Floor cleaning machine including a sanitize mode

• US 9,968,235 B2
• Filed: 03/14/2013
• Issued: 05/15/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited (Techtronic Industries Company Limited)
• Original Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited (Techtronic Industries Company Limited)
• Inventors: Vail, Kevin, Quinn, Patrick J., Salo, Robert A., Bantum, John R., Phalen, Lucas W., Lovano, Gino S., Kettavong, Phonesacksith G., Noward, Brent, Wheaton, Kyle J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hail, Joseph J
• Assistant Examiner(s): MCDONALD, SHANTESE L
• Application Number:
  US13/827,273
• Publication Number:
  US 20140259514A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,888 Days
• Field of Search: 15319, 15320, 15321
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/29 Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid
• 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 11/4011 Regulation of the cleaning machine by electric means; Control systems and remote control systems therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4036 Parts or details of the surface treating tools
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4038 Disk shaped surface treating tools
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4044 Vacuuming or pick-up tools; Squeegees
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4055 for lifting the tools to a non-working position
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4058 for adjusting the height of the tool
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4072 Arrangement of castors or wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/408 Means for supplying cleaning or surface treating agents
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4083 Liquid supply reservoirs; Preparation of the agents, e.g. mixing devices
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4088 Supply pumps; Spraying devices; Supply conduits
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/02 Nozzles suction nozzles for fluid transport B65G51/00
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2842 Suction motors or blowers

Abstract

A floor cleaning machine for cleaning a surface includes a body, a distribution nozzle supported by the body, a supply tank assembly coupled to the body in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle, a suction nozzle supported by the body, and a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. The suction source is operable to draw fluid and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle. The floor cleaning machine also includes a recovery tank coupled to the body in fluid communication with the suction source to receive and store fluid and dirt drawn through the suction nozzle. The floor cleaning machine is operable in a first mode to wash the surface and is operable in a second mode to sanitize the surface.

Claims

1. A floor cleaning machine for cleaning a surface, the floor cleaning machine comprising:

a body;

an actuator supported by the body;

a distribution nozzle supported by the body;

a supply tank assembly coupled to the body in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle;

a suction nozzle supported by the body;

a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, the suction source operable to draw fluid and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle; and

a recovery tank coupled to the body in fluid communication with the suction source to receive and store fluid and dirt drawn through the suction nozzle,

wherein the floor cleaning machine is operable in a first mode to wash the surface, is operable in a second mode to sanitize the surface, and is operable in a third mode to rinse the surface,

wherein the actuator is manually operable to switch between the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode,

wherein the floor cleaning machine has a first recovery rate while in the first mode and a second recovery rate while in the second mode, wherein the second recovery rate is less than the first recovery rate,

wherein the suction nozzle defines a bleed hole, wherein the bleed hole is substantially covered by a cover member when the floor cleaning machine is in the first mode, and wherein the bleed hole is open when the floor cleaning machine is in the second mode.

2. The floor cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the body includes a foot that is movable along the surface and a handle that is pivotally coupled to the foot.

3. The floor cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the floor cleaning machine kills at least 99% of microorganisms on the surface when operating in the second mode.

4. A floor cleaning machine for cleaning a surface, the floor cleaning machine comprising:

a body;

an actuator supported by the body;

a distribution nozzle supported by the body;

a supply tank assembly coupled to the body in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle;

a suction nozzle supported by the body;

a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, the suction source operable to draw fluid and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle;

a recovery tank coupled to the body in fluid communication with the suction source to receive and store fluid and dirt drawn through the suction nozzle; and

a lift member,

wherein the floor cleaning machine is operable in a first mode to wash the surface, is operable in a second mode to sanitize the surface, and is operable in a third mode to rinse the surface,

wherein the actuator is manually operable to switch between the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode,

wherein the floor cleaning machine has a first recovery rate while in the first mode and a second recovery rate while in the second mode, wherein the second recovery rate is less than the first recovery rate,

wherein the suction nozzle defines an opening and a flowpath extending from the opening to the recovery tank, wherein the opening is spaced a first distance from the surface when the floor cleaning machine is in the first mode, wherein the opening is spaced a second distance from the surface that is greater than the first distance when the floor cleaning machine is in the second mode, and

wherein the lift member is coupled to the suction nozzle and configured to engage the surface when the floor cleaning machine is in the second mode.

5. The floor cleaning machine of claim 4, wherein a portion of the lift member is received in the opening of the suction nozzle to block a portion of the opening and to couple the lift member to the suction nozzle.

6. The floor cleaning machine of claim 4, wherein the body includes a foot that is movable along the surface and a handle that is pivotally coupled to the foot.

7. The floor cleaning machine of claim 4, wherein the floor cleaning machine kills at least 99% of microorganisms on the surface when operating in the second mode.

8. A floor cleaning machine kit for cleaning a surface, the floor cleaning machine kit comprising:

a body;

an actuator supported by the body;

a distribution nozzle supported by the body;

a supply tank assembly coupled to the body in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle;

a suction nozzle supported by the body;

a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, the suction source operable to draw fluid and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle; and

a recovery tank coupled to the body in fluid communication with the suction source to receive and store fluid and dirt drawn through the suction nozzle,

wherein the floor cleaning machine is operable in a first mode to wash the surface, is operable in a second mode to sanitize the surface, and is operable in a third mode to rinse the surface,

wherein the actuator is manually operable to switch between the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode,

wherein the floor cleaning machine has a first recovery rate while in the first mode and a second recovery rate while in the second mode, wherein the second recovery rate is less than the first recovery rate,

wherein the suction nozzle is a first suction nozzle, and further comprising a second suction nozzle having a lower recovery rate than the first suction nozzle, wherein the first suction nozzle is coupled to the body in fluid communication with the suction source and the recovery tank when the floor cleaning machine is in the first mode, and wherein the second suction nozzle is coupled to the body in fluid communication with the suction source and the recovery tank when the floor cleaning machine is in the second mode.

9. The floor cleaning machine kit of claim 8, wherein the first and second suction nozzles are interchangeably supported by the body so that the first suction nozzle is supported by the body while in the first mode, and the second suction nozzle is supported by the body while in the second mode.

10. The floor cleaning machine of claim 8, wherein the body includes a foot that is movable along the surface and a handle that is pivotally coupled to the foot.

11. The floor cleaning machine of claim 8, wherein the floor cleaning machine kills at least 99% of microorganisms on the surface when operating in the second mode.

12. A floor cleaning machine for cleaning a surface, the floor cleaning machine comprising:

a body;

an actuator supported by the body;

a distribution nozzle supported by the body;

a supply tank assembly coupled to the body in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle;

a suction nozzle supported by the body;

a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, the suction source operable to draw fluid and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle; and

a recovery tank coupled to the body in fluid communication with the suction source to receive and store fluid and dirt drawn through the suction nozzle,

wherein the floor cleaning machine is operable in a first mode to wash the surface, is operable in a second mode to sanitize the surface, and is operable in a third mode to rinse the surface,

wherein the actuator is manually operable to switch between the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode,

wherein the floor cleaning machine has a first recovery rate while in the first mode and a second recovery rate while in the second mode, wherein the second recovery rate is less than the first recovery rate,

wherein the suction source includes a motor electrically coupled to the actuator, wherein the motor operates at a first speed when the floor cleaning machine is in the first mode, and wherein the motor operates at a second speed that is less than the first speed when the floor cleaning machine is in the second mode.

13. The floor cleaning machine of claim 12, wherein the body includes a foot that is movable along the surface and a handle that is pivotally coupled to the foot.

14. The floor cleaning machine of claim 12, wherein the floor cleaning machine kills at least 99% of microorganisms on the surface when operating in the second mode.

15. The floor cleaning machine of claim 12, wherein the first recovery rate is at least 5% higher than the second recovery rate.

16. A floor cleaning machine for cleaning a surface, the floor cleaning machine comprising:

a body;

an actuator supported by the body;

a distribution nozzle supported by the body;

a supply tank assembly coupled to the body in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle; and

a distributor supported by the body in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle and the supply tank assembly, the distributor including a pump electrically coupled to the actuator,

wherein the floor cleaning machine is operable in a first mode to wash the surface, is operable in a second mode to sanitize the surface, and is operable in a third mode to rinse the surface,

wherein the actuator is manually operable to switch between the first mode, the second mode, and a third mode,

wherein the distribution nozzle is operable to deliver cleaning solution to the surface such that the cleaning solution penetrates the surface a first amount when the floor cleaning machine is in the first mode, wherein the distribution nozzle is operable to deliver cleaning solution to the surface such that the cleaning solution penetrates the surface a second amount that is greater than the first amount when the floor cleaning machine is in the second mode,

wherein the distribution nozzle delivers cleaning solution onto the surface at a first pressure when the floor cleaning machine is in the first mode, wherein the distribution nozzle delivers cleaning solution onto the surface at a second pressure that is greater than the first pressure when the floor cleaning machine is in the second mode, and

wherein the distributor is operable to vary a pressure of cleaning solution being delivered by the distribution nozzle between the first pressure and the second pressure.

17. The floor cleaning machine of claim 16, further comprising:

a suction nozzle supported by the body;

a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, the suction source operable to draw fluid and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle; and

a recovery tank coupled to the body in fluid communication with the suction source to receive and store fluid and dirt drawn through the suction nozzle.

18. The floor cleaning machine of claim 16, wherein the body includes a foot that is movable along the surface and a handle that is pivotally coupled to the foot.

19. The floor cleaning machine of claim 16, wherein the floor cleaning machine kills at least 99% of microorganisms on the surface when operating in the second mode.

20. A floor cleaning machine for cleaning a surface, the floor cleaning machine comprising:

a body;

an actuator supported by the body;

a distribution nozzle supported by the body;

a supply tank assembly coupled to the body in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle; and

a grooming member supported by the body,

wherein the floor cleaning machine is operable in a first mode to wash the surface, is operable in a second mode to sanitize the surface, and is operable in a third mode to rinse the surface,

wherein the actuator is manually operable to switch between the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode,

wherein the distribution nozzle is operable to deliver cleaning solution to the surface such that the cleaning solution penetrates the surface a first amount when the floor cleaning machine is in the first mode, wherein the distribution nozzle is operable to deliver cleaning solution to the surface such that the cleaning solution penetrates the surface a second amount that is greater than the first amount when the floor cleaning machine is in the second mode,

wherein the grooming member is configured to be spaced apart from the surface when the floor cleaning machine is in the first mode, and wherein the grooming member engages the surface to facilitate fluid penetration into the surface when the floor cleaning machine is in the second mode.

21. The floor cleaning machine of claim 20, further comprising:

a suction nozzle supported by the body;

a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, the suction source operable to draw fluid and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle; and

a recovery tank coupled to the body in fluid communication with the suction source to receive and store fluid and dirt drawn through the suction nozzle.

22. The floor cleaning machine of claim 20, wherein the body includes a foot that is movable along the surface and a handle that is pivotally coupled to the foot.

23. The floor cleaning machine of claim 20, wherein the floor cleaning machine kills at least 99% of microorganisms on the surface when operating in the second mode.

24. A floor cleaning machine for cleaning a surface, the floor cleaning machine comprising:

a body;

an actuator supported by the body;

a distribution nozzle supported by the body;

a supply tank assembly coupled to the body in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle; and

a deflector coupled to the body,

wherein the floor cleaning machine is operable in a first mode to wash the surface, is operable in a second mode to sanitize the surface, and is operable in a third mode to rinse the surface,

wherein the actuator is manually operable to switch between the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode,

wherein the distribution nozzle is operable to deliver cleaning solution to the surface such that the cleaning solution penetrates the surface a first amount when the floor cleaning machine is in the first mode, wherein the distribution nozzle is operable to deliver cleaning solution to the surface such that the cleaning solution penetrates the surface a second amount that is greater than the first amount when the floor cleaning machine is in the second mode,

wherein the deflector is configured to be positioned between the distribution nozzle and the surface when the floor cleaning machine is in the first mode, and wherein the deflector is moved away from between the distribution nozzle and the surface when the floor cleaning machine is in the second mode.

25. The floor cleaning machine of claim 24, further comprising:

a suction nozzle supported by the body;

a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, the suction source operable to draw fluid and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle; and

a recovery tank coupled to the body in fluid communication with the suction source to receive and store fluid and dirt drawn through the suction nozzle.

26. The floor cleaning machine of claim 24, wherein the body includes a foot that is movable along the surface and a handle that is pivotally coupled to the foot.

27. The floor cleaning machine of claim 24, wherein the floor cleaning machine kills at least 99% of microorganisms on the surface when operating in the second mode.