Cleaning machine for cleaning a surface with edge cleaning capability

• US 20050132524A1
• Filed: 12/19/2003
• Published: 06/23/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/19/2003
• 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: Parr, Richard S.
• Granted Patent: US 7,707,682 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 15/320
• 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: A47L 11/4088 Supply pumps; Spraying devices; Supply conduits

Abstract

A portable cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface is provided and includes a housing for movement along the surface. A solution container is mounted to the housing and contains a solution. A dispensing nozzle is provided on the housing and is fluidly connected to the solution container. The dispensing nozzle dispenses solution beyond the edge of the housing. In one aspect, an edge cleaner is provided at an edge of the housing and includes a plurality of pliable elements for agitating the surface, wherein the pliable elements contact the surface beyond the edge of said housing.

Claims

1. A portable cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation comprising:

a) housing;

b) a distributor operatively connected to said housing for distributing cleaning solution to said surface;

c) a solution container removably mounted to said housing and fluidly connected to said distributor for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to said distributor;

d) a recovery tank removably mounted to said housing;

e) a suction nozzle secured to said housing and in fluid communication with said recovery tank for transporting the cleaning solution and dirt from said surface into said recovery tank;

f) a suction source in fluid communication with said suction nozzle and recovery tank for drawing the cleaning solution and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank; and

g) an edge cleaner provided at an edge of said housing and including a plurality of pliable elements for agitating the surface, said pliable elements contacting the surface beyond the edge of said housing.

2. The portable cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein said suction nozzle extends beyond the edge of the housing.

3. The portable cleaning apparatus of claim 1 including a dispensing nozzle provided on said housing and fluidly connected to said solution container, said dispensing nozzle dispensing cleaning solution from said solution container beyond the edge of said housing.

4. The portable cleaning apparatus of claim 3 wherein said dispensing nozzle is constructed and design to dispense cleaning solution on said pliable elements.

5. The portable cleaning apparatus of claim 3 wherein said suction nozzle extends beyond the edge of said housing.

6. The portable cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein said edge cleaner includes at least one brush, said brush being rotatably connected to said housing, said pliable elements being secured to said brush.

7. The portable cleaning apparatus of claim 6 wherein said brush rotate on an axis perpendicular to the surface.

8. The portable cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein said housing includes a base portion for movement along a surface and a handle portion pivotally connected to said base portion.

9. A portable cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface comprising:

a) a housing for movement along the surface;

b) a solution container mounted to said housing and containing a solution; and

c) a dispensing nozzle provided on said housing and fluidly connected to said solution container, wherein said dispensing nozzle dispenses solution beyond the edge of said housing.

10. The portable cleaning apparatus of claim 9 including an edge cleaner provided at an edge of said housing and including a plurality of pliable elements for agitating the surface, said pliable elements contacting the surface beyond the edge of said housing.

11. The portable cleaning apparatus of claim 10 wherein said dispensing nozzle is constructed and design to dispense cleaning solution on said pliable elements.

12. The portable cleaning apparatus of claim 10 wherein said edge cleaner includes at least one brush, said brush being rotatably connected to said housing, said pliable elements being secured to said brush.

13. The portable cleaning apparatus of claim 12 wherein said brush rotates on an axis perpendicular to the surface.

14. The portable cleaning apparatus of claim 10 wherein said housing includes a body portion partially covering said brush, said body portion having a side end, said dispensing nozzle being mounted on said side end.

15. A portable cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface comprising:

a) a housing;

b) a recovery container removably mounted to said housing;

c) a suction nozzle secured to said housing and in fluid communication with said recovery container for transporting the dirt and particles from the surface into said recovery container;

d) a suction source in fluid communication with said suction nozzle and recovery container for drawing the dirt and particles from the surface through the suction nozzle and into said recovery container; and

e) an edge cleaner operatively connected to said housing, said edge cleaner including a brush rotatably connected to said housing and including a plurality of pliable elements for agitating the surface, said pliable elements contacting the surface beyond the edge of said housing.

16. The portable cleaning apparatus of claim 15 wherein said brushes rotate along an axis perpendicular to the surface.