AUTOMATED APPARATUS AND EQUIPPED TRASHCAN

• US 20100125968A1
• Filed: 11/26/2008
• Published: 05/27/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/26/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Rorux LLC
• Original Assignee: Rorux LLC
• Inventors: Ho, Howard
• Application Number:
  US12/323,506
• Publication Number:
  US 20100125968A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 15/319
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/00 Structural features of suction cleaners
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/367 Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/106 Dust removal

Abstract

An automated cleaning device for cleaning a floor surface and steps including a housing having a power source and a cleaning mechanism coupled thereto. A drive mechanism is coupled to the power source and can drive the cleaning mechanism. A sensor is provided that couples to the housing for detecting objects that lie along a path of movement being traveled by the apparatus. The apparatus further includes a leg movably coupled to the housing, such that the leg can move from a retracted position in which the leg is disposed in the housing to an extended position. As the leg moves to the extended position, the leg can engage a surface in which the device is positioned on and lift the housing away from the surface.

Claims

1. An automated cleaning device for cleaning a floor surface and steps, comprising:

a housing and a power source disposed therein;

one or more cleaning mechanisms coupled to the housing;

a drive mechanism coupled to the power source, the drive mechanism driving the one or more cleaning mechanisms;

a sensor coupled to the housing for detecting objects that lie along a path of movement being traveled by the device;

a controller disposed in the housing and controlling the one or more cleaning mechanisms, the controller configured to communicate with a remote communication system; and

a leg movably coupled to the housing, the leg including a retracted position in which the leg is substantially disposed in the housing and an extended position in which at least a portion of the leg is disposed outside the housing, whereby the leg engages a surface adjacent to the device and lifts the housing away from the surface.

2. The automated cleaning device of claim 1, further comprising a hollow body coupled to the housing and at least partially enclosing the leg.

3. The automated cleaning device of claim 2, wherein the hollow body comprises an opening through which the leg extends in the extended position.

4. The automated cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the leg comprises a surface that defines teeth configured for engaging a gear to move the leg between the extended position and retracted position.

5. The automated cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the leg comprises a plurality of legs.

6. The automated cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of cleaning mechanisms comprises a brush, mop, rag, towel, broom, sponge, or cloth.

7. The automated cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a bumper sensor configured for contacting an object.

8. The automated cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the sensor detects an object and communicates the detection to the controller.

9. The automated cleaning device of claim 1, further comprising a collection compartment disposed in the housing, the collection compartment adapted to receive contents from the floor surface or steps.

10. The automated cleaning device of claim 9, further comprising a vacuum disposed in the housing and coupled to the collection compartment, wherein the vacuum transports contents into the collection compartment.

11. The automated cleaning device of claim 9, wherein a bottom surface of the housing defines an opening through which contents are transported from the cleaning mechanisms to the collection compartment.

12. The automated cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the leg further includes a tilted position.

13. The automated cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to communicate wirelessly.

14. The automated cleaning device of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to communicate via Bluetooth.

15. An automated cleaning device for cleaning steps, comprising:

an automated robot for cleaning, comprising;

a housing and a power source disposed therein;

one or more cleaning mechanisms coupled to the housing;

a drive mechanism coupled to the power source, the drive mechanism driving the one or more cleaning mechanisms;

a sensor coupled to the housing configured for detecting an elevation change and objects that lie along a path of movement being traveled by the robot; and

a controller disposed in the housing and controlling the one or more cleaning mechanisms; and

a collection device, comprising;

a housing configured for receiving contents from the robot;

a communication center and vacuum disposed within the housing, wherein the vacuum is adapted to transfer contents from the robot into the housing; and

a docking station to which the robot couples to the collection device.

16. The automated cleaning device of claim 15, wherein the robot comprises a leg movably coupled to the housing, the leg including a retracted position in which the leg is substantially disposed in the housing and an extended position in which at least a portion of the leg is disposed outside the housing, whereby the leg engages a surface adjacent the device and lifts the housing away from the surface

17. The automated cleaning device of claim 15, wherein the communication center comprises a user-interface.

18. A method for using an automated cleaning device to move up or down a step and clean the step, the device having a housing and a cleaning mechanism coupled thereto, a drive mechanism coupled to the cleaning mechanism, a sensor coupled to the housing, a controller, and a leg movably coupled to the housing, the method comprising:

detecting a step with the sensor;

transmitting a signal to the controller with the sensor;

determining with the controller whether to move up or down the step;

moving the leg into contact with a surface;

lifting the housing away from the surface;

tilting the leg at an angle and thereby moving at least a portion of the housing above the step;

moving the portion of the housing into contact with the step;

moving the leg into the housing; and

cleaning the step.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising sensing objects that lay along a path of movement being traveled by the device.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the cleaning step further comprises driving the cleaning mechanism.