U.S. patent application number 13/900419 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-03 for rotary cleaning head having indirect fluid application.
This patent application is currently assigned to Pearl Enterprises, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Pearl Enterprises, LLC. Invention is credited to Dennis Pearlstein.
Application Number | 20130255028 13/900419 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39525405 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130255028 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pearlstein; Dennis |
October 3, 2013 |
ROTARY CLEANING HEAD HAVING INDIRECT FLUID APPLICATION
Abstract
A rotary cleaning device having a plurality of flush pad
extractors can provide improved debris removal and reduced residual
material. More specifically, a rotary cleaning device can include a
plurality of flush pad extractors which are oriented generally
circumferentially about a common rotation axis. These unique flush
pad extractors can include a fluid applicator and a vacuum member
oriented behind the fluid applicator such that during operation of
the device the fluid applicator contacts a surface to be cleaned
prior to contact by the vacuum member. In accordance with the
present invention, the fluid applicator provides passive delivery
of fluid to the surface to be cleaned. Passive delivery of fluid
allows for reduced fluid usage and more controlled and even
distribution of fluid across a surface without overwetting.
Inventors: |
Pearlstein; Dennis; (Austin,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pearl Enterprises, LLC |
North Salt Lake City |
UT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Pearl Enterprises, LLC
North Salt Lake City
UT
|
Family ID: |
39525405 |
Appl. No.: |
13/900419 |
Filed: |
May 22, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11641274 |
Dec 18, 2006 |
|
|
|
13900419 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/322 ;
15/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 11/4038 20130101;
A47L 11/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/322 ;
15/320 |
International
Class: |
A47L 11/34 20060101
A47L011/34 |
Claims
1. A rotary cleaning device, comprising a plurality of flush pad
extractors oriented generally circumferentially about a common
rotation axis, said flush pad extractors including a fluid
applicator and a vacuum member oriented behind the fluid applicator
such that during operation the fluid applicator contacts a surface
to be cleaned prior to contact by the vacuum member, and a
pressurized fluid reservoir to supply fluid to the applicator, said
fluid applicator providing passive delivery of fluid to the surface
to be cleaned, wherein said fluid is distributed from a central
distribution channel oriented about the common rotation axis to a
top side of said fluid applicator.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein each flush pad extractor is
attached to a common central hub using separate extension
members.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the vacuum member is oriented
immediately behind the fluid applicator.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein each flush pad extractor is
attached to a bottom surface of a rotating disk.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the flush pad
extractors further comprises an agitating brush immediately after
the vacuum member.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the fluid applicator includes a
non-absorbent agitating pad.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein the non-absorbent agitating pad
is an artificial turf pad.
8. The device of claim 6, wherein the fluid applicator further
comprises a kicker plate for receiving and holding the
non-absorbent agitating pad, said kicker plate having a distal edge
which is contoured upward.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the vacuum member includes a
vacuum opening which includes a forward edge and a rear edge such
that the forward edge is raised above the rear edge.
10. The device of claim 9, further comprising a vacuum source
operatively connected to each vacuum member.
11. The device of claim 9, further comprising a cleaning fluid
source operatively connected to each fluid applicator.
12. The device of claim 1, further comprising a motor operatively
connected to the common rotation axis and configured to rotate the
plurality of flush pad extractor about the common rotation
axis.
13. The device of claim 1, additionally including means for
supplying fluid to the fluid applicator during operation of the
device.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the means for supplying fluid
to the fluid applicator during operation of the device includes a
nozzle oriented to spray fluid into the fluid applicator.
15. The device of claim 13, wherein the means for supplying fluid
to the fluid applicator during operation of the device includes a
fluid reservoir area above the fluid applicator to supply fluid to
the fluid applicator.
16. The device of claim 1, wherein the fluid applicators comprise
regions separated by the vacuum members.
17. A rotary cleaning head retrofit kit, comprising: a) a plurality
of fluid applicators which include non-absorbent agitating pads,
said plurality of fluid applicators providing for passive delivery
of fluid to a surface to be cleaned, wherein said fluid is
distributed from a central distribution area to a top side of each
of said plurality of fluid applicators; and b) a plurality of
vacuum members.
18. The kit of claim 17, wherein the non-absorbent agitating pad
comprises a perforated artificial turf.
19. The kit of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of bristle
pads.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/641,274, filed on Dec. 18, 2006, the
content of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to cleaning of
flooring materials such as carpet. More specifically, the present
invention relates to rotary soil extraction devices. Accordingly,
the present invention involves the fields of cleaning and carpet
cleaning and treatment.
[0004] 2. State of the Art
[0005] Thorough removal of debris from various flooring materials
such as carpet can be a challenging task. Dry vacuuming can remove
a portion of debris such as soil, etc.; however, a large portion of
such material remains embedded within carpet fibers. A wide variety
of mechanisms have been developed to provide additional cleaning
such as shampoo processes, steam cleaning, soil absorption such as
bonnet cleaning, soil extraction such as chemical cleaning done by
ChemDry and others, host cleaning where a particulate cleaning
agent is dispersed and then vacuumed, and encapsulation using a
crystalline cleaning agent. Each of these processes provides
benefits ranging from cost, well established performance and
market, and simplicity. However, most, if not all, current
approaches within each area also suffer from various drawbacks such
as excess water, extended dry times, chemical residue build-up,
and/or poor soil removal.
[0006] Conventional wisdom in cleaning carpets is to clean deep and
penetrate the carpet fibers to remove soil and debris. However,
this often leaves excessive water remaining in the carpet which
results in extended dry times. Further, chemical treatments
typically leave at least a portion of the chemical in the carpet,
often resulting in unacceptable residue build-up over time. Most
chemical treatments are limited to cleaning the top quarter portion
of the carpet piles, leaving the remainder substantially uncleaned.
Some shampoo treatments and steam cleaning processes clean deeper
into the carpet pile, but leave substantial amounts of water which
can take as much as twelve hours or more to completely dry.
[0007] As such, improved processes and systems which can be used to
enhance deep cleaning of flooring materials such as carpet without
leaving excessive water or chemical residue, and which are also
economic, continue to be sought through ongoing development
efforts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In accordance with the present invention, a rotary cleaning
device having a plurality of flush pad extractors can provide
improved debris removal and reduced residual material. More
specifically, a rotary cleaning device can include a plurality of
flush pad extractors which are oriented generally circumferentially
about a common rotation axis. These unique flush pad extractors can
include a fluid applicator and a vacuum member oriented behind the
fluid applicator such that during operation of the device the fluid
applicator contacts a surface to be cleaned prior to contact by the
vacuum member. In accordance with the present invention, the fluid
applicator can provide passive delivery of fluid to the surface to
be cleaned. In a more detailed aspect of the present invention, a
retrofit kit can include a plurality of flush pad extractors which
are adapted for insertion into a rotary cleaning head device.
[0009] There have thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention so that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood, and so
that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
Other features of the present invention will become clearer from
the following detailed description of the invention, taken with the
accompanying drawings and claims, or may be learned by the practice
of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a rotary cleaning apparatus
having a rotary cleaning head in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1
looking from the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a vertical section taken on the line 3-3 of FIG.
2.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the rotary cleaning head
shown in FIG. 1, drawn to a larger scale and separated from the
remainder of the cleaning apparatus.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary vertical section taken on the line
5-5 of FIG. 4, and drawn to a larger scale.
[0015] FIG. 6 is and enlarged view of the left end portion of FIG.
3.
[0016] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a flush pad
extractor and its attachment to a rotary cleaning head in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
pad agitating material usable with the flush pad extractor of FIG.
7.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a further alternate
embodiment of pad agitating material usable with the flush pad
extractor of FIG. 7.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a side elevation of a rotary cleaning apparatus
in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a rotary cleaning head taken
on the line 11-11 of FIG. 10, showing only the rotary cleaning
head.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a fragmentary vertical section of a flush pad
extractor and attachment to a rotary cleaning head taken in the
line 12-12 of FIG. 11.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a fragmentary bottom partial cut-away view of the
flush pad extractor looking from the line 13-13 of FIG. 12.
[0023] The drawings will be described further in connection with
the following detailed description. Further, these drawings are not
necessarily to scale and are by way of illustration only such that
dimensions and geometries can vary from those illustrated.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it
is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the
particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed
herein, but is extended to equivalents thereof as would be
recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It
should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used
for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is
not intended to be limiting.
[0025] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include
plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Thus, for example, reference to "a head" includes one or more of
such structures, reference to "a vacuum slot" includes reference to
one or more of such features and reference to "a cleaning cycle"
includes reference to one or more of such steps.
DEFINITIONS
[0026] In describing and claiming the present invention, the
following terminology will be used in accordance with the
definitions set forth below.
[0027] As used herein, "passive delivery" of fluid refers to
indirect or contact delivery or transfer of a fluid to a surface.
Passive delivery of a fluid involves application of a fluid by
direct contact of a fluid applicator to a surface. Generally, fluid
flows from the fluid applicator to the surface, such as the carpet,
via a portion of the fluid applicator such as flexible bristles or
tufts. In contrast, active or direct delivery includes pressurized
spraying or depositing of a fluid directly on the surface such as
the carpet, without an intermediate material. Thus, passive
delivery occurs substantially free of fluid pressure or velocity of
the fluid into the carpet.
[0028] As used herein, "immediately" refers to a spatial
relationship which is either direct contact or sufficiently close
so as to provide substantially no space or delay between the
identified members.
[0029] As used herein, "vacuum" refers to a condition of reduced
pressure sufficient to cause a suction effect for removal of
material from a surface. Thus, the term vacuum is not solely
limited to low pressures associated with an environmental vacuum,
e.g. less than 10.sup.-5 torr.
[0030] As used herein, "metallic" refers to a metal, or an alloy of
two or more metals. A wide variety of metallic materials are known
to those skilled in the art, such as iron, steel, stainless steel,
aluminum, copper, chromium, titanium, tungsten, zinc, etc.,
including alloys and compounds thereof.
[0031] As used herein, "substantial" when used in reference to a
quantity or amount of a material, or a specific characteristic
thereof, refers to an amount that is sufficient to provide an
effect that the material or characteristic was intended to provide.
The exact degree of deviation allowable may in some cases depend on
the specific context. Similarly, "substantially free of" or the
like refers to the lack of an identified element. Particularly,
elements that are identified as being "substantially free of" are
either completely absent, or are included so as to have no
measurable effect on the invention.
[0032] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements,
compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a
common list for convenience. However, these lists should be
construed as though each member of the list is individually
identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual
member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of
any other member of the same list solely based on their
presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary.
As a non-limiting example of this principle, artificial turf and
bonnet material can be suitable fluid applicator materials.
However, artificial turf is non-absorbent, while bonnet material is
highly absorbent. Absorbency of a material can affect suitability
for a particular application. It is not the purpose of this
specification to exhaustively outline every possible distinction
among potentially useful components, but rather to illustrate the
principles of the present invention, often with the use of such
lists.
[0033] Dimensions, amounts, and other numerical data may be
expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be
understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience
and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not
only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the
range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or
sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value
and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a
numerical range of "about 1 to about 5" should be interpreted to
include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about
5, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the
indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are
individual values such as 2, 3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from
1-3, from 2-4, and from 3-5, etc. This same principle applies to
ranges reciting only one numerical value. Furthermore, such an
interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range
or the characteristics being described.
[0034] Rotary Cleaning Devices
[0035] In accordance with the present invention, a rotary cleaning
device 10 is shown in FIG. 1 including a base housing member 12,
wheels 13, and an upper control member 14. The base housing member
12 houses or otherwise retains a rotary cleaning head 22 in
accordance with the present invention. The upper control member 14
is used to manipulate, maneuver, and control the device during
operation by grasping the handle 16. The upper control member 14
can optionally include controls such as buttons or levers for
adjusting motor speed, controlling the vacuum, and/or controlling
the fluid application rate. An electrical connection 17 can be
operatively connected to the upper control member and the motor.
Further, a water supply line 19 can be fluidly connected to the
rotary cleaning head as described in more detail below. No
particular limitation is intended with the illustrated
configuration such that the basic upper control member and housing
member mechanisms can be either designed and fabricated or may be
obtained from existing rotary cleaning suppliers. As a general
matter, the rotary cleaning device can include a motor 18 for
driving the rotary cleaning head and a vacuum outlet 20 for
removing liquid and debris recovered from a flooring surface. The
present invention is particularly directed toward the rotary
cleaning head 22 housed within or otherwise supported by the base
housing member 12 as described in more detail below.
[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates a rotary cleaning head 22 in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. A plurality of flush
pad extractors 24 can be oriented generally circumferentially about
a common rotation axis 26. Any number of flush pad extractors 24
can be oriented on the rotary cleaning head; however, as a
practical matter two to six flush pad extractors are typically
effective, four being shown. The flush pad extractors can include a
fluid applicator 28 and a vacuum member 30 with vacuum slot 31
forming a vacuum opening oriented behind the fluid applicator such
that during operation of the device, the fluid applicator 28
contacts a surface to be cleaned prior to contact by the vacuum
member 30. In this way, the fluid applicator 28 can provide passive
delivery of fluid to the surface to be cleaned, with the fluid
applied then being removed from the surface by the vacuum member 30
through vacuum slot 31. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 shows
a rotatable disk 34 on which flush pad extractors 24 are oriented
for counterclockwise operation with respect to the bottom view of
FIG. 2, as shown by arrow 35.
[0037] The vacuum member 30 can be oriented immediately behind the
fluid applicator as illustrated in FIG. 2. Although each set of a
vacuum member 30 and fluid applicator 28 can be mounted adjacent,
i.e. contacting, to one another, this is not required. For example,
the fluid applicator 28 can be mounted such that a space exists
between the applicator 28 and the vacuum member 30. However, it can
often be preferable to mount the vacuum member 30 and fluid
applicator 28 substantially adjacent one another in order to reduce
residence time of fluid on the flooring surface.
[0038] The fluid applicator 28 provides indirect application of a
cleaning fluid to a flooring surface. In one embodiment of the
present invention, this can be accomplished by forming the fluid
applicator at least partially from a non-absorbent agitating pad.
The non-absorbent agitating pad can be any material which does not
substantially absorb foreign debris and dirt from the carpet. This
allows for an increased useful life over absorbent materials which
can require frequent replacement and/or cleaning. Suitable
non-limiting examples of non-absorbent agitating materials can
include artificial turf or other bristled or porous materials which
are resilient and non-absorbent. Standard brush bristles tend to be
non-absorbent; however, their use as the fluid applicator is
generally unsatisfactory. Specifically, conventional brushes have a
bristle spacing and shape which allows for excessive fluid
application to the carpet and can easily result in overwetting and
uneven distribution of fluid. Thus, suitable non-absorbent
agitating material should preferably provide resilient agitation as
well as retain fluid sufficient to prevent overwetting.
[0039] In another optional embodiment, suitable fluid applicator
materials can include microfibers, bonnets, absorbent cloth with
abrasive strips, etc. These materials can be beneficial where the
carpet is fragile or otherwise requires more delicate treatment.
For many applications however, the aggressive artificial turf or
similar non-absorbent agitating materials can provide improved
cleaning action per pass and significantly increased useful life of
the pads. In still another optional embodiment, one or more of the
fluid applicator materials can include a composite material which
includes both absorbent and non-absorbent portions. Specifically, a
non-absorbent bristle material can be incorporated into an
absorbent bonnet material as strips or other embedded regions.
Although many configurations are possible, one commercially
available composite material includes the Q810 Commercial Scrubber
pad by Rubbermaid.RTM.. Further, a combination of various
non-absorbent and absorbent agitating materials can be used, e.g.,
every other fluid applicator can alternate non-absorbent,
absorbent, etc.
[0040] Regardless of the specific fluid applicator material chosen
for use in a particular embodiment, the cleaning fluid can be
delivered through the fluid applicator material. This indirect
fluid application process provides increased control over the fluid
delivery rate and prevents direct jetting of fluid onto the
flooring material which can cause excessive penetration of the
fluid into flooring materials such as carpet.
[0041] Additional optional features can also be included on the
rotary cleaning head 22. Depending on the spacing of the flush pad
extractors 24, optional support buffers (not shown) can be oriented
between the flush pad extractors. Support buffers can more evenly
distribute weight across the rotating disk 34 and can increase
smoothness of operation. In another optional embodiment, at least
one of the flush pad extractors can further include an agitating
brush immediately after the vacuum member 30 opposite the fluid
applicator 28. The agitating brush can include bristles which act
as an aggressive tool to dislodge debris from flooring surfaces. In
yet another optional embodiment, additional vacuum members can be
added between flush pad extractors. These additional vacuum members
can help to further reduce excess fluid from a flooring
surface.
[0042] Alternatively, the flush pad extractor can include a fluid
applicator and a vacuum member which are spaced apart. For example,
depending on the number of flush pad extractors, the vacuum member
and fluid applicator can be circumferentially spaced apart from
about 10.degree. to about 90.degree., and in some cases from about
15.degree. to about 45.degree. apart about the rotary cleaning
head. Although some spacing between the fluid applicator and vacuum
member is allowable, this spacing is generally suitable as long as
the rotation rate of the rotary cleaning head is sufficient to
prevent the fluid supplied by the fluid applicator from penetrating
excessively into the carpet or other flooring surface, e.g., over
half way through the flooring material, before being removed by the
vacuum member.
[0043] Further, although the fluid applicators 28 are shown having
arcuate inner and outer ends 28a and 28b, respectively, with the
radius of the respective arcs being the distance from the center 26
of the rotating cleaning head 22 to the respective end, this is not
required. The fluid applicators can be rectangular, trapezoidal,
polygonal, triangular, circular, or any other functional shape.
Different shapes can allow for variation of scrubbing time and can
affect the fluid application rate by increasing or decreasing
surface area of the fluid applicators. The illustrated shape, with
outer arcuate end 28b longer than inner arcuate end 28a so that the
width of the fluid applicator 28 increases as it extends further
from the center of the cleaning head, compensates for the
difference in the speed of the fluid applicator as it travels over
the carpet during rotation of cleaning head 22. It should be noted
that with a rotating disc, the further from the center of rotation,
the faster the speed of travel of a point on the disc. With the
illustrated increase in width of the fluid applicator, each portion
of the carpet in contact with the fluid applicator 28 during a
rotation of the cleaning head 22 receives substantially the same
contact time and same fluid application.
[0044] Similarly to the fluid applicators, the vacuum members 30
can be oriented and/or configured in a variety of ways. Almost any
functional shape of the vacuum member can be useful. The vacuum
member can have slotted, circular, elliptical, or other shaped
openings.
[0045] Specifically, the vacuum members 30 can be straight with
straight slots 31 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. However, the vacuum
members can also be angled outward such that a radially outer-most
portion of the vacuum member vacuum slot can be extended behind the
position illustrated, i.e., further behind the outer end of the
fluid applicator than the inner end. Such a configuration can
provide substantially the same delay time between application of
the fluid by the fluid applicator and vacuuming away of the fluid
by the vacuum member, regardless of the distance from the center of
the rotary cleaning head. However, the compensation for time
between application and vacuuming away of the fluid has been found
not to be as significant as compensation for application time of
the fluid. In an additional optional embodiment, vacuum members and
vacuum slots can be mounted in a position which is stationary with
respect to the rotary cleaning head 22. For example, one or more
vacuum slots can be mounted on the rotary cleaning device and
oriented toward the flooring surface just outside the circumference
of the rotary cleaning head, e.g. preferably on each of the left
and right sides with respect to a person operating the device or on
each of the forward and rearward sides with respect to a person
operating the device. Such positioning eliminates the need for a
rotary vacuum connection.
[0046] In yet an additional alternative embodiment, the number of
flush pad extractor and/or fluid applicators can be varied.
Specifically, the illustrated embodiments include four flush pad
extractors; however, any functional number can be used. For
example, in many applications three flush pad extractor units can
provide sufficient performance. Alternatively, five or more flush
pad extractor units can also be mounted. In yet another
alternative, one or more of the flush pad extractors can be
configured to rotate in one or more sub-rotating disks or
assemblies within the primary rotating disk.
[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 2-6, the rotary cleaning head 22 can
be housed within the base housing member 12. The rotary cleaning
head can be rotatably connected to the housing member in any
functional manner. Non-limiting examples of rotating connections
can include bearing connectors (e.g. ball bearing, cylinder
bearing, etc.). In one embodiment, the connection can include a set
of tapered roller bearings 33 which can be tilted toward the
rotation axis 26 at their upper ends. This particular configuration
can be beneficial in compensating for the rotating downward force
due to the weight of the rotary cleaning head during operation. A
cleaning fluid inlet line 36 can be operatively connected to each
of the flush pad extractors 24. The fluid inlet line can be
operatively connected to a cleaning fluid source via a connector 37
and a cleaning fluid supply line 19. In accordance with the present
invention, a variety of cleaning fluids can be used. However, as a
general matter the present invention allows for exceptional results
using substantially only water as the cleaning fluid. Thus, in one
embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning fluid can consist
essentially of water. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2-6, the fluid
inlet line 36 is connected to a central distribution area 38 having
individual fluid lines 40 to each fluid applicator 28. The central
distribution area can be a journal sealed rotary multi-connector 39
or any other functional fluid connector which allows for
distribution of fluid to multiple flush pad extractors. As shown,
fluid lines 40 connect the central distribution area 38 with
respective reservoir areas 41 above each fluid applicator 28.
Cleaning fluid is then distributed across the top side of the fluid
applicator. While reservoir area 41 is shown, the cleaning fluid
can be distributed across the fluid applicator using a network of
lines, other reservoir configurations, pressurized spray nozzles,
or any other suitable mechanism. In some cases, pressurized spray
nozzles can be useful in evenly distributing fluid across the fluid
applicator. Such spray nozzles can be oriented above the top side
of the fluid applicator such that sprayed fluid is distributed
thereon. The spray should not be directed so that the cleaning
fluid is sprayed directly onto the flooring material.
[0048] The fluid applicator 28 can include perforations 42, FIG. 5,
such as drilled holes or can be sufficiently porous to allow the
cleaning fluid to pass from the top side to the bottom portion
where an agitating material 44 can be located. The fluid
applicators 28 and vacuum members 30 can each be secured using
screws 46, as shown. Alternatively, the fluid applicators 28 and
vacuum members 30 can be secured using slots, snaps, latches,
and/or other mechanisms which allow for easy replacement once the
part is worn or damaged. Each vacuum member is oriented adjacent a
vacuum chamber 48 in communication with vacuum slot 31 which is
configured to allow removal of solid and fluid debris from the
flooring material through vacuum slot 31 and the vacuum system in
communication therewith for collection and disposal.
[0049] The rotary cleaning head 22 of the present invention can be
rotated using any mechanism which allows for rotation of the head
about the rotation axis 26. Non-limiting examples of suitable
rotation mechanisms can include belt drives, gear drives, direct
drives, and the like. FIG. 2 illustrates a belt drive where a first
belt 52 extends around a primary drive wheel or pulley 54. The
primary drive wheel or pulley 54 is axially connected to the output
shaft 55 of a motor 18, see FIG. 3. The first belt also encompasses
a secondary drive wheel or pulley 56 to cause rotation of the
secondary drive wheel or pulley 56. The secondary drive wheel or
pulley 56 includes a further coaxial drive pulley portion 57. A
second belt 58 extends around drive pulley portion 57 of secondary
drive wheel or pulley 56 and encompasses a belt groove extending
circumferentially around the rotary cleaning head 22. The primary
and secondary pulleys are arranged to form a reducing transmission
to rotate the rotary cleaning head more slowly than the rotation
rate of the motor 18 to which the primary pulley 54 is connected.
In operation, the motor 18 rotates at a speed sufficient to cause
rotary cleaning head 22 to rotate at a desired rate about the
rotation axis 26. In operation it can be desirable to provide for a
speed of rotation of cleaning head 22 of about 100 rpm to about 180
rpm, although other speeds can also be functional. A standard belt
tightener 60 can optionally be included to allow tension adjustment
for belt 58 and/or belt removal.
[0050] FIG. 7 illustrates one alternative embodiment for
integration of a flush pad extractor into a rotatable disk 34.
Reservoir areas 41 and vacuum chambers 48 can be machined or molded
into disk 34, with cut out area 61 in bottom disk plate 62 secured
to the bottom of disk 34 (bottom in normal use orientation as in
FIG. 1) forming a recess having a size sufficient to allow
placement therein of a vacuum member 30 over a vacuum chamber 48
and a fluid applicator 28 over a fluid reservoir area 41. The flush
pad extractor includes a distribution plate 64 having longitudinal
slots 65 arranged therein to allow passage of fluid across the
distribution plate 64, and through the distribution plate slots 65,
to the fluid applicator 28. While longitudinal slots 65 are shown,
lateral slots 66 in alternate plate 67 could be used, as could
other perforations which provide controlled distribution of fluid
to the fluid applicator 28. Fluid applicator 28 includes agitating
material 44 retained in a support substrate or backing 68. The
support substrate can be flexible or rigid and has sufficient
structural integrity to retain the agitating material therein
during use. A satisfactory fluid applicator is a piece of
indoor-outdoor carpet, such as artificial turf, having flat grass
simulating bristles as the agitating material 44 and the normal
indoor-outdoor carpet backing as the support substrate 68. The
agitating material is trimmed to provide a flange of backing or
support substrate 68 forming a mounting flange which is secured to
disk 34 by retaining ring 69 with screws 46 passing therethrough
into disk 34. If desired, a piece of foam or sponge material 70 can
be positioned in reservoir space 41 to help more evenly distribute
the cleaning fluid over the distribution plate 64 or 67. With
indoor-outdoor carpet, such as artificial turf, the backing
material is generally water proof so perforations 42, FIG. 5, are
provided through the backing 68, as previously indicated, to allow
the cleaning fluid to flow from the reservoir area through the
backing into the agitation material 44. While artificial turf is
indicated as the fluid applicator in FIG. 7, various other
materials, such as absorbent pad material 70 with a backing
material 68 in FIG. 8 or bristle material 71 with a backing
material 68 in FIG. 9, can be used. Disk 34 will also generally
have a top disk plate 63 secured to the top thereof.
[0051] As the cleaning fluid is distributed throughout the fluid
applicator, cleaning fluid then contacts and is transferred to the
flooring surface. The flooring surface can typically be a carpet,
although other materials can also be cleaned using the devices of
the present invention. Non-limiting examples of flooring surfaces
can include carpet, tile, concrete, slate, wood, and the like.
Referring again to FIG. 2, the rotary cleaning head 22 can rotate
clockwise or, as shown by arrow 35, counterclockwise. The vacuum
members 30 are located such that during each pass, a substantial
portion of the cleaning fluid transferred to the flooring surface
by the fluid applicator 28 is substantially immediately removed by
the vacuum member 30. FIG. 5 illustrates a vacuum member 30 having
a slotted vacuum opening 31. Fluid and debris enter the slotted
opening 31 and are sucked through opening 31 into vacuum chamber
48, through vacuum passage 49, and into the central vacuum chamber
50 within the rotary cleaning head. This is then further drawn
through vacuum hose 51 to vacuum outlet 20. The vacuum member 30
can include a curved contact surface 30a, as shown in FIG. 5, which
includes a vacuum opening in the form of vacuum slot 31 with a
forward slot edge 32 and a rear slot edge 33 such that the forward
edge 32 is raised above the rear edge 33. This configuration can
increase the debris and fluid removal by a scooping action which
supplements the vacuum. This configuration can be accomplished by
curving the lower surface 30a of vacuum member 30 which contacts
the flooring surface and offsetting slot 31 from the center of the
curved lower surface of vacuum member 30, as shown in FIG. 5.
Optionally, the vacuum member can be tilted at a slight angle, e.g.
about 2.degree. to about 25.degree.. In another optional embodiment
of the present invention, the lower surface of the vacuum member 30
can preferably be oriented below a plane formed by ends of the
agitating material 44. Orienting the vacuum member 30 below the
agitating material allows the vacuum member to penetrate or press
into the flooring material a further distance than otherwise would
be allowed by orienting the agitating material at a lower level.
Typically, this height difference can range from about 0.5 mm to
about 2 mm although other distances may be suitable depending on
the stiffness of the agitating material and particular carpet being
cleaned. However, depending on the stiffness of the agitating
material compared to the flooring material, the offset distance
between the vacuum member and the ends of the agitating material
can be varied to achieve the desired balance of rigorous agitating
and vacuum performance.
[0052] During operation, the rotary cleaning device including a
rotary cleaning head in accordance with the present invention
provides a method of cleaning flooring materials, such as carpet,
with improved debris recovery and reduced residual fluid. The flush
pad extractors of the present invention allow for passively
applying a cleaning fluid to the surface of the flooring material
in a rotational pass using the fluid applicators as described
herein. Further, at least a portion of the cleaning fluid can be
immediately removed during the same rotational pass using a vacuum
member oriented behind the fluid applicator. By placing these
members in a rotational arrangement, the residence time of cleaning
fluid on a surface can be dramatically reduced. For carpet, this
reduces the flow of fluid from the upper portion of the carpet down
into the lower portion of the carpet where it is difficult to
remove by vacuum and needs an extended drying period to evaporate.
Further, the scrubbing action of the fluid applicators and any
optional additional scrubbers or agitators can provide aggressive
removal of solid caked materials, soils, or other debris which
often does not respond to conventional treatments.
[0053] Orienting a plurality of flush pad extractors in a rotating
configuration allows for substantial increase in agitation of the
carpet which has been wetted by the fluid applicator. In terms of
rotations per minute (rpm), the rotational passes of each flush pad
extractor with fluid applicator can be repeated at a rate from
about 100 rpm to about 180 rpm. Handheld and non-rotary machines
are incapable of providing similar agitation results, e.g., a five
flush pad extractor rotary head at 150 rpm results in 650 cleaning
cycles per minute. This typically results in a lag time between
deposition and pickup of cleaning fluid of less than about 0.5
second, and typically less than about 0.1 second. Further, the lag
time between each cleaning cycle of a flush pad extractor, e.g.
fluid applicator plus vacuum member, is less than about 0.8
seconds, and preferably less than about 0.5 seconds. Further,
despite the high number of cleaning passes, each pass leaves very
little residual fluid such that upon completion, drying times are
substantially reduced. For example, in most cases drying times can
be less than about 2 hours and often less than about 1 hour. At
least one prominent reason for this improved drying time is the
reduced depth of penetration of the fluid. Specifically, with
carpet as the flooring material, the rotating flush pad extractors
allow for significant penetration into the upper portion of the
carpet pile without penetrating so far as to make removal
difficult. For example, under typical operating conditions, the
cleaning fluid substantially penetrates no more than about 1/3 to
about 1/2 the depth of the carpet piling. Thus, more than merely
the surface of the carpet is cleaned. Further, the vast majority of
soil and debris is typically located within the upper half of
carpet piling so that good cleaning of the carpet takes place.
[0054] In addition to reduced drying times, a substantial
improvement in cleaning effectiveness can also be realized using
the devices of the present invention. The agitation provided by the
fluid applicators and optional additional scrubbing brushes is
augmented by the weight of the entire device. Specifically, in most
embodiments of the present invention, the rotary cleaning head can
be the only portion of the device which contacts the flooring
surface. Therefore, the operator does not need to apply any extra
weight to the machine but rather dominantly can rely on the weight
of the device to provide sufficient force to the agitating
materials.
[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum member vacuum slot
31 is operatively connected to central vacuum chamber 50 in the
body of the rotary cleaning device 12. Typically, although not
required, the vacuum chamber 50 can be connected through vacuum
hose 51 and vacuum outlet 20 to a vacuum source, such as a
truck-mounted system or other vacuum system. In one aspect of the
invention, the distance from the vacuum source, such as the
truck-mounted system, can be extended over conventional systems.
This extended distance is generally attributed to a lower vacuum
necessary to remove fluid because the cleaning fluid is not as
deeply penetrated into carpet.
[0056] Alternatively, the vacuum source, cleaning fluid source,
and/or fluid recovery storage can be integrated into a portable
unit which is operatively connected to the rotary cleaning device.
For example, a lightweight vacuum source and storage container can
be fitted with straps to form a backpack to increase portability.
In this way, the distance between a vehicle and the flooring to be
cleaned is substantially unimportant. Alternatively, the vacuum
source, cleaning fluid source, and/or fluid recovery container can
be placed on a wheeled unit which can be pulled in the vicinity of
the operating rotary cleaning device. In each case the only
restriction on portability would be the distance to an electrical
outlet.
[0057] Although the rotary cleaning head 22 is shown in FIGS. 2
through 9 as a rotatable disk 34 such that the plurality of flush
pad extractors 24 are mounted or attached to the bottom surface of
the rotatable disk, other configurations can also be used. FIGS.
10-13 illustrate another alternative embodiment of a rotary
cleaning device 72. In this embodiment, a motor 73 can be oriented
above the housing member 74 with the motor coupled to a rotatable
cleaning head 80 in any suitable manner to cause rotation of
rotatable cleaning head 80 during operation of the device. A vacuum
source is connected through vacuum connector 75 to vacuum tank and
collector 76 with vacuum hose 77 extending to filter 78 with vacuum
hose 79 extending from filter 78 through housing member 74 to
connection with a central vacuum chamber 90 in central hub 84 of
rotatable cleaning head 80. The rotatable cleaning head 80 includes
a plurality of arms or extension members 86 each secured to and
extending from the central hub 84 and supporting a flush pad
extractor 82. Each flush pad extractor 82 includes a fluid
applicator 98 and a vacuum member 112 with vacuum slot 113. Each
vacuum member vacuum slot 113 is connected through a vacuum conduit
88 to central vacuum chamber 90 within the central hub 84.
Similarly, a cleaning fluid supply line 91 is connected from a
source of pressurized cleaning fluid to a central fluid
distribution assembly 92 in central hub 84 where dedicated fluid
lines 94 extending therefrom are configured to distribute cleaning
fluid to the plurality of the flush pad extractors. Each fluid line
94 can terminate in a nozzle 96 supported above a respective fluid
applicator 98. Nozzle 96 can be connected to the end of fluid line
94 through elbow connector 97. As best seen in FIGS. 11 and 12,
each flush pad extractor 82 includes an extractor body 83 which is
pivotally attached to an extension member 86 by a pivot pin 87.
Each flush pad extractor can be independently spring loaded in
order to provide a cushioning effect during operation and to
provide smoother operation. The flush pad extractor 82 of this
embodiment includes a kicker plate 100 secured to extractor body 83
which provides a rigid support for a fluid applicator 98 in the
form of a cover 102 which is configured to allow the cover 102 to
removably slip over the kicker plate 100. Kicker plate 100 includes
slots 101 or other perforations therethrough, such as holes, mesh,
or other openings, to allow passage of cleaning fluid therethrough.
The fluid applicator can be formed of any suitable agitating
material. However, the material can preferably be a non-absorbent
agitating pad, and the currently most preferred material is an
artificial turf pad as previously described having agitating grass
simulating fibers 103 held by and extending from a backing material
104. When an artificial turf material with waterproof backing is
used, the fluid applicator will include perforations 105, FIG. 12,
in the backing material 104 which holds the agitating material 103
to allow cleaning fluid to pass through the backing material 104
from the upper surface of the backing material into the agitating
material 103, from where it is transferred to the flooring material
to be cleaned.
[0058] Also, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, cover 102 includes
an opening 108 in the top thereof to expose a top portion of kicker
plate 100. Cleaning fluid nozzle 96 is supported above the fluid
applicator and is positioned to direct a spray of cleaning fluid
109, FIG. 12, to the upper surface of kicker plate 100 through
cover opening 108. The sprayed cleaning fluid 109 impacts the top
of kicker plate 100 to be distributed through the slots 101 in the
kicker plate and perforations 105 through backing material 104 to
access the agitating material 103 proximate the flooring surface.
The nozzles 96 can be oriented in any functional manner; however,
in one aspect of the invention, the nozzles 96 are oriented to
spray cleaning fluid on an inner exposed portion of the kicker
plate such that centrifugal force during rotation of the cleaning
head 72 can readily force fluid radially outwardly toward outer
portions of the kicker plate and fluid applicator. Kicker plate 100
can optionally be contoured upwardly toward its distal end 114 in
order to reduce the possibility of damaging walls or furniture
during operation. In one aspect, the kicker plate can be 1/4''
stainless steel, although other materials such as high strength
plastics or non-corroding metals can be useful. As mentioned
previously, additional optional agitating brushes 110 extending
from support 111 secured to extractor body 83 can be included as
part of the flush pad extractor which provide further aggressive
cleaning and disruption of soil and debris. The optional agitating
brushes 110 can be oriented subsequent to the fluid applicator and
vacuum member 112 with respect to the direction of motion during
operation as indicated by arrow 115. The vacuum member 112 is
secured to extractor body 83 so that vacuum slot 113 communicates
with extractor body vacuum passage 116 extending through extractor
body 83 to connect vacuum slot 113 to vacuum conduit 88.
[0059] The rotary cleaning head devices of the present invention
can be incorporated into a rotary device as discussed herein.
Several of the components of this device can be provided as a
replacement or retrofit kit. Thus, as parts wear out or are
damaged, replacement fluid applicators, non-absorbent agitating
pads, and/or vacuum members can be provided as a convenient
kit.
[0060] Currently, the preferred non-absorbent agitating pad
includes a perforated artificial turf pad. Artificial turf pads
have demonstrated good agitating on a variety of floor coverings
while also providing controlled delivery of cleaning fluid.
Specifically, it appears that the spacing and shapes of the
artificial tuft blades provides a degree of water retention which
prevents localized dropping of excessive water and more evenly
distributed water across the upper surface of a floor covering.
[0061] For some applications where excessive soiling of the carpet
has occurred, additional optional agitating pads or bristle pads
can be included on the bottom surface of the rotating cleaning
head.
[0062] Of course, it is to be understood that the above-described
arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the
principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and
alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention and the appended claims are intended to cover such
modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present invention
has been described above with particularity and detail in
connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical
and preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications,
including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials,
shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may
be made without departing from the principles and concepts set
forth herein.
* * * * *