FLOOR SCRUBBER WITH BASEBOARD CLEANER

Abstract

A floor cleaning tool includes a housing that retains a motor for driving a pair of scrubbers configured for rotational motion for contacting the floor below the frame. A baseboard scrubbing assembly is mounted at the front of the housing in a vertical orientation perpendicular to the floor. A baseboard pad simultaneously contacts the baseboard adjacent the floor as the scrubbers are moved across the floor.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to floor cleaning tool with accessories for simultaneously performing additional cleaning tasks, namely cleaning baseboards and/or scrubbing grout.

BACKGROUND

Floor cleaning implements are well known and come in many forms, using manual or motorized means for powering the cleaning action. To do a thorough cleaning job on a floor, it is often necessary to also clean the baseboards surrounding the floor. A common way of cleaning baseboards is for the cleaner to crouch or kneel down next to the wall and scrub with a rag or cleaning cloth. Some tools have been developed specifically for cleaning baseboards without requiring the user to bend or crouch. One such example is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,296,943 of Sandoval. This is a specialized tool that performs no other function but cleaning the baseboard. Use of a specialized tool means that the cleaner must separately clean the baseboard and the floor, each with different tool, increasing the amount of time required to do a thorough cleaning job.

Ideally, there would be a tool that can easily perform multiple functions at the same time, saving time and effort for the user. The present invention is directed to such a tool.

SUMMARY

A floor cleaning tool includes one or more cleaning surfaces for cleaning a floor extending from a frame at the end of a handle so that the cleaning surface(s) is held in an orientation parallel to and in contact with the floor. A baseboard cleaner pad is mounted on one side of the frame at a perpendicular position relative to the cleaning surface. The cleaning surface may be a mop, steam mop, vacuum, polisher or scrubber. In an exemplary embodiment, a scrubber includes two rotating pads removably attachable to a pair of motor-driven rotating disks. The frame is generally rectangular in shape with the longer sides of the rectangle corresponding to the front and the back. A pivotally-attached handle extends upward from back of the frame. One half of a fastener is disposed on the front of the frame to mate with the other half of a fastener on the back of the baseboard cleaner pad, allowing the baseboard cleaner pad to be attached to the frame at a 90° angle. As the user scrubs the floor, they can simultaneously scrub the baseboard on the adjacent wall in a single motion.

In some embodiments, a second fastener half is disposed on the back of the frame for mating with a fastener on a brush that extends downward from the frame. Attachment of the brush allows the user to scrub grout or stubborn marks on the floor while simultaneously polishing or buffing the floor with the scrubber's pad(s).

In one aspect, a combination cleaning assembly includes: a frame having a top surface, a bottom, a front and a back, the frame configured for retaining at least one motor and a power source for powering the motor; scrubbers extending from the bottom of the frame and connected to the at least one motor, the scrubbers configured for rotational motion for contacting a floor below the frame; a handle pivotally attached to the frame, the handle configured for moving the frame and scrubbers across the floor; and a baseboard scrubbing assembly comprising a planar support structure removably mounted at the front of the frame in a vertical orientation perpendicular to the floor; and a baseboard pad mounted on the planar support structure configured to simultaneously contact a baseboard adjacent the floor as the scrubbers are moved across the floor. The combination cleaning assembly may further include a brush scrubber releasably mounted on the bottom at the back of the frame. The scrubbers may be disks having fabric pads releasably attached thereto. The baseboard pad may be a washable, reusable fabric. In some embodiments, the power source may be a rechargeable battery.

In another aspect, a floor cleaning tool includes: a frame having a top surface, a bottom, a front and a back, the frame comprising a housing configured for retaining at least one motor and a power source for powering the motor; a pair of scrubbers extending from the bottom of the frame and connected to the at least one motor, the scrubbers configured for rotational motion for contacting a floor below the frame; a handle pivotally attached to the frame, the handle configured for moving the frame and scrubbers across the floor; and a baseboard scrubbing assembly having a planar support structure removably mounted at the front of the frame in a vertical orientation perpendicular to the floor and a baseboard pad mounted on the planar support structure configured to simultaneously contact a baseboard adjacent the floor as the scrubbers are moved across the floor. The floor cleaning tool may further include a brush scrubber releasably mounted near a center on the bottom at the back of the frame. Each scrubber may be a disk having a fabric pad releasably attached thereto. The baseboard pad may be a washable, reusable fabric. In some embodiments, the power source may be a rechargeable battery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1H are different views of a floor cleaning device with an attached baseboard cleaning pad according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1A is a left side view; FIG. 1B is a zoomed in view of the bottom of the device; FIG. 1C is a front view of the bottom of the device; FIG. 1D is a right side view; FIG. 1E is a rear view of the lower portion of the device; FIG. 1F is a bottom view; FIG. 1G is a top view; and FIG. 1H is a rear view of the device.

FIGS. 2A-2B are photographs of the bottom of the floor cleaning device according to an embodiment of the invention showing the attachment of a grout scrubbing brush to the bottom of the frame; FIG. 2C is a photograph showing the grout scrubbing brush in use.

FIG. 3 shows a collection of accessory attachments according to an embodiment of the inventive scrubber.

FIG. 4A is a photograph showing the front of an embodiment of the floor scrubber with the attachment receptable in the frame configured for receiving the baseboard cleaning pad; FIG. 4B is a photograph showing the scrubber and baseboard cleaning pad before attachment; FIG. 4C is a photograph showing the assembled floor scrubber and baseboard pad in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIGS. 1A-4C, a floor cleaning tool 2 includes one or more cleaning surfaces extending from a frame 12 so that the cleaning surface(s) is disposed in an orientation parallel to and in contact with the floor. Frame 12 houses at least one motor configured for generating rotational motion to drive rotation of the cleaning surfaces. A baseboard cleaner support structure 1 is configured to be mounted on one side of the frame 12 at a perpendicular position relative to the cleaning surface. The pad support structure 1 may be attached by way of a permanent or removable snap-on attachment, a magnet or other fastener as will be described below. The cleaning surface may be a mop, steam mop, vacuum, polisher or scrubber. In an exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-2C and FIGS. 4A-4C, the scrubber includes two rotating pads 24 removably attached to two or more motor-driven rotating disks 14. A single motor (not shown) may be provided for driving each disk, i.e., two motors in the exemplary embodiment, or a single motor may be provided to drive a belt, gears, or pulleys to rotate both disks. In some embodiments, DC motor(s) may be powered by a rechargeable battery housed within frame 12. A recharging port may be disposed in the frame for connection to an AC-DC charger. In other embodiments, disposable batteries may be used. Alternatively, an AC motor may be powered directly using a conventional power cord plug into a wall outlet. Activation of the scrubber motors may be affected using a switch disposed on frame 12 or on the upper end of handle 10. The rotational direction of the two disks will generally be in opposing directions, i.e., clockwise and counterclockwise. While the illustrations show embodiments with two disks, it will be apparent to those in the art that different numbers of disks may be used as long as the overall shape of frame 12 provides for a sufficiently straight line to support the baseboard cleaner 1 as will be described further below.

Referring briefly to FIG. 3, the rotating pads 24 may be a woven fabric (natural or synthetic), for example yarn, loops of textile attached to a backing of pad, e.g., chenille, microfiber, Tencel™, or similar fabrics. The contact surfaces of the pads 24 are formed to match the lower surface of the rigid disks 14 that extend down from the one or more motor disposed within frame 12. The pads are intended to be removable and replaceable, depending on the material used. For some applications, the pads may be disposable, while in other applications, the pads may be made from washable and reusable materials. Pads 24 may have a hook-and-pile-type fastener disposed on the upper surface to releasably attach to a corresponding fastener on the bottom of the disk 14, or the material of which the pad backing is made from a material that readily adheres to a hook material attached to the underside of the disk. Alternatively or in combination, the pads 24 may have an elastic or other resilient backing with a lip that allows them to be stretched to fit over the edges of the disk so that the pad is retained tightly onto the disk. Other means for releasably affixing the pads to the disks will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art.

Frame 12 is generally rectangular in shape, optionally with rounded corners or ends, i.e., a stadium, with the longer sides of the rectangle corresponding to the front 6 and the back 8. In some embodiments, front 6 and back 8 need not have equal lengths, such that frame 12 may have a trapezoidal shape. In other embodiments, frame may be triangular in shape. A pivotally-attached handle 10, preferably formed from metal such as aluminum or steel, extends upward from the near back 8 portion, centered lengthwise on frame 12. In some embodiments, the handle 10 may be telescoping and adjustable in length.

Referring for FIGS. 2A-2C, a fastening area 22 is provided in the lower surface of frame 12 near back 8 for releasable attachment of a brush scrubber 4, which is useful for grout cleaning on tile floors. In the illustrated example, sockets are formed in the bottom of frame 12 to receive corresponding bosses extending from the upper surface of scrubber 4. Insertion of the bosses into the sockets forms an interference fit that holds scrubber 4 in place. Alternatively or in combination, magnets, e.g., small neodymium (Nd) magnets, may be disposed in the bottoms of the sockets and at the upper ends of the bosses to reinforce the connection between the brush and the frame. In other implementations, resilient latches and sockets may be employed to releasably connect the brush scrubber to the frame. Various types and designs of latching members may be used as long as they serve the purpose of connecting the brush scrubber 4 to the frame 12 in a manner that can be released by the user.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C, baseboard cleaner 1 may be securely yet removably attached to frame 12 by forming a receptacle 26 in the front edge of the frame. The recessed area of receptacle 26 is dimensioned to receive a tab 28 that extends from the back surface of baseboard cleaner 1. Within receptacle 26 are additional fasteners to provide additional connection. These fasteners may be sockets for receiving a resilient spring loaded barb, or they may be mating magnets. In the illustrated example, Nd magnets 32 disposed within receptacle 26 provide a strong, releasable connection with magnets 38 on tab 28. Upon insertion of tab 28 into receptacle 26, additional support is provided by ribs 36, which rest on top of frame 12. Various types and designs of latching members may be used as long as they serve the purpose of connecting the baseboard cleaner 1 to the frame 12 in a manner that can be released by the user. Baseboard cleaning pad 34 may be attached to cleaner 1 using a hook-and-pile-like fastener. Alternatively, or in combination, an elastic band may be attached around the edges of the pad so that it fits tightly yet removably over the edges of baseboard cleaner support 1. As with the pads of the scrubber, the baseboard cleaner pad 34 may be formed from a washable and reusable natural or synthetic fabric.

The above-described combination floor scrubber and baseboard cleaner allows the user to simultaneously scrub the floor while cleaning the baseboard. While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A combination cleaning assembly, comprising: a frame having a top surface, a bottom, a front and a back, the frame configured for retaining at least one motor and a power source for powering the motor;scrubbers extending from the bottom of the frame and connected to the at least one motor, the scrubbers configured for rotational motion for contacting a floor below the frame;a handle pivotally attached to the frame, the handle configured for moving the frame and scrubbers across the floor; anda baseboard scrubbing assembly comprising: a planar support structure removably mounted at the front of the frame in a vertical orientation perpendicular to the floor; anda baseboard pad mounted on the planar support structure configured to simultaneously contact a baseboard adjacent the floor as the scrubbers are moved across the floor.

2. The combination cleaning assembly of claim 1, further comprising a brush scrubber releasably mounted on the bottom at the back of the frame.

3. The combination cleaning assembly of claim 1, wherein the scrubbers comprise disks having fabric pads releasably attached thereto.

4. The combination cleaning assembly of claim 1, wherein the baseboard pad comprises a washable, reusable fabric.

5. The combination cleaning assembly of claim 1, wherein the power source comprises a rechargeable battery.

6. A floor cleaning tool, comprising: a frame having a top surface, a bottom, a front and a back, the frame comprising a housing configured for retaining at least one motor and a power source for powering the motor;a pair of scrubbers extending from the bottom of the frame and connected to the at least one motor, each scrubber configured for rotational motion for contacting a floor below the frame;a handle pivotally attached to the frame, the handle configured for moving the frame and scrubbers across the floor; anda baseboard scrubbing assembly having a planar support structure removably mounted at the front of the frame in a vertical orientation perpendicular to the floor and a baseboard pad mounted on the planar support structure configured to simultaneously contact a baseboard adjacent the floor as the scrubbers are moved across the floor.

7. The floor cleaning tool of claim 6, further comprising a brush scrubber releasably mounted near a center on the bottom at the back of the frame.

8. The floor cleaning tool of claim 6, wherein each scrubber comprises a disk having a fabric pad releasably attached thereto.

9. The floor cleaning tool of claim 6, wherein the baseboard pad comprises a washable, reusable fabric.

10. The floor cleaning tool of claim 6, wherein the power source comprises a rechargeable battery.