Patent Application
20120167317
This invention generally relates to floor cleaning devices and particularly to manual floor cleaning devices used to clean hard flooring.
Floor cleaning devices such as mops and the like are well known. These devices typically incorporate a fibrous or sponge head used to introduce a water/chemical cleaning solution onto a hard floor. The head is also responsible for collecting dirt and other particles, and for scrubbing away surface stains. Despite the mop's long standing effectiveness in cleaning hard floor surfaces, there have been several problems identified with the above configuration.
As one example, mops typically require a bucket and squeegee mechanism for carrying the water/chemical cleaning solution, and for straining the fibrous mop head to ensure a consistent amount of the solution is introduced to the floor. The bucket and squeegee mechanism is somewhat cumbersome, and can lead to large amounts of water/chemical cleaning solution spillage as the mop is taken to and from the bucket. Further, the head must be continuously refreshed with clean water/chemical cleaning solution.
As another example, the fibrous mop head quickly collects dirt and other particles and can become very unsightly. Further, collection of dirt and other particles within the mop head can create an unsanitary condition as the mop sits in storage. Additionally, the mop head has a tendency to produce an odor over time.
As a result of the generally unpleasant look/smell and unsanitary state of the fibrous mop head, frequent replacement is generally required. Unfortunately, conventional mop heads are typically made of stranded fabric or sponge material and frequent replacement can be uneconomical. As a result, several recent devices have entered the market to alleviate the above problems.
One example of such a device incorporates a removable pad that is affixed to a base frame. The removable pad can be supplied pre-impregnated with cleaning solution. The pads are designed for single use, or several uses, and once they are dirty the user simply removes the pad, and replaces it with a new pad. The pads tend to be relative inexpensive, and as such, these products have become a viable alternative to conventional mops. However, the above mentioned devices are not without drawbacks.
For example, it is generally accepted that the pads must be frequently replaced so that the device incorporating the pad maintains its cleaning efficacy. This frequent replacement can lead to a less than desirable cost in utilizing the device, and indeed can ultimately lead to the same cost inefficiency as conventional fibrous mop heads.
Furthermore, as stated above, the pads often times are supplied pre-impregnated with a chemical solution. Thus, the type of solution is generally governed by the manufacturer of the pads, leaving the consumer constrained to several options. However, many users may wish to use less abrasive chemicals, or may simply wish to use only waters. Unfortunately, users of the above devices must currently choose from those options supplied by the manufacturer.
In view of the above, there is a need in the art for an improved floor cleaning apparatus that alleviates the above noted problems. The invention provides such an apparatus. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.
In one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a floor cleaning apparatus configured to simultaneously unwind unsoiled cleaning media and wind soiled cleaning media so that the unsoiled cleaning media can be introduced to a surface being cleaned at a users discretion. The floor cleaning apparatus according to this embodiment includes a frame. A dispensing roller is mounted to the frame. The dispensing roller is adapted to carry a roll of cleaning media thereon. A collection roller is also mounted to the frame. The collection roller is adapted to collect the cleaning media from the dispensing roller. The floor cleaning apparatus also includes an actuation mechanism carried by the frame. The actuation arrangement is connected between the dispensing roller and the collection roller and operable to simultaneously rotate the dispensing roller and the collection to advance the cleaning media from the dispensing roller to the collection roller.
In another aspect, the dispensing roller and the collection roller rotate at the same speed as one another to maintain a constant tension in the cleaning media extending between the dispensing roller and the collection roller.
In another aspect, the floor cleaning apparatus further includes a first and a second pair of roller grips. The first pair of roller grips is mounted on the dispensing roller for rotation therewith. The second pair of roller grips is mounted on the collection roller for rotation therewith. Each of the first and second pairs of roller grips are positioned to axially compress the roll of cleaning media. In certain embodiments, the first and second pairs of roller grips are mounted on the dispensing and collection rollers, respectively, such that the cleaning media carried on the dispensing and collection rollers does not rotate relative to the dispensing and collection rollers.
In another embodiment, the frame includes a bottom wall defining the cleaning surface and a pair of side walls extending upwardly therefrom in opposed spaced relation. The dispensing and collection rollers are mounted to the pair of side walls and extend therebetween.
In another embodiment, the floor cleaning apparatus further comprises a handle and a grip slidably mounted to the handle. The grip is mechanically coupled to the actuation arrangement. In certain embodiments, the grip is mechanically coupled to the actuation arrangement such that movement of the grip relative to the handle in a first direction rotates the dispensing roller and the collection roller. In certain other embodiments, movement of the grip relative to the handle in a second direction opposite the first direction will not cause rotation of either of the dispensing roller and the collection roller.
In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a cleaning apparatus that includes a roll arrangement and a one way mechanism permitting movement of the roll arrangement in a first rotational direction and preventing movement of the roll arrangement in a second rotational direction. A floor cleaning apparatus according to this embodiment includes a frame. A roll arrangement is carried by the frame and adapted to carry replaceable cleaning media thereon. The roll arrangement is mounted to the frame such that the cleaning media extends across a cleaning surface of the frame. A one way advancing mechanism is connected to the roll arrangement and adapted to rotate the roll arrangement to move the cleaning media across the cleaning support surface in a first direction and prevent movement of the cleaning media across the cleaning support surface in a second direction opposite the first direction.
In one embodiment, the roll arrangement includes a dispensing roller and a collection roller. The one way advancing mechanism mechanically couples the dispensing roller and the collection roller to rotate the dispensing and collection rollers in the first direction. In certain embodiments, the dispensing roller and collection roller rotate in the first direction simultaneously.
In another embodiment, the one way advancing mechanism includes a drive train and a follower mechanism. The drive train mechanically couples a drive shaft of the roll arrangement and the collection roller. The follower mechanism mechanically couples the collection roller and the dispensing roller. In certain embodiments, the drive train is connected to an input end of the drive shaft, and connected to an input end of the collection roller. The follower mechanism is connected to an output end of the collection roller and connected to an input end of the dispensing roller. In certain embodiments, the one way advancing mechanism is arranged to cycle the floor cleaning apparatus through a winding cycle and a return cycle. The drive train includes a drive gear, floating gear, linking gear, and collection roller input gear. In the winding cycle, the drive gear is in meshed contact with the floating gear, the linking gear is in meshed contact with the floating gear, and the collection roller input gear is in meshed contact with the linking gear. The drive gear and the floating gear are in meshed contact in the return cycle, and the floating gear is not in meshed contact with the linking gear in the return cycle.
In yet another aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a floor cleaning apparatus that incorporates a slidable grip allowing a user to easily transition or unwind cleaning media from a dispensing roll and collect the cleaning media on a collection roll. A floor cleaning apparatus according to this embodiment includes a frame. A handle is mounted to the frame. A first roller is mounted to the frame and adapted to carry a roll of cleaning media thereon. A second roller is also mounted to the frame and adapted to wind up the cleaning media from the first roller. A third roller is interposed between the first and second rollers and mechanically coupled to the second roller. A sliding grip is slidably coupled to the handle and mechanically coupled to the third roller. Movement of the sliding grip along the handle in a first direction causes the first and second rollers to rotate in a first rotational direction, and the third rollers to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational. Movement of the sliding grip along the handle in a second direction opposite the first direction causes the third roller to rotate in a third rotational direction opposite the second rotational direction, with the first and second rollers remaining fixed relative to the third roller.
In another embodiment, the second and third rollers are mechanically connected via a drive train and the first and second rollers are mechanically connected via a follower mechanism. In certain embodiments, the drive train includes a pawl mechanism arranged to allow for the second roller to rotate in first rotational direction and prevent the second roller to rotate in a forth rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.
In certain embodiments, the follower mechanism includes a breaking arrangement arranged to allow a follower belt of the follower mechanism to travel between a breaking element and a breaking pad of the breaking arrangement in a first linear direction. The breaking arrangement is arranged to prevent the follower belt to travel between the breaking element and the breaking pad in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction. In certain embodiments, the breaking element compresses the follower belt against the breaking pad when the third roller rotates in a fifth rotational direction opposite the second rotational direction.
Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Turning now to the drawings, there is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of a floor cleaning apparatus 12 according to the teachings of the present invention. The floor cleaning apparatus 12 advantageously carries both unused and used portions of cleaning media 20 in roll form, so that the removal frequency of the cleaning media is generally minimized. Further, the floor cleaning apparatus 12 is designed to utilize “off-the-shelf” rolled cleaning media, e.g. paper towels and the like, to generally reduce cost. Still further, the floor cleaning apparatus 12 incorporates a handle 24 and a slidable grip 40 that allows a user to unwind unsoiled cleaning media 20 and wind soiled cleaning media 20 without bending over.
As will be described in greater detail by the following, the floor cleaning apparatus 12 includes a dispensing roller 14 and a collection roller 16. The dispensing roller 14 and collection roller 16 are mechanically coupled to one another by way of an actuation arrangement 18 in the form of a one-way mechanism. The actuation arrangement 18 is operable to simultaneously unwind cleaning media 20 from the dispensing roller 14 and wind soiled cleaning media 20 onto the collection roller 16.
As illustrated, the cleaning media 20 extends in a continuous span between the dispensing and collection rollers 14, 16 and across a cleaning surface 22. A span of the cleaning media 20 extending over the cleaning surface 22 is positioned between flooring or other hard surface and the cleaning surface 22. The actuation arrangement is operable to wind, i.e. advance, the span of cleaning media 20 from extending over the cleaning surface 22 to being wound upon the collection roller 16. As described herein, the above operation of the actuation arrangement 18 will be referred to in the following as a “winding cycle.” After completion of the winding cycle, the actuation arrangement 18 will return to a ready position via a “return cycle.”
The dispensing and collection rollers 14, 16, as well as the actuation arrangement 18 are mounted to a frame 24 of the floor cleaning apparatus 12. The frame 24 includes a pair of sidewalls 30 extending upward from a bottom wall 32 that defines the cleaning surface 22. The sidewalls 30 are generally used for mounting the dispensing and collection rollers 14, 16, as well as the various components of the actuation arrangement 18.
A handle 26 extends upward from the wall 32 to allow a user to bias the floor cleaning apparatus 12, and more particularly the cleaning surface 22 about a floor or other surface to clean the same. The handle 26 connects to the frame 24 via a universal joint 28. The universal joint 28 enhances the overall maneuverability of the floor cleaning apparatus 12.
Still referring to
However, the slidable grip 40 is limited in this upward travel along the handle 24 in direction 44 by the unwound length of the belt 42. More specifically, once the belt 42 is unwound from the drive shaft 52 of the actuation arrangement 18, a biasing element 54 coupled to the drive shaft 52 of the actuation arrangement 18 is operable to rewind the belt 42 about the drive shaft 52 to return the slidable grip 40 to a ready position by moving the slidable grip 40 downward along the handle 26 in direction 46, thus executing the return cycle. As the belt 42 is rewound and the slidable grip 40 moves downward along direction 46, the dispensing and collection rollers 14, 16 do not wind or unwind the collection media 20.
The actuation arrangement 18 includes a drive train 60 in the form of a plurality of coplanar gears coupling an input end 62 of the drive shaft 52 to an input end 64 of the collection roller 16. The drive train 60 is thereby operable to transfer a torque of the drive shaft 52 to the collection roller 16 such that rotation of the drive shaft 52 results in rotation of the collection roller 16.
The actuation arrangement 18 also includes a follower mechanism 70. The follower mechanism is connected between an output end 72 of the collection roller 16 and an input end 74 of the dispensing roller 14. As such, the follower mechanism 70 is thereby operable to transfer a torque from the collection roller 16 to the dispensing roller 14. Accordingly, rotation of the drive shaft 52 imparts rotation to the collection roller 16 to wind the same in rotational direction 50. Rotation of the collection roller 16 in rotational direction 50 imparts rotation to the dispensing roller 14 in rotational direction 48 by way of the follower mechanism 70. The result of the above configuration is the simultaneous winding and unwinding of cleaning media 20 to exchange soiled cleaning media 20 extending across the cleaning surface 22 with unsoiled cleaning media 20 dispensed from the dispensing roller 14.
Turning now to
The drive train 60 of the actuation arrangement 18 can also include a stop pawl in the form of a pawl gear 100. The pawl gear 100 is mounted to the frame 24 off of the center axis of the pawl gear and in a meshed contact with the collection roller input gear 92 to permit one way rotation of the collection roller input gear 92. More specifically, the pawl gear 100 will pivot about axis 102 in direction 104 to allow the collection roller input gear 92 to freely rotate in direction 94.
However, if the collection roller input gear 92 attempts to rotate in a direction opposite direction 94, the pawl gear 100 will prevent such rotation. This configuration advantageously ensures that as the floor cleaning apparatus 12 is moved forward, soiled cleaning media 20 will not be unwound from the collection roller 16. Although illustrated as a pawl gear 100, it will be recognized that various other pawl style mechanisms or elements can be utilized e.g. latches, pins, etc.
Turning now to
Indeed, during the winding cycle, and as the collection roller 16 rotates in direction 48, the collection roller output gear 110 will rotate in direction 116, thereby causing the follower belt 114 to move in directions 106, 108 as illustrated. Movement of the follower belt 114 in directions 106, 108 will cause the dispensing roller input gear 112 to rotate in direction 122, thereby causing the dispensing roller 14 to rotate in direction 48 to dispense unused cleaning media 20 from the dispensing roller 14.
It will be recognized from the above that the drive train 60 and follower mechanism 70 ensure that the dispensing and collection rollers 14, 16 rotate simultaneously to move soiled cleaning media 20 across the cleaning surface 22 and onto the collection roller 16 while at the same time moving unsoiled collection media 20 onto the cleaning surface 22. The above described operation of the drive shaft 52, drive train 60 and follower mechanism 70 as well as the dispensing and collection rollers 14, 16 complete the winding cycle of the floor cleaning apparatus 12. Once complete, the biasing element 54 will rotate the drive shaft 52 to thereby cause the floor cleaning apparatus 12 to undergo a return cycle as described in the following.
More specifically, as the drive shaft 52 is rotated to unwind the belt 42 during the winding cycle, the biasing element 54 mounted to the frame 24 and drive shaft 54 as illustrated at
Turning now to
Because the floating gear 82 no longer meshes with the linking gear 84, the linking gear 84 as well as the collection roller input gear 92 will not rotate. It will be recognized from the above that if the collection roller input gear 92 does not rotate, the collection roller 16 will not rotate. If the collection roller 16 does not rotate, the follower mechanism will not operate to cause rotation of the dispensing roller 14. As a result of the above operation, during the return cycle, the slidable grip 40 returns to a ready position, the belt 42 is rewound upon the drive shaft 52, and the floor cleaning apparatus 12 is then ready for another winding cycle.
Referring now to
Referring now to
However, if the drive shaft 52 attempts to rotate in direction 150, the breaking element 142 will pinch the follower belt 114 against the breaking pad 144 to prevent further movement of the follower belt 114. By preventing such movement, the dispensing and collection rollers 14, 16 will not rotate and the likelihood that soiled cleaning media 20 will inadvertently unwind from the collection roller 16 will be minimized or avoided entirely.
Turning now to
Having described the various structural and functional attributes of the illustrated embodiment of
To initially load cleaning media 20 onto the dispensing roller 14, the dispensing roller 14 is removed from the remainder of the frame 24 by removing a sidewall 30 thereof, or alternatively by removing the dispensing roller 14 from the frame 24 while leaving the frame 24 intact. A roll of cleaning media 20, e.g. a roll of paper towels, is then slid over the dispensing roller 14. The dispensing roller 14 is then placed back onto the frame 24 such that the cleaning media 20 is positioned between the grippers 170.
A blank cardboard core of a previously used roll of cleaning media is then positioned over the collection roller 16 in the same manner as described above relative to the dispensing roller 14. An unwound edge of the cleaning media 20 is then affixed to the blank core on the collection roller 16. The leading end of the cleaning media 20 may be affixed to the blank core using tape or another adhesive. Alternatively, the leading end of the cleaning media 20 may be adhered directly to the collection roller 16 without the use of a blank cardboard core. However, it will be recognized that using the blank cardboard core will facilitate the quick removal of soil cleaning media 20 from the collection roller 16. Once the leading end of the cleaning media 20 is affixed to the blank cardboard core, or alternatively directly affixed to the collection roller 16, the floor cleaning apparatus is ready for operation.
To operate the floor cleaning apparatus a user simply pushes the floor cleaning apparatus 12, and more particularly the cleaning surface 22 having a length of cleaning media 20 positioned over the cleaning surface 22, back and forth over flooring to collect dirt and other particles. Prior to moving the floor cleaning apparatus 12 over the flooring, the user can spray a cleaning solution upon the floor. The collection media 20 will collect the dirt or other particles, as well as the cleaning solution as it passes thereover.
Once the section of the cleaning media 20 extending over the cleaning surface 22 has collected a sufficient amount of dirt and/or used cleaning solution, the user can move the slidable grip 40 along the handle 26 in direction 44 to initiate a winding cycle. This will cause the used cleaning media 20 extending over the cleaning surface 22 to be wound upon the collection roller 16 and be replaced with an unused length of cleaning media 20 simultaneously unwound from the dispensing roller 14. Thereafter, a user can continue moving the floor cleaning apparatus 12 across the floor to continue cleaning, and repeat the wind cycle as needed.
As described herein, the floor cleaning apparatus 12 overcomes prior designs by allowing a user to incorporate an off the shelf roll of cleaning media 20, e.g. paper towels, to clean a floor. The user can unwind soiled cleaning media from the dispensing roller 14 and simultaneously wind soiled cleaning media onto the collection roller 16 to insure that effective cleaning is accomplished. The floor cleaning apparatus 12 thus allows the user to use an entire roll of cleaning media for it is necessary to place the same. Further, the user can use any desired cleaning solution in combination with the cleaning media 20 and is not limited to pre-impregnated pads or the like.
All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
