Vacuum extraction cleaning machine

• US 4,194,262 A
• Filed: 09/29/1978
• Issued: 03/25/1980
• Est. Priority Date: 09/29/1978
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: RUG Specialist Incorporated
• Original Assignee: RUG Specialist Incorporated
• Inventors: Finley, Bill G., Finley, Terry L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Moore, Christopher K.
• Application Number:
  US05/947,243
• Time in Patent Office: 543 Days
• Field of Search: 15/314, 15/321, 15/322, 15/352, 15/353, 15/302, 55/432
• US Class Current: 15/314
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/34 Machines for treating carpets in position by liquid, foam, or vapour, e.g. by steam
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4044 Vacuuming or pick-up tools; Squeegees
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/20 for washing or drying articles, e.g. clothes, motor cars

Abstract

A vacuum extraction cleaning machine adapted for coin operated applications. The cleaning machine comprises a remote cleaning tool for spraying cleaning solution upon an area to be cleaned and for extracting dirty cleaning solution through vacuum suction. Means located within the machine and coupled to the cleaning tool deliver vacuum and cleaning solution thereto. Used or dirty cleaning solution extracted by the tool is recovered and temporarily stored within a vacuum tank. Structure associated with the vacuum tank will automatically drain same when vacuum ceases at the end of the machine cycle. Injector valve means are provided to mix cleaning chemical with incoming fresh water to yield the necessary cleaning solution, and means are provided for coupling the machine to an external pressurized water source to facilitate operation.

Claims

1. A vacuum extraction cleaning machine for cleaning upholstery, carpet and the like, said machine comprising:

cleaning tool means for spraying cleaning solution on an area to be cleaned and for vacuum extracting used cleaning solution and dirt thereby cleaning said area;

a pressurized source of cleaning solution, said source comprising;

a tank for containing concentrated chemical cleaner;

injector valve means adapted to be coupled to an external pressurized fresh water source for mixing concentrated cleaning chemical with water thereby outputting said cleaning solution, said injector valve means coupled to said chemical cleaner tank thereby siphoning and diluting chemical cleaner in response to fresh water flow; and

solenoid valve means for admitting fresh water into said injector valve means;

flow path means extending between said cleaning solution source and said cleaning tool for delivering cleaning solution to said tool;

means for generating vacuum during operation of said machine said vacuum generating means comprising an electrically driven motor;

vacuum tank means coupled to said vacuum generating means for temporarily storing used cleaning solution extracted be said tool;

hose means extending between said tool and said vacuum tank for supplying vacuum to said tool;

timer means for electrically activating said vacuum generating means and said solenoid valve means for a predetermined time; and

means for automatically draining said vacuum tank, said draining means comprising;

an output drain hole defined in said vacuum tank,

said hole comprising a rigid periphery; and

flapper door means flexibly suspended from said vacuum tank and adapted to sealingly contact said periphery for plugging said drain hole in response to vacuum existing inside said vacuum tank.

2. Vacuum extraction cleaning apparatus comprising:

tool means for treating an area to be cleaned by spraying cleaning solution thereon and vacuum extracting dirty cleaning solution and dirt therefrom;

a source of concentrated chemical cleaner;

water input means adapted to be coupled to an external pressurized source of water;

injector valve means in fluid flow communication with said source of chemical cleaner for siphoning and diluting concentrated chemical cleaner in response to the flow of water thereby outputting said cleaning solution, said injector means having an output;

solenoid valve means in fluid flow communication with said water input means for controllably inputting water to said injector valve means;

a fluid flow path between said injector valve means output and said tool means for delivering cleaning solution to said tool means;

means for generating vacuum;

timer means for actuating said vacuum generating means and said solenoid valve means for a predetermined time;

vacuum tank means coupled to said vacuum generating means for storing at least temporarily used cleaning solution and dirt extracted by said tool;

means coupling said vacuum generating means to said vacuum tank means; and

means extending between said vacuum tank means and said tool means for supplying vacuum to said tool means.

3. The combination as defined in claim 2 wherein said vacuum tank means includes means for automatically draining said vacuum tank in response to cessation of vacuum within said vacuum tank.

4. The combination as defined in claim 2 including coin-operated means for actuating said timer means.

5. The combination as defined in claim 2 including ridgid cable means extending between said cleaning apparatus and said tool means for securing said tool means to said cleaning apparatus thereby minimizing the risk of damage from vandalism.