Articulated floor scrubber

• US 5,742,975 A
• Filed: 05/06/1996
• Issued: 04/28/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 05/06/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Karcher North America Incorporated (Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG)
• Original Assignee: Windsor Industries Incorporated (Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG)
• Inventors: O'Hara, Robert J., Knowlton, Christopher M.
• Primary Examiner(s): TILL, TERRENCE R
• Application Number:
  US08/643,471
• Time in Patent Office: 722 Days
• Field of Search: 15/320, 15/340.1, 15/340.2, 15/340.3, 15/340.4, 280/771, 280/775
• US Class Current: 15/320
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/305 the tools being disc brushes
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4061 Steering means; Means for avoiding obstacles; Details related to the place where the driver is accommodated
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 63/00 Motor vehicles or trailers not otherwise provided for

Abstract

The present invention provides an articulated vehicle for scrubbing floors that provides an operator station for riding on the vehicle and is particularly useful in cleaning relatively large floor surfaces that are defined by intersecting aisles of relatively narrow width. In this regard, the dimensional characteristics of the vehicle body facilitate tight turns in such aisles. Further, the location and/or shape of components of the vehicle and/or the positional relationship of one component to another component facilitate turns in narrow aisles. The vehicle also incorporates shock absorbing systems for the scrub head and vacuum squeegee that benefit the noted application.

Claims

1. An articulated vehicle for cleaning a surface comprising:

a front portion that includes a front exterior surface;

a rear portion that includes a rear exterior surface;

means for pivotally connecting said front portion and said rear portion;

a front set of wheels, operatively connected to said front portion, for use in moving said front portion over a surface;

a rear set of wheels, operatively connected to said rear portion, for use in moving said rear portion over a surface;

wherein said front set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said front portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said front portion for rolling movement over a surface if said front portion is disconnected from said rear portion;

wherein said rear set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said rear portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said rear portion for rolling movement over a surface if said rear portion is disconnected from said front portion;

steering means, operatively connected to said means for pivotally connecting, for causing pivotal relative movement between said front portion and said rear portion about a pivot point;

drive power means for applying rotational power to at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

brake means for decreasing the rotational velocity of at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

scrubbing means for scrubbing a surface as the vehicle moves over the surface; and

an operator station, operatively associated with said front portion, for accommodating an operator on the vehicle;

wherein said means for pivotally connecting includes an arm having a first arm end and a second arm end and in which said pivot point is located between said first arm end and said second arm end; and

said means for steering includes a cable means having a first cable end operatively connected to said first arm end and a second cable end operatively connected to said second arm end.

2. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said steering means comprises:

a steering wheel;

a steering column operatively connected to said steering wheel; and

means for selectively tilting said steering column.

3. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said drive power means comprises:

an electric motor for providing rotational power to at least one wheel of said front and rear sets of wheels; and

battery means for providing electrical power to said electrical motor.

4. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said break means includes a disk brake.

5. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said scrubbing means includes lift means for raising and lowering said scrub head;

wherein said lift means includes means for pivoting about an axis during application of a lateral force to the scrub head.

10. An articulate vehicle, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said front and rear exterior surfaces have widths no greater than about 34 inches.

11. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said front exterior portion has a length that extends from a front surface thereof to said pivotal connection wherein said length is no greater than about 62 inches.

12. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 11, wherein:

said length is no greater than about 49 inches.

13. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said rear exterior portion has a length that extends from the rear surface thereof to said pivotal point connection, wherein said length is no greater than about 57 inches.

14. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 13, wherein:

said length is no greater than about 43 inches.

15. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said front set of wheels includes two wheels having a first common axis of rotation;

said rear set of wheels includes two wheels having a second common axis of rotation;

wherein, during a turn, said first and second common axes of rotation converge at an intersection point.

6. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claimed 1, wherein:

said scrubbing means includes a recovery tank for use in retaining cleaning solution recovered from the surface.

7. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 6, wherein:

said recovery tank includes a side recovery tank portion and an end recovery tank portion.

8. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 6, wherein:

said recovery tank includes a side recovery tank portion and a top recovery tank portion.

9. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 6, wherein:

said recovery tank includes

a first side recovery tank portion, an end recovery tank portion, and a second side recovery tank portion.

16. An articulated vehicle for cleaning a surface comprising:

a front portion that includes a front exterior surface;

a rear portion that includes a rear exterior surface;

means for pivotally connecting said front portion and said rear portion that includes an arm having a first arm end and a second arm end;

a front set of wheels, operatively connected to said front portion, for use in moving said front portion over a surface;

a rear set of wheels, operatively connected to said rear portion, for use in moving said rear portion over a surface;

wherein said front set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said front portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said front portion for rolling movement over a surface if said front portion is disconnected from said rear portion;

wherein said rear set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said rear portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said rear portion for rolling movement over a surface if said rear portion is disconnected from said front portion;

steering means, operatively connected to said means for pivotally connecting, for causing pivotal relative movement between said front portion and said rear portion about a pivot point and in which said pivot point is located between said first arm end and said second arm end;

drive power means for applying rotational power to at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

brake means for decreasing the rotational velocity of at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

scrubbing means for scrubbing a surface as the vehicle moves over the surface; and

an operator station, operatively associated with said front portion, for accommodating an operator on the vehicle;

wherein said means for steering comprises;

a steering wheel;

a steering column operatively connected to said steering wheel; and

cable means operatively connecting said steering column and said arm.

17. An articulated vehicle for cleaning a surface comprising:

a front portion that includes a front exterior surface;

a rear portion that includes a rear exterior surface;

means for pivotally connecting said front portion and said rear portion;

a front set of wheels, operatively connected to said front portion, for use in moving said front portion over a surface;

a rear set of wheels, operatively connected to said rear portion, for use in moving said rear portion over a surface;

wherein said front set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said front portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said front portion for rolling movement over a surface if said front portion is disconnected from said rear portion;

wherein said rear set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said rear portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said rear portion for rolling movement over a surface if said rear portion is disconnected from said front portion;

steering means, operatively connected to said means for pivotally connecting, for causing pivotal relative movement between said front portion and said rear portion about a pivot point;

drive power means for applying rotational power to at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

brake means for decreasing the rotational velocity of at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

scrubbing means for scrubbing a surface as the vehicle moves over the surface; and

an operator station, operatively associated with said front portion, for accommodating an operator on the vehicle;

wherein said drive power means includes a motor for providing rotational power to at least one of said rear set of wheels; and

wherein said motor is associated with said rear portion.

18. An articulated vehicle for cleaning a surface comprising:

a front portion that includes a front exterior surface;

a rear portion that includes a rear exterior surface;

means for pivotally connecting said front portion and said rear portion;

a front set of wheels, operatively connected to said front portion, for use in moving said front portion over a surface;

a rear set of wheels, operatively connected to said rear portion, for use in moving said rear portion over a surface;

wherein said front set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said front portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said front portion for rolling movement over a surface if said front portion is disconnected from said rear portion;

wherein said rear set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said rear portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said rear portion for rolling movement over a surface if said rear portion is disconnected from said front portion;

steering means, operatively connected to said means for pivotally connecting, for causing pivotal relative movement between said front portion and said rear portion about a pivot point;

drive power means for applying rotational power to at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

brake means for decreasing the rotational velocity of at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

scrubbing means for scrubbing a surface as the vehicle moves over the surface; and

an operator station, operatively associated with said front portion, for accommodating an operator on the vehicle;

wherein said drive power means comprises;

an electric motor for providing rotational power to at least one wheel of said rear set of wheels; and

battery means for providing electrical power to said electric motor;

wherein said electric motor is associated with said rear portion.

19. An articulate vehicle, as claimed in claim 18, wherein:

said battery means is associated with said rear portion.

20. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 19, wherein:

said battery means is located above said electric motor relative to the surface.

21. An articulated vehicle for cleaning a surface comprising:

a front portion that includes a front exterior surface;

a rear portion that includes a rear exterior surface;

means for pivotally connecting said front portion and said rear portion;

a front set of wheels, operatively connected to said front portion, for use in moving said front portion over a surface;

a rear set of wheels, operatively connected to said rear portion, for use in moving said rear portion over a surface;

wherein said front set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said front portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said front portion for rolling movement over a surface if said front portion is disconnected from said rear portion;

wherein said rear set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said rear portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said rear portion for rolling movement over a surface if said rear portion is disconnected from said front portion;

steering means, operatively connected to said means for pivotally connecting, for causing pivotal relative movement between said front portion and said rear portion about a pivot point;

drive power means for applying rotational power to at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

brake means for decreasing the rotational velocity of at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

scrubbing means for scrubbing a surface as the vehicle moves over the surface; and

an operator station, operatively associated with said front portion, for accommodating an operator on the vehicle;

wherein said brake means includes a braking actuator;

wherein said braking actuator is associated with said rear portion and provides a braking force to at least one of said rear set of wheels.

22. An articulated vehicle for cleaning a surface comprising:

a front portion that includes a front exterior surface;

a rear portion that includes a rear exterior surface;

means for pivotally connecting said front portion and said rear portion;

a front set of wheels, operatively connected to said front portion, for use in moving said front portion over a surface;

a rear set of wheels, operatively connected to said rear portion, for use in moving said rear portion over a surface;

wherein said front set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said front portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said front portion for rolling movement over a surface if said front portion is disconnected from said rear portion;

wherein said rear set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said rear portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said rear portion for rolling movement over a surface if said rear portion is disconnected from said front portion;

steering means, operatively connected to said means for pivotally connecting, for causing pivotal relative movement between said front portion and said rear portion about a pivot point;

drive power means for applying rotational power to at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

brake means for decreasing the rotational velocity of at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

scrubbing means for scrubbing a surface as the vehicle moves over the surface; and

an operator station, operatively associated with said front portion, for accommodating an operator on the vehicle;

wherein said scrubbing means includes a solution tank for use in providing a cleaning solution for scrubbing the surface;

wherein said solution tank is associated with said front portion.

23. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 22, wherein:

said operator station includes a seat; and

said solution tank includes a seat shaped portion;

wherein said seat is operatively attached to said seat shaped portion of said solution tank.

24. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 22, wherein:

said solution tank includes a wheel well shaped portion;

wherein at least one of said front set of wheels is at least partly surrounded by said wheel well shaped portion of said solution tank.

25. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 22, wherein:

said solution tank includes a saddle bag shape portion with a first side portion, a second side portion, a bridge extending between said first and second side portion and overlaying a space between said first and second side portions.

26. An articulated vehicle for cleaning a surface comprising:

a front portion that includes a front exterior surface;

a rear portion that includes a rear exterior surface;

means for pivotally connecting said front portion and said rear portion;

a front set of wheels, operatively connected to said front portion, for use in moving said front portion over a surface;

a rear set of wheels, operatively connected to said rear portion, for use in moving said rear portion over a surface;

wherein said front set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said front portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said front portion for rolling movement over a surface if said front portion is disconnected from said rear portion;

wherein said rear set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said rear portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said rear portion for rolling movement over a surface if said rear portion is disconnected from said front portion;

steering means, operatively connected to said means for pivotally connecting, for causing pivotal relative movement between said front portion and said rear portion about a pivot point;

drive power means for applying rotational power to at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

brake means for decreasing the rotational velocity of at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

scrubbing means for scrubbing a surface as the vehicle moves over the surface; and

an operator station, operatively associated with said front portion, for accommodating an operator on the vehicle;

wherein said scrubbing means comprises;

a scrub head that, in the absence of a lateral force being applied thereto, is in a first position at which at least a portion of said scrub head extends outside an area defined by said front exterior surface; and

shock means, responsive to a lateral force applied to said portion of said scrub head, for absorbing said lateral force by permitting said scrub head to move from said first position to a second position that is different from said first position and returning said scrub head from said second position to said first position after said lateral force is removed from said scrub head;

wherein said shock means includes means for rotating said scrub head about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the surface.

27. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 26, wherein said scrubbing means further comprises:

lift means for raising and lowering said scrub head;

wherein said lift means includes means for pivoting about an axis during application of said lateral force to said scrub head.

28. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 27, wherein:

said means for pivoting includes a gimbal.

29. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 28, wherein:

said means for pivoting includes a first gimbal and a second gimbal.

30. An articulated vehicle for cleaning a surface comprising:

a front portion that includes a front exterior surface;

a rear portion that includes a rear exterior surface;

means for pivotally connecting said front portion and said rear portion;

a front set of wheels, operatively connected to said front portion, for use in moving said front portion over a surface;

a rear set of wheels, operatively connected to said rear portion, for use in moving said rear portion over a surface;

wherein said front set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said front portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said front portion for rolling movement over a surface if said front portion is disconnected from said rear portion;

wherein said rear set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said rear portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said rear portion for rolling movement over a surface if said rear portion is disconnected from said front portion;

steering means, operatively connected to said means for pivotally connecting, for causing pivotal relative movement between said front portion and said rear portion about a pivot point;

drive power means for applying rotational power to at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

brake means for decreasing the rotational velocity of at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

scrubbing means for scrubbing a surface as the vehicle moves over the surface; and

an operator station, operatively associated with said front portion, for accommodating an operator on the vehicle;

wherein said scrubbing means comprises;

a scrub head for scrubbing the surface; and

means for permitting an operator to attach and detach said scrub head from the vehicle substantially without the use of tools.

31. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 30, wherein said means for permitting comprises:

a first mounting structure operatively attached to the vehicle;

a second mounting structure operatively attached to said scrub head; and

latch means, operable by an operator substantially without the use of tools, for selectively fixing said first mounting structure to said second mounting structure to at least partly place said scrub head in an operative position and to release said first mounting structure from said second mounting structure so said scrub head can be removed.

32. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 30, wherein said means for permitting comprises:

a rod having a free end and a fixed end operatively attached to one of the vehicle and said scrub head;

a cylinder structure, operatively attached to the other of the vehicle and scrub head, for receiving said first end of said rod; and

latch means, operable by an operator substantially without the use of tools, for selectively fixing said rod to said cylinder structure to at least partly place said scrub head in an operative position and to release said rod from said cylinder structure so that said scrub head can be removed.

33. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 32, wherein:

said latch means includes a hair pin.

34. An articulated vehicle for cleaning a surface comprising:

a front portion that includes a front exterior surface;

a rear portion that includes a rear exterior surface;

means for pivotally connecting said front portion and said rear portion;

a front set of wheels, operatively connected to said front portion, for use in moving said front portion over a surface;

a rear set of wheels, operatively connected to said rear portion, for use in moving said rear portion over a surface;

wherein said front set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said front portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said front portion for rolling movement over a surface if said front portion is disconnected from said rear portion;

wherein said rear set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said rear portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said rear portion for rolling movement over a surface if said rear portion is disconnected from said front portion;

steering means, operatively connected to said means for pivotally connecting, for causing pivotal relative movement between said front portion and said rear portion about a pivot point;

drive power means for applying rotational power to at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

brake means for decreasing the rotational velocity of at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

scrubbing means for scrubbing a surface as the vehicle moves over the surface; and

an operator station, operatively associated with said front portion, for accommodating an operator on the vehicle;

wherein said scrubbing means includes a recovery tank for use in retaining cleaning solution recovered from the surface;

wherein said recovery tank includes a first recovery tank portion and a second recovery tank portion that is separated from and substantially parallel to said first recovery tank portion.

35. An articulated vehicle for cleaning a surface comprising:

a front portion that includes a front exterior surface;

a rear portion that includes a rear exterior surface;

means for pivotally connecting said front portion and said rear portion;

a front set of wheels, operatively connected to said front portion, for use in moving said front portion over a surface;

a rear set of wheels, operatively connected to said rear portion, for use in moving said rear portion over a surface;

wherein said front set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said front portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said front portion for rolling movement over a surface if said front portion is disconnected from said rear portion;

wherein said rear set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said rear portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said rear portion for rolling movement over a surface if said rear portion is disconnected from said front portion;

steering means, operatively connected to said means for pivotally connecting, for causing pivotal relative movement between said front portion and said rear portion about a pivot point;

drive power means for applying rotational power to at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

brake means for decreasing the rotational velocity of at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

scrubbing means for scrubbing a surface as the vehicle moves over the surface; and

an operator station, operatively associated with said front portion, for accommodating an operator on the vehicle;

wherein said scrubbing means includes a recovery tank for use in retaining cleaning solution recovered from the surface;

wherein said recovery tank has a shape so that the exterior of said recovery tank defines a cavity.

36. An articulated vehicle for cleaning a surface comprising:

a front portion that includes a front exterior surface;

a rear portion that includes a rear exterior surface;

means for pivotally connecting said front portion and said rear portion;

a front set of wheels, operatively connected to said front portion, for use in moving said front portion over a surface;

a rear set of wheels, operatively connected to said rear portion, for use in moving said rear portion over a surface;

wherein said front set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said front portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said front portion for rolling movement over a surface if said front portion is disconnected from said rear portion;

wherein said rear set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said rear portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said rear portion for rolling movement over a surface if said rear portion is disconnected from said front portion;

steering means, operatively connected to said means for pivotally connecting, for causing pivotal relative movement between said front portion and said rear portion about a pivot point;

drive power means for applying rotational power to at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

brake means for decreasing the rotational velocity of at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

scrubbing means for scrubbing a surface as the vehicle moves over the surface; and

an operator station, operatively associated with said front portion, for accommodating an operator on the vehicle;

wherein said scrubbing means includes a vacuum squeegee for use in recovering fluid from the surface;

wherein said vacuum squeegee is associated with said rear portion.

37. An articulated vehicle for cleaning a surface comprising:

a front portion that includes a front exterior surface;

a rear portion that includes a rear exterior surface;

means for pivotally connecting said front portion and said rear portion;

a front set of wheels, operatively connected to said front portion, for use in moving said front portion over a surface;

a rear set of wheels, operatively connected to said rear portion, for use in moving said rear portion over a surface;

wherein said front set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said front portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said front portion for rolling movement over a surface if said front portion is disconnected from said rear portion;

wherein said rear set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said rear portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said rear portion for rolling movement over a surface if said rear portion is disconnected from said front portion;

steering means, operatively connected to said means for pivotally connecting, for causing pivotal relative movement between said front portion and said rear portion about a pivot point;

drive power means for applying rotational power to at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

brake means for decreasing the rotational velocity of at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

scrubbing means for scrubbing a surface as the vehicle moves over the surface; and

an operator station, operatively associated with said front portion, for accommodating an operator on the vehicle;

wherein said scrubbing means comprises;

wherein said scrubbing means comprises;

a vacuum squeegee for use in removing cleaning solution from the surface and that, in the absence of a lateral force being applied thereto, has a portion that extends beyond an area defined by said rear exterior surface of said rear portion; and

shock means, operatively attached to said vacuum squeegee, for retaining said vacuum squeegee in a first position in the absence of a lateral force being applied thereto and permitting said vacuum squeegee to move from said first position to a second position when a lateral shock force is applied to said vacuum squeegee.

38. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 37, wherein said shock means comprises:

a rod having a first end operatively attached to said vacuum squeegee and a second end pivotally attached to another portion of said rear portion;

a block with a notch that accommodates said rod;

wherein, in the absence of a lateral force being applied to said squeegee, said rod resides in said notch;

wherein, during application of a lateral force to said vacuum squeegee, said rod is displaced from said notch.

39. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 38, wherein said shock means further comprises:

spring means, attached to said block, to facilitate displacement of said rod from said notch during application of a lateral force to said vacuum squeegee.

40. An articulated vehicle for cleaning a surface comprising:

a front portion that includes a front exterior surface;

a rear portion that includes a rear exterior surface;

means for pivotally connecting said front portion and said rear portion;

a front set of wheels, operatively connected to said front portion, for use in moving said front portion over a surface;

a rear set of wheels, operatively connected to said rear portion, for use in moving said rear portion over a surface;

wherein said front set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said front portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said front portion for rolling movement over a surface if said front portion is disconnected from said rear portion;

wherein said rear set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said rear portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said rear portion for rolling movement over a surface if said rear portion is disconnected from said front portion;

steering means, operatively connected to said means for pivotally connecting, for causing pivotal relative movement between said front portion and said rear portion about a pivot point;

drive power means for applying rotational power to at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

brake means for decreasing the rotational velocity of at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

scrubbing means for scrubbing a surface as the vehicle moves over the surface; and

an operator station, operatively associated with said front portion, for accommodating an operator on the vehicle;

wherein said scrubbing means comprises;

a vacuum squeegee for use in removing cleaning solution from the surface;

a rod having a first end attached to said vacuum squeegee and a second end attached to a portion of one of said front portion and said rear portion at a pivot point;

camming means having a camming surface for contacting said rod at a location between said first and second ends; and

actuator means, operatively attached to said camming means, for causing said camming surface to engage said rod and thereby rotate said rod and said vacuum squeegee about said pivot point to displace said vacuum squeegee away from the surface.

41. An articulated vehicle for cleaning a surface comprising:

a front portion that includes a front exterior surface;

a rear portion that includes a rear exterior surface;

means for pivotally connecting said front portion and said rear portion;

a front set of wheels, operatively connected to said front portion, for use in moving said front portion over a surface;

a rear set of wheels, operatively connected to said rear portion, for use in moving said rear portion over a surface;

wherein said front set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said front portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said front portion for rolling movement over a surface if said front portion is disconnected from said rear portion;

wherein said rear set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said rear portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said rear portion for rolling movement over a surface if said rear portion is disconnected from said front portion;

steering means, operatively connected to said means for pivotally connecting, for causing pivotal relative movement between said front portion and said rear portion about a pivot point;

drive power means for applying rotational power to at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

brake means for decreasing the rotational velocity of at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

scrubbing means for scrubbing a surface as the vehicle moves over the surface; and

an operator station, operatively associated with said front portion, for accommodating an operator on the vehicle;

wherein said scrubbing means includes a recovery tank for retaining cleaning solution recovered from the surface; and

said drive means includes motor means for providing rotational power to at least one of said rear set of wheels;

wherein both said recovery tank and said motor means are associated with said rear portion.

42. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 41, wherein:

at least a portion of said recovery tank is located above said motor means relative to the surface.

43. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 41, wherein:

at least a portion of said recovery tank is located to a lateral side of said motor means.

44. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 41, wherein:

said recovery tank is shaped so as to define a cavity; and

said motor means is at least partly located in said cavity.

45. An articulated vehicle for cleaning a surface comprising:

a front portion that includes a front exterior surface;

a rear portion that includes a rear exterior surface;

means for pivotally connecting said front portion and said rear portion;

a front set of wheels, operatively connected to said front portion, for use in moving said front portion over a surface;

a rear set of wheels, operatively connected to said rear portion, for use in moving said rear portion over a surface;

wherein said front set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said front portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said front portion for rolling movement over a surface if said front portion is disconnected from said rear portion;

wherein said rear set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said rear portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said rear portion for rolling movement over a surface if said rear portion is disconnected from said front portion;

steering means, operatively connected to said means for pivotally connecting, for causing pivotal relative movement between said front portion and said rear portion about a pivot point;

drive power means for applying rotational power to at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

brake means for decreasing the rotational velocity of at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

scrubbing means for scrubbing a surface as the vehicle moves over the surface; and

an operator station, operatively associated with said front portion, for accommodating an operator on the vehicle;

wherein said scrubbing means includes a recovery tank for retaining cleaning solution recovered from the surface; and

said drive power means includes an electric motor and battery means for providing electrical power to said electric motor;

wherein said recovery tank is associated with said rear portion;

wherein said electric motor provides rotational power to at least one of said rear set of wheels.

46. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 45, wherein:

said battery means is located above said motor means relative to the surface.

47. An articulated vehicle for cleaning a surface comprising:

a front portion that includes a front exterior surface;

a rear portion that includes a rear exterior surface;

means for pivotally connecting said front portion and said rear portion;

a front set of wheels, operatively connected to said front portion, for use in moving said front portion over a surface;

a rear set of wheels, operatively connected to said rear portion, for use in moving said rear portion over a surface;

wherein said front set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said front portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said front portion for rolling movement over a surface if said front portion is disconnected from said rear portion;

wherein said rear set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said rear portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said rear portion for rolling movement over a surface if said rear portion is disconnected from said front portion;

steering means, operatively connected to said means for pivotally connecting, for causing pivotal relative movement between said front portion and said rear portion about a pivot point;

drive power means for applying rotational power to at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

brake means for decreasing the rotational velocity of at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

scrubbing means for scrubbing a surface as the vehicle moves over the surface;

an operator station, operatively associated with said front portion, for accommodating an operator on the vehicle;

wherein said scrubbing means includes a recovery tank, associated with said rear portion, for retaining cleaning solution recovered from the surface;

said drive power means includes motor means, associated with said rear portion, for providing rotational power to at least one of said rear set of wheels;

wherein, during scrubbing operations, said recovery tank is in a first position that covers at least a portion of said motor means; and

means for facilitating displacement of said recovery tank from said first position to a second position that is different from said first position and permits access to said portion of said motor means that is covered when said recovery tank is in said first position.

48. An articulate vehicle, as claimed in claim 47, wherein:

said means for facilitating includes a hinge.

49. An articulated vehicle for cleaning a surface comprising:

a front portion that includes a front exterior surface;

a rear portion that includes a rear exterior surface;

means for pivotally connecting said front portion and said rear portion;

a front set of wheels, operatively connected to said front portion, for use in moving said front portion over a surface;

a rear set of wheels, operatively connected to said rear portion, for use in moving said rear portion over a surface;

wherein said front set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said front portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said front portion for rolling movement over a surface if said front portion is disconnected from said rear portion;

wherein said rear set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said rear portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said rear portion for rolling movement over a surface if said rear portion is disconnected from said front portion;

steering means, operatively connected to said means for pivotally connecting, for causing pivotal relative movement between said front portion and said rear portion about a pivot point;

drive power means for applying rotational power to at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

brake means for decreasing the rotational velocity of at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

scrubbing means for scrubbing a surface as the vehicle moves over the surface; and

an operator station, operatively associated with said front portion, for accommodating an operator on the vehicle;

wherein said rear exterior surface includes a front side surface, a backside surface, a first side surface extending from said front side surface to said backside surface, and a second side surface extending from said front side surface to said backside surface;

wherein at least one of said first and second side surfaces is curved.

50. An articulated vehicle for cleaning a surface comprising:

a front portion that includes a front exterior surface;

a rear portion that includes a rear exterior surface;

means for pivotally connecting said front portion and said rear portion;

a front set of wheels, operatively connected to said front portion, for use in moving said front portion over a surface;

a rear set of wheels, operatively connected to said rear portion, for use in moving said rear portion over a surface;

wherein said front set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said front portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said front portion for rolling movement over a surface if said front portion is disconnected from said rear portion;

wherein said rear set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said rear portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said rear portion for rolling movement over a surface if said rear portion is disconnected from said front portion;

steering means, operatively connected to said means for pivotally connecting, for causing pivotal relative movement between said front portion and said rear portion about a pivot point;

drive power means for applying rotational power to at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

brake means for decreasing the rotational velocity of at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

scrubbing means for scrubbing a surface as the vehicle moves over the surface; and

an operator station, operatively associated with said front portion, for accommodating an operator on the vehicle;

wherein said operator station includes a seat; and

said rear exterior surface includes a notch for accommodating an elbow of an operator located in said seat during turning of the vehicle.

51. An articulated vehicle for cleaning a surface comprising:

a front portion that includes a front exterior surface;

a rear portion that includes a rear exterior surface;

means for pivotally connecting said front portion and said rear portion;

a front set of wheels, operatively connected to said front portion, for use in moving said front portion over a surface;

a rear set of wheels, operatively connected to said rear portion, for use in moving said rear portion over a surface;

wherein said front set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said front portion and are all non-steerable;

wherein said rear set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said rear portion and are all non-steerable;

steering means, operatively connected to said means for pivotally connecting, for causing pivotal relative movement between said front portion and said rear portion;

drive power means for applying rotational power to at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

brake means for decreasing the rotational velocity of a t least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

scrubbing means for scrubbing a surface as the vehicle moves over the surface;

an operator station, operatively associated with said front portion, for accommodating an operator residing on the vehicle;

wherein said scrubbing means includes a plurality of tanks including a solution tank for providing a cleaning solution for use in scrubbing the surface and a recovery tank for retaining cleaning solution recovered from the surface;

wherein said solution tank and said recovery tank are associated with different ones of said front portion and said rear portion.

52. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 51, wherein:

said operator station includes a floor; and

one of said plurality of tanks includes a floor portion that forms at least a portion of said floor of said operator station.

53. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 51, wherein:

one of said plurality of tanks tapers from a wider portion to a narrow portion;

wherein said wider portion is located closer to the surface than said narrow portion.

54. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 51, wherein:

said solution tank includes a first side portion with a first exit port for providing cleaning solution to the surface and a second side portion with a second exit port for providing cleaning solution to the surface;

wherein said first side portion and said second side portion are substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal plane of said front portion.

55. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 51, wherein said scrubbing means comprises:

a scrub head that has a first end that extends outside an area defined by said front exterior surface and a second end that is located a first distance from a front surface of said front exterior surface;

shock means, responsive to a lateral force applied to said first end of said scrub head, for absorbing said lateral force by permitting said second end of said scrub head to move to a second distance from said front surface that is less than said first distance.

56. An articulate vehicle, as claimed in claim 51, wherein said scrubbing means comprises:

a scrub head;

lift means for raising and lowering said scrub head;

wherein said lift means includes means for pivoting about an axis during application of said lateral force to the scrub head.

57. An articulate vehicle, as claimed in claim 51, wherein:

one of said plurality of tanks has a shape so that the exterior of said one tank defines a cavity.

58. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 51, wherein:

said scrubbing means includes a vacuum squeegee for use in recovering fluid from the surface;

wherein said vacuum squeegee is associated with said rear portion.

59. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 51, wherein said scrubbing means comprises:

a vacuum squeegee for use in removing cleaning solution from the surface and that, in the absence of a lateral force being applied thereto, has a portion that extends beyond an area defined by said rear exterior surface of said rear portion; and

shock means, operatively attached to said vacuum squeegee, for retaining said vacuum squeegee in a first position in the absence of a lateral force being applied thereto and permitting said vacuum squeegee to move from said first position to a second position that is different than said first position when a lateral force is applied to said vacuum squeegee.

60. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 51, wherein:

said drive means includes motor means for providing rotational power to at least one of said rear set of wheels;

wherein said motor means is associated with said rear portion.

61. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 60, wherein:

said one of said solution tank and said recovery tank that is associated with said rear portion is shaped so as to define a cavity; and

said motor means is at least partly located in said cavity.

62. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 51, wherein:

said drive power means includes an electric motor and battery means for providing electrical power to said electrical motor;

wherein said electric motor provides rotational power to at least one of said rear set of wheels.

63. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 62, wherein:

said battery means is located above said motor means relative to the surface.

64. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 51, wherein:

said front portion and said rear portion have a combined length of no greater than about 120 inches.

65. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 64, wherein:

said combined length is no greater than about 93 inches.

66. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 51, wherein:

said front and rear exterior surfaces have widths no greater than about 34 inches.

67. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 51, wherein:

said rear exterior surface includes a front side surface, a backside surface, a first side surface extending from said front side surface to said backside surface, and a second side surface extending from said front side surface to said backside surface;

wherein at least one of said first and second side surfaces is curved.

68. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 51, wherein:

said operator station includes a seat; and

said rear exterior surface includes a notch for accommodating an elbow of an operator located in said seat during turning of the vehicle.

69. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 51, wherein:

said drive means includes an electric motor and battery means for providing electrical power to said electrical motor;

wherein said battery means is associated with said rear portion.

70. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 69, wherein:

said battery means is located between whichever of said solution tank and said recovery tank is associated with said front portion and at least a portion of whichever of said solution tank and said recovery tank is associated with said rear portion.

71. An articulated vehicle for cleaning a surface comprising:

a front portion that includes a front exterior surface;

a rear portion that includes a rear exterior surface;

means for pivotally connecting said front portion and said rear portion;

a front set of wheels, operatively connected to said front portion, for use in moving said front portion over a surface;

a rear set of wheels, operatively connected to said rear portion, for use in moving said rear portion over a surface;

wherein said front set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said front portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said front portion for rolling movement over a surface if said front portion is disconnected from said rear portion;

wherein said rear set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said rear portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said rear portion for rolling movement over a surface if said rear portion is disconnected from said front portion;

steering means, operatively connected to said means for pivotally connecting, for causing pivotal relative movement between said front portion and said rear portion about a pivot point;

drive power means for applying rotational power to at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

brake means for decreasing the rotational velocity of at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

scrubbing means for scrubbing a surface as the vehicle moves over the surface; and

an operator station, operatively associated with said front portion, for accommodating an operator on the vehicle;

wherein said scrubbing means includes a recovery tank for retaining cleaning solution recovered from the surface; and

said drive means includes an electric motor and battery means for providing electrical power to said electric motor;

wherein both said recovery tank and said battery means are associated with said rear portion.

72. An articulate vehicle, as claimed in claim 71, wherein:

said battery means is located closer to said front portion of the vehicle than at least a portion of said recovery tank.

73. An articulated vehicle for cleaning a surface comprising:

a front portion that includes a front exterior surface and a solution tank;

a rear portion that includes a rear exterior surface;

means for pivotally connecting said front portion and said rear portion;

a front set of wheels, operatively connected to said front portion, for use in moving said front portion over a surface;

a rear set of wheels, operatively connected to said rear portion, for use in moving said rear portion over a surface;

wherein said front set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said front portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said front portion for rolling movement over a surface if said front portion is disconnected from said rear portion;

wherein said rear set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said rear portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said rear portion for rolling movement over a surface if said rear portion is disconnected from said front portion;

steering means, operatively connected to said means for pivotally connecting, for causing pivotal relative movement between said front portion and said rear portion about a pivot point;

drive power means for applying rotational power to at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

brake means for decreasing the rotational velocity of at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

scrubbing means for scrubbing a surface as the vehicle moves over the surface; and

an operator station, operatively associated with said front portion, for accommodating an operator on the vehicle;

wherein said front exterior surface includes a front leading surface, a front trailing surface, a front first side surface extending from said front leading surface to said front trailing surface, and a front second side surface extending from said front leading surface to said front trailing surface;

said rear exterior surface includes a rear leading surface, a rear trailing surface, a rear first side surface extending from said rear leading surface to said rear trailing surface, and a rear second side surface extending from said rear leading surface to said rear trailing surface;

wherein said front trailing surface has a first shape;

wherein said rear leading surface has a flat shape;

wherein during a turn of the articulated vehicle, a portion of said rear leading surface moves closer to a portion of said front trailing surface and a second portion of said rear leading surface moves away from a second portion of said front trailing surface.

74. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 73, wherein:

said drive power means includes an electric motor and a battery means for providing electrical power to said electrical motor;

said scrubbing means includes a recovery tank for retaining cleaning solution recovered from the surface;

wherein said battery means is associated with said rear portion;

wherein said recovery tank is associated with said rear portion;

wherein said battery means is located between said rear leading surface and at least a portion of said recovery tank.

75. An articulated vehicle, as claimed in claim 73, wherein:

said drive power means includes an electric motor and a battery means for providing electrical power to said electrical motor;

wherein said battery means is associated with said rear portion and located immediately adjacent said rear leading surface of said rear exterior surface.

76. An articulated vehicle for cleaning a surface comprising:

a front portion that includes a front exterior surface, said front exterior surface having a width no greater than about 34 inches;

a rear portion that includes a rear exterior surface, said rear exterior surface having a width no greater than about 34 inches;

means for pivotally connecting said front portion and said rear portion, an articulated angle being defined when said front portion is pivoted relative to said rear portion and in which said articulated angle includes an angle of about 71°

;

a front set of wheels, operatively connected to said front portion, for use in moving said front portion over a surface, said front set of wheels includes two wheels having a first common axis of rotation;

a rear set of wheels, operatively connected to said rear portion, for use in moving said rear portion over a surface, said rear set of wheels includes two wheels having a second common axis of rotation;

wherein, during a turn, said first and second common axes of rotation converge at an intersection point;

wherein a side surface of said rear exterior surface lies entirely within a radius from said intersection point having a length substantially equal to the width of an aisle and in which the width of the aisle is no greater than about 46 inches;

wherein said front set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said front portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said front portion for rolling movement over a surface if said front portion is disconnected from said rear portion;

wherein said rear set of wheels are all of the surface contacting, locomotion related wheels associated with said rear portion, all non-steerable, and all incapable of supporting said rear portion for rolling movement over a surface if said rear portion is disconnected from said front portion;

steering means, operatively connected to said means for pivotally connecting, for causing pivotal relative movement between said front portion and said rear portion;

drive power means for applying rotational power to at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

brake means for decreasing the rotational velocity of at least one wheel of said front and rear set of wheels;

scrubbing means for scrubbing a surface as the vehicle moves over the surface; and

an operator station, operatively associated with said front portion, for accommodating an operator on the vehicle.