Patent Application
20200129032
The present invention relates generally to commercial floor cleaning and more particularly to a squeegee assembly for a ride-on commercial floor cleaner.
Commercial ride-on floor scrubbing machines are well known in the art. These machines come in several varieties including that that use rotating disc brushes, rotating cylindrical brushes, and orbital pads. These machines often apply a cleaning solution, such as water or other chemical combinations, to the floor surface. The cleaning solution is applied ahead of the brushes, which helps to loosen and remove dirt, floor finish and/or grime from the floor. A vacuum system is then used with the machine to suction the solution from the floor as the machine passes over the cleaning area. In order to assist the vacuum in removing the water and/or cleaning solution from the floor, a squeegee is configured behind the vacuum nozzle which helps to direct the fluid towards the nozzle while the machine is in motion.
Depending on this configuration, the squeegee sometimes has difficulty in containing and directing all the fluid toward the vacuum nozzle. In practice, the squeegee can only be so wide since it must allow the machine to pass through a 36-in door frame. Moreover, issues can occur when the scrubbing machine does not have side skirts on either side of the scrubbing brushes that further help to contain the fluid under the machine. When the machine is required to make a tight turn to change direction or avoid obstacles, the squeegee must move with the turn in order to prevent excess fluid remaining on the floor—outside of the squeegee's path. Often the squeegee cannot move effectively, hence new solutions are required to make the squeegee more efficient and prevent excess cleaning fluid from remaining on the floor.
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related a squeegee assembly using with a commercial ride-one orbital scrubber. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating the inventions as described herein.
In order for the inner squeegee blade 205 and outer squeegee blade 207 to travel in an accurate motion, a curved rail 209 is used. The curved rail includes a frame having an arced gap or slot 211 where the squeegee frame 206 is mechanically fastened below rail so that it slides within the slot. The motion of the squeegee frame within the slot is facilitated using a roller mount 213 that uses a plurality of rollers 215 that ride in the slot 211. A plurality of casters 217 are used to allow the rail 209 to easily move across the floor with the inner squeegee blade 205 and outer squeegee blade 207 working to direct water and/or cleaning solution to the vacuum inlet 219.
Thus, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a squeegee assembly for use with use with a commercial cleaning machine that uses one or more squeegee blades attached to a frame. A roller is connected to the frame where an orbital rail for guides the roller mount within a slot in the rail though at least 150 degrees of arc so that the blades can capture at water and cleaning residue on the floor while the cleaning machine enters a sharp turn.
The squeegee assembly as described herein, allows for the elimination of side skirts that typically mount on the sides of a scrub head (Orbital, Disc, or cylindrical). Since side skirts can be problematic and work to contain the fluid from the scrub head so that a squeegee system can contain the fluid—especially when the cleaning machine is making turns. With the present invention, fluid can be contained that is left behind from the scrub head without the use of side skirts. The use of a curved rail assembly allows the squeegee to swing further left and right when making turns that a traditional squeegee system would require side skirts. Moreover, when side skits are eliminated, the squeegee would need to get wider to allow fluid pickup in a turn. The present invention enables fluid to be picked-up or removed from the floor surface that remains behind the scrub head without having to make the squeegee assembly wider. This allows the machine to travel though doorways without having to remove the squeegee assembly. Finally, unlike other machines, the invention allows the squeegee to function independently of the scrub head.
In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62751650 | Oct 2018 | US |
