Random motion cleaner

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6571415
  • Patent Number
    6,571,415
  • Date Filed
    Friday, December 1, 2000
    23 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, June 3, 2003
    21 years ago
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.
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