EP2629652A2

EP2629652A2 - Carpet cleaning system and method

Info

Publication number: EP2629652A2
Application number: EP11835007.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ryan E. Kron; Michael J. Williams; Ronald Jones
Original assignee: Diversey Inc
Current assignee: Diversey Inc
Priority date: 2010-10-19
Filing date: 2011-10-18
Publication date: 2013-08-28
Also published as: WO2012054506A3; WO2012054506A2; US20130213438A1

Abstract

A carpet cleaning system including a cleaning agent that is one of dilutable with and dissolvable in water to generate a cleaning solution. The cleaning system includes a brush disc that has a substantially bowl-shaped glide plate, and bristles disposed in a bristle region. The cleaning system further includes a carpet cleaning apparatus that has a reservoir for containing the cleaning solution, a motor, an aeration device, a power source, and a control system. The motor rotatably actuates the brush disc. The aeration device is fluidly coupled to the reservoir for aerating the cleaning solution to generate foam. The aeration device dispenses foam into at least one of the opening of the glide plate and the bristle region at a rate equivalent to between about 0.028 gallons per minute and about 0.042 gallons per minute.

Description

CARPET CLEANING SYSTEM AND METHOD

BACKGROUND

[0001] Some conventional carpet cleaning machines use steam or hot water extraction to clean carpet. These systems typically spray hot water including a shampoo or cleaning solution into the carpet, and quickly extract the solution from the carpet using vacuum. High pressure jets of the hot water solution provide agitation of the carpet fibers while the temperature of the water, which is typically 100-180 degrees, increases cleaning

effectiveness. In many machines, the water-based cleaning solution is agitated by a brush disc attached to the cleaning system to clean the carpet.

[0002] Some conventional carpet cleaning machines apply water-based cleaning solution to the carpet using a rotatable brush that has bristles engaging the carpet. Typically, the water-based cleaning solution is gravity fed from a tank on the cleaning machine, and is dispensed through holes in the brush. During operation, the cleaning solution is dropped directly onto the carpet via the holes. Agitation of the cleaning solution via rotation of the brush disc generates foam in the carpet. Often, because the cleaning solution associated with these brush discs is water-based, the carpet becomes over-saturated with moisture. Over- saturating the carpet leads to relatively long carpet drying times (e.g., 8-10 or more hours). The longer the period of time the carpet remains wet, the greater the chance that mold, mildew, or other microorganisms will form in the carpet fibers. Also, long-term use of these conventional brushes can damage or distort the carpet due in part to over- saturation, and in some cases due to the carpet being subjected to excessive wear from the weight of the conventional cleaning machine resting on the bristles of the brush. In addition, longer carpet drying times can prevent the carpeted space from being used until the carpet is dry, which can be unacceptable in certain circumstances (such as in high-traffic areas, in retail business settings, and the like).

[0003] In some conventional rotary floor machines, a foamed cleaning solution is deposited onto the carpet. This cleaning is sometimes referred to as "dry foam cleaning," and typically involves aerating a water solution containing a higher percentage of shampoo or cleaner than the hot water extraction solution, to generate a foam that is deposited on the carpet. Most often, foam is worked into the carpet using a rotating brush, which also agitates the carpet to assist in the removal of dirt. These conventional cleaning machines typically direct a cleaning solution (e.g., shampoo) into a foam generating pump of the cleaning machine prior to dispensing foam onto the carpet through the brush. The brush can take various forms, such as a disc brush with rings of bristles, a star-patterned brush disc, and the like. During operation, the low moisture foam dispensed onto the carpet keeps the carpet relatively dry. Some dry foam systems include vacuum extractors for removing foam, while in other systems foam residue encapsulating the carpet dirt is vacuumed up after the carpet has dried. While carpets cleaned with this type of conventional cleaning machine are typically not over-saturated with water, the carpet is still typically subjected to excessive wear and fiber degradation due to the weight of the cleaning machine resting on the bristles of the brush.

SUMMARY

[0004] In some embodiments, a carpet cleaning system is provided, and includes a cleaning agent being at least one of dilutable with and dissolvable in water to generate a cleaning solution; a brush disc including a substantially bowl-shaped glide plate located adjacent a center of the brush disc, the glide plate having a bottom wall and a walled periphery extending upward from the bottom wail to define an upward-facing opening opposite the bottom wall, the brush disc further including bristles disposed in a bristle region located radially outward from the glide plate; and a carpet cleaning apparatus including: a reservoir for containing the cleaning solution, a motor for rotatably actuating the brush disc, an aeration device fluidly coupled to the reservoir for aerating the cleaning solution to generate foam, the aeration device configured to dispense foam into at least one of the opening of the glide plate and the bristle region, a power source for providing power to the motor and the aeration device, and a control system for controlling the motor and the aeration device; wherein the aeration device dispenses foam at a rate equivalent to between about 0.028 gallons of cleaning solution per minute and about 0.042 gallons of cleaning solution per minute.

[0005] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method of cleaning a carpet with a carpet cleaning machine, wherein the method comprises at least one of diluting and dissolving a concentrated cleaning agent in water to generate a cleaning solution; aerating the cleaning solution; dispensing the cleaning solution to at least one of a bowl-shaped glide plate and a plurality of bristles of a brush disc at a rate equivalent to between about 0.028 gallons of aerated cleaning solution per minute and about 0.042 gallons of aerated cleaning solution per minute; and rotating the brush disc to distribute the aerated cleaning solution onto the carpet.

[0006] In some embodiments, a carpet cleaning system is provided, and comprises a brush disc rotatable about an axis and including bristles; a motor drivably coupled to the brush disc; a reservoir; a cleaning agent being at least one of dilutable with and dissolvable in water to generate a cleaning solution contained in the reservoir; an aerator positioned to receive and aerate the cleaning solution to generate foam; a port through which foam is configured to be dispensed to the bristles at a rate of between about 0.028 gallon of foam per minute and about 0.042 gallon of foam per minute.

[0007] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a carpet cleaning system including a brush disc embodying the present invention.

[0009] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the brush disc of Fig. 1 , including bristles and a glide plate.

[0010] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the brush disc of Fig. 2.

[0011] Fig. 4 is a cross-section view of the brush disc of Fig. 2, taken along line 4-4 of

Fig. 2.

[0012] Fig. 5 is a top view of the glide plate of Fig. 2.

[0013] Fig. 6 is a side view of the glide plate of Fig. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

[0015] Figs. 1-6 show an exemplary carpet cleaning system 10 embodying the present invention. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the cleaning system 10 includes a cleaning machine 15, a brush disc 20, and a cleaning agent (contained within reservoir 45) that can be used to clean a carpet floor surface 25 or other similar floor surfaces. The illustrated cleaning machine 15 has a base assembly 30, a handle assembly 35 connected to the base assembly 30 by a frame member (embodied as a shaft 40 in the illustrated embodiment) extending upward from the base assembly 30, and the reservoir 45, which is shown coupled to the frame member 40 between the base assembly 30 and the handle assembly 35.

[0016] The illustrated base assembly 30 includes a housing 75 and a shroud 80 or brush support that is disposed below the housing 75. Wheels 85 are rotatably coupled to the housing 75 such that an operator can tilt the cleaning machine 15 rearwardly to permit movement of the machine 15 to a different area when the machine 15 is in an "off state. As illustrated in Fig. 1, when the machine 15 is in an "on" state, the wheels 85 are displaced or spaced apart from the floor surface 25.

[0017] With continued reference to the illustrated embodiment, the housing 75 is attached to and supports a motor 90 and a foam generator (aeration device 95 in the illustrated embodiment). The motor 90 and the aeration device 95 are connected to a controller (e.g., coupled to the handle assembly 35 or disposed in the housing 75) and to a power source via a power cord 100 that extends from the cleaning machine 15. In some embodiments, the motor 90 and the aeration device 95 can also or instead be powered in other manner (e.g., one or more batteries, etc.). The motor 90 of the illustrated embodiment is mounted to the top of the shroud 80, and has a shaft (not shown) that is oriented substantially vertically adjacent a center of the shroud 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 90 is offset from the center of the shroud 80, and is engaged with a brush disc 20 driver (not shown) via a chain, gear, belt, or other connection. In other embodiments, the motor 90 can be located over the center of the shroud 80 to directly engage the brush disc 20 or mechanical elements rotatably and drivably coupling the brush disc 20 to the motor shaft.

[0018] The illustrated aeration device 95 is fluidly coupled to the reservoir 45 by a hose 105 coupled to and extending from the reservoir 45. In some embodiments, the hose 105 is coupled to a bottom of the reservoir 45. The aeration device 95 of the illustrated embodiment is located downstream of and substantially below the reservoir 45, and is also located above and in fluid communication with the brash disc 20 (e.g., via one or more tubes or hoses or channels).

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, the shroud 80 is disc-shaped and supports the handle assembly 35, the reservoir 45, the motor 90, and the aeration device 95. As shown in Fig. 1, the shroud 80 encloses a portion of the brush disc 20. In some embodiments, the shroud 80 can include a resilient material 110 adjacent the periphery of the shroud 80 to protect the shroud 80 from damage due to impact with walls or furniture.

[0020] The illustrated handle assembly 35 is located above and coupled to the base assembly 30 via the shaft 40, and includes handles 120 and handle controls 125 that are located adjacent a distal end of the shaft 40. The handles 120 include grips that allow an operator to maneuver the cleaning machine 15 on the floor surface 25. In some

embodiments, the handles 120 are adjustable.

[0021] With particular reference to Fig. 1, the illustrated handle controls 125 are located adjacent the handles 120 so the operator can reach the handle controls 125 while guiding movement of the cleaning machine 15. The handle controls 125 of the illustrated

embodiment generally include a motor activation switch 130 (e.g., for varying the cleaning machine 15 between an "off state and an "on" state) and one or more levers 135 for controlling characteristics of the cleaning machine 15 (e.g., the speed of the cleaning machine 15, rotation of the brush disc 20, etc.).

[0022] The reservoir 45 of the illustrated carpet cleaning system 10 is coupled to the shaft 40 and holds cleaning solution. Generally, the reservoir 45 can be formed or manufactured from any material suitable for supporting or containing the liquid cleaning solution. As shown in Fig. 1, a reservoir filler cap 140 is positioned over an opening at the top of the reservoir 45.

[0023] The illustrated cleaning machine 15 also includes a first control mechanism 145 and a second control mechanism 150 coupled to a top portion of the reservoir 45 for controlling the cleaning characteristics of the cleaning machine 15. In some embodiments, the cleaning machine 15 may include fewer or more than two control mechanisms.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the first control mechanism 145 controls the level of cleaning (e.g., levels 0-4) provided by the machine 15 based on desired cleaning characteristics. For example, level 0 can correspond to a standby mode for the cleaning machine 15 (i.e., no cleaning), level 1 can correspond to a light cleaning level, level 2 can correspond to an mtermediate cleaning level, level 3 can correspond to an advanced cleaning level, and level 4 can correspond to a near extraction cleaning level. Other levels of cleaning are also possible and considered herein. The quantity of cleaning solution that is dispensed from the reservoir 45 to the aeration device 95 is based at least in part on the desired level of cleaning. Generally, the higher the level of cleanmg that is selected, more cleaning solution is dispensed from the reservoir 45.

[0025] The second control mechanism 150 of the illustrated embodiment controls a vent on the cleaning machine 15 to allow excess air to escape from the reservoir 45. The second control mechanism 150 is removable from the reservoir 45 so that the control mechanism 150 can be cleaned, if necessary.

[0026] Generally, the handle controls 125 and the first and second control mechanisms 145, 150 define a portion of a control system of the cleaning machine 15 that controls various parameters associated with the cleaning machine 15. The reservoir 45, the motor 90, the aeration device 95, the power source (not shown), and the control system (also not shown) define a carpet cleaning apparatus of the cleaning system 10.

[0027] With continued reference to the illustrated embodiment, the brush disc 20 is located under the shroud 80, and is coupled to the motor shaft such that the brush disc 20 rotates about an axis 50 to agitate carpet during cleaning. As shown in Figs. 2-6, the brush disc 20 includes a brush disc adapter 55, a brush base 60 that supports a plurality of bristles 65, and a glide plate 70. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the brush disc 20 is detachably coupled to the cleaning machine 15 below the shroud 80 via engagement of the brush disc adapter 55 with a brush disc driver (not shown). The brush disc adapter 55 is located at the center of the brush base 60, and is secured to the brush base 60 using suitable attachment elements or structure (e.g., fasteners, adhesive, clamping force, a press fit, etc.). For example, the brush disc adapter 55 can include engagement portions that rotatably engage and interlock with corresponding attachment portions on the brush disc driver to secure the brush disc 20 to the cleaning machine 15. In this manner, the brush disc 20 can be coupled to the brush disc driver without the use of tools.

[0028] The brush base 60 is defined by a diameter (e.g., 17 inches, 20 inches) and includes a hole 155 that supports the brush disc adapter 55 at the center of the brush base 60. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of fasteners 160 attach the bristles 65 to the brush base 60. As shown in Fig. 2, the bristles 65 are disposed in a bristle region 165 located radially outward from or circumferentially around the glide plate 70. The bristle region 165 defines a cleaning area of the brush base 60. At least a portion of the bristle region 165 is located at no less than about four inches and no greater than about twelve inches from the axis 50. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the bristle region 165 is located at no less than about six inches from the axis 50 and no greater than about nine inches from the axis 50. Other distances of the bristle region 165 relative to the axis 50 are possible and considered herein.

[0029] The illustrated brush disc 20 defines a ratio of the bristle region area of the brush base 60 to the glide plate area of the brush base 60 that is approximately 8 (e.g., the bristle region 165 has an area that is approximately 89 percent of the total area of the brush base 60 and the glide plate 70 has an area that is approximately 11 percent of the total area of the brush base 60). The area ratio can be larger or smaller than 8 depending on the location of the bristle region 165 relative to the axis 50 and the size of the glide plate 70. Also as illustrated, the bristles 65 are substantially equally spaced apart from each other. Generally, the bristles 65 can be arranged on the brush base 60 around the glide plate 70 in any manner desired (e.g., bristles 65 spaced apart different distances from each other, star pattern, radially- extending spokes of bristles, etc.).

[0030] With reference now to Figs. 2-6, the illustrated glide plate 70 is substantially bowl-shaped, and is located adjacent the center of the brush disc 20 below the brush disc adapter 55, and in some embodiments can support substantially all of the weight of the carpet cleaning machine 15. The glide plate 70 can be formed from any suitable material (e.g., metal, plastic, composite, etc.). In other embodiments, the glide plate 70 supports at least some of the weight of the cleaning machine 15.

[0031] As shown in Figs. 4-6, the illustrated glide plate 70 includes a bottom wall 170 and a walled periphery 175 that cooperate to define a foam receptacle 180. The bottom wall 170 has a middle portion 185 and an outer radial portion 190 that is slightly lower than the middle portion 185 (as viewed in Fig. 4). Fastening mechanisms 195 (e.g., rivet-nuts or t- bolts) are attached to and spaced around the outer radial portion 190 to adjustably couple the glide plate 70 to the brash base 60 using fasteners 200 (one shown) that extend downward (as viewed in Fig. 4) through fastener apertures 205 (one shown) in the brush base 60. Two or more fastening mechanisms 195 can be used to adjustable attach the glide plate 70 to the brush base 60. In other embodiments, other manners of releasably securing the glide plate 70 to the brush base and/or brush disc adapter 55 are possible, such as fastening mechanisms 195 located in the middle portion 185 of the glide plate and extending to engagement with the brush base 60 or bmsh disc adapter 55, fasteners radially extending between the walled periphery 175 and the brush base 60 and/or brush disc adapter 55, and the like.

[0032] The walled periphery 175 of the illustrated glide plate 70 extends upward from and circumferentially around the bottom wall 170 to define an upward-facing opening opposite the bottom wall 170. As shown in Figs. 2-6, the walled periphery 175 includes a plurality of holes or ports 210 that are in communication with foam receptacle 180 to distribute foam outward from the glide plate 70 into the bristle region 165. Generally, the ports 210 are sized and arranged in sufficient quantity to provide desired foam flow rates and to thereby achieve desired carpet cleaning characteristics. In the illustrated embodiment, the glide plate 70 includes six ports 210 that are equally spaced around the circumference of the glide plate 70, and that have a diameter of about 0.25 inches. In some embodiments, the glide plate 70 can include fewer or more than six ports 210. Also, the ports 210 can be spaced apart from each other at non-uniform distances, and/or can have the same or different diameters from one another.

[0033] In some embodiments, the ports 210 each have a diameter of at least about 0.1 inches and no greater than about 0.5 inches. In other embodiments, such ports each have a diameter of at least about 0.25 inches. In still other embodiments, the ports 210 can have the same or different diameters. The size and quantity of the ports 210 can be selected or modified based on the desired level of cleaning. The larger the diameter(s) of the ports 210 allows more cleaning solution to be dispensed from the glide plate 70.

[0034] Although a wide range of cleaning agents can be used in the carpet cleaning system 10 of the present invention, the inventors have discovered that certain cleaning agents provide excellent cleaning results. Such cleaning agents include (by way of example) sodium lauryl sulfate and disodium lauromido MEA sulfosuccinate. The cleaning solution is disposed in the reservoir 45, and the cleaning agent is dilutable or dissolvable with water to generate a cleaning solution that can be used to clean carpet or other similar surfaces. The cleaning agent can be diluted or dissolved in water before, when, or after the cleaning agent is poured into the reservoir 45. In some embodiments, the cleaning agent is diluted with water according to a ratio of 1 part cleaning agent to 12 parts water, by volume. Some formulations of cleaning solution generated from the cleaning agent contain between approximately 2% to 10% water and 90% to 98% air and anionic surfactant, by volume. Other formulations of cleaning solutions containing water, air, and one or more anionic surfactants are also possible and considered herein. Alternatively, any suitable dry foam or other cleaning solutions currently on the market can be used with the carpet cleaning system 10.

[0035] In operation, the cleaning machine 15 is connected to a power source, and an operator grips the handles 120 and operates the handle controls 125 to maneuver the cleaning machine 15 over the floor surface 25. When the cleaning machine 15 is in the "on" state and one or more levers 135 are engaged, the cleaning solution is dispensed from the reservoir 45 through the hose 105 to the aeration device 95, which aerates the cleaning solution to generate foam. The inventors have discovered that a foam dispense rate of between about 0.028 gallons of cleaning solution per minute and about 0.042 gallons of cleaning solution per minute produces cleaning results that are substantially better than anticipated despite the very low foam dispense rate. Also, when used in conjunction with the manner of dispense (i.e., via ports 210 as described above and/or via brush base ports as described below), brush speed (as also described in greater detail below), and/or cleaning agents described herein, the inventors have discovered that excellent cleaning results are achieved - again at a very unexpected level. In other embodiments of the present invention, other foam dispensing rates are also possible and considered herein.

[0036] In some embodiments, the aeration device 95 dispenses foam at a rate equivalent to between about 0.0010 gallons of cleaning solution per square foot of the floor surface 25 and about 0.0016 gallons of cleaning solution per square foot of the floor surface 25. The inventors have discovered that such foam dispense rates produce cleaning results that are substantially better than anticipated despite the very low dispense rate. Also, when such foam dispense rates are used in conjunction with the manner of dispense (i.e., via ports 210 as described above and/or via brush base ports as described below), brush speed (as also described in greater detail below), and/or cleaning agents described herein, the inventors have discovered that excellent cleaning results are achieved - again at a very unexpected level. Other foam dispensation rates are also possible and considered herein.

[0037] in the illustrated embodiment, foam is directed from the aeration device 95 toward the brush disc 20, which rotates when the cleaning machine 15 is in the "on" state and at least one of the handle controls 125 is engaged or activated by the operator. The brush disc 20 rotates between about 175 rotations per minute ("RPM") and 200 RPM in at least one mode of operation of the carpet cleaning system 10. Generally, the brush disc 20 can rotate at any speed that is adequate for cleaning the floor surface 25. The rotational speed of the brush disc 20 generally produces bristle speeds between about 6,000 inches per minute and 13,000 inches per minute. For example, the bristles 65 located adjacent the glide plate 70 can have a bristle speed of approximately 7,500 inches per minute, and the bristles 65 located adjacent the outer periphery of the brush base 60 can have a bristle speed of approximately 11,300 inches per minute. Other speeds of the bristles 65 are also possible and considered herein.

[0038] During operation, the illustrated brush disc 20 distributes foam to the bristles 65 using the glide plate 70. Foam accumulates in the foam receptacle 180 of the glide plate 70 before being dispensed to the bristles 65 via the ports 210. The bowl-shaped glide plate 70 can allow foam to accumulate prior to ejection through the ports 210 so that foam can be dispensed to the bristles 65 substantially uniformly. The level of cleaning selected using the first control mechanism 145 generally determines the amount of foam that is provided to the bristles 65. Rotational or centrifugal force of the brush disc 20 during operation ejects foam from foam receptacle 180 to the bristles 65 through the ports 210. Foam ejected from the ports 210 enters the bristle region 165 and is worked into the carpet to remove soil and debris from the carpet.

[0039] In some embodiments, foam can be dispensed through the brush disc 20 directly into the bristle region 165 (e.g., via ports in the brush base 60 coupled to one or more fluid lines extending to the aeration device 95) without passing through the glide plate 70, or in addition to foam being dispensed through the glide plate 70 as discussed above. In other embodiments, the cleaning machine 15 can include one or more tubes or hoses that fluidly couple the aeration device 95 directly to the ports 210. In all such embodiments, the aggregate flow rates described above can be used to achieve the desirable cleaning results also described above.

[0040] After foam is dispensed onto the carpet by the bristles 65, foam containing the soil and debris can be vacuumed up using another device. In some embodiments, the cleaning system 10 can include an integrated vacuum device that picks up foam and debris during or after operation of the cleaning machine 15.

[0041] The quantity and size of the ports 210, in large part, determine the amount of foam that ejects from the glide plate 70 during rotation of the brush disc 20. Generally, the centrifugal force of the illustrated rotating brush disc 20 forces foam out of the glide plate 70 at a relatively slow rate to deliver foam without over-saturating the carpet. In this manner, the amount of foam applied to the floor surface 25 can be substantially controlled. In addition, brush discs with different quantities and/or sizes of ports 210 can be provided to clean different floor surfaces.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the glide plate 70 supports at least a portion (and in some cases, the majority) of the weight of the cleaning machine 15, which reduces the weight supported by the bristles 65 and reduces drag of the cleaning machine 15 as the machine 15 moves along the carpet. Also, because the glide plate 70 can support most or substantially all of the weight of the cleaning machine 15, the rotating bristles 65 gently but firmly loosen soil in the carpet without damaging the carpet. In some embodiments, the glide plate 70 height is adjustable to accommodate wear on the bristles 65 due to repeated use of the cleaning machine 15. To adjust the height of the glide plate 70 in the illustrated embodiment, the brush disc 20 can be removed from the cleaning machine 15. An operator can then tighten the fasteners 200 that are coupled to the fastening mechanisms 195 to raise the glide plate 70 to the desired orientation relative to the length of the bristles 65. If, on the other hand, the bristles 65 are too long relative to the height of the glide plate 70, the fasteners 200 can be loosened to lower the glide plate 70. The brush disc 20 is then reattached to the cleaning machine 15 for subsequent use. In this manner, the bristles 65 are kept at a proper cleaning height throughout the life of the cleaning machine 15 and the brush disc 20. Also, the location of the glide plate 70 on the brush disc 20 protects the carpet and reduces drag by not allowing the bristles 65 to dig too deeply into the carpet.

[0043] Due to the low water content of foam generated by the aeration device 95, carpet drying time is significantly reduced as compared with cleaning solutions used in conventional cleaning machines. In particular, depending on the cleaning level selected, carpet cleaned with the cleaning system 10 can dry between approximately 25 minutes and 35 minutes. Also, the anionic surfactant in foam generated by the aeration device 95 has a negative charge, pulling soil away from the carpet and holding the soil in suspension within foam until the soil can be vacuumed without leaving a sticky residue on the carpet and without over- saturating the carpet.

[0044] Although the cleaning system 10 has been described in detail with regard to the upright, walk-behind cleaning machine 15 illustrated in Fig. 1, it should be understood that the cleaning system 10 can be used with other cleaning machines (e.g., ride-along machines, etc.). Furthermore, it should be understood that the cleaning system 10 described herein can be used on floor surfaces other than carpet.

[0045] The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A carpet cleaning system comprising:

a cleaning agent being at least one of dilutable with and dissolvable in water to generate a cleaning solution;

a brush disc including a substantially bowl-shaped glide plate located adjacent a center of the brush disc, the glide plate having a bottom wall and a walled periphery extending upward from the bottom wall to define an upward-facing opening opposite the bottom wall, the brush disc further including bristles disposed in a bristle region located radially outward from the glide plate; and

a carpet cleaning apparatus including:

a reservoir for containing the cleaning solution,

a motor for rotatably actuating the brush disc,

an aeration device fluidly coupled to the reservoir for aerating the cleaning solution to generate foam, the aeration device configured to dispense foam into at least one of the opening of the glide plate and the bristle region,

a power source for providing power to the motor and the aeration device, and a control system for controlling the motor and the aeration device;

wherein the aeration device dispenses foam at a rate equivalent to between about

0.028 gallons of cleaning solution per minute and about 0.042 gallons of cleaning solution per minute.

2. The carpet cleaning system of claim 1 , wherein foam contains between approximately 2% to 10% water and 90% to 98% air and anionic surfactant, by volume.

3. The carpet cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the glide plate has at least one port extending through the walled periphery for ejection of foam from the glide plate as the brush disc rotates.

4. The carpet cleaning system of claim 3, wherein the glide plate has six ports extending through the walled periphery, and wherein each port has a diameter of approximately 0.25 inches.

5. The carpet cleaning system of claim 1 , wherein the cleaning agent is diluted with water in a ratio of 1 part cleaning agent to 12 parts water, by volume, to generate the cleaning solution.

6. The carpet cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the cleaning agent comprises sodium lauryl sulfate and disodium lauromido MEA sulfosuccinate.

7. The carpet cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the glide plate supports substantially all of the weight of the carpet cleaning apparatus.

8. The carpet cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the aeration device dispenses foam at a rate equivalent to between about 0.0010 gallons of cleaning solution per square foot of carpet and 0.0016 gallons of cleaning solution per square foot of carpet.

9. The carpet cleaning system of claim 1, wherein:

at least a portion of the bristle region is located at least approximately four inches from an axis of rotation of the brush disc, and

the brush disc rotates at no less than about 175 revolutions per minute ("RPM") in at least one mode of operation of the carpet cleaning system.

10. A method of cleaning a carpet with a carpet cleaning machine, the method comprising;

at least one of diluting and dissolving a concentrated cleaning agent in water to generate a cleaning solution;

aerating the cleaning solution;

dispensing the cleaning solution to at least one of a bowl-shaped glide plate and a plurality of bristles of a brush disc at a rate equivalent to between about 0.028 gallons of aerated cleaning solution per minute and about 0.042 gallons of aerated cleaning solution per minute; and

rotating the brush disc to distribute the aerated cleaning solution onto the carpet.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising diluting concentrated cleaning solution with water and aerating the diluted cleaning solution such that it comprises between approximately 2% to 10% water and 90% to 98% cleaning solution, by volume.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising

providing the glide plate with a port extending through the walled periphery;

aerating the cleaning solution to generate a foam;

directing foam to the glide plate; and

ejecting foam from the glide plate through the port as the brush disc rotates.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising providing the glide plate with six ports extending through the walled periphery, and wherein each port has a diameter of approximately 0.25 inches.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the concentrated cleaning agent comprises sodium Iauryl sulfate and disodium lauromido MEA sulfosuccinate.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising dispensing the aerated cleaning solution at a rate equivalent to between about 0.0010 gallons of aerated cleaning solution per square foot of a carpet and 0.0016 gallons of aerated cleaning solution per square foot of a carpet.

16. The method of claim 10, further comprising rotating bristles located at least approximately four inches from an axis of rotation of the brush at no less than about 175 RPM.

17. A carpet cleaning system comprising:

a brush disc rotatable about an axis and including bristles;

a motor drivably coupled to the brush disc;

a reservoir;

a cleaning agent being at least one of dilutable with and dissolvable in water to generate a cleaning solution contained in the reservoir;

an aerator positioned to receive and aerate the cleaning solution to generate foam; a port through which foam is configured to be dispensed to the bristles at a rate of between about 0.028 gallon of foam per minute and about 0.042 gallon of foam per minute.

18. The carpet cleaning system of claim 17, wherein foam contains between

approximately 2% to 10% water, by volume.

19. The carpet cleaning system of claim 17, wherein the brash disc includes a glide plate located adjacent the center of the brush disc, and wherein the glide plate includes a walled periphery and the port extends through the walled periphery to receive foam from the aerator.

20. The carpet cleaning system of claim 17, wherein the port is part of at least one nozzle positioned to dispense foam to the bristles.

21. The carpet cleaning system of claim 17, wherein the port has a diameter less than or equal to 0.25 inches.

22. The carpet cleaning system of claim 17, wherein the cleaning agent is diluted with water in a ratio of no less than about 1 part cleaning agent to 12 parts water, by volume.

23. The carpet cleaning system of claim 17, wherein the cleaning agent includes sodium lauryl sulfate and disodium lauromido MEA sulfosuccinate.

24. The carpet cleaning system of claim 17, wherein the glide plate is positioned to support at least a portion of the weight of the carpet cleaning system.

25. The carpet cleaning system of claim 17, wherein the aerator dispenses foam at a rate equivalent to between about 0.0010 gallons of foam per square foot of a caipet and 0.0016 gallons of foam per square foot of a carpet.

26. The carpet cleaning system of claim 17, wherein:

at least a portion of the bristles is located at least approximately four inches from the axis of the brush, and

the brush rotates at no less than about 175 RPM in at least one mode of operation of the carpet cleaning system.