US20070294854A1

US20070294854A1 - Walk behind cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20070294854A1
Application number: US11/880,578
Authority: US
Inventors: John Klucznik
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-01-06
Filing date: 2007-07-23
Publication date: 2007-12-27

Abstract

A walk behind battery operated cleaning apparatus for scrubbing, cleaning and vacuuming surfaces such as floors and carpets, which is self propelled, includes a power base, which is driven from the rear in forward or reverse direction by rear wheels, and includes swivel wheels which are adjustable for height, which may have a detachable floating electric motor driven rear floor machine type cleaning assembly carried by and offset from the center of the power base, a detachable floating electric motor driven front floor machine type cleaning assembly carried by and offset from the center of the power base, and which has a reservoir tank for storing cleaning solution to be dispensed ahead of the cleaning assemblies.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of my prior application Ser. No. 11/029,935, Filed Jun. 6, 2005, Entitled: Walk Behind Cleaning Apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a walk behind cleaning apparatus of the battery operated floor type machine, used for floor and carpet cleaning such as bonnet cleaning, which is self propelled and includes dual detachable floor machine type assemblies.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Walk behind cleaning apparatus that clean and scrub carpets are known in the art.
Such apparatus are typically of the single cleaning assembly type. While these apparatus are suitable for their intended purpose, due to the rotational aspects of the single cleaning assembly, the apparatus is constantly pulling to one side, necessitating the operator having to constantly fight the apparatus to force it to travel in a direction opposite to the rotational force. The single assembly type of apparatus is difficult to use next to or against a wall or under a row of benches, because the cleaning assembly is straight ahead of the operator, and the apparatus does not permit the assembly to be close to a wall when traveling in a straight line.
There is therefore a need for an apparatus that can be easily manipulated by the operator in desired directions, can clean close to a wall, and perform multiple operations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a walk behind battery operated cleaning apparatus, which is self propelled, and has detachable dual floor machine type assemblies.
The principal object of the invention is to provide a battery operated self propelled floor machine type cleaning apparatus.
A further object of the invention is to provide a cleaning apparatus wherein the apparatus has opposed detachable dual bonnet-type cleaning assemblies.
A further object of the invention is to provide a cleaning apparatus that can have one or two floor machine type assemblies.
A further object of the invention is to provide a cleaning apparatus that can have a vacuum attachment assembly.
A further object of the invention is to provide a cleaning apparatus wherein the floor machine type assemblies can float.
A further object of the invention is to provide a cleaning apparatus, which permits cleaning right up to and along a wall, or under a row of benches.
A further object of the invention is to provide a cleaning apparatus that greatly increases production.
A further object of the invention is to provide a cleaning apparatus which is safer to use, and operate than conventional apparatus, as it does not have any attached electrical cords.
A further object of the invention is to provide a cleaning apparatus which is easy to use.
A further object of the invention is to provide a cleaning apparatus which can be used to clean floors or carpet.
A further object of the invention of the invention is to provide a cleaning apparatus that provides improved cleaning action.
A further object of the invention is to provide a cleaning apparatus which includes a power base which can have a variety of attached assemblies.
A further object of the invention is to provide a cleaning apparatus that is durable, and has a long service life.
Other objects and advantageous features of the invention will be apparent from the description and claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and characteristic features of the invention will be more readily understood from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming part hereof in which:
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the cleaning apparatus of the invention with the floor machine type cleaning assemblies in operating position;
FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 with the cleaning assemblies in the storage position, allowing for bonnet change, or movement when not cleaning.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of the steering mechanism of the apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, illustrating an alternate steering mechanism, which increases steering leverage, and reduces the turning radius in smaller areas.
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the apparatus of the invention.
FIG. 7A is a front view in partial phantom showing the independent floating action of a bonnet cleaning assembly of the invention.
FIG. 7B is a view similar to FIG. 7A, showing a bonnet cleaning assembly accommodating an irregularity in the surface being cleaned.
FIG. 7C is a view similar to FIG. 7B, showing a bonnet cleaning assembly accommodating another irregularity in the surface being cleaned.
FIG. 8A is a top plan view in partial phantom, showing the apparatus traveling along a wall, and around a corner.
FIG. 8B is a view similar to FIG. 8A showing the apparatus as it turns a corner along a wall.
FIG. 8C is a view similar to FIG. 8A with the apparatus along a wall after turning a corner.
FIG. 9 is a left side elevational view of the power base of the invention without any bonnet cleaning assemblies, or other attachments.
FIG. 10 is a front view showing the apparatus with an optional vacuum attachment; and
FIG. 11 is a front plan view showing the apparatus with optional high speed cleaning assemblies.
It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative, and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

When referring to the preferred embodiments, certain terminology will be utilized for the sake of clarity. Use of such terminology is intended to encompass not only the described embodiment, but also technical equivalents, which operate and function in substantially the same way to bring about the same result.
Referring now more particularly to the drawings and FIGS. 1-9 thereof, a cleaning apparatus 10 is therein illustrated.
The cleaning apparatus 10 includes a power base 11, which has a frame 12, with a pair of swivel wheels 13 attached thereto at the rear of the apparatus, with a pair of driven rear wheels 14 attached to frame 12 by a transversely extending transaxle (not shown), in brackets (not shown), which is attached to frame 12, in well known manner.
The transaxle (not shown) includes a reversible driving motor (not shown), of any desired type, with the preferred transaxle available from MCG, Prior Lake, Minn. 55372.
A control box 12A is provided connected to frame 12, and by a cable (not shown) to a transaxle motor (not shown), and to a source of electrical energy (not shown), such as deep discharge lead acid electric storage batteries of well known type. The control box 12A controls the speed and the direction of the wheels 14 through the transaxle (not shown), and its motor (not shown). Any suitable control box can be used, with the preferred box available from MCG, Prior Lake, Minn.
The swivel wheels 13 are each carried by a tubular member 15, which telescopes into a frame member 16, which member 15 has a pin 17, and holes 19 therein, with a hole 20 in member 16, providing for vertical adjustment of the member 15.
The frame 12 has an upper shelf 21, with a reservoir tank 22 thereon, for storage of cleaning solution (not shown), and which is secured to shelf 21 in well known manner.
The frame 12 has a pair of lower plates 26 extending therefrom, carrying an axle 27 therein, with front wheels 28 thereon.
The wheels 13, 14 and 28 are shown in contact with a surface 30, which may be a floor.
The frame 12 has brackets 29 extending therefrom, which have a shaft 31 engaged therewith, and with a U-shaped deck arm 32 of a rear bonnet cleaning assembly 35.
The deck arm 32 has slots 32A therein, in which the shaft 31 extends, and which permits the assembly 35 to float over the floor, and move up and down at the front, or each side to accommodate irregularities 30A, 30B, and 30C, in the floor surface being cleaned. The assembly 35 is offset to the right from the center as seen in FIGS. 2, and 6, and includes a deck 36, to which the arms 32 are attached, with an electric motor 37 of well known type carried thereon. The motor 37 has a pad holder assembly 38 connected thereto, which includes a pad 38′, which is rotated by the motor 37 to scrub, and clean carpets.
The frame 12 has an upwardly extending U-shaped arm 39, which is welded to frame 12. The deck 36 has an upwardly extending frame 40, which has a lift lock 41 pivotedly attached thereto, with a notch 42 for engagement with arm 39, as seen in FIG. 2 to retain cleaning assembly 35 and its pad holder 38 in position off the floor 30.
The lift lock 41 has a rod 45 engaged therewith, extending upwardly, which operates lift lock 41, for engagement and disengagement with arm 39, and which rod 45 is retained in bracket 46, which is attached to frame 40 as shown in FIG. 3.
As shown in more detail in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the frame 12 has a forwardly mounted pair of brackets 50, with a shaft 51 extending therebetween, and engaged in slots 52′ of a U-shaped arm 52, of a front bonnet cleaning assembly 53, which is offset to the left as seen in FIGS. 3 and 6. The slots 52′ permit the assembly 53 to float or ride up and down, front to back, and side to side, thereby traveling over the irregularities 30A, 30B, and 30C of a surface 30.
The assembly 53 has a deck 54, which has the arm 52 attached thereto, with an electric motor 55 of well-known type carried thereon. The motor 55 has a pad holder assembly 56 connected thereto, which includes a pad 56′ which is rotated by motor 55 to scrub and clean carpets.
The frame 12 has an upwardly extending U-shaped arm 58. The deck 54 has an upwardly extending frame 59 connected to arm 58, which has a lift lock 60 pivotedly attached thereto, with a notch 62 for engagement with arm 58, as seen in FIG. 2, to retain cleaning assembly 53, and its pad holder 56 in position off the floor 30.
The lift lock 60 has a rod 63 engaged therewith, extending upwardly, which operates lift lock 60, for engagement and disengagement with arm 58, and which rod 63 as shown in FIG. 3, is retained in a bracket 64, which is attached to frame 59.
The reservoir tank 22 has a hose 70 attached thereto, and to an electrically driven pump 71, carried on a panel 72, which is mounted to shelf 21. The pump 71 has an output hose 73, which extends to a nozzle 74 for the rear bonnet assembly 35, and to a fitting 76, from which a hose 77 extends to a nozzle 78, carried by bracket 79 on deck 54 of front bonnet assembly 53. The nozzles 74 and 78 dispense cleaning solution (not shown) ahead of pads 38′ and 56′, and pad holders 38 and 56.
The frame 12 has a steering column 80 attached thereto, with a cleaning solution on-off switch 81, a key switch 82 to activate the apparatus 10, and an on-off switch 83 to activate motors 37 and 55, to rotate the pad holders 38 and 56, and pads 38′ and 56′. The column 80 has a left handle 85, and a right handle 86 extending therefrom, for steering the apparatus 10 by an operator (not shown). Batteries (not shown) and wiring (not shown) are provided, carried by frame 12, and which provide the electrical power to operate pump 71, motors 37 and 55, and the transaxle motor (not shown) to drive wheels 14 to propel the apparatus 10 in forward and reverse directions.
A U-shaped forward and reverse thumb lever or throttle 90 is provided, pivotedly mounted to column 80, which when pressed on the right causes control box 12A to activate wheels 14 to move forwardly, and if pressed on the left to move rearwardly, with the speed being controlled by the degree of displacement of throttle 90. If the throttle 90 is released, the transaxle motor (not shown) will slow down and brake the apparatus 10 as required.
The column 80 has a momentary button 81 thereon for finer control of the water pump 71, and momentary dispensing of the cleaning solution (not shown).
Referring now to FIG. 5, an alternative steering arrangement is provided, which is identical to that shown in FIG. 4, except that the left handle 85 is provided with an extension 87, which is detachably engaged with handle 85 in well known manner, and provides for improved control of the apparatus 10.
Referring to FIGS. 8A to 8C, the cleaning apparatus 10 is illustrated in operation, with the front bonnet cleaning pad 56′ against a wall 100, which intersects a wall 101 at a corner 102, with the pad 56′ against and traveling along wall 100 to and around corner 102, and thence along wall 103. The offset location of the cleaning assembly 53 permits it to clean along the walls 100, and 102, and under a row of benches (not shown), or other overhanging structure.
Referring to FIG. 9, the power base 11 is illustrated from the side, without any attachments connected to it.
Referring to FIG. 10, the power base 11 is illustrated with an optional vacuum unit 125 of well known type, which can be attached to the front brackets 50 in well-known manner, to permit cleaning solution, and or debris to be removed from the surface (not shown) to be cleaned.
Referring to FIG. 11, the power base 11 has high speed heads 130 and 131, thereon, which are similar to the bonnet cleaning assemblies 35 and 53, but fitted with well-known high speed motors (not shown) and pads (not shown) which are used to burnish or polish a floor (not shown).
It will thus be seen that apparatus has been provided with which the objects of the invention are achieved.

Claims

1. A walk behind cleaning apparatus which comprises;

a power base,

said power base having a frame,

front and rear wheels carried by said frame,

said rear wheels being mounted to transaxle means, which is attached to said frame,

said transaxle means including electric motor means for driving said rear wheels,

a pair of swivel wheels carried by said frame,

adjustment means to adjust the vertical height of said swivel wheels,

a steering column carried by said frame,

at least two handles carried by said steering column for controlling the direction of travel of said apparatus,

first attachment means connected to said frame,

an electric motor driven rear bonnet cleaning assembly mounted to said first attachment means,

positioning means connected to said attachment means and said rear bonnet cleaning assembly for positioning it for operation or for storage,

said rear bonnet cleaning assembly being offset from the center of said apparatus,

second attachment means extending forwardly from and connected to said frame,

an electric motor driven front bonnet cleaning assembly mounted to said second attachment means,

positioning means connected to said second attachment means and said front bonnet cleaning assembly for positioning it for operation and storage,

said front bonnet cleaning assembly being offset from the center of said apparatus opposite to said rear bonnet cleaning assembly,

pad means connected to said electric motors of said front and rear bonnet cleaning assemblies for cleaning a surface,

electrical supply means carried by said frame to supply electrical energy to said electric motors,

and control means to control the electrical energy supplied to said electric motors.

2. A walk behind cleaning apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which:

a reservoir tank is provided carried on said frame,

hose means connected to said tank,

pump means connected to said hose means, and

nozzle means connected to said hose means for delivering liquid to said floor ahead of said bonnet cleaning assemblies.

3. A walk behind cleaning apparatus as defined in claim 2 in which;

said electrical supply means providing electrical energy to said cleaning assemblies, said drive system, and said pump means is at least one electric storage battery.

4. A walk behind cleaning apparatus as defines in claim 1 in which;

said cleaning assemblies include a deck,

an electric motor mounted to said deck,

a pad holder assembly connected to and driven by said motor, and wherein,

said attachment means suspend and permit said bonnet cleaning assemblies to float, or adjust left, right, forward, back, or up, to accommodate any imperfections in the surface being cleaned.

5. A walk behind cleaning apparatus as defined in claim 1 in which;

said positioning means includes retainer assemblies carried on said frame, and

catch means on said cleaning assemblies to engage said retainer assemblies for positioning of said bonnet cleaning assemblies for operation and storage.

6. A walk behind cleaning apparatus, which comprises;