Patent Grant
11008744
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
This invention generally relates to automatic floor cleaning machines.
Those who frequent public men's restrooms are all too familiar with unsanitary conditions that exist on the floor in front of and around urinals. Despite the best efforts of the cleaning workforce using traditional cleaning tools, pools of urine collect in front of and in the area on the floor around the urinal. Not desiring to step in a pool of urine, subsequent users are forced to stand further and further away from the urinal, which winds up contributing even further to the problem.
U.S. Patent Publication 2015/0033496 and related U.S. Pat. No. 8,887,340 disclose a mobile floor cleaning apparatus with a chassis supported by a plurality of wheels with one steerable via a steering wheel interconnected to a housing, wherein the chassis has a plurality of movable housing members to operate in tight spaces.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,448,293 discloses a mobile wet extractor floor brush adapted for movement on a surface being cleaned having a base assembly for movement on the surface, an operating handle for controlling the movement of the wet extractor pivotally attached to the base assembly, a supply tank having an outlet, a recovery tank having an inlet and an outlet, and an agitator.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,370,453 discloses a self-moving service robot for automatic examination of floor surfaces and for suction of dust from floor surfaces that is programed to explore areas and detect potential obstacles using sensors.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,996 discloses a mobile apparatus for cleaning floors having a cleaning device placed on a first side of the apparatus to perform cleaning perpendicular to the general direction of advance of the apparatus.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,886 discloses a self-guided mobile unit and cleaning apparatus that follows guides such as walls or other obstacles, engages the guides with a detector element and controls the steering of the apparatus in response to the level of forces sensed by the detector.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,401,420 discloses a vacuum cleaner mounted to a maid's cart but rotatable around a vertical axis for winding of the vacuum hose and cord storage to facilitate cleaning while the vacuum cleaner remains on the maid's cart.
JP6136809 discloses a toilet divided into two parts, an under floor toilet bowl body and a floor cover above the floor, wherein the floor cover is cleaned in a cleaning chamber provided on the toilet booth side while the floor surface is cleaned with a brush-cleaning device or the like.
U.S. Patent Publication 2013-0092190 discloses a robot cleaner that travels on a floor with an obstacle sensing unit and an auxiliary cleaning unit mounted to the bottom of the robot body, such that the auxiliary cleaning unit is extendable or retractable when an obstacle is sensed.
U.S. Patent Publication 2013-0175802 discloses a powered apparatus for fluid applications having a housing dimensioned and configured for mounting in a fluid conduit.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,122,555 discloses a mobile floor cleaning apparatus capable of maximizing a user's convenience by an automatic operation, minimizing jolt or vibration and realizing enhanced endurance and safety with first and second movable members rectilinearly reciprocating along the same straight line in opposite directions with each other.
WIPO Publication WO 2004-017805 discloses a mobile floor cleaning apparatus with at least one tool that impinges on the floor, at least one vapor outlet, and at least one cleaner outlet.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,086 discloses a mobile floor cleaning apparatus with four wheels, two of which are steerable by a steering wheel, to permit tight turns.
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics 35 (2005) 247-266 discloses concerns of design and use of workplace cleaning equipment by cleaning workforce using demanding and labor intensive buffing machines, floor polishing machines, wet and dry vacuums, and other cleaning tools.
The present invention relates to an automatic floor cleaner and recovery unit comprising a cleaning and recovery unit wherein the cleaning and recovery unit comprises a fixed unit, a mobile unit, and an extension mechanism connected to the fixed unit and the mobile unit to permit the extension and retraction of the mobile unit from and to the fixed unit. The present invention further relates to an automatic floor cleaner and recovery unit, wherein the fixed unit comprises a controller, a sensor, a motor, a power source, a disinfectant solution tank, a vacuum, and a recovery tank; wherein the fixed unit is mounted to a floor or wall in proximity to a urinal, toilet, sink, or hand drying device; wherein the controller and the sensor control the activation of the motor for the extension or retraction of the mobile unit; wherein the power source is AC or DC; wherein the sensor is mounted on the exterior of the cleaning and recovery unit with a line of view in the direction of a target area of floor, and, alternatively, wherein the sensor is mounted on a urinal, toilet, sink, or hand drying device; wherein the disinfectant solution tank is connected by tubing to the mobile unit for spraying disinfectant solution onto a target area of floor upon extension of the mobile unit from the fixed unit; wherein the timing of spraying disinfectant solution is controlled by the controller; wherein the vacuum further comprises its own collection tank, fan, motor, and exhaust port; wherein the vacuum is connected by tubing to the mobile unit for recovery of urine and disinfectant solution from the target area of floor upon retraction of the mobile unit to the fixed unit; wherein timing of the vacuum is controlled by the controller; wherein the vacuum collection tank is connected by tubing to the recovery tank; wherein an intake port of the vacuum is connected by tubing to the fixed unit in proximity of the mobile unit for the recovery of urine and disinfectant solution from a target area of floor upon retraction of the mobile unit to the fixed unit; wherein the recovery tank is connected to an external drain or replaced by tubing connected directly to the external drain; wherein the fixed unit is integrated into a urinal, toilet, sink, or hand drying device; wherein the fixed unit is housed with a urinal, toilet, sink, or hand drying device; wherein the fixed unit is a cartridge insertable and removable from a cavity in the urinal, toilet, sink, or hand drying device; wherein the mobile unit further comprises a spray port for spraying disinfectant solution onto a target area of floor, a recovery port for suctioning solution from the target area, and a scrapping implement for contacting the target area and collecting the solution from the target area upon retraction of the mobile unit to the fixed unit; wherein the mobile unit further comprises a brush; wherein the scrapping implement is a squeegee; and wherein the extension mechanism first lifts and then extends the mobile unit and then the retraction mechanism first drops and retracts the mobile unit.
The present invention relates to a method of automatically cleaning a floor surface using a cleaning and recovery unit comprising the steps of (a) activating a sensor, (b) extending a mobile unit, (c) spraying disinfectant solution onto a target area of floor during extension of the mobile unit, (d) contacting the mobile unit with the floor, and (e) retracting the mobile unit over the target area. The present invention further relates to a method of automatically cleaning a floor surface, wherein the step of retracting the mobile unit further comprises the steps of scraping and suctioning; wherein the step of activating a sensor is replaced by activation on a timed basis; and wherein the step of retracting is replaced by spraying disinfectant solution onto a target area of floor during retraction of the mobile unit.
The present invention relates to an automatic floor cleaner comprising a cleaning unit, wherein the cleaning unit comprises a fixed unit, a mobile unit, and an extension mechanism connected to the fixed unit and the mobile unit to permit the extension and retraction of the mobile unit from and to the fixed unit; wherein the fixed unit comprises a controller, a sensor, a motor, a power source, and a disinfectant solution tank; wherein the disinfectant solution tank is connected by tubing to the mobile unit for spraying disinfectant solution onto a target area of floor upon extension of the mobile unit from the fixed unit.
The present invention relates to a method of automatically cleaning a floor surface, comprising the steps of (a) activating the sensor, (b) extending the mobile unit, (c) spraying disinfectant solution onto the target area of floor during extension of the mobile unit, and (d) retracting the mobile unit. The present invention further relates to a method of automatically cleaning a floor surface, wherein the mobile unit is extended on a timed delay at predetermined time periods after the sensor is activated.
For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following examples and drawings. Referring to the appended drawings:
Other features and aspects of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of some example embodiments, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings.
The inventor of the present application has recognized that there is a need for automatic floor cleaning machines, particularly in commercial, industrial, and institutional venues.
An automatic floor cleaning and recovery unit in accordance with the present invention comprises a fixed unit, a mobile unit, an extension mechanism connected to the fixed unit and the mobile unit to permit the extension and retraction of the mobile unit from and to the fixed unit. In alternative non-limiting embodiments, the automatic floor cleaning and recovery unit may be wall-mounted or floor-mounted adjacent to a wall-mounted or floor-mounted urinal, adjacent to a wall-mounted or floor-mounted toilet, adjacent to a wall-mounted or floor-mounted sink, or adjacent to a wall-mounted or floor-mounted hand drying device. In further non-limiting alternative embodiments, the fixed unit is housed within a lavatory appliance, such as a urinal, toilet, sink, or hand drying device. In further non-limiting alternative embodiments, the fixed unit is a cartridge that is insertable and removable from a cavity in the urinal, toilet, sink, or hand drying device. In further, non-limiting alternative embodiments, the fixed unit is integrated into a urinal, toilet, sink, or hand drying device.
The fixed unit comprises a controller, a sensor, a motor, a power source, a disinfectant solution tank, a vacuum, and a recovery tank. Preferably, the fixed unit is positioned in proximity to a target area of a floor or surface for cleaning.
The controller and the sensor control the activation of the motor for the extension and retraction of the mobile unit. The sensor is preferably mounted on the exterior of the cleaning and recovery unit with a line of view in the direction of a target area of floor or surface to be cleaned. Alternatively, the sensor may be mounted adjacent to the fixed unit or adjacent to the lavatory appliance. The sensor optionally is mounted on the adjacent urinal, toilet, sink, or hand drying device. In other alternative embodiments, the controller of the fixed unit uses the sensor of the adjacent lavatory appliance. The cleaning and recovery unit may also be designed to synchronize with the sensor of the adjacent lavatory appliance.
The power source can be either AC or DC. The cleaning and recovery unit can be plugged into standard electrical outlets or wired directly to an electrical source. For areas that do not have electrical outlets or do not have electrical outlets in a convenient location, the cleaning and recovery unit can be powered by a battery. The battery source may be rechargeable or disposable. The cleaning and recovery unit can also be powered by the urinal, toilet, sink, or hand drying device, either when wall or floor-mounted or when housed within or integrated into the urinal, toilet, sink, or hand drying device.
The disinfectant solution tank is housed in the fixed unit and is connected by tubing to the mobile unit for spraying disinfectant solution onto the target area of floor upon extension of the mobile unit from the fixed unit. In alternative non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, the disinfectant solution tank is not housed inside the fixed unit but is wall-mounted next to and connected to the fixed unit by way of tubing. This would provide additional space in the fixed unit for a larger recovery tank, allow additional space for a larger disinfectant solution tank, and decrease the possibility of any confusion during maintenance of the disinfectant solution tank and the recovery tank. The timing of spraying disinfectant solution is controlled by the controller. The disinfectant solution tank may have a port for external filling of additional disinfectant solution. In an alternative non-limiting embodiment, the disinfectant solution tank is a detachable cartridge or bag that can be replaced as needed. Optionally, a window or other indicator is provided on the exterior of the disinfectant solution tank and the fixed unit so that the level of disinfectant solution is visible or otherwise indicated.
The disinfectant solution tank preferably contains a liquid cleaner for household, commercial, industrial, and institutional use, and, optionally, has anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and/or anti-viral properties. It is also preferable that the liquid cleaner be quick drying.
Upon retraction of the mobile unit to the fixed unit, a vacuum recovers any waste solution and/or debris. The vacuum in the fixed unit has its own collection tank, fan, motor, and exhaust port. In a non-limiting alternative embodiment, the vacuum is connected by tubing to the mobile unit for the recovery of waste solution and/or debris from the target area during retraction of the mobile unit to the fixed unit. The timing of the vacuum is controlled by the controller. The vacuum collection tank is connected by tubing to the recovery tank or an external drain.
The recovery tank is designed to receive the waste solution and/or debris collected by the vacuum. The recovery tank can be removable from the fixed unit for emptying and replacement into the fixed unit. In an alternative non-limiting embodiment, the recovery tank is removable for disposable and replaced with a new recovery tank. In another alternative non-limiting embodiment, the recovery tank is disposable and contains absorbent material/particles. In another alternative non-limiting embodiment, the recovery tank is external to the fixed unit and connected by tubing to the fixed unit. In another alternative non-limiting embodiment, the recovery tank is connected to an external drain or replaced by tubing directly to the external drain. Optionally, a window or other indicator is provided on the exterior of the fixed unit and the recovery tank so that the level of waste solution is visible or otherwise indicated.
In alternative non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, the fixed unit has one or more top opening lids for access to all or some of the internal components, such as the disinfectant solution tank, the recovery tank, and/or optional battery. In other non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, the fixed unit has front access ports for access to all or some of the internal components, such as the disinfectant solution tank, the recovery tank, and/or optional battery. In other non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, the internal components of the cleaning and recovery unit are accessed by a panel on the urinal, toilet, sink, or hand drying device.
The mobile unit comprises spray port(s) for spraying disinfectant solution onto the target area and a scrapping implement, like one or more squeegee, for contacting the target area of floor and collecting the waste solution and/or debris from the target area upon retraction of the mobile unit to the fixed unit. In other non-limiting embodiments of the invention, the mobile unit also contains recovery vacuum port(s) for suctioning waste solution and/or debris from the target area during retraction of the mobile unit to the fixed unit. In other non-limiting embodiments of the invention, the mobile unit also contains a brush wherein the brush is either fixed or moves by rotating or spinning. In other non-limiting embodiments of the invention, the mobile unit sprays disinfectant solution onto the target area upon extension of the mobile unit from the fixed unit. In other non-limiting embodiments of the invention, the scrapping implement contacts the target area of the floor upon extension of the mobile unit thereby pushing the waste solution and/or debris from the target area to a floor drain or floor-mounted urinal drain basin.
The vacuum ports may be located on the bottom of the mobile unit at positions proximal to the fixed unit and distal to the scrapping implement, and/or distal to the fixed unit and proximal to the scrapping implement depending on the design.
The disinfectant solution spray ports may be located on the bottom of the mobile unit at positions distal to the fixed unit and proximal to the scrapping implement, and/or proximal to the fixed unit and distal to the scrapping implement depending on the design.
The scrapping implement preferably has two arcs of squeegee to enhance the capture capability of the mobile unit. The arcs may be convex or concave depending on the design.
The extension mechanism is powered by the motor housed in the fixed unit. According to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, upon activation by the controller, the extension mechanism first lifts and then extends the mobile unit. Upon initiation of the extension of the mobile unit, the controller then activates the spraying of disinfectant solution over the target area. The extension mechanism supports, either internally or externally, the disinfectant solution tubing that connects the disinfectant solution tank to the mobile unit disinfectant port(s). In alternative non-limiting embodiments of the invention, the extension mechanism also supports, either internally or externally, the vacuum tubing that connects the vacuum collection tank to the recovery port(s) on the mobile unit. Upon retraction of the mobile unit, the extension mechanism first drops and then retracts the mobile unit.
In another alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the mobile unit is extended from the fixed unit by the extension mechanism in a raised position and when fully extended the extension mechanism drops the mobile unit into a lowered position to contact the surface of the floor. The scrapping elements of the mobile unit are in contact with the floor as the mobile unit is retracted back to the fixed unit.
In another alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the mobile unit has one or more wheels that support the mobile unit and roll on the floor during the extension and retraction of the mobile unit. In alternative non-limiting embodiments of the invention, the mobile unit has at least two wheels. In further alternative non-limiting embodiments of the invention, the mobile unit has two forward wheels distal to the fixed unit and two rearward wheels proximal to the fixed unit. In further alternative non-limiting embodiments of the invention, the forward wheels are raised on extension of the mobile unit, which pivots the mobile unit upward so that it does not contact the floor on extension, and lowered on retraction of the mobile unit, which pivots the mobile unit downward to come in contact with the floor on retraction. In other alternative non-limiting embodiments of the invention, the forward wheels and rearward wheels are in contact with the floor on extension of the mobile unit. Then the rearward wheels are raised to bring the scrapping elements of the mobile unit in contact with the floor on retraction. In other alternative non-limiting embodiments of the invention, the forward wheels are raised on extension of the mobile unit and the rearward wheels are raised on retraction of the mobile unit in order to keep the scrapping elements above the surface of the floor on extension of the mobile unit and to bring the scrapping elements in contact with the surface of the floor on retraction of the mobile unit.
In another example embodiment of the present invention, an automatic floor cleaning unit in accordance with the present invention is mounted to the floor adjacent to a traditional floor-mounted urinal. The cleaning unit comprises a fixed unit, a mobile unit, and an extension mechanism connected to the fixed unit and the mobile unit to permit the extension and retraction of the mobile unit from and to the fixed unit. The fixed unit comprises a controller, a sensor, a motor, a power source, and a disinfectant solution tank. In this example embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning unit does not contain a vacuum or recovery tank because it takes advantage of the floor-mounted urinal for disposal of waste solution and/or debris.
The extension mechanism has an angle arm that both extends and rotates the mobile unit relative to the fixed unit in order to clean a path in the direction of the floor-mounted urinal drain basin.
In another alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the fixed unit is not mounted to a floor or wall but is integrated into the design of a urinal, toilet, sink, or hand drying unit. In another alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the fixed unit is housed within the urinal, toilet, sink, or hand drying unit.
In another alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the disinfectant solution tank is not housed inside the fixed unit but is wall-mounted next to and connected to the fixed unit, for example, by tubing.
In another alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the automatic floor cleaning and recovery unit is permanently or temporarily mounted adjacent to a urinal, toilet, sink, or hand drying unit so that the entire unit can be removed, discarded, and/or replaced.
In alternative non-limiting embodiments of the invention, the external design of the fixed unit may be stylized to match the décor of the restroom in color, size and overall shape.
In a non-limiting alternative embodiment of the invention, the controller and sensor may be set to extend the mobile unit each time the sensor is triggered. In other alternative non-limiting embodiments of the invention, the mobile unit is extended on an intermittent basis. For example, the mobile unit would extend after every other time the sensor is triggered. In other alternative non-limiting embodiments of the invention, the mobile unit is extended only when the sensor is triggered during certain predetermined time periods. For example, the controller may be set to permit the extension of the mobile unit at 10 minute intervals for windows of 5 minutes during which time the mobile unit would be extended if the sensor is triggered at any predetermined frequency (such as every time, or every other time). During the 10 minute interval, the mobile unit would not extend despite the triggering of the sensor. In other alternative non-limiting embodiments of the invention, the mobile unit is extended after a period of delay so that the mobile unit would extend only after a certain number of minutes of non-use after the sensor is last triggered. In other alternative non-limiting embodiments of the invention, the mobile unit is extended at predetermined times (such as every two hours, or at particular times) without the need for triggering any sensor. It may be preferable in restrooms with low usage to activate the device on a daily basis, for example, despite the non-usage of a particular urinal. Further, in high usage locations, like stadium restrooms, it may be preferable to activate the device on a delay, instead of after each user, between the high usage time periods.
Referring to the Figures,
In the bottom view of the alternative non-limiting embodiment of the mobile unit 530 in
In the bottom view of the alternative non-limiting embodiment of the mobile unit 630 in
As illustrated in
According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, a method of automatically cleaning a target area of a floor comprises the steps of (a) activating a sensor, (b) lifting and extending a mobile unit, (c) spraying disinfectant solution onto the target area of floor during extension of the mobile unit, (d) dropping the mobile unit so that the mobile unit comes into physical contact with the floor, and (e) retracting the mobile unit to recover waste solution. In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the retracting the mobile unit step (e) further comprises the steps of scrapping and suctioning.
According to another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, a method of automatically cleaning a target area of a floor comprises the steps of (a) activating a sensor, (b) tilting and extending a mobile unit, (c) dropping the mobile unit so that the mobile unit comes into physical contact with the floor, (d) spraying disinfectant solution onto the target area of floor while retracting of the mobile unit, and (e) retracting the mobile unit to recover waste solution. In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the retracting the mobile unit step (e) further comprises the steps of scrapping and suctioning.
According to another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the method of automatically cleaning a target area of a floor comprises the steps of (a) activating a sensor, (b) extending and rotating a mobile unit, (c) spraying disinfectant solution onto the target area of floor during extension and rotation of the mobile unit, and (d) retracting the mobile unit.
The invention is not restricted to the embodiments described, but, on the contrary, covers any modification on form and any alternative form of embodiment that falls within the scope and spirit of the present invention. While there have been described what are believed to be preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined by the following claims.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/209,719 filed Jul. 13, 2016, currently pending, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 6136809 | May 1994 | JP |
| 2005213785 | Aug 2005 | JP |
| 2016-87384 | May 2016 | JP |
| 10-2011-0110661 | Jul 2011 | KR |
| 2004017805 | Mar 2004 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| English Language Translation of JP2005213785A 20050811 (23 pages). |
| European Patent Office Patent Abstracts of Japan Publication No. JP-2005-213785 published Nov. 8, 2005 (1 page). |
| EP-17828335 Supplementary European Search Report dated Nov. 22, 2019 (2 pages). |
| EP-17828335 European Examination Report dated Nov. 19, 2019 (2 pages). |
| English Language Translation of JP-2016-87384-A. |
| English Language Translation of KR-10-2011-0110661-A. |
| V. Woods, et al., “An Investigation into the Design and Use of Workplace Cleaning Equipment,” International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 35 (2005) 247-266. |
| Translation of Abstract of JP6136809A, Toto Ltd. May 17, 1994. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20180274219 A1 | Sep 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15209719 | Jul 2016 | US |
| Child | 15991879 | US |
