A Method and Apparatus for self-propelled cleaning

• US 20060054187A1
• Filed: 09/14/2004
• Published: 03/16/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/14/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: WildCard enterprises, LLC
• Original Assignee: WildCard enterprises, LLC
• Inventors: Morse, Bradford, Barela, Raquel
• Application Number:
  US10/711,358
• Publication Number:
  US 20060054187A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 134/6
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/00 Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4036 Parts or details of the surface treating tools
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 2201/00 Robotic cleaning machines, i.e. with automatic control of the travelling movement or the cleaning operation
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 2201/04 Automatic control of the travelling movement; Automatic obstacle detection

Abstract

A self-propelled cleaning machine is provided to remove dust, hair, common allergens and debris from surfaces. The self-propelled cleaning machine includes a sheet assembly that is attached to or encompassing the drive unit. This combination is used to clean surfaces in a self-guided fashion with no effort from the user.

Claims

1. A self-propelled cleaner, comprising:

a drive unit having an outer surface and a motorized internal mechanism adapted to impart motion to said drive unit;

a sheet having a first side and a second side;

wherein first side of said sheet is operatively connected to the outer surface of said drive unit.

2. The self-propelled cleaning machine as in claim 1, wherein said sheet completely encompasses said drive unit.

3. The self-propelled cleaning machine as in claim 1, wherein said sheet partially encompasses said drive unit.

4. The self-propelled cleaning machine as in claim 2, wherein the shape of said outer surface of said drive unit is at least substantially spherical.

5. The self-propelled cleaning machine as in claim 2, wherein the shape of said outer surface of said drive unit is at least substantially elliptical.

6. The self-propelled cleaning machine as in claim 2, wherein the shape of said outer surface of said drive unit is at least substantially cylindrical.

7. The self-propelled cleaning machine as in claim 3, wherein the shape of said outer surface of said drive unit is at least substantially spherical.

8. The self-propelled cleaning machine as in claim 3, wherein the shape of said outer surface of said drive unit is at least substantially elliptical.

9. The self-propelled cleaning machine as in claim 3, wherein the shape of said outer surface of said drive unit is at least substantially cylindrical.

10. The self-propelled cleaning machine as in claim 2, wherein said sheet is connected to said drive unit.

11. The self-propelled cleaning machine claim 3, wherein said sheet is connected to said drive unit.

12. The self-propelled cleaning machine as in claim 1, further comprising a means to detect and display low battery power.

13. The self-propelled cleaning machine as in claim 1, further comprising a means such as an audible alarm to alert the user when said machine is out of power or lost.

14. The self-propelled cleaning machine as in claim 1, further comprising a means to detect and indicate that the machine'"'"'s motion is impeded.

16. A method of making a covering for said drive unit of claim 1, comprising:

forming an envelope from one or more cleaning sheets into which said drive unit can be snugly inserted and removed.

15. A method for cleaning comprising;

acquiring a drive unit having a motorized internal mechanism adapted to impart motion to said drive unit;

applying a sheet directly to said drive unit;

activating said drive unit;

placing said drive unit and said sheet onto the surface to be cleaned.

17. A method of making a self-propelled cleaner, comprising:

obtaining a drive unit having a motorized internal mechanism adapted to impart motion to said drive unit;

providing a sheet for use with said drive unit.

18. A method of cleaning multiple surfaces comprising;

acquiring a drive unit having a motorized internal mechanism adapted to impart motion to said drive unit;

directly applying a sheet to more than one dimension of said drive unit;

activating said drive unit;

placing said drive unit and sheet in area where simultaneous contact with multiple surfaces can occur.

19. A toy comprising;

a drive unit having an outer surface and a motorized internal mechanism adapted to impart motion to said drive unit;

a sheet having a first side and a second side;

wherein first side of said sheet is operatively connected to the outer surface of said drive unit.