Automated rotary mopping, waxing, and light sweeping systems

• US 6,026,529 A
• Filed: 08/18/1997
• Issued: 02/22/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 06/07/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Caruso, Steven Jerome
• Original Assignee: Caruso, Steven Jerome
• Inventors: Caruso, Steven Jerome
• Primary Examiner(s): Till, Terrence R.
• Application Number:
  US08/912,714
• Time in Patent Office: 918 Days
• Field of Search: 15/97.1, 15/98, 15/103
• US Class Current: 15/98
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/03 characterised by having provisions for supplying cleaning or polishing agents A47L11/065, A47L11/085, A47L11/125, A47L11/145, A47L11/161, A47L11/1625, A47L11/185, A47L11/201 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/292 having rotary tools A47L11/30 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/40 Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
• 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 11/4016 specially adapted for collecting fluids
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4025 Means for emptying
• 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 11/4041 Roll shaped surface treating tools
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4047 Wound-up or endless cleaning belts
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4069 Driving or transmission means for the cleaning tools
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4075 Handles; levers
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4077 Skirts or splash guards
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/408 Means for supplying cleaning or surface treating agents
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4088 Supply pumps; Spraying devices; Supply conduits

Abstract

A device for cleaning floors or other hard surfaces is disclosed. The device includes a moving absorbent surface (such as a roller cover), a shear member, and optionally a pump. The absorbent surface contacts a hard surface as it is being cleaned. The absorbent surface is adapted to scrub the hard surface and remove a waste fluid from the hard surface. The shear member may take various forms, such as a fixed blade or a squeeze roller. The shear member selectively contacts the absorbent outer surface of the roller and channels away a fluid previously absorbed in the absorbent outer surface of the roller. The pump conveys away a fluid removed from the roller by the shear member. The device may be used much like a mop for cleaning floors, and is particularly suited for residential use by consumers.

Claims

1. A device for cleaning hard surfaces, the device comprising:

A. a moving absorbent surface having a first portion adapted to be normally disposed substantially in contact with a hard surface to define an area of contact and a second portion adapted to be normally disposed out of contact with the hard surface;

B. a shear member shiftable between a first position at least substantially contacting said second portion for removing fluid absorbed in said absorbent surface and a second position at least substantially clear of said absorbent surface for allowing absorbed fluid to remain in said absorbent surface;

C. a mechanism for moving said absorbent surface in a direction and at a velocity sufficient to move said absorbent surface relative to the hard surface at said area of contact as said device is being used; and

D. a pump for transporting away the fluid removed by said shear member.

2. A device for cleaning hard surfaces, the device comprising:

A. a moving absorbent surface having a first portion adapted to be normally disposed substantially in contact with a hard surface to define an area of contact and a second portion adapted to be normally disposed out of contact with the hard surface;

B. a shear member shiftable between a first position at least substantially contacting said second portion for removing fluid absorbed in said absorbent surface and a second position at least substantially clear of said absorbent surface for allowing absorbed fluid to remain in said absorbent surface;

C. a mechanism for moving said absorbent surface in a direction and at a velocity sufficient to move said absorbent surface relative to the hard surface at said area of contact as said device is being used;

D. a handle having a distal portion adapted for use by an operator to control the device and a proximal portion operatively attached to said roller to allow rotation of said roller relative to said handle; and

E. a shear member control mounted on the distal portion of said handle for moving said shear member between its first and second positions.