U.S. patent application number 13/477040 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-23 for modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Robert W. Kyde, David W. Lloyd, John T. Richter, Robert S. Robinson. Invention is credited to Robert W. Kyde, David W. Lloyd, John T. Richter, Robert S. Robinson.
Application Number | 20130125335 13/477040 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46201823 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130125335 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Robinson; Robert S. ; et
al. |
May 23, 2013 |
MODULAR MULTI-FUNCTIONAL CLEANING AND FLOOR CARE SYSTEM
Abstract
An embodiment of the cleaning and floor care system has a
reservoir assembly and a wet/dry vacuum assembly. The reservoir
assembly has a wheeled chassis and an integral reservoir. The
reservoir has a circumferential sidewall and an upper end. The
reservoir defines an interior space for holding a fresh cleaning
liquid; and the reservoir upper end defines an opening. The
reservoir assembly further has a spigot fluidly connected to the
reservoir interior space, with the spigot having a valve adjustable
between a fully open and a fully closed position. The vacuum
assembly has a recovery tank and a motor assembly. The vacuum
assembly is removably positionable on top of the reservoir, and is
transportable on the reservoir. Each of the reservoir assembly and
the vacuum assembly is operable both when the vacuum assembly is
positioned on top of the reservoir, and when the vacuum assembly is
separated from the reservoir.
Inventors: |
Robinson; Robert S.;
(Hamilton, OH) ; Lloyd; David W.; (Hamilton,
OH) ; Kyde; Robert W.; (Fairfield, OH) ;
Richter; John T.; (Hamilton, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Robinson; Robert S.
Lloyd; David W.
Kyde; Robert W.
Richter; John T. |
Hamilton
Hamilton
Fairfield
Hamilton |
OH
OH
OH
OH |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
46201823 |
Appl. No.: |
13/477040 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61488147 |
May 19, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 7/0019 20130101;
A47L 9/009 20130101; A47L 5/365 20130101; A47L 7/0004 20130101;
A47L 5/225 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/320 |
International
Class: |
A47L 7/00 20060101
A47L007/00 |
Claims
1. A multi-functional cleaning and floor care system, comprising: a
reservoir assembly including: a wheeled chassis; a reservoir
comprising a circumferential sidewall and an upper end, the
reservoir defining an interior space operable for holding a fresh
cleaning liquid, the upper end defining an opening; a spigot
fluidly connected to the reservoir interior space, the spigot
including a valve that is adjustable between a fully open position
and a fully closed position, whereby when the reservoir contains a
fresh cleaning liquid, a user may regulate the flow of the fresh
cleaning liquid from the reservoir through the spigot by adjusting
the spigot valve; a wet vacuum assembly removably positionable on
the reservoir, the wet vacuum assembly comprising a vacuum recovery
tank and a vacuum motor assembly fluidly connected to the vacuum
recovery tank; the wet vacuum assembly transportable on the
reservoir; and each of the reservoir assembly and the wet vacuum
assembly operable when the wet vacuum assembly is positioned on the
reservoir, and when the wet vacuum assembly is not positioned on
the reservoir.
2. The multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of claim 1
wherein the reservoir is integral with the wheeled chassis.
3. The multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of claim 1
wherein the reservoir circumferential sidewall includes the
reservoir upper end that defines the opening.
4. The multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of claim 1
wherein the wet vacuum assembly is removably positionable atop the
reservoir.
5. The multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of claim 1
wherein the reservoir assembly and the wet vacuum assembly are
configured for positioning of the wet vacuum assembly on, and
removal of the wet vacuum assembly from, the reservoir assembly
without the use of a tool.
6. The multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of claim 1
further comprising a handle removably attachable to the reservoir,
the handle attachable to and removable from the reservoir without
the use of a tool.
7. The multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of claim 6
further comprising a fastener configured to releasably connect the
wet vacuum assembly to the handle without the use of a tool, when
the handle is attached to the reservoir, and the wet vacuum
assembly is positioned on the reservoir.
8. The multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of claim 1
wherein the vacuum recovery tank includes a support surface and the
reservoir includes a support surface, the reservoir support surface
supporting the vacuum recovery tank support surface when the wet
vacuum assembly is removably positioned on the reservoir.
9. The multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of claim 8
wherein the vacuum recovery tank support surface directly contacts
the reservoir support surface when the wet vacuum assembly is
removably positioned on the reservoir.
10. The multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of claim 8
wherein the reservoir includes a left sidewall and a right
sidewall, a lip extending laterally from the left sidewall, and a
lip extending laterally from the right sidewall, the reservoir
support surface comprising at least a portion of each of the left
sidewall lip and the right sidewall lip.
11. The multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of claim 10
wherein the vacuum recovery tank includes a front and a back, the
vacuum recovery tank support surface comprising a first support
surface extending between the front and the back and a second
support surface extending between the front and the back, at least
a portion of the left sidewall lip supporting at least a portion of
the first support surface, and at least a portion of the right
sidewall lip supporting at least a portion of the second support
surface when the wet vacuum assembly is removably positioned on the
reservoir.
12. The multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of claim 11
wherein the reservoir includes a front, a back, and a length that
extends from the front to the back, and wherein the vacuum recovery
tank includes a length that extends from the vacuum recovery tank
front to the vacuum recovery tank back, the reservoir length
greater than the vacuum recovery tank length, whereby the wet
vacuum assembly may be removably positioned at a plurality of
locations along the length of the reservoir.
13. The multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of claim 1
wherein the wet vacuum assembly further comprises a plurality of
wheels, whereby the wet vacuum assembly may be moved across a floor
surface on the plurality of wheels when the wet vacuum assembly is
positioned on the floor surface.
14. The multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of claim 1
wherein the wet vacuum assembly is operable for both wet and dry
vacuuming
15. The multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of claim 1
wherein the vacuum recovery tank includes a discharge outlet, the
cleaning system constructed and arranged such that when the wet
vacuum assembly is positioned on the reservoir, the reservoir is on
the wheeled chassis, and the wheeled chassis is on a floor surface,
the discharge outlet is at a height above the floor surface that
enables a soiled liquid in the vacuum recovery tank to be gravity
drained into a toilet bowl without lifting the vacuum recovery
tank.
16. The multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of claim 1
wherein the reservoir comprises a back wall, and the cleaning
system further comprises an extension arm rearward of the back
wall, the extension arm connected to the spigot and including an
upwardly extending section, whereby a user may operate the spigot
between the fully open position and the fully closed position by
rotating the upwardly extending section of the extension arm.
17. The multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of claim 16
wherein the spigot is at the reservoir back wall.
18. The multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of claim 1
further comprising a cover member configured to cover at least a
portion of the reservoir opening.
19. The multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of claim 18
wherein the cover member is configured to cover all of the
reservoir opening.
20. The multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of claim 18
wherein the vacuum recovery tank includes a support surface, and
the reservoir includes a support surface, the reservoir support
surface supporting the vacuum recovery tank support surface when
the cover and the wet vacuum assembly are removably positioned on
the reservoir.
21. The multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of claim 20
wherein the reservoir support surface contacts the cover member,
and the cover member contacts the vacuum recovery tank support
surface.
22. The multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of claim 1
further comprising a pump-and-chemical-injection assembly removably
positionable on the reservoir.
23. The multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of claim 1
further comprising a power supply assembly including a battery, the
power supply assembly removably positionable on the reservoir.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This patent document claims the benefit of the filing date
of Provisional Application No. 61/488,147, entitled "Crossover
Cleaning Systems" and filed on May 19, 2011. The entire disclosure
of Provisional Application No. 61/488,147 is incorporated into this
patent document by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to cleaning and floor care machines,
and more particularly, to multi-functional cleaning and floor care
machines.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Floors can be difficult and expensive to maintain. If not
cared for properly, they not only become unsightly, they can drive
customers away, cause slip and fall accidents, and even become a
health hazard. Unfortunately, traditional mopping can make matters
worse. Mopping is slow, ineffective, and even potentially
dangerous--leaving floors slippery, wet, and with very few of the
soils and biopollutants removed. Grouted floors are even trickier.
In fact, during mopping, grout lines actually "squeegee" soil and
soap scum from mops. When the water evaporates, soils, mineral
deposits, soap scum, and potentially harmful biopollutants are left
to penetrate and coat the porous grout. Grout lines that started
out light gray or white soon become stained and darkened.
[0004] Traditional cleaning tools, like mops and wipes, remove very
few soils, germs and other indoor pollutants. In fact, studies show
they often simply spread them around. Then, workers end up crawling
around on their hands and knees wiping soiled surfaces and fixtures
by hand.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect, a multi-functional cleaning and floor care
system, in accordance with the principles of the invention, has a
reservoir assembly, a wet/dry vacuum assembly, and a handle in the
form of a four-bend handle. The reservoir assembly has a wheeled
chassis and a reservoir integral with the wheeled chassis. The
reservoir has a circumferential sidewall and an upper end. The
reservoir defines an interior space operable for holding a fresh
cleaning liquid; and the reservoir upper end defines an opening.
The reservoir assembly further has a spigot fluidly connected to
the reservoir interior space, with the spigot having a valve that
is adjustable between a fully open position and a fully closed
position; in this fashion, when the reservoir contains a fresh
cleaning liquid, a user may regulate the flow of the fresh cleaning
liquid from the reservoir through the spigot by adjusting the
spigot valve. The wet/dry vacuum assembly is removably positioned
on top of the reservoir, with the wet/dry vacuum assembly having a
vacuum recovery tank and a vacuum motor assembly fluidly connected
to the vacuum recovery tank. The four-bend handle is removably
connected to the reservoir. A strap assembly on each side of the
vacuum recovery tank releasably connects the wet/dry vacuum
assembly to the four-bend handle. The wet/dry vacuum assembly is
transportable on the reservoir. In addition, each of the reservoir
assembly and the wet/dry vacuum assembly is operable both when the
wet/dry vacuum assembly is positioned on top of the reservoir, and
when the wet/dry vacuum assembly is separated from the
reservoir.
[0006] The multi-functional cleaning and floor care system provides
numerous advantages. For example, a user may open the spigot and
apply fresh cleaning solution to a floor, spread and lightly brush
the solution into grout lines, and then vacuum the soils and liquid
away. This results in a floor that is both clean and dry. The
process is significantly better, faster, and safer than cleaning
with a mop. If desired, the user may operate the wet/dry vacuum
assembly of the invention separate and apart from the reservoir
assembly. For example, the wet/dry vacuum assembly may be used for
picking up spills, detail cleaning, job sue cleanup, flood
recovery, or for vehicle and equipment detailing.
[0007] These and other advantages of the present invention will be
apparent from the accompanying drawings and description of the
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention. And
together with the general description of the invention given above,
and the detailed description of the drawings given below, the
accompanying drawings explain the principles of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the
modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system, in
accordance with the principles of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the modular
multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is an exploded front perspective view of the modular
multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of FIG. 1; FIG. 3
also shows an exploded front perspective view of an alternate
embodiment of the invention, in which the system includes a lid
(shown in phantom);
[0012] FIG. 4 is an exploded rear perspective view of the modular
multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of FIG. 1; FIG. 4
also shows an exploded rear perspective view of the alternate
embodiment shown in FIG. 3, in which the system includes a lid
(shown in phantom);
[0013] FIG. 5 is a right side view of the modular multi-functional
cleaning and floor care system of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular
multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of FIG. 1, taken
along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a portion of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6,
enlarged for magnification purposes;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a front view of the modular multi-functional
cleaning and floor care system of FIG. 1:
[0017] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the modular
multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of FIG. 1, taken
along line 9-9 of FIG. 8;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a right side view of the modular multi-functional
cleaning and floor care system of FIG. 1, further illustrating: a
dump hose (in a stowed position) connected to a discharge outlet of
a vacuum recovery tank; and a vacuuming assembly including a
squeegee floor tool connected to a vacuum wand, with the vacuum
wand connected to a length of vacuum hose, and the vacuum hose
connected to a suction inlet of the vacuum recovery tank;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a right side view of the modular multi-functional
cleaning and floor care system of FIG. 1 and a wall-mounted toilet,
further illustrating the draining of a liquid or solution from a
discharge outlet of a vacuum recovery tank into the bowl of the
toilet via the dump hose depicted in FIG. 10;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the alternate
embodiment (of the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care
system of the invention) presented in FIG. 3, with the embodiment
including the lid shown in FIG. 3:
[0021] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the alternate
embodiment, shown in FIG. 12, of the modular multi-functional
cleaning and floor care system:
[0022] FIG. 14 is a right side view of the modular multi-functional
cleaning and floor care system of FIG. 12;
[0023] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the modular
multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of FIG. 14, taken
along line 15-15 of FIG. 14;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a portion of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 15,
enlarged for magnification purposes;
[0025] FIG. 17 is a front view of the modular multi-functional
cleaning and floor care system of FIG. 12:
[0026] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the modular
multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of FIG. 17, taken
along line 18-18 of FIG. 17;
[0027] FIG. 19 is a left side view of another embodiment of the
modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of the
invention, including a pump-and-chemical-injection assembly and a
handle with additional storage features;
[0028] FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the modular
multi-functional cleaning and floor care system embodiment of FIG.
19;
[0029] FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of a further embodiment
of the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of
the invention, including a pump-and-chemical-injection assembly;
and
[0030] FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of an additional
embodiment of the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care
system of the invention, including a power supply assembly that
includes a battery.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] To facilitate understanding of the invention, like reference
numbers are used for like elements in the various embodiments
described in detail below.
[0032] With reference to FIGS. 1-11, the particular
multi-functional cleaning and floor care system embodiment 10 shown
comprises a reservoir assembly, a wet/dry vacuum assembly, and a
handle in the form of a four-bend handle. The reservoir assembly
has a wheeled chassis and a reservoir integral with the wheeled
chassis. The reservoir has a circumferential sidewall and an upper
end. The reservoir defines an interior space operable for holding a
fresh cleaning liquid; and the reservoir upper end defines an
opening. The reservoir assembly further has a spigot fluidly
connected to the reservoir interior space, with the spigot having a
valve that is adjustable between a fully open position and a fully
closed position; in this fashion, when the reservoir contains a
fresh cleaning liquid, a user may regulate the flow of the fresh
cleaning liquid from the reservoir through the spigot by adjusting
the spigot valve. The wet/dry vacuum assembly is removably
positioned on top of the reservoir, with the wet/dry vacuum
assembly having a vacuum recovery tank and a vacuum motor assembly
fluidly connected to the vacuum recovery tank. The four-bend handle
is removably connected to the reservoir. A strap assembly on each
side of the vacuum recovery tank releasably connects the wet/dry
vacuum assembly to the four-bend handle. The wet/dry vacuum
assembly is transportable on the reservoir. In addition, each of
the reservoir assembly and the wet/dry vacuum assembly is operable
both when the wet/dry vacuum assembly is positioned on top of the
reservoir, and when the wet/dry vacuum assembly is separated from
the reservoir.
[0033] The multi-functional cleaning and floor care system 10
provides numerous benefits. For example, a user may open the spigot
and apply fresh cleaning solution to a floor, spread and lightly
brush the solution into grout lines, and then vacuum the soils and
liquid away. This results in a floor that is both clean and dry.
The process is significantly better, faster, and safer than
cleaning with a mop. If desired, the user may operate the wet/dry
vacuum assembly of the invention separate and apart from the
reservoir assembly. For example, the wet/dry vacuum assembly may be
used for picking up spills, detail cleaning, job site cleanup,
flood recovery, or for vehicle and equipment detailing.
[0034] The particular reservoir assembly shown in the Figures is
substantially similar to the reservoir assembly disclosed in
commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No, 12/660,935,
entitled "Cleaning Cart Systems" and filed on Mar. 4, 2010. The
entire disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/660,935 is
incorporated into this patent document by reference.
[0035] The reservoir assembly has a reservoir and a wheeled chassis
integral with the reservoir. The reservoir has a circumferential
sidewall and a bottom wall--with the circumferential sidewall
including a front wall, a back wall, a left sidewall, and a right
sidewall. Together, these walls define the reservoir and the
interior space within the reservoir--a reservoir capable of holding
a cleaning solution or other liquid, or alternatively, any of a
number of different cleaning supplies. The circumferential sidewall
also has an upper end and a top wall at the upper end. The top wall
is integral with the circumferential sidewall, and extends outward
away from the circumferential sidewall and reservoir interior
space. In addition, the top wall has a number of openings and
recessed areas, as discussed in further detail below.
[0036] The chassis includes the structure that supports the wheels.
The reservoir assembly has four wheels--two swivel casters at the
front, and two fixed-axle wheels at the back. At the front, the
chassis includes a reinforced post or leg at the front lower-left
corner, and a reinforced post or leg at the front lower-right
corner. Each of these legs includes a cylindrical bore for
receiving the post of the corresponding caster. At the back, the
chassis includes a wheel frame at the back lower-left corner, and a
wheel frame at the back lower-right corner.
[0037] The reservoir assembly also has a spigot fluidly connected
to the reservoir, and an extension arm rearward of the back wall.
The extension arm is connected to the spigot and includes an
upwardly extending section. A user may operate the spigot between a
fully open position and a fully closed position by rotating the
extension arm. The spigot makes the system ideal for applying
stripper, floor finish, gym finish, or fresh cleaning solution onto
a surface in a controlled precise manner. If desired, the spigot
also may be used to drain liquid from the reservoir. Additional
aspects of the spigot, extension arm, and related features are
discussed in further detail below.
[0038] As mentioned briefly above, the reservoir has a top wall.
The top wall also is continuous--extending all the way around the
reservoir at the circumferential sidewall. In alternate
embodiments, however, the top wall does not have to be continuous,
and does not have to extend all the way around the reservoir. For
example, the top wall may be discontinuous, or may comprise one or
more discrete members or segments.
[0039] Also as noted briefly above, the top wall has a number of
openings and recessed areas--openings and recesses that may be used
in various ways. The top wall has a front section, a back section,
a left section, and a right section--with each top wall section
integral with an adjacent top wall section. Moving from the back of
the reservoir to the front, the top wall left section has a
cylindrical bore, a rectangular opening, a pair of circular
openings, another cylindrical bore, an additional circular opening,
and an elongated channel or recessed area--the channel located at
the front left corner of the top wall, and formed in conjunction
with the top wall front section. The top wall right section is
essentially the mirror image of the top wall left
section--including a cylindrical bore, a rectangular opening, a
pair of circular openings, another cylindrical bore, an additional
circular opening, and an elongated channel or recessed area--with
the channel located at the front right corner of the top wall, and
formed in conjunction with the top wall front section. Each of
these top wall right section features is positioned directly across
the reservoir from its corresponding top wall left section feature.
The top wall front section has a cylindrical bore at the midpoint
of the section. Each of the cylindrical bores has a bottom wall,
with the bottom wall including an opening for drainage.
[0040] As mentioned in the preceding paragraph, each of these top
wall features may be used in a number of different ways--which
contributes to the flexibility of the cleaning cart system. One leg
of the four-bend handle is inserted in the cylindrical bore, and
the other leg is inserted in the cylindrical bore.
[0041] The elongated channels at the front left and front right
corners of the top wall are configured to assist in guiding a
liquid from the reservoir when the reservoir contains a liquid and
a user chooses to drain the liquid via either the front left corner
or the front right corner of the top wall. A user may use the
downwardly facing exterior surface of a channel and/or an adjacent
exterior rounded corner edge surface (formed where the reservoir
front wall meets the corresponding reservoir sidewall) as a
pivoting surface, e.g., against the rim of a toilet, when draining
liquid from the reservoir via the left or right front corner.
[0042] The wet/dry vacuum assembly now is described in greater
detail. As noted above, the wet/dry vacuum assembly has a vacuum
recovery tank and a vacuum motor assembly fluidly connected to the
vacuum recovery tank. The vacuum motor assembly is positioned on
top of the vacuum recovery tank, and is releasably fastened to the
vacuum recovery tank with latches. The vacuum recovery tank has a
top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, a left
sidewall, and a right sidewall. A suction inlet is located toward
the top of the front wall; and a discharge outlet is located at the
bottom of the front wall. Four swivel caster wheels extend downward
from the bottom wall, providing the wet/dry vacuum assembly with
easy 360-degree mobility.
[0043] If desired, the vacuum motor assembly may have the following
specifications: 114-130 inches of water lift; 60-300 CFM; and
85-300 MPH blow. The wet/dry vac tank may have a capacity of about
11.5 gallons; and the wet/dry vac assembly may have 25-50 feet of
vacuum hose. If desired, the vacuum motor assembly may have the
following specifications: Vac Tank: 11.5 Gallons (43.5 l);
Dump/Drain Hose: 22 inches (56 cm) long; Vac Tank Cleanout: 100%
via Dump/Drain Hose; Vac CFM: 60 cfm (1700 l/min); Blow Feature: 85
mph (137 km/h); and Vac Motor Lift: 114 inches -dead head (290 cm).
Other aspects of the wet/dry vacuum assembly may include: a 50 foot
slinky-style vacuum hose; and a 15 foot retractable electrical
cord; and the vacuum motor being a heavy duty two-stage vacuum
motor.
[0044] With reference to FIGS. 3-7 the vacuum recovery tank
includes a support surface and the reservoir includes a support
surface, the reservoir support surface supporting the vacuum
recovery tank support surface when the wet vacuum assembly is
removably positioned on the reservoir. The vacuum recovery tank
support surface directly contacts the reservoir support surface
when the wet vacuum assembly is removably positioned on the
reservoir.
[0045] The reservoir has a lip that extends laterally from the
reservoir left sidewall, the lip in the form of the left section of
the top wall. The reservoir also has a lip that extends laterally
from the reservoir right sidewall, the lip in the form of the right
section of the top wall. The reservoir support surface comprises a
portion of each of the top wall left section and the top wall right
section.
[0046] The vacuum recovery tank support surface comprises a first
support surface extending between the front and back walls of the
tank, and a second support surface also extending between the front
and back walls of the tank. Where the tank left sidewall and bottom
wall meet, there is a recess or shelf extending between the front
and back walls of the tank; the first support surface is in the
form of a wall portion at this left recess or shelf. Where the tank
right sidewall and bottom wall meet, there is a recess or shelf
extending between the front and back walls of the tank; the second
support surface is in the form of a wall portion at this right
recess or shelf. When the wet/dry vacuum assembly is removably
positioned on the reservoir, a portion of the reservoir top wall
left section supports part of the wall portion of the left recess
or shelf; and a portion of the reservoir top wall right section
supports part of the wall portion of the right recess or shelf.
[0047] The wet/dry vacuum assembly may be removably positioned at a
number of locations along the length of the reservoir. The
reservoir includes a front, a back, and a length that extends from
the front to the back. And the vacuum recovery tank includes a
length that extends from the vacuum recovery tank front to the
vacuum recovery tank back. The reservoir length is greater than the
vacuum recovery tank length; and therefore, the wet vacuum assembly
may be removably positioned at a number of locations along the
length of the reservoir.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 10, the modular multi-functional cleaning
and floor care system has a dump hose (shown in a stowed position)
connected to the discharge outlet of the vacuum recovery tank. The
system further has a vacuuming assembly. The vacuuming assembly
includes: a squeegee floor tool connected to a vacuum wand; the
vacuum wand connected to a length of vacuum hose; and the length of
vacuum hose connected to the suction inlet of the vacuum recovery
tank. If desired, the vacuum wand may be a two-piece lightweight
aluminum vacuum wand. Also, if desired, the squeegee floor tool may
be a dual-bladed squeegee head with built-in bristle brush. With
reference to FIG. 11, the modular multi-functional cleaning and
floor care system is adjacent a wall-mounted toilet. The system is
designed such that when the wet/dry vacuum assembly is positioned
on the reservoir assembly, the discharge outlet is at a height
above the floor surface that enables a soiled liquid in the vacuum
recovery tank to be gravity drained through the dump hose into the
toilet bowl without lifting the vacuum recovery tank.
[0049] FIGS. 3, 4, and 12-18 show another embodiment of the modular
multi-functional cleaning and floor care system. This embodiment
has all of the elements and components of the embodiment described
above, and further has a cover member in the form of a lid. As best
seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lid (shown in phantom in FIGS. 3 and 4)
has a top wall, a bottom wall, and a circumferential sidewall
connecting the top and bottom wails. The size and shape of the top
wall correspond generally to the site and shape of the reservoir
top wall. In this manner, the lid may be easily positioned on, and
removed from, the reservoir. When the lid is seated in place, the
lid bottom wall is positioned slightly within the reservoir
interior space. The lid sidewall has a height such that the vacuum
recovery tank support surfaces are supported by the reservoir
support surfaces--with the tank contacting the lid, and the lid
contacting the reservoir. The tank wheels are positioned within the
space defined by the lid.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, another embodiment of the
modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system is shown.
This embodiment has the reservoir assembly and wet/dry vacuum
assembly described above. In addition, this system has a
pump-and-chemical-injection assembly (also referred to herein as a
pump system) and a handle with additional storage features. The
pump system includes: a fresh water inlet line connected to a pump
inlet; a pump; a fresh water outlet line connected from a pump
outlet to a Venturi-type chemical injector; a chemical draw line
connected to the chemical injector at an outlet end, and connected
(or connectable) to a chemical container at an inlet end; and a
spray line connected to the chemical injector outlet, and
connectable to a cleaning tool (e.g., a spray gun).
[0051] A user may apply automatically diluted cleaning solution to
fixtures and floors in low pressure, and then wash the soils loose
with a power rinse of always-fresh, clean water. The indoor
pressure washer flushes soils out of grout lines and tight places
that mops cannot reach. Then a user may vacuum the floor
dry--completely removing soils, moisture, and biopollution from all
surfaces, grout lines, and crevices, leaving the floor dry and soil
free.
[0052] With regard to the pump, if desired, the pump may have the
following specifications: 0.75-1.2 GPM, 150-500 PSI; 1.0-3.5 amps;
and 120 VAC. Also, the spray line may be 25-50 feet in length, and
may have an ID of 1/4-3/8 inch. If desired, the pump system may
have the following specifications: Spray Line: 32 feet (9.75 m);
Quick-Connect Spray Gun; Electrical Cord: 25 ft. (7.6 m); Pressure:
150 psi (10.3 bars); Low Pressure Flow Rate: 1.20 GPM (4.5 l/min);
and High Pressure Flow Rate: 0.30 GPM (1.1 l/min).
[0053] Referring to FIG. 21, a further embodiment of the modular
multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of the invention
includes a pump-and-chemical-injection assembly (also referred to
herein as a pump system) in which the pump assembly is removably
connected to the reservoir at the reservoir back wall, and is
supported by a caster wheel.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 22, an additional embodiment of the
modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of the
invention has a power supply assembly that includes a battery. The
power supply assembly is removably positioned on top of the
reservoir, rearward of the wet/dry vacuum assembly.
[0055] Modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system
embodiments, in accordance with the present invention, may be made
using any suitable material(s) and manufacturing technique(s). For
example, if desired, the reservoir assembly may be made of
polypropylene using injection molding; and the wet/dry vacuum tank
may be made of plastic using rotational molding.
[0056] In use, the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care
system provides many benefits and advantages, several of which have
been mentioned in this patent document. If desired, the system may
be used by one user/worker. Alternatively, the system may be used
by multiple users/workers--simultaneously. For example, the wet/dry
vacuum assembly and the reservoir assembly may be separated from
each other; and one worker may apply cleaning solution with the
reservoir assembly, while another worker brushes the work surface
on which the solution has been applied, and vacuums up the
soil-containing solution.
[0057] While the present invention has been illustrated by a
description of embodiments, and while the illustrative embodiments
have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention
of the inventors to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the
following claims to such detail. For example, in another
embodiment, a wipes container is provided in which a first roll of
dry wipes already is packaged in the container (e.g., during
manufacture and assembly by a manufacturer). Additional advantages
and modifications readily will appear to those skilled in the art
upon a reading of this patent document. The invention, in its
broader aspects, is therefore not limited to the specific details,
representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples
shown and described in this patent document. Accordingly,
departures may be made from such details without departing from the
spirit or scope of the inventors' general inventive concept.
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