Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6571415
-
Patent Number
6,571,415
-
Date Filed
Friday, December 1, 200024 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, June 3, 200321 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
- Lowe; A. Burgess
- Corrigan; Michael J.
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 015 491
- 015 971
- 015 98
- 015 319
- 015 246
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A self-propelled bare floor cleaner is provided having a random motion generator which enhances the maneuverability of the bare floor cleaner. The random motion generator is rotatably attached to the frame of the cleaner and propels the cleaner across the floor in a random motion. This random motion facilitates cleaning of the floor by making the cleaner easier to manipulate. The random motion generator includes a hollow spherical shell. In the preferred embodiment, the hollow spherical shell houses a weighted motor assembly which is rotatably mounted on a center fixed axle which extends diametrically between the first and second hemispherical halves and is attached thereto. The weighted motor assembly is comprised of a motor housing and a power source, such as batteries or cells. A motor is housed within the motor housing and rotates the motor housing about the center fixed axle. The power source is mounted to one side of the motor housing to provide an unbalanced weight to the motor assembly relative to the fixed center. This unbalanced weight causes the random motion generator to roll across the floor in a random motion and, thus, the bare floor cleaner is also propelled across the floor in a random motion to facilitate cleaning of the floor.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
This invention pertains to bare floor cleaners. More specifically, this invention pertains to a self-propelled bare floor cleaner which utilizes a spherical random motion device to randomly propel a cleaning device about a bare floor for use in picking up dirt and debris therefrom.
2. Description of Related Prior Art
It is known in the prior art to provide bare floor cleaners for use in removing dust and debris from hardwood floors, linoleum, tile and the like. Examples of such bare floor cleaners are dry mops, stick vacuum cleaners and upright vacuum cleaners. These cleaners have proven adequate for their intended purpose. However, they are known to be cumbersome and difficult to manipulate. Furthermore, these bare floor cleaners do not allow for easy cleaning of the floor surface under furniture without moving the furniture or significant bending or stooping.
It is also known in the prior art to provide self-propelled floor cleaners. These cleaners work well in buildings having wide, open or otherwise well-defined spaces. However, the cleaners are provided with a power cord, which is plugged into an AC receptacle, and the power cord tends to get caught or snagged on furniture and other household objects, thereby, making these cleaners unsuitable for home use.
Hart Enterprises, Inc. produces the Squiggle Ball™, comprising a hollow spherical ball formed of two spherical halves that are threaded together to form a hollow, spherical shell. Once activated, the Squiggle Ball™ randomly rolls along a provided surface. Further, the Squiggle Ball™ utilizes one AA type battery and has a finger actuated, combined push and rotate on/off power switch. The Squiggle Ball cannot be used as a cleaning device and its use is primarily for entertainment of pets and/or children.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,306,329, a self-propelled cleaning device having an internal power source is disclosed. The cleaning device uses a battery power supply and, thus, the need for a power cord is eliminated. However, the movement of the device is limited to either rotation about its axis at a fixed stationary point or motion in a straight line. This limited motion makes use of the cleaner in a home environment difficult and cumbersome. The cleaner cannot be easily maneuvered around furniture and other household objects.
The present invention utilizes a novel method and apparatus for overcoming these problems. A random motion generator is provided which operatively attaches to a bare floor cleaner to facilitate maneuverability of the cleaner. The random motion generator propels the bare floor cleaner across floors in a random motion. This random motion enables the bare floor cleaner to easily maneuver around furniture and other household objects. Furthermore, this random motion prevents the bare floor cleaner from being caught in comers and other such confined spaces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved self-propelled bare floor cleaner which is capable of removing dust and debris from a bare floor surface.
It is a further objective of this invention to provide an improved self-propelled bare floor cleaner which requires minimal manual manipulation thereof.
It is still a further objective to provide an improved self-propelled bare floor cleaner capable of cleaning beneath furniture without moving the same.
It is still a further objective to provide an improved self-propelled bare floor cleaner which is easily maneuvered around furniture and other household objects.
These and other objectives of the present invention are achieved by one embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein wherein there is provided a self-propelled bare floor cleaner having a random motion generator for randomly propelling the cleaner across a floor. The random motion generator includes a hollow spherical shell formed from first and second hemispherical halves. The hollow spherical shell houses a weighted motor assembly which is rotatably mounted on a center fixed axle which extends diametrically between the first and second hemispherical halves and is attached thereto. The weighted motor assembly is comprised of a motor housing and a power source, such as batteries or cells. A motor is housed within the motor housing and rotates the motor housing about the center fixed axle. The power source is mounted to one side of the motor housing to provide an unbalanced weight to the motor assembly relative to the fixed center. This unbalanced weight causes the random motion generator to roll across the floor in a random motion and, thus, the bare floor cleaner is also propelled across the floor in a random motion to facilitate cleaning thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
FIG. 1
is a perspective view of a self-propelled bare floor cleaner having a random motion generator according to the present invention;
FIG. 2
is a side-sectional view of the self-propelled bare floor cleaner having a random motion generator;
FIG. 3
is a sectional view of the random motion generator;
FIG. 4
is a side sectional view of a charging stand for the random motion generator;
FIG. 5
is a side sectional view of the present invention showing a power switch on the random motion generator in the activated position;
FIG. 5A
is a side sectional view of the present invention showing a power switch on the random motion generator in the deactivated position; and
FIG. 6
is a side sectional view of the present invention showing the AC to DC adapter and the AC power receptacle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A self-propelled bare floor cleaner
10
having a random motion generator
12
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated by way of example in
FIGS. 1 and 2
. The floor cleaner
10
is comprised of a cleaning assembly
14
which is randomly propelled over bare floors
16
by the random motion generator
12
.
Continuing to view
FIGS. 1 and 2
, the cleaning assembly
14
includes a frame
60
, a means for securing the random motion generator
12
to the frame
60
and a cleaning device, which in the preferred embodiment is dust cloth
74
. The frame
60
comprises a cylindrical wall
62
having an open first end
64
and an angled wall section
68
attached thereto and extending downward and outward therefrom. A peripheral lip
66
attaches to the angled wall section
68
and extends outward and parallel to the floor
16
. The peripheral lip
66
may comprise patches of Teflon®, felt or other low friction material on its lower surface to facilitate sliding of the frame
60
over the underlying surface
16
. Further, the open first end
64
of the cylindrical wall
62
receives the random motion generator
12
, and the diameter of the open first end
64
is slightly larger than the diameter of the random motion generator
12
, which allows the random motion generator
12
to be positioned within the cylindrical wall
62
. The random motion generator
12
is rotatably attached to the frame
60
and is positioned in such a manner as to allow the random motion generator
12
to contact the floor
16
and roll thereon.
Since the diameter of the open first end
64
is larger than the diameter of the random motion generator
12
, a securing means is used to secure the random motion generator
12
to the frame
60
. In the preferred embodiment, the securing means is comprised of an inner annular lip
70
, best seen in FIG.
2
. The inner annular lip
70
extends inwardly from the first end of the cylindrical wall
62
and is spaced slightly above the floor
16
. Further, the surface of the lip
70
contacting the random motion generator
12
may comprise dimples to decrease friction between the random motion generator
12
and the frame
60
. However, any securing means which secures the random motion generator
12
to the frame
60
and allows the random motion generator
12
to roll randomly across the floor
16
is within the scope of this invention. Also, a cover (not shown) may be provided for enclosing the top of the cylindrical frame
60
to further secure the random motion generator
12
therein and to enhance the appearance of the self-propelled bare floor cleaner
10
.
The dust cloth
74
has a frayed peripheral edge
78
for picking up dust and debris from the floor
16
. Additionally, the dust cloth
74
may be sprayed with a cleaning solution to enhance the collection of dust and debris. In the preferred embodiment, the dust cloth is removably attached to the frame
60
so that the dust cloth
74
can be removed from the frame
60
and cleaned. In
FIG. 2
, the dust cloth
74
is removably attached to the bottom surface of the peripheral lip
66
and the angled wall section
68
. However, the dust cloth
74
may be secured to the frame
60
in any manner which allows the dust cloth
74
to adequately contact the floor
16
. Similarly, any securing means, such as, hook and loop type fasteners, adhesives, or double sided tapes, may be used to secure the dust cloth
74
to the frame
60
.
Turning now to
FIGS. 5 and 5A
, the random motion generator
12
may also include a power switch
54
having first and second positions
55
,
56
for selectively activating a weighted motor assembly
32
, (shown in FIG.
3
), as will be explained in further detail below. The power switch
54
may attach to the random motion generator
12
and operatively connect to the weighted motor assembly
32
(shown in FIG.
3
). The weighted motor assembly
32
(shown in
FIG. 3
) is activated by moving the power switch to its first position
55
, as seen in FIG.
5
. Similarly, the weighted motor assembly
32
(shown in
FIG. 3
) is deactivated by moving the power switch to its second position
56
, as shown in FIG.
5
A. No matter what type of power switch
54
is utilized, its activation or first position
55
should not inhibit the random rolling motion of the random motion generator
12
on the underlying surface
16
.
With continuing reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2
, the random motion generator
12
is illustrated. The random motion generator
12
includes a hollow spherical shell
20
which in the preferred embodiment is formed from first and second hemispherical halves
22
and
24
. The hemispherical halves
22
and
24
have mated threads for removably securing the hemispherical halves
22
and
24
to each other. However, any means, such as snaps or screws, which removably secures the hemispherical halves
22
and
24
to each other may be used.
In the preferred embodiment, a rubber ring
26
is mounted between the hemispherical halves
22
and
24
and extends outwardly from an outer surface
28
of the spherical shell
20
, as shown in FIG.
1
. The rubber ring
26
causes the spherical shell
20
to incline slightly to one side or the other and to roll along a slightly curved path. This enhances the random rolling of the random motion generator
12
, as will be explained in further detail below.
With reference to
FIG. 3
, in the preferred embodiment spherical shell
20
has a hollow interior
30
for housing a weighted motor assembly
32
. The weighted motor assembly
32
is rotatably mounted on a center fixed axle
27
which extends diametrically across opposing sides of the sphere between the hemispherical halves
22
and
24
of the random motion generator
12
and is attached thereto. The weighted motor assembly
32
is comprised of a motor housing
36
and a power means, such as, batteries
40
. A motor
38
is housed within the motor housing
36
and rotates the motor housing
36
about the center fixed axle
27
. The batteries
40
are attached to one side of the motor housing
36
to provide an unbalanced weight to the motor assembly
32
relative to the center fixed axle
27
which causes the random motion generator
12
to roll across the floor in a random motion. A plurality of wires
52
extends between the motor and the batteries
40
to provide the necessary electrical connections therebetween.
In the preferred embodiment, weights
42
are attached to the batteries
40
and/or the motor housing
36
on the same side of the motor housing
36
as the batteries
40
. This increases the unbalanced weight of the motor assembly
32
relative to the center fixed axle
27
which enhances the random rolling of the random motion generator
12
.
In the preferred embodiment, rechargeable batteries
40
are used to power the motor
38
. Rechargeable batteries
40
are preferred because they can be recharged without having to disassemble the random motion generator
12
, which must be disassembled to replace the non-rechargeable batteries
40
. Disassembly of the random motion generator
12
is time consuming and can cause damage to the random motion generator
12
.
With reference to
FIGS. 4 and 6
, a charging stand
80
for recharging the rechargeable batteries
40
is illustrated. The charging stand
80
is comprised of a cylindrical wall
82
having a first end, a support platform
84
, and an AC to DC power adapter
46
having first and second ends
46
a
,
46
b
. The support platform
84
is mounted to the first end
81
of the cylindrical wall
82
. The support platform
84
includes a circular indentation
86
for receiving the random motion generator
12
and an opening
88
positioned within the circular indentation
86
for receiving the first end
46
a
of the power adapter
46
. Viewing
FIG. 6
, the second end
46
b
of the power adapter
46
is connected to a power cord
90
which can be plugged into an AC power receptacle
45
to recharge the batteries
40
.
The random motion generator
12
has a receiving mechanism
47
for receiving the DC charge and transmitting it to the batteries
40
, as shown in FIG.
3
. The receiving mechanism
47
includes a receptacle
48
for receiving the first end
46
a
of the power adapter
46
and a switch
50
. The receptacle
48
is mounted on the motor assembly
32
and positioned within an opening
44
located on either the first or the second hemispherical half
22
and
24
of the random motion generator
12
. During periods of non-use, the random motion generator
12
is recharged by plugging the first end
46
a
of the power adapter
46
into the receptacle
48
, which has a complimentary shape. When the first end
46
a
of the power adapter
46
is plugged into the receptacle, the switch, which is positioned adjacent to the receptacle
48
, turns the motor assembly
32
off to enable recharging of the batteries
40
. A plurality of wires
52
extends between the motor
38
, batteries
40
, receptacle
48
and switch
50
to provide the necessary electrical connectors therebetween.
In the preferred embodiment, the charging stand
80
includes an ejection assembly
96
, as shown in FIG.
4
. During periods of use, the ejection assembly
96
is used to remove the random motion generator
12
from the charging stand
80
. The ejection assembly
96
is comprised of an ejection arm
106
, a linkage arm
104
having first and second ends, a support
102
and a foot pedal
100
. The ejection arm
106
extends through two apertures
92
in the support platform
84
. The apertures
92
are positioned diametrically opposite one another with the opening
88
formed therebetween. The ejection arm
106
is attached to the first end of the linkage arm
104
and the second end of the linkage arm
104
is attached to the support
102
. The foot pedal
100
is pivotally mounted to the support
102
. When the foot pedal
100
is depressed, the ejection arm
106
is projected through the apertures
92
in the support platform
84
and contacts the random motion generator
12
. The ejection arm
106
exerts an upward force on the random motion generator
12
which results in the random motion generator
12
being ejected from the charging stand
80
. When the random motion generator
12
is ejected from the charging stand
80
, the first end
46
a
of the AC to DC power adapter
46
is removed from the receptacle
48
which activates the switch
50
and turns the random motion generator
12
on to facilitate use of the bare floor cleaner
10
. A ramp
85
may be operatively attached to the cylindrical wall
82
and/or the support platform
84
to facilitate removal of the random motion generator
12
from the charging stand
80
by allowing the random motion generator
12
to roll down the ramp
85
to the floor
16
without damage.
In
FIG. 4
, the random motion generator
12
is shown without the cleaning assembly
14
. However, the cleaning assembly
14
may be attached to the random motion generator
12
during charging of the random motion generator
12
on the charging stand
80
.
A method of using the self-propelled bare floor cleaner
10
according to the present invention includes the steps of activating the weighted motor assembly
32
either by depressing the foot pedal
100
to eject the random motion generator
12
from the charging stand
80
, thereby, causing the switch
50
to activate the weighted motor assembly
32
or by moving the power switch
54
to the first position
55
to activate the weighted motor assembly
32
, contacting the spherical shell
20
with the floor
16
and randomly propelling the bare floor cleaner
10
across the floor
16
to pick up dirt and debris therefrom.
The present invention has been described above using a preferred embodiment by way of example only. Obvious modifications within the scope of the present invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill upon reading the above description and viewing the appended drawings. The present invention described above and as claimed in the appended claims is intended to include all such obvious modifications within the scope of the present invention.
Claims
- 1. A self-propelled bare floor cleaner, comprising:a dusting assembly; and a random motion generator operatively connected to said dusting assembly, said dusting assembly comprising: a frame having a wall; a securing mechanism for securing the random motion generator within the frame; and a dusting cloth attaching to the frame.
- 2. The self propelled bare floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein said random motion generator includes:a hollow substantially spherical shell rotatably attached to the frame; and a weighted motor assembly having a motor for rotating the random motion generator and rotatably attached to a center fixed axle, the center fixed axle extending diametrically across opposing sides of said spherical shell.
- 3. The self-propelled bare floor cleaner of claim 2, further comprising:a power switch having first and second positions, the power switch operatively connected to the weighted motor assembly, wherein when the power switch is in the first position, the weighted motor assembly is activated and when the power switch is in the second position, the weighted motor assembly is deactivated.
- 4. The self-propelled bare floor cleaner of claim 2, wherein the random motion generator includes a rubber ring operatively mounted on the perimeter of said spherical shell.
- 5. The self propelled bare floor cleaner of claim 2, wherein said hollow substantially spherical shell includes first and second hemispherical halves.
- 6. The self-propelled bare floor cleaner of claim 2, wherein said weighted motor assembly includes a motor housing for housing the motor and a power source being operatively mounted to one side of the motor housing to provide an unbalanced weight to the weighted motor assembly.
- 7. The self-propelled bare floor cleaner of claim 6, wherein at least one weight is operatively mounted to the same side of the weighted motor assembly as the power source.
- 8. The self-propelled bare floor cleaner of claim 6, wherein the power source is at least one battery.
- 9. The self-propelled bare floor cleaner of claim 8, wherein the at least one battery is rechargeable.
- 10. The self-propelled bare floor cleaner of claim 9, wherein the random motion generator includes a receiving mechanism for recharging the rechargeable battery.
- 11. The self-propelled bare floor cleaner of claim 10, wherein the receiving mechanism includes:a receptacle operatively connected to the weighted motor assembly and fixedly positioned within a first opening of the random motion generator; and, a switch operatively connected to the receptacle and the weighted motor assembly, wherein when an AC to DC power adapter contacts the receptacle, the switch turns the weighted motor assembly off to facilitate charging of the at least one battery, and when the AC to DC power adapter is removed from the receptacle, the switch turns the weighted motor assembly on to facilitate use of the bare floor cleaner.
- 12. The self-propelled bare floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the frame includes:a cylindrical wall having a first end, the first end of the cylindrical wall forming a first cylindrical wall opening having a diameter larger than the diameter of the random motion generator, the first cylindrical wall opening receiving the random motion generator; an angled wall section attached to the first end of the cylindrical wall and extending outwardly therefrom; and, a peripheral lip attached to the angled wall.
- 13. The self-propelled bare floor cleaner of claim 12, wherein the securing mechanism for securing the random motion generator within the frame includes an inner lip, the inner lip operatively attaching to the first end of the cylindrical wall of the frame.
- 14. A self-propelled bare floor cleaner, comprising:a cleaning assembly; and a random motion generator operatively connected to said cleaning assembly, said cleaning assembly comprising: a frame having a wall; a securing mechanism for securing the random motion generator within the frame; and a cleaning device attaching to the frame; said random motion generator includes: a hollow substantially spherical shell rotatably attached to the frame; and a weighted motor assembly having a motor for rotating the random motion generator and rotatably attached to a center fixed axle, the center fixed axle extending diametrically across opposing sides of said spherical shell.
- 15. The self-propelled bare floor cleaner of claim 14, wherein said weighted motor assembly includes a motor housing for housing the motor and a power source being operatively mounted to one side of the motor housing to provide an unbalanced weight to the weighted motor assembly.
- 16. The self-propelled bare floor cleaner of claim 15, further comprising:a power switch having first and second positions, the power switch operatively connected to the weighted motor assembly, wherein when the power switch is in the first position, the weighted motor assembly is activated and when the power switch is in the second position, the weighted motor assembly is deactivated.
- 17. The self-propelled bare floor cleaner of claim 15, wherein the random motion generator includes a rubber ring operatively mounted on the perimeter of said spherical shell.
- 18. The self-propelled bare floor cleaner of claim 15, wherein at least one weight is operatively mounted to the same side of the weighted motor assembly as the power source.
- 19. The self-propelled bare floor cleaner of claim 15, wherein the power source is at least one battery.
- 20. The self-propelled bare floor cleaner of claim 19, wherein the at least one battery is rechargeable.
- 21. The self-propelled bare floor cleaner of claim 20, wherein the random motion generator includes a receiving mechanism for recharging the rechargeable battery.
- 22. The self-propelled bare floor cleaner of claim 21, wherein the receiving mechanism includes:a receptacle operatively connected to the weighted motor assembly and fixedly positioned within a first opening of the random motion generator; and, a switch operatively connected to the receptacle and the weighted motor assembly, wherein when an AC to DC power adapter contacts the receptacle, the switch turns the weighted motor assembly off to facilitate charging of the at least one battery, and when the AC to DC power adapter is removed from the receptacle, the switch turns the weighted motor assembly on to facilitate use of the bare floor cleaner.
- 23. The self-propelled bare floor cleaner of claim 14, wherein the frame includes:a cylindrical wall having a first end, the first end of the cylindrical wall forming a first cylindrical wall opening having a diameter larger than the diameter of the random motion generator, the first cylindrical wall opening receiving the random motion generator; an angled wall section attached to the first end of the cylindrical wall and extending outwardly therefrom; and, a peripheral lip attached to the angled wall.
- 24. The self-propelled bare floor cleaner of claim 14, wherein the securing mechanism for securing the random motion generator within the frame includes an inner lip, the inner lip operatively attaching to the first end of the cylindrical wall of the frame.
US Referenced Citations (20)
Foreign Referenced Citations (3)
Number |
Date |
Country |
100262881 |
Oct 1968 |
JP |
10-262881 |
Oct 1998 |
JP |
97703721 |
Jul 1994 |
KR |