantling the fins,
the evaporation coils and the condenser coils for cleaning
thereof.
[0008] In light of the above objects, in one aspect of the present
invention, an apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area, such as
fins and condenser coils of an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a
heat exchanger and the like is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a
container, a first pump, a second pump, a first hose, a second
hose, and a cleaning attachment. The container comprises a first
compartment and a second compartment. The second compartment stores
a fluid therein. The first pump is accommodated in the first
compartment for creating vacuum within the first compartment.
Further, the second pump is accommodated in the second compartment.
Specifically, the second pump is submerged in the fluid stored in
the second compartment and is adapted to pump the fluid.
Furthermore, the first hose is detachably coupled to the first
compartment from a first end portion thereof and the second hose is
detachably coupled to the second pump from a proximal end portion
thereof. Particularly, the second hose is adapted to receive the
fluid pumped by the second pump. Moreover, the cleaning attachment
is detachably coupled to the first hose and the second hose.
[0009] The cleaning attachment comprises a housing, a cleaning
member, and a fluid dispensing pipe. The housing comprises a front
end portion, a rear end portion, and a passage extending between
the front end portion and the rear end portion. The rear end
portion of the housing is adapted to be detachably coupled to a
second end portion of the first hose. Further, the cleaning member
is mounted at the front end portion of the housing and is adapted
to displace the dirt from the work area upon being placed in
vicinity thereof. The fluid dispensing pipe is coupled to the
housing and is adapted to be detachably coupled to a distal end
portion of the second hose for dispensing the fluid received by the
second hose on the work area. The vacuum created within the first
compartment enables in drawing the displaced dirt and a remnant
dispensed fluid from the work area into the first compartment
through the passage of the housing and the first hose, thereby
cleaning the work area.
[0010] This together with other aspects of the present invention,
along with the various features of novelty that characterize the
present invention, is pointed out with particularity in the claims
annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a
better understanding of the present invention, its operating
advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses,
reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and
descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary
embodiments of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The advantages and features of the present invention will
become better understood with reference to the following detailed
description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for
cleaning dirt from a work area, in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a
cleaning attachment of the apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic circuit diagram of the
apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
[0015] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
description of several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for
illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in
implementation thereof. It should be emphasized, however, that the
present invention is not limited to an apparatus for cleaning dirt
from a work area, as shown and described. It is understood that
various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated
as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are
intended to cover the application or implementation without
departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present
invention.
[0017] The terms "first," "second," and the like, herein do not
denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to
distinguish one element from another, and the terms "a" and "an"
herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote
the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
[0018] The present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning
dirt from a work area, such as fins, evaporation coils, and
condenser coils of an air conditioner, a heat exchanger, and a
refrigerator, respectively. Specifically, the apparatus enables in
cleaning dirt, such as dust, oil, and insects, trapped between the
fins and the condenser coils. The apparatus of the present
invention is capable of cleaning the dirt from the work area by
performing at least one of removing the dirt by scrubbing action,
dispensing fluid on the dirt, and drawing the dirt and a remnant
dispensed fluid from the work area. Further, the apparatus of the
present invention may be conveniently utilized in homes, and
commercial establishments, such as offices, and public places like
hotels, hospitals and the like.
[0019] Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an apparatus
100 for cleaning dirt from a work area is illustrated, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
The apparatus 100 includes a container 102 having a first
compartment 104 and a second compartment 106, a first pump 108
accommodated in the first compartment 104, and a second pump 110
accommodated in the second compartment 106. The apparatus 100
further includes a first hose 112 detachably coupled to the first
compartment 104, a second hose 114 detachably coupled to the second
pump 110, and a cleaning attachment 116 detachably coupled to the
first hose 112 and the second hose 114. In one embodiment of the
present invention, the apparatus 100 may further include a wheel
mechanism having a plurality of wheels, such as wheels 118a, and
118b, configured at a bottom portion (not shown) of the container
102 for enabling mobility of the apparatus 100.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the container 102 of the apparatus 100
is configured to assume an elongated hollow cylindrical structure.
However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the
container 102 may be configured to assume other shape, such as an
elliptical elongated structure, or a polygonal elongated structure.
Further, as explained herein, the container 102 includes the first
compartment 104 and the second compartment 106. More specifically,
the container 102 includes a partition member 120 configured within
the container 102 in a manner such that the partition member 120
configures the first compartment 104 and the second compartment 106
within the container 102. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the partition member 120 may be configured to form an
integral member of the container 102 by a manufacturing process,
such as molding. The partition member 120 divides an interior space
of the container 102 into the first compartment 104 and the second
compartment 106.
[0021] The first compartment 104 of the container 102 accommodates
the first pump 108 therein that is adapted to create vacuum within
the first compartment 104. More specifically, in the present
embodiment, the first pump 108 is accommodated within a sub
compartment 122 configured on a top surface 124 of the first
compartment 104. The sub compartment 122 extends upwardly from the
top surface 124 of the first compartment 104 for configuring a
cavity to accommodate the first pump 108 therein. Further, the
first pump 108 may be mounted within the sub compartment 122 using
a suitable fasting mechanism, such brackets and screws (not shown).
In the present embodiment, the first pump 108 is a wet vacuum pump
capable of creating vacuum within the first compartment 104. The
vacuum created in the first compartment 104 enables in drawing dirt
from a work area (not shown) by utilizing the first hose 112
detachably coupled to the first compartment 104, which will be
explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2. Further, in one
embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100 may includes
a filter member 126 configured on the first compartment 104. More
specifically, the first compartment 104 may include an opening
configured with the filter member 126 thereon. The filter members
126 enables in allowing air to pass from the first compartment 104
upon drawing the dirt into the first compartment 104 by the vacuum
created in the first compartment 104.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the first hose 112 includes a first end
portion 128 and a second end portion 130. The first end portion 128
of the first hose 112 is detachably coupled to the first
compartment 104. More specifically, the first end portion 128 of
the first hose 112 is detachably coupled to the top surface 124 of
the first compartment 104. For example, in one embodiment of the
present invention, the first end portion 128 of the first hose 112
may include a threaded portion (not shown) capable of engaging with
a complementary threaded portion of an opening (not shown)
configured on the top surface 124 of the first compartment 104,
thereby enabling the detachable coupling between the first hose 112
and the first compartment 104. The first hose 112 is further
adapted to be detachably coupled to the cleaning attachment 116
from the second end portion 130 of the first hose 112. The coupling
between the first hose 112 and the cleaning attachment 116 is
further explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0023] Further, in the present embodiment, the second compartment
106 of the container 102 stores a fluid 132 therein. The second
pump 110 accommodated in the second compartment 106 in a manner
such that the second pump 110 is submerged in the fluid 132. In one
embodiment of the present invention, the fluid 132 may be a
cleaning agent, such as water, and the second pump 110 may be a
sump pump. The second pump 110 may include an inlet port (not
shown) and an outlet port 134. The outlet port 134 may be
detachably coupled to the second hose 114. Specifically, a proximal
end portion 136 of the second hose 114 is detachably coupled to the
outlet port 134 of the second pump 110. Further, a distal end
portion 138 of the second hose 114 is adapted to be detachably
coupled to the cleaning attachment 116. The coupling between the
second hose 114 and the cleaning attachment 116 is further
explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2. In operation, the
second pump 110 is adapted to pump the fluid 132. Specifically, the
fluid 132 pumped by the second pump 110 may be received by the
second hose 114 for cleaning of the work area.
[0024] It may be evident to a person skilled in the art that the
first pump 108 and the second pump 110 require electrical power for
the operation thereof. In the present embodiment, the first pump
108 and the second pump 110 may operate on electrical power from an
Alternating Current (AC) power source (not shown). Specifically,
the apparatus 100 includes a relay box 140, an electrical cord 142,
and a plug 144 for receiving the electrical power from the AC power
source, such as a wall socket. In the present embodiment, the relay
box 140 is mounted an outer surface of the first compartment 104,
the electrical cord 142 is electrically coupled to the relay box
140, and the plug 144 is configured at an end portion of the
electrical cord 142. Further, it will be evident to a person
skilled in the art that the apparatus 100 may include an electrical
circuit for distributing the electrical power to the first pump 108
and the second pump 110 for the operation thereof. The electrical
circuit of the present invention is further explained in detail in
conjunction with FIG. 3. Moreover, in one embodiment of the present
invention, the apparatus 100 may include an internal power source,
such as battery, capable of providing the required electrical power
to the first pump 108 and the second pump 110 for the operation
thereof.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 2, an exploded perspective view of the
cleaning attachment 116 of the apparatus 100 is illustrated, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
The cleaning attachment 116 includes a housing 146, a cleaning
member 148 adapted to be mounted within the housing 146, and a
fluid dispensing pipe 150 coupled to the housing 146. The cleaning
attachment 116 further includes a motor 152 operatively coupled to
the cleaning member 148, and a gear train 154 for operatively
coupling the cleaning member 148 and the motor 152.
[0026] The housing 146 is a hollow elongated structure having a
front end portion 156, a rear end portion 158 and a passage 160
extending between the front end portion 156 and the rear end
portion 158. The rear end portion 158 of the housing 146 is
detachably coupled to the second end portion 130 of the first hose
112, thereby fluidically coupling the passage 160 with the first
compartment 104 through the first hose 112. Further, in the present
embodiment, the front end portion 156 is configured to assume a
substantially cuboidal structure and the rear end portion 158 is
configured to assume a substantially cylindrical structure.
However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the
front end portion 156 and the rear end portion 158 of the housing
146 may be configured to assume any other shape, such as an
elongated polygonal structure.
[0027] Further, the cleaning member 148 is adapted to be detachably
mounted on the front end portion 156 of the housing 146. The
cleaning member 148 includes a shaft member 162 adapted to be
mounted on the front end portion 156 and brush member 164, adapted
to be removably received on the shaft member 162. More
specifically, the shaft member 162 is adapted to be mounted between
side walls, such as side walls 166a and 166b, of the front end
portion 156. In one embodiment of the present invention, the side
walls 166a and 166b may include mounting flanges, such as mounting
flanges 168a and 168b, configured on the side walls 166a 166b,
respectively. The mounting flanges 168a and 168b are adapted to
receive end portions of the shaft member 162 through holes
configured on the mounting flanges 168a and 168b. Further, a
suitable fastening mechanism, such as nuts, may be coupled to the
end portions of the shaft member 162 for rigidly securing the shaft
member 162 on the mounting flanges 168a and 168b.
[0028] Further, as explained herein the brush member 164 is adapted
to be removably received on the shaft member 162. In the present
embodiment, the brush member 164 includes a body member 170 and a
plurality of bristles 172 configured on a peripheral surface (not
shown) of the body member 170. The body member 170 includes a cut
portion 174 configured along a length of the body member 170. The
cut portion 174 of the body member 170 enables in removably
receiving the brush member 164 on the shaft member 162.
Accordingly, the brush member 164 is removably mounted on the front
end portion 156 of the housing 146.
[0029] The cleaning attachment 116 includes the motor 152
operatively coupled to the cleaning member 148. In the present
embodiment, the motor 152 is mounted on the side wall 166a of the
front end portion 156 of the housing 146. For example, the motor
152 may be mounted on the side wall 166a by using a suitable
fastening mechanism, such as brackets and screws (not shown).
Further, as explained herein, the motor 152 is operatively coupled
to the cleaning member 148 for rotating the cleaning member 148.
More specifically, the gear train 154 enables in operatively
coupling the motor 152 and the shaft member 162 of the cleaning
member 148. The gear train 154 is adapted to rotate the shaft
member 162 thereby rotating the brush member 164 for enabling the
plurality of bristles 172 to brush against the work area for
removing the dirt therefrom. In the present embodiment, the gear
train 154 includes a first gear 176 operatively coupled to a shaft
of the motor 152, and a second gear 178 operatively coupled to an
end portion of the shaft member 162 of the cleaning member 148. The
first gear 176 meshes with the second gear 178, accordingly, a
rotational movement of the shaft of the motor 152 is transferred to
the shaft member 162 of the cleaning member 148 by the first gear
176 and the second gear 178.
[0030] As described herein, the fluid dispensing pipe 150 is
coupled to the housing 146 of the cleaning attachment 116. More
specifically, the fluid dispensing pipe 150 is adapted to be
coupled to a bottom surface 180 of the housing 146. In the present
embodiment, the fluid dispensing pipe 150 extends along a contour
of the bottom surface 180 of the housing 146 from the front end
portion 156 to the rear end portion 158 of the housing 146. The
fluid dispensing pipe 150 includes a primary pipe 182, and a
plurality of secondary pipes, such as secondary pipes 184a and
184b, extending from the primary pipe 182. The fluid dispensing
pipe 150 is detachably coupled to the distal end portion 138 of the
second hose 114 (shown in FIG. 1). More specifically, an end
portion 186 of the primary pipe 182 of the fluid dispensing pipe
150 is detachably coupled to the distal end portion 138 of the
second hose 114. For example, in one embodiment of the present
invention, the end portion 186 of the primary pipe 182 of the fluid
dispensing pipe 150 may be detachably coupled to the distal end
portion 138 of the second hose 114 by utilizing a suitable coupling
arrangement, such as threadable arrangement, and a pipe connector
and the like.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning attachment 116 further
includes an operating switch 188 configured on the housing 146. The
operating switch 188 is adapted to control operation of the first
pump 108, the second pump 110, and the motor 152. More
specifically, the operating switch 188 is a three position switch
that is operatively coupled to the electrical circuit of the
apparatus 100 for controlling the electrical power from the AC
power source being supplied to the first pump 108, the second pump
110, and the motor 152, which is further explained in detail in
conjunction with FIG. 3. In the present embodiment, the operating
switch 188 enables in selectively operating the first pump 108, the
second pump 110, and the motor 152, thereby controlling operations
of the first pump 108, the second pump 110, and the motor 152.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 3, a schematic circuit diagram of the
apparatus 100 is illustrated, in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the schematic
circuit diagram illustrates the operating switch 188 (shown with
dotted lines) that is electrically coupled to the first pump 108,
the second pump 110, and the motor 152 for selective operation
thereof. Further, the schematic circuit diagram illustrates the
relay box 140 (shown with dotted lines) that is electrically
coupling the a power source 200 (shown with dotted lines) and the
operating switch 188 for distributing an electrical power form the
power source 200 to the first pump 108, the second pump 110, and
the motor 152 for the operation thereof. It will be evident to a
person skilled in the art that, the power source 200 illustrated in
FIG. 3 may be a wall socket which is electrically coupled to the
relay box 140 by means of an electrical cord and a plug, such as
the electrical cord 142 and the plug 144 (shown in FIG. 1).
Specifically, the lines emerging from the power source 200 may be
assumed to represent the electrical cord and the plug connecting
the power source 200 and the relay box 140. In present embodiment,
the power source 200 provides an electrical power of 110 volts (V)
to the first pump 108, the second pump 110, and the motor 152 for
the operation thereof.
[0033] In the present embodiment, the relay box 140 includes three
relay switches, such as relay switches 190a, 190b and 190c, for
electrically coupling the first pump 108, the second pump 110, and
the motor 152, respectively, with the power source 200. More
specifically, the relay switch 190a electrically couples the first
pump 108 to the power source 200 through the operating switch 188.
Similarly, the relay switches 190b and 190c electrically couples
the second pump 110 and the motor 152, respectively, to the power
source 200 through the operating switch 188. The relay switches
190a, 190b, and 190c are shown in an open condition in FIG. 3.
Further, the operating switch 188 may be operated to enable the
relay switches 190a, 190b, and 190c to attain a closed position
thereby enabling the power source 200 to provide the electrical
power of 110 V to the first pump 108, the second pump 110, and the
motor 152.
[0034] Further, as explained herein, the operating switch 188 is
the three position switch. More specifically, the operating switch
188 may have three regulating buttons, such as regulating buttons
192a, 192b and 192c, configured on the operating switch 188. The
regulating buttons 192a, 192b and 192c may be selectively operated
for enabling the relay switches 190a, 190b, and 190, respectively,
to attain the closed positions thereby enabling the power source
200 to provide the electrical power to the first pump 108, the
second pump 110, and the motor 152, respectively. For example, the
regulating button 192a may be operated for enabling the relay
switch 190a to attain the closed position thereby enabling the
power source 200 to provide the electrical power of 110 V to the
first pump 108 for the operation thereof. Similarly, the regulating
buttons 192b and 192c may be operated for enabling the relay
switches 190b and 190c to attain the closed positions thereby
enabling the power source 200 to provide the electrical power of
110 V to the second pump 110 and the motor 152, respectively, for
the operation thereof.
[0035] In use, the apparatus 100 may be easily configured by
detachably coupling the cleaning attachment 116 with the first hose
112 and the second hose 114. More specifically, the rear end
portion 158 of the housing 146 is detachably coupled to the second
end portion 130 of the first hose 112, and the end portion 186 of
the primary pipe 182 of the fluid dispensing pipe 150 is detachably
coupled to the distal end portion 138 of the second hose 114, as
shown in FIG. 1. The second compartment 106 is filled with the
fluid 132 to be used for cleaning the dirt from the work area. In
one embodiment of the present invention, the fluid 132 may be at
least one of hot water, chlorinated water, and caustic base
solution. Further, the plug 144 is coupled to the AC power source,
such as the wall socket, for providing the electrical power to the
apparatus 100.
[0036] Thereafter, the cleaning attachment 116 may be held by a
user in the vicinity of the work area to be cleaned, thereafter the
operating switch 188 may be selectively operated to activate the
motor 152 by operating the regulating button 192a for rotating the
shaft member 162 of the cleaning member 148. The rotation of the
shaft member 162 rotates the brush member 164 which caused the
plurality of bristles 172 to brush against the dirt on the work
area, thereby displacing the dirt from the work area. It will be
evident to a person skilled in the art that each bristle of the
plurality of bristles 172 may be sufficiently long for conveniently
brushing off the dirt. In one embodiment of the present invention,
the plurality of bristles 172 may be composed of a plastic
material. In another embodiment of the present invention, the
plurality of bristles 172 may be composed of a steel material or a
brass material. More specifically, different brush members, such as
the brush member 164, may have different types of bristles, such as
the plurality of bristles 172, to be used for cleaning different
types of work areas. For example, plastic bristles may be used for
light duty aluminium fins, steel bristles may be used for heavy
duty steel fins, and brass bristles may be used for copper fins.
Accordingly, by detachably coupling different types of brush
members, such as the brush member 164, to the cleaning attachment
116 of the apparatus 100, different types of fins may be
cleaned.
[0037] After displacing the dirt from the work area by using the
brush member 164, the operating switch 188 may be selectively
operated to activate the second pump 110 by operating the
regulating button 192b for dispensing the fluid 132 stored in the
second compartment 106. Upon activating, the second pump 110 pumps
the fluid 132 in the second hose 114. The fluid 132, pumped in the
second hose 114, is received by the primary pipe 182 of the fluid
dispensing pipe 150, which in turn dispenses the fluid 132 on the
work area. More specifically, the secondary pipes 184a and 184b of
the fluid dispensing pipe 150 receives the fluid 132 from the
primary pipe 182 and dispenses a jet of the fluid 132 on the dirt
of the work area. The sequence of cleaning operation, as described
herein, is for purpose of description only and should not be
considered as limiting to the scope of the present invention.
Specifically, a user may utilize the brush member 164 and the
second pump 110 in any sequence based on his/her desires.
[0038] After utilizing the brush member 164 and the jet of the
fluid 132 on the work area. The operating switch 188 may be
selectively operated to activate the first pump 108 by operating
the regulating button 192c for cleaning the displaced dirt from the
work area and any remaining fluid (hereinafter referred to as
"remnant dispensed fluid") dispensed on the work area.
Specifically, the first pump 108 creates the vacuum in the first
compartment 104 due to which a sucking force is developed in the
first hose 112 and the cleaning attachment 116 attached thereto.
The sucking force draws the displaced dirt and the remnant
dispensed fluid from the work area into the first compartment 104
through the passage 160 of the housing 146 and the first hose 112
thereby cleaning the dirt from the work area. Accordingly, the
first compartment 104 collects the dirt and the remnant dispensed
fluid from the work area, thereby cleaning the work area
completely. The dirt and the remnant dispensed fluid collected in
the first compartment 104 may be removed therefrom for subsequent
use of the apparatus 100.
[0039] The apparatus 100, as described herein, is subject to many
variations. The filter member 126 may be made of aluminum. In
another embodiment of the present embodiment, the rear end portion
158 of the housing 146 of the cleaning attachment 116 may be
configured with a grip portion (not shown) for enabling a user to
properly hold the cleaning attachment 116 while cleaning the work
area therewith.
[0040] The apparatus, as described herein, enables in effectively
cleaning the work area such as fins and condenser coils, by
brushing the work area, dispensing fluid on the work area, and
drawing the dirt and any remnant dispensed fluid from the work
area. Further, the apparatus enables in cleaning the work area in a
time-efficient and a cost effective manner. More specifically, the
apparatus of the present invention may be used for cleaning dirt
from the fins and the condenser coils, without requiring
dismantling of the fins and the condenser coils. Accordingly, labor
costs and time involvement associated with dismantling of the fins
and condenser coils may be avoided. Moreover, the apparatus is
capable of drawing the remnant dispensed fluid from the fins and
the condenser coils, which enables in drying the fins and the
condenser coils quickly, thereby further reducing the time required
for cleaning the same. Additionally, the apparatus of the present
invention is portable and capable of being easily moved from one
place to another.
[0041] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously
many modifications and variations are possible in light of the
above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order
to best explain the principles of the present invention and its
practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the
art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments
with various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and
substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may
suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions
are intended to cover the application or implementation without
departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present
invention.
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