U.S. patent application number 12/582375 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-21 for floor cleaning apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to HAYCO MANUFACTURING LIMITED. Invention is credited to Bengt Ivar Anders IVARSSON.
Application Number | 20110088209 12/582375 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43878177 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110088209 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
IVARSSON; Bengt Ivar
Anders |
April 21, 2011 |
Floor Cleaning Apparatus
Abstract
There is provided a floor cleaning apparatus assembly comprising
a base portion for engaging a floor during cleaning, means for
creating suction whereby air is drawn from the surrounding of the
base portion through the base portion via an opening provided at a
front end of the base portion, a cleaning sheet provided with a
first area for collecting finer dirt particles and a second area
for collecting larger dirt particles, means for securing the
cleaning sheet to the base portion but exposing the first area of
the cleaning sheet, and a channel provided within the floor
cleaning apparatus through which suctioned air travels, the channel
beginning with the opening at the front end of the base portion,
followed by passing through the second area of the cleaning sheet
whereby larger dirt particles carried in the air are trapped
thereat, and ending at an exit.
Inventors: |
IVARSSON; Bengt Ivar Anders;
(New Territories, HK) |
Assignee: |
HAYCO MANUFACTURING LIMITED
Hong Kong
HK
|
Family ID: |
43878177 |
Appl. No.: |
12/582375 |
Filed: |
October 20, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/393 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/0686
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/393 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/06 20060101
A47L009/06 |
Claims
1. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly comprising: a. a base
portion for engaging a floor during cleaning; b. means for creating
suction whereby air is drawn from the surrounding of said base
portion through said base portion via an opening provided at a
front end of said base portion; c. a cleaning sheet provided with a
first area for collecting finer dirt particles and a second area
for collecting larger dirt particles; d. means for securing said
cleaning sheet to said base portion whilst exposing the first area
of said cleaning sheet; and e. a channel provided within said floor
cleaning apparatus through which suctioned air travels, the channel
beginning with the opening at the front end of said base portion,
continued with passing through the second area of said cleaning
sheet whereby larger dirt particles carried in the air are trapped
thereat, and ending at an exit.
2. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly as claimed in claim 1,
wherein said base portion is relatively thin and generally
rectangular in profile, with the width of said base larger than the
length, and the opening being elongate in shape arranged across a
substantial length at the front end of said base portion.
3. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly as claimed in claim 1,
wherein said base portion is provided with a substantially flat
bottom surface against which part of said cleaning sheet
engages.
4. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly as claimed in claim 1,
wherein said suction creating means includes a motor-and-fan
assembly disposed above said base portion.
5. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the first area of said cleaning sheet engaging the floor is
substantially larger than the second area of said cleaning
sheet.
6. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly as claimed in claim 1,
wherein two surfaces are defined by said cleaning sheet, both the
first and second areas of said cleaning sheet for collecting dirt
particles reside on only one of the surfaces.
7. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly as claimed in claim 1,
wherein said cleaning sheet securing means includes gripping
fingers for securing an end of said sheet at said base portion.
8. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly as claimed in claim 1,
further comprising a cover pivotably mounted at an upper front end
of said base portion, closing of which sandwiching part of said
cleaning sheet between said cover and said base portion.
9. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly, wherein the second area of
said cleaning sheet is disposed above the first area of said
cleaning sheet.
10. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly as claimed in claim 1,
wherein said assembly is free of any receptacle for collecting or
filtering dirt, free of any wheels or rollers on which said base
portion ride, and/or free of any brush for sweeping dirt on the
floor.
11. A floor cleaning apparatus, comprising: a. a base portion for
engaging a floor during cleaning; b. means for creating suction
whereby air is drawn from the surrounding of said base portion
through said base portion via an opening provided at a front end of
said base portion; c. means for securing a cleaning sheet provided
with a first area for collecting finer dirt particles and a second
area for collecting larger dirt particles; and d. a channel
provided within said floor cleaning apparatus through which
suctioned air travels, in use, the channel beginning with the
opening at the front end of said base portion, continued with by
passing through the second area of said cleaning sheet whereby
larger dirt particles carried in the air are trapped thereat, and
ending at an exit.
12. A floor cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said
base portion is generally rectangular in profile, with the width of
said base larger than the length, and the opening being elongate in
shape arranged across a substantial length at the front end of said
base portion.
13. A floor cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said
base portion is provided with a substantially flat bottom surface
against which, in use, part of said cleaning sheet engages.
14. A floor cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said
suction creating means includes a motor-and-fan assembly disposed
above said base portion.
15. A floor cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said
cleaning sheet securing means includes gripping fingers for
securing an end of said cleaning sheet at said base portion.
16. A floor cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 11, further
comprising a cover pivotably mounted at an upper front end of said
base portion, closing of which for sandwiching part of said
cleaning sheet between said cover and said base portion.
17. A floor cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said
apparatus is free of any receptacle for collecting or filtering
dirt, free of any wheels or rollers on which said base portion
ride, and/or free of any brush for sweeping dirt on the floor.
18. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly, comprising a floor
cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 11, an elongate handle
portion upwardly extending from the base portion, and means for
connecting the handle portion and the base portion, the connecting
means includes a connector having an upper portion having a
generally cylindrical wall which is flexible and flares out at a
lower end thereof and connects with an upper surface of the base
portion, said connector made of a polymeric material.
19. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly as claimed in claim 18,
wherein the channel includes a passageway defined by the
cylindrical wall of said connector.
20. A floor cleaning apparatus assembly as claimed in claim 18,
wherein the polymeric material is selected from the group
consisting of an injection moldable material, a compression
moldable material, a thermoplastic elastomer and a natural rubber.
Description
FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is related to a cleaning apparatus for
floor cleaning.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0002] There is a great variety of implements for floor care on the
market. Common variants include upright- and cylinder-type suction
cleaners, stick-vacuum cleaners, hand-held vacuums and mops. There
are also floor care products that combine vacuum cleaning and
mopping. Lightweight stick vacuum cleaners are often equipped with
a mopping pad, onto which a cleaning sheet or similar is attached,
so that both larger and smaller dust particles can be cleaned off
the floor. Many conventional suction cleaners are designed to
necessarily equip with a relatively large container for collecting
dust and a filter to clean suctioned air before it enters the
suction motor. However, filters, dust containers and air ducting
all add cost and complexity to any design, which is particularly
sensitive to a low cost product. Also, replacement of such filters
and dust containers by users is an added nuisance and cost.
[0003] The present invention seeks to provide a more user friendly
floor cleaning apparatus which strike a balance between size,
maneuverability and ease of use. More specifically, the floor
cleaning apparatus may have reduced components and complexity and
hence reduced cost and complexity, or at least to provide the
public with an alternative.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a floor cleaning apparatus assembly comprising a base
portion for engaging a floor during cleaning, means for creating
suction whereby air is drawn from the surrounding of the base
portion through the base portion via an opening provided at a front
end of the base portion, a cleaning sheet provided with a first
area for collecting finer dirt particles and a second area for
collecting larger dirt particles, means for securing the cleaning
sheet to the base portion whilst exposing the first area of the
cleaning sheet, and a channel provided within the floor cleaning
apparatus through which suctioned air travels, the channel
beginning with the opening at the front end of the base portion,
followed by passing through the second area of the cleaning sheet
whereby larger dirt particles carried in the air are trapped
thereat, and ending at an exit.
[0005] Preferably, the base portion may be relatively thin and
generally rectangular in profile, with the width of the base larger
than the length, and the opening being elongate in shape arranged
across a substantial length at the front end of the base portion.
Such configuration allows the base portion to reach areas which are
difficult to clean, for example, under a couch.
[0006] Suitably, the base portion may be provided with a
substantially flat bottom surface against which part of the
cleaning sheet engages.
[0007] In one embodiment, the suction creating means may include a
motor-and-fan assembly disposed above the base portion.
Specifically, the suction creating means may be located at a handle
portion of the apparatus.
[0008] The first area of the cleaning sheet engaging the floor may
be substantially larger than the second area of the cleaning sheet.
The first area may be used for floor mopping to attract finer dirt
particles, such as dust, hair, etc. The second area of the cleaning
sheet may be used for filtering larger dirt particles from the
suctioned air, such as sand, food crumbs, etc. In a specific
embodiment, the cleaning sheet may be provided with two surfaces,
in which both the first and second areas of the cleaning sheet for
collecting dirt particles reside on only one of the surfaces. With
such configuration, after use the cleaning sheet can be folded
against itself with the dirt collecting surface facing inwards to
contain the dirt and then disposed easily.
[0009] In another embodiment, the cleaning sheet securing means may
include gripping means for securing an end of the sheet at the base
portion. The floor cleaning apparatus assembly may further comprise
a cover pivotably mounted at an upped front end of the base
portion, closing of which sandwiches part of the cleaning sheet',
between the cover and the base portion. The second area of the
cleaning sheet may be disposed above the first area of the cleaning
sheet. This arrangement allows the use of a single cleaning sheet
and yet produces two modes of cleaning, namely mopping and
vacuuming.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the floor cleaning apparatus
assembly may be free of any dust receptacle or dust filter. The
absence of a dirt collecting receptacle in the base portion allows
it be made more compact and to reach difficult to clean areas more
easily, like a regular mop. The absence of a dirt collecting
receptacle at the handle portion allows the handle portion be made
with more design freedom. Specifically, it gives a lower center of
gravity, reduces weight and improves the maneuverability of the
overall apparatus.
[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a floor cleaning apparatus, comprising a base portion
for engaging a floor during cleaning, means for creating suction
whereby air is drawn from the surrounding of the base portion
through the base portion via an opening provided at a front end of
the base portion, means for securing a cleaning sheet provided with
a first area for collecting finer dirt particles and a second area
for collecting larger dirt particles; and a channel provided within
the floor cleaning apparatus through which suctioned air travels,
in use, the channel beginning with the opening at the front end of
the base portion, followed by passing through the second area of
the cleaning sheet whereby larger dirt particles carried in the air
are trapped thereat, and ending at an exit.
[0012] Preferably, the portion may generally rectangular in
profile, with the width of the base larger than the length, and the
opening being elongate in shape arranged across a substantial
length at the front end of the base portion.
[0013] Suitably, the base portion may be provided with a
substantially flat bottom surface against which, in use, part of
the cleaning sheet engages.
[0014] In one embodiment, the suction creating means may include a
motor-and-fan assembly disposed above the base portion.
[0015] The cleaning sheet securing means may include gripping means
for securing an end of the cleaning sheet at the base portion.
[0016] In another embodiment, the floor cleaning apparatus may
further comprise a cover pivotably mounted at an upper front end of
the base portion, closing of which sandwiches part of the cleaning
sheet between the cover and the base portion.
[0017] The floor cleaning apparatus may be free of any receptacle
for collecting dirt or filtering dust, free of any wheels or
rollers on which the base portion ride, and/or free of any brush
for sweeping dirt on the floor.
[0018] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a floor cleaning apparatus assembly, comprising a floor
cleaning apparatus as described above and a cleaning sheet. The
cleaning sheet may be provided with a first area for collecting
finer dirt particles and for engaging the floor and a second area
for collecting larger dirt particles and residing in the apparatus,
the first area being substantially larger than the second area. Two
surfaces are defined by the cleaning sheet, both the first and
second areas of the cleaning sheet for collecting dirt particles
reside on only one of the surfaces.
[0019] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a floor cleaning apparatus comprising a base portion
for engaging a floor during cleaning, an elongate handle portion
upwardly extending from the base portion, and means for connecting
the handle portion and the base portion, the connecting means
includes a connector having a generally cylindrical upper portion
which is flexible and flares out at a tower end thereof and
connects with an upper surface of the base portion, the connector
be made of an injection molded flexible polymeric material.
[0020] Preferably, the floor cleaning apparatus may comprise means
for creating suction whereby suctioned air is drawn from the
surrounding of the base portion through the base portion via an
opening provided at a front end of the base portion, then through a
passageway defined by the cylindrical wall of the connector and
finally through an exit.
[0021] In one embodiment, the cylindrical wall may be made of a
polymeric material. Specifically, the polymeric material may be
selected from a group including thermoplastic elastomer and natural
rubber.
[0022] In one embodiment, the cylindrical wall may have a
non-uniform thickness. It is envisaged that the connector when
viewed from above has a first central axis running from left to
right and a second central from running from front to rear. The
part of the cylindrical wall at or near the second axis may be
thinner than the part of the cylindrical wall at or near the first
axis. With such configuration, the handle portion can pivot forward
and backward relative to the base portion with less restriction
than it can pivot sideways, and yet the overall torque resistance
is maintained at a reasonable level.
[0023] Alternatively, the cylindrical wall may have a generally
uniform thickness. The cylindrical wall may however be provided
with ribs longitudinally arranged on the exterior surface thereof
to enhance structural integrity of the connector. The ribs at or
near the second axis may be thinner than the ribs at or near the
first axis. With such configuration, the handle portion can
similarly pivot forward and backward relative to the base portion
more easily than it can pivot sideways.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the cylindrical wall of the
connector may be sufficiently thick such that it can withstand the
weight of the handle portion to which it connects so that the
handle portion can maintain an upright position at default and yet
the connector is flexible enough to allow the handle portion to
swing forward and backward and/or sideways in use. The connector
may also be configured to transmit torque from the handle, at any
angle to about 60 degrees from vertical, without buckling, in rider
to continuously drive the base in a rotational direction.
[0025] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a floor cleaning apparatus comprising a base portion
for engaging a floor during cleaning, a handle portion extended
from the base portion and means for controlling operation of the
cleaning apparatus, wherein the control means includes an infra red
emitter located at an upper end of the handle portion and an infra
red receiver located at a lower end of the handle portion.
[0026] Preferably, the floor cleaning apparatus may comprise means
for creating suction whereby air is drawn from the surrounding of
the base portion through the base portion via an opening provided
at a front end of the base portion. The control means' serves as a
switch for activating or deactivating the suction creating
means.
[0027] In one embodiment, the handle portion may include a handle
member generally in the form of a tube, and the infra red emitter
is located within the upper end of the tube and positioned to emit
infra red light receivable by the infra red receiver located within
the lower end of the handle.
[0028] In another embodiment, the handle member may be comprised of
a plurality of sections. The plurality of the sections may be
secured together to form the handle member. The handle may be free
of electrical wiring or mechanical mechanisms connecting the
control means and the suction creating means.
[0029] In yet another embodiment, the floor cleaning apparatus may
be free of an external hose through which suctioned air passes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
PRESENT INVENTION
[0030] Embodiments of the present invention are described, by way
of examples only, with reference to the following drawings in
which:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a floor cleaning
apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a lower portion of the
floor cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a side view showing the lower portion floor
cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the interior of the lower
portion of the floor cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 5 is another schematic view showing the interior of the
lower portion of the floor cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[0036] FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing air flow within a part of
the lower portion of the cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 2;
[0037] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the configuration of a
cleaning sheet fitted to the part of the lower portion shown in
FIG. 6;
[0038] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the
cleaning sheet shown in FIG. 7 when being removed from the base of
the lower portion of the cleaning apparatus;
[0039] FIG. 9 is a simplified cross section view of a connector
which connects a base portion with the rest of the floor cleaning
apparatus;
[0040] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the lower portion
shown in FIG. 5;
[0041] FIG. 11 is a side view of the lower portion shown in FIG.
10;
[0042] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the base portion and the
connector of the floor cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
[0043] FIG. 13 is a series of diagrams showing the steps for
removing a soiled cleaning sheet;
[0044] FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing the connector shown in
FIG. 9;
[0045] FIGS. 15 and 16 are side view and front view, respectively,
of the connector shown in FIG. 14, showing the configuration
thereof;
[0046] FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the connector shown in FIG.
16;
[0047] FIG. 18 is a handle member of the floor cleaning apparatus
shown in FIG. 1; and
[0048] FIG. 19 is an exploded view showing the handle member shown
in FIG. 18.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT
INVENTION
[0049] Turning to the figures, the present invention is concerned
with a floor cleaning apparatus 2. As best seen in FIG. 1, the
floor cleaning apparatus 2 generally comprises a base 4 which
engages the floor during cleaning, a handle 6 and a connecting
portion 8 connecting the base 4 and the handle 6. The handle 6 and
the connecting portion 8 may be considered as a handle portion or
upstanding portion of the apparatus 2.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, it is shown that the base 4 is
relatively compact and generally rectangular in profile.
Specifically, the width of the base 4 is larger than the
length.
[0051] Also referring to FIG. 2, it is shown that the connecting
portion 8 includes an upper region 10, a mid-region 12 which is
enlarged and a lower region 14 having a connector 16 connecting the
base 4 and the rest of the connecting portion together. The
connector 16 includes an upper neck region 18 and a lower skirt
region 20 which flares out towards the lower region 14 of the
connector 16 and connects with an upper surface 22 of the base 4,
as also shown in FIG. 4. The connector 16 includes a
circumferential wall defining a through hole 48 therein. The
connection between the connector 16 and the base 4 is air
tight.
[0052] FIGS. 3 to 6 and especially FIG. 12 show that the base 4
includes a padding structure 24 having a floor plate 26 and a front
flange 28 which curves backward. The front flange 28 is provided
with openings 30. The floor plate 26 is provided with a rear flange
32 that curves forward. The padding structure 24 serves as a frame
within which a pad base 34 is housed.
[0053] At the front end of the pad base 34, there are similarly
provided with openings 36. When the pad base 34 is fitted in the
padding structure 24, the openings 36 align with the openings 30 of
the padding structure 24 and these openings 36 together form a
suction port. At a rear end of the pad base 34, there is provided a
circular exit 38 defined by a circumferential flange 40. It is to
be understood that after the pad base 34 is fitted within the
padding structure 24, there is a cavity defined therein, a front
end of the cavity is a suction port defining the openings 30, 36
and the other end of the cavity is the circular exit 38 leading to
the connector 16. In other words, the cavity can be viewed as a
channel or part of a channel beginning with the elongate openings
30, 36 (or the suction port) and ending with the circular exit 38.
The circumferential flange 40 is the region where the lower end of
the connecting portion 8 or the connector 16 connects. The padding
structure 24 and the pad base 34 can be considered as a housing or
part of the housing for the base 4.
[0054] The base 4 further includes a suction nozzle 42 generally in
the form of a cover and is positioned at the front of the padding
structure 24 and the pad base 34. The suction nozzle 42 is
pivotably connected at a mid-region on top of the base 4. The
suction nozzle 42 is configured to assume a first (open) position
in which it is upwardly swung. Please see FIG. 11 for example. The
suction nozzle 42 is also configured to assume a second (closed)
position in which it is closed against the padding structure 24 and
the pad base 34. Please see FIG. 2 for example. In other words the
cavity of the suction nozzle 42 and the channel of the padding
structure 24 and pad base 34 become continuous. In use, one end of
a cleaning sheet is fitted between the suction nozzle 42 and the
padding structure 24 and the pad base 34, as shown, in, for
example, FIG. 11. The suction nozzle 42 defines a cavity therein
and is provided with an elongate opening 44 at the front end and
disposed laterally thereat. Specifically, the suction nozzle 42
when closed 42 is positioned with the elongate opening 44 located
just above the floor such that in use when the base 4 is being
moved back and forth dirt particles located below and adjacent the
suction nozzle 42 is drawn into it along with suctioned air. The
suction nozzle 42 is provided with an exit at the other end. When
the suction nozzle 42 is at its closed position, perimeter of the
exit of the suction nozzle 42 is pressed against perimeter of the
elongate openings 30, 36 of the padding structure 24 and thus exit
of the suction nozzle 42 flushes with the openings 30, 36 of the
padding structure 24 and the pad base 34.
[0055] The enlarged mid-region 12 of the connecting portion 8
contains a motor- and fan assembly for generating suction. It is to
be understood a channel (or an air path) for air flow is defined by
the floor cleaning apparatus 2. Specifically, the channel starts
with the elongate opening 44 of the suction nozzle 42 through which
dirt-laden air is drawn. The channel then continues at the exit of
the suction nozzle 42, the entrance or elongate openings 30, 36 of
the padding structure 24 and the pad base 34, and then the interior
of the padding structure 24 and the pad base 34. The channel then
continues with the through-hole 48 of the connector 16 (as shown in
FIGS. 5 to 9) and ending at an exit 46 serving as a vent located
behind the motor-and-fan assembly for venting suctioned air. The
channel is sufficiently air tight such that there is minimal loss
of pressure throughout the course of the channel in order to
maximize the suction efficiency at the nozzle 42. Please see, for
example, FIG. 5 in which the air path of the suctioned air is
illustrated by the arrows.
[0056] The base 4 is provided with gripping fingers 50 at the top
rear end thereof, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 11. In use, one end of a
cleaning sheet 52 is secured in these fingers 50. Specifically, two
corners of the end of the cleaning sheet 52 are pushed and fixedly
at the fingers 50. The cleaning sheet 52 is wrapped around the
bottom of the base 4 and the other end of the cleaning sheet 52 is
secured between the suction nozzle 42, and the padding structure 24
and the pad base 34. For sake of clarity, the suction nozzle 42 is
not shown in FIG. 7. However, it is envisaged that after the
suction nozzle 42 is closed the cleaning sheet 52 is sandwiched and
secured between the suction nozzle 42 and the padding structure 24
and the pad base 34.
[0057] Floor cleaning by the floor cleaning apparatus 2 is achieved
in two mechanisms. In a first mechanism, dust-laden air is drawn
into the nozzle 42 through the opening 44, as shown for example by
the arrows in FIG. 5 and also in FIG. 7. The air then enters a
first surface 54 at a first end 56 of the cleaning sheet 52 secured
between the suction nozzle 42 and the padding structure 24 and the
pad base 34 and leaves on the other (second) surface. This area
(i.e. on the first surface 54 at the first end 56) is intended to
filter larger dirt particles such as sand or food crump. Suctioned
air that has been filtered by the first end 56 leaves the second
surface of the cleaning sheet 52, passes via the padding structure
24, then passes the through-hole 48 of the connector 16 and finally
exit the vent 46 located behind the motor-and-fan assembly. FIG. 6
is an alternative illustration showing the flow of the suctioned
air into the suction port through the connector 16, although the
suction nozzle 42 is not shown in for clarity reason. FIG. 7
illustrates the first end 56 of the cleaning sheet 52 after dirt
particles in the suctioned air are trapped thereat.
[0058] In a second mechanism, dirt can be collected at the first
surface 54 at a second end 61) of the cleaning sheet 52. This part
(i.e. on the first surface 54 and the second end 60) of the
cleaning sheet 52 is exposed and engages the floor in use, and is
intended to collect finer dirt particles such as dust, hair,
etc.
[0059] It is envisaged that as the floor cleaning apparatus 2 is
moved back and forth, floor sweeping with the second end 60 of the
cleaning sheet 52 and floor vacuuming cleaning with dirt-laden air
filtered through the first end 56 of the cleaning sheet 52 are
performed simultaneously.
[0060] After each cleaning exercise, the second end 60 of the
cleaning sheet 52 is released from the gripping fingers 50 and then
forwardly folded to a configuration as shown, in FIG. 13. It is
illustrated that both the area for filtering larger dirt particles
and the second area for collecting finer dirt particles resides on
the same side, i.e. the first surface 54 of the cleaning sheet 52.
This is advantageous because as long as the soiled cleaning sheet
52 is handled gently the dirt collected on the same side will
remain there. The soiled sheet 52 can be folded against itself with
the soiled surface faces inwardly. FIG. 13 includes a serious of
diagrams and illustrates how a soiled cleaning sheet 52 can be
removed from the cleaning apparatus 2 and disposed of
conveniently.
[0061] It is to be noted that any sheet fabric that can pick up
and/or filter dirt can be used as the cleaning sheet 52. For
example, sheet fabric sold under the brand Swiffer Sweeper.RTM. may
be used.
[0062] FIGS. 14 to 17 are schematic diagrams showing the connector
16. The connector 16 is made of a polymeric material. Although the
specific material used in this embodiment is thermoplastic
elastomer (TBE) any suitable polymeric material, such as an
injection moldable, compression moldable or natural rubber material
may be used. The connector 16 resembles a turtle neck. The upper
region 18 of the connector 16 receives and is reinforced by a rigid
circumferential end extended from the enlarged mid-region 12 of the
connecting portion 8, as shown for example, in FIG. 5. A lower
skirt region 19 of the connector 16 is however flexible and yet
resilient. The lower region 19 is made of a wall with a thickness
which is commensurate with the weight of the connecting portion 8
and the handle 6 such that at default the connector 16 is rigid
enough to withstand their weight and at default the handle 6 can
normally maintain an upright position without tipping over. The
lower region of the connector 16 and specifically the skirt region
of the connector 16 is made of a rotational fold material such that
it is can withstand repeated rotational fold, in order to enable
its upper portion to incline about 60 degrees from vertical in
relation thereto.
[0063] In this embodiment, while the wall making up the connector
16 is generally uniform in thickness, radial and axial ribs are
provided on the exterior surface of the wall to improve the
torsional stability and thus resilience thereof. The thickness of
the ribs at different regions of the wall is however different.
Specifically, it can be envisaged that the connector 16 when viewed
from above has a first central axis running from left to right and
a second central axis running from front to rear. The ribs at or
near the second axis are thinner or shallower than the ribs at or
near the first axis. Specifically, in this embodiment, the thinner
ribs have a thickness of about 2 mm and the thicker or longer ribs
have a thickness of about 5 mm. The differential in thickness of
the ribs allows a differential in resistance to bending in
different directions. Due the thinner ribs at or near the second
axis, the handle 6 can thus pivot forward and backward relative to
the base portion more easily than it can pivot sideways. This is
desirable because in a cleaning operation, the floor cleaning
apparatus 2 is often moved forward and backward more frequently
then it is moved sideways. The differential in thickness of the
ribs on different regions of the connector 16 allows more effective
maneuverability of the floor cleaning apparatus 2. FIG. 15
represents a side view of the connector 16 showing shallower ribs
which require a smaller force to deform the connector and hence
pivot the handle 6 relative to the base 4.
[0064] It can be envisaged that the connector 16 serves multiple
functions. First, it serves to connect the enlarged mid-region of
the connecting portion 8 with the base 4. Second, it acts as a
universal joint at which the connecting portion 8 and the handle 6
can pivot in use. Third, due to the hollow interior of the
connector 16, this interior provides a pathway through which
suctioned air passes. The connector 16 however does pot have or
does not have to possess any distinct rigid components.
Specifically, the connector 16 is integral in structure and can be
formed in a single molding step. This is desirable during
manufacturing and assembling.
[0065] FIGS. 18 to 19 illustrate the handle 6 of the floor cleaning
apparatus 2. The handle 6 is divided into three sections, namely an
upper section 70, a mid-section 72 and a lower section 74. The
handle 6 is provided with clip-locking means 76 for securing the
sections 70, 72, 74 together. Once assembled, the handle 6 is in
the form of a relatively long pole with a hollow interior. At an
upper end of the handle 6, there is provided with an on-off switch
78 at the exterior, and the switch 78 is connected to a battery 80
and a battery operated infra-red emitter 82 located at the interior
within the upper end of the handle 6. The upper end of the handle 6
is provided with an infra red LED display 84 on PCB. There is also
provided an infra-red receiver above the motor-and-fan assembly
near the lower end of the handle 16. The receiver is connected to
the motor-and-fan assembly at one end controlling the activation of
the fan. The receiver is also positioned to receive signals from
the infra-red emitter 82.
[0066] It is to be understood that when the floor cleaning
apparatus 2 is assembled with the sections 70, 72, 74 secured
together to form the handle 6 and the cleaning sheet fitted to the
base 4, the suction can be initiated by pressing on the switch 78.
One pressing of the switch 78, an infra-red signal is emitted and
received by the receiver instructing the (de)activation of the
motor-and-fan assembly. The switch 78 and the motor-and-fan
assembly are not electrically connected together or connected by
electrical wires, and this allows the handle 6 be assembled or
disassembled easily by a layman. When the handle 6 is dissembled,
the apparatus 2 can be stowed away easily.
[0067] The above described floor cleaning apparatus 2 serves as a
combination floor sweeper and vacuum cleaner although no dust
receptacle or dust tank is used.
[0068] It should be understood that various features the above
described embodiment are illustrated in the context of different
aspects of the present invention. Some of the features may be
provided separately or in any appropriate combinations to form
other embodiments of the present invention without deviating from
the broad scope of the preset invention. For example, in an
alternative embodiment, there is provided with a flow cleaning
apparatus having a base and a connector as described above although
no infra red signal transmission is used. Alternatively, in another
embodiment, there may be provided with a floor cleaning apparatus
having a base and the handle as described above although no
polymeric connector is used. In yet another embodiment, the base
and the connector may be configured such that water may pass
through the channel. There may also be other linkages, electrical
or otherwise, provided in the connector. It is envisaged that the
connector and/or the handle may be detachable with the base.
* * * * *