MXPA99007555A - Apparatus having a belt agitator for agitating a cleaning agent into a carpet - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for agitating a cleaning agent into a carpet comprises a housing (16) within which a first and a second roller (76F, 76R) are each mounted for rotation in a first angular direction. A platen (112) is mounted intermediate the rollers (76F, 76R). A belt agitator (134) comprising a fabric substrate having a pile surface is trained about the first and second rollers (76F, 76R) and extends under the platen (112). The rollers (76F, 76R) and the platen (112) support rectilinear movement of the belt agitator (134) in the first direction to bring a portion of its surface sequentially from a first position (140A) within the housing (16) to a contacting position (140B) in which the portion of the surface is in agitating contact with a carpet and, thereafter, to a second position (140C) within the housing (16).

Description

APPARATUS HAVING A BAND AGITATOR TO SHAKE A CLEANING AGENT ON A CARPET BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus having a belt agitator for stirring a cleaning agent in a carpet.

DESCRIPTION OF PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE A well-known apparatus for cleaning a carpet is the so-called cleaning apparatus of "cap or cap". A cap or cap cleaning apparatus uses an applicator pad that is placed under a brush mounted to the plate. The brush rotates around an axis that is substantially vertical with respect to the carpet that is cleaned. The rotation of the brush causes the pad to rotate in a generally circular path on the carpet.

A cleaning agent is sprayed directly on the carpet and on the applicator pad. The pad, which moves in a circular direction with REF .: 30964 regarding the surface of the carpet, shake the cleaning agent in the carpet. There is some difference of opinion as to whether the rotation of the applicator pad as described has a detrimental effect on the hair with twisted layers of the carpet. In view of the foregoing it is believed that it will be advantageous to provide a stirring apparatus for applying a cleaning agent to a carpet utilizing a stirring motion that is substantially parallel rectilinearly to the surface of the carpet pile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is broadly directed to an apparatus having a web agitator that is movable rectilinearly in a direction that is substantially parallel to the carpet surface of the carpet to agitate a cleaning agent (preferably in liquid form) on a carpet. The apparatus comprises a housing within which a first roller or cylinder and a second roller or cylinder are each mounted within the housing for rotation in a first angular direction. A table or plate is mounted within the intermediate housing between the first and second rollers or cylinders. A belt agitator is directed around the first and second rolls and cylinders and extends under the table or plate. The band agitator comprises a woven substrate having a surface of the hair fixed on the outside thereof. The rollers or cylinders and the table or plate support the rectilinear movement of the belt agitator in the first direction to carry a portion of its surface sequentially from a first position within the housing to a contact position in which the portion of the surface is in stirring contact with a carpet and, after that, to a second position within the housing. A suction head is positioned within the housing in a position close to the second position. The suction head removes soil raised from the carpet from the woven surface as a result of contact with the carpet. The leading edge of the suction head can be placed to make contact with the surface of the belt agitator. A hair lifting roller or cylinder having a brush with bristles for lifting the hair thereon is mounted within the housing for rotation in a second, opposite, angular direction. The brush for lifting the hair also engages against the surface of the belt agitator and tends to loosen any material carried on the belt agitator. The trailing edge of the suction head can also be placed to make contact with the bristles on the brush for lifting the hair, to cause the particulate matter to be expelled for collection by aspiration. A distributor for the liquid cleaning agent is mounted at a distance in a position where a cleaning agent is distributed on the surface of the carpet, and also on the surface of the belt agitator. The source of movement to rotationally drive one of the rollers or cylinders and the roller for lifting the hair can be placed inside the hollow interior of each of these rollers or cylinders. A three roll or cylinder embodiment of the invention is also described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus having a belt agitator for stirring a cleaning agent on a carpet according to the present invention, some portions of the cover of the housing are removed for reasons of clarity of the illustration; Figure 2 is a partial sectional view and side elevation taken along lines 2-2 of the section of Figure 1 illustrating the internal surface of the rear side wall of the apparatus as it is observed in the Figure 1; Figure 3A is a rear elevation view taken along lines 3-3 of the section, while Figures 3B and 3C are bottom and side elevation views taken along lines 3B-3B and 3C- 3C sectional, respectively, of Figure 3A, all of which illustrates the mounting arrangement for a roller or cylinder for lifting the hair with respect to the housing of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 4 is a top view taken along lines 4-4 of the view of Figure 1, illustrating the mounting of the drive pinion roller for the belt agitator in the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 5 is an elevation view taken along line 5 of the view of Figure 1 illustrating the arrangement of the direction for the belt agitator in the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 6 is a side elevational view partly in section of the entire assembly of the apparatus of Figure 1 taken along lines 6-6 of the section therein; Figure 7 is a side elevation view of the total assembly of the apparatus of Figure 1 taken along lines 7-7 of the view, therein; Figure 8A is a side elevational view, in section (generally similar to Figure 6), of a modified version of the three-cylinder embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, as shown in Figures 1 to 7, Figure 8B is an enlarged side elevational view of a portion of Figure 8A and Figure 8C is a sectional view taken along lines 8C-8C of the appropriate section, illustrating both a modified arrangement for brush placement of sows according to this modified version of the invention; Figure 9 is a side elevational view partially in section of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; and Figure 10A is a top section view (taken along lines 10A-10A of the section in Figure 10B) showing a second, more compact, alternative embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, while the Figure 10B is a side elevation view taken along lines 10B-10B of the section in Figure 10A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Throughout the following detailed description, similar reference numbers refer to similar elements in all Figures of the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a stirring apparatus generally indicated by the reference character 10 according to the present invention. The heart eccentric of the apparatus 10 is a band agitator 134 (Figure 6) for agitating a cleaning agent on a carpet. The belt agitator 134 is removably mounted on the belt module indicated generally by the reference character 12 (better seen in Figures 1 and 6). The module 12 of the band is received by itself in the inner volume 14 defined within the housing 16 of the apparatus 10.

The housing 16 of the agitating apparatus IC is formed from a hollow dome-like covering element 20, which is fixed at each of its side edges, such as by welding, to one of a pair of side walls 22, 24 of confrontation. The side wall 22 (the inner surface of which is observed in elevation in Figure 2) substantially completely closes a side portion of the housing 16. However, as seen in Figure 1, the other side wall 24 of the housing 16 has a rather substantial cutout 26 formed therein. The cutout 26 defines an access opening through which the web module 12 can be inserted into the interior volume 14 of the housing 12. The front and rear shock absorbers 28 (Figures 6 and 7) are mounted to the cover 20. The upper region of the housing structure 16 is provided with stiffness by a reinforcing bar 30 (Figures 2 and 6) extending transversely between the side walls 22, 24. The reinforcing bar 30 is welded to the inner surface of the reinforcing bar. cover 20, as well as the internal surfaces of the side walls 22, 24. The provision of additional rigidity to the housing adjacent the rear edge thereof is imparted by an L-shaped channel element 32 (Figures 2, 3B and 6) which extends transversely between the side walls 22, 24. An access opening 34 for a tracking or tracking screw 124 (Figure 5) is provided on the cover 20 for a purpose to be explained after this. An access opening 35 for a hose 84 of the cleaning agent (Figure 6) is also provided in the cover 20. A suction ring 36 extends through an opening 38 provided in the central region of the cover 20 thereby that the mouth 36M (Figure 6) of the cover 36 communicates with the interior volume 14 of the housing 16. The cover has an adapter 36F thereon, whereby the cover can be connected to a source of low pressure suction. The low pressure suction source may be located conveniently adjacent to the work area or may be carried by an operator. The transverse edges surrounding the mouth 36M of the cover 36 are folded back to define the rigidly extending, transversely extending edges 36F, 36R for the purpose to be described. As seen in Figure 6, the rear transverse surface of the cover 36 rests against and is supported by the short leg 32S of the channel element 32. Each side end of the cover 36 has threaded mounting blocks 36B (Figure 6) on the same. The mounting bolts 40 inserted through the elongated slots 42 provided in the side walls 22, 24 (Figure 2). The bolts 40 are threaded into the mounting blocks 36B. The relative position of the bolts 40 along the elongated slots 42 adjustable selectively the degree of penetration of the cover 36 into the interior volume 14 of the housing 16. The rear margins of the side walls 22, 24 each have a slot 44 inclined upwards, formed therein. A mounting block 46 is received for sliding movement along the slot 44. As is better illustrated in Figure 3C for the case of the side wall 24, the front and rear surfaces of the block 46 each have a pair of arms 46A that couple the internal and external surfaces of the side wall 24, (and, in an analogous manner, the side wall 22) to confine the block 46 to sliding movement along the surfaces of the side walls defining the groove 44. Each block 46 has an opening 46R for receiving the shaft therethrough. The opening 46R corresponds in its shape to the shape of the shafts 48E projecting from each transverse end of a roller or driving cylinder 48 (to be described). For a purpose that is also fully described herein, the roller or cylinder 48 carries a brush 50 (Figure 6) formed by a tubular sleeve 50S covered with the rigid bristles 50B. Because of its density, a curled channel bristle brush 50 is preferred. The details of bristles 50B are omitted for reasons of clarity of illustration. The relative position of the axle 48A of the roller along the slot 44 is adjustably controlled using a threaded rod 52 extending upwardly from the block 46. The rod 52 is fixed to the block 46 by an adjusting bolt 52P (Figure 3C ). The upper end of the rod 52 is coupled by a knurled wheel 54. The knurled wheel 54 is accessible through a window 56 formed in the side walls 22, 24. As best seen in Figures 3A and 3B, the knurled wheel 54 is captured in a cavity 58. The cavity 58 is defined between the upper surface of the long leg 32L of the channel 32 and the underside of a projection 60. Each projection 60 is fixed to the upper surface of the leg 32L adjacent to the each side end of the channel 32. The channel 32, as well as the projections 60 and the cover 20, have holes 32A, 60A and 20A, respectively, through which the threaded rod 52 extends or can be extended (in the case of opening 20A, Figure 3B), if the need arises. The rotation of the gear 54 causes the block 46 associated with it to rise or fall along the groove 44, thereby controlling the position occupied by the roll 48 within the housing 14. As best seen in Figure 2, the side wall 22 has a groove 62 formed from a rounded oblong portion 62L, upper, and a portion 62K, generally similar to a keyhole, lower. An array of holes 64 for the bolt extends through the side wall 22 in the vicinity of the lower portion 62K similar to the keyhole in the groove 62. A second network or array of bolt openings 66 is also formed in the lateral wall 22, for a purpose that is going to be explained. The side wall 22 has front and rear holes 68F, 68R through it. The holes 68F, 68R accept the sleeves 70F, 70R each having an aperture 72F, 72R of the shaft, respectively, which corresponds in shape to the shape of the shafts 74E projecting from each transverse end of a roller or support cylinder 76F, 76R rear and front, respectively (Figure 6). A nut 78 for the tracking or tracking screw 124 (best seen by itself in Figure 5) is bolted to the inner surface of the side wall 22 adjacent to the access opening 34 in the cover 20. The outer surface of the side wall 22 has a stump 80A thereon. A distributor bar 82 for a liquid cleaning agent extends transversely through the interior of the housing adjacent the forward end thereof. The distributor bar 82 is fixed to the side wall 22 by bolts (not shown) that extend through the openings 82A in the side wall 22. The bolts are received in an embedment (not shown) that is provided at the end of the bar 82. The distributor bar 82 is connected by means of a hose 84 suitable for a liquid reservoir (not shown). The housing 84 extends along the inner surface of the side wall 22 and exits the housing 16 by means of the opening 35 in the cover 20. The liquid container can be conveniently mounted, for example, in the same location on which the suction source is mounted, or it can be carried by an operator. The liquid cleaning agent supplied to the distributor bar 82 is sprayed under pressure through suitable spray nozzles 82N. As best seen in Figure 6, nozzles 82N are arranged or distributed to supply a spray of liquid cleaning agent both to the surface of the belt agitator 134 as well as to the carpet being cleaned. Any suitable cleaning liquid can be used, although the liquid cleaning formulation described and claimed in co-pending applications Serial No. 08 / 720,932, filed in the name of Del Pesco (RD-7145-A), and Serial Number 08 / 738,154 also filed on behalf of Del Pesco (RD-7150) and in United States of America Patent 5,001,004, United States of America Patent 4,948,650 and United States of America Patent 4,883,839, are preferred. Each of these applications and patents are assigned to the assignee of the present application. The web module 12 includes a triangular, truncated lateral plate 86 (Figures 1 and 7). The side plate 86 is sized and shaped to generally correspond to the shape and size of the cutout 26 in the side wall 24. The truncated top apex of the side plate 86 is interrupted by the mouth of a slot 88K similar to a keyhole , identical in shape to the portion 62K of the lower slot in the side wall 22. The side plate 86 also has an array or network of apertures 90 in the bolts, which is coaxially aligned with the openings 66 of the bolts in the side wall 22. Side plate 86 has front and rear holes 92F, 92R therethrough. These orifices 92F, 92R are aligned coaxially with the holes 68F, 68R in the side wall 22. The holes 92F, 92R accept the sleeves 94 (similarly to the sleeves 70). Each sleeve 94 has an aperture 96F, 96R of the shaft, respectively, which corresponds in shape to the shape of the shafts 74E projecting from the support rollers of the front and rear band 76F, 76R, respectively. The outer surface of the side plate 86 has a stump 80B (Figure 1) which is axially aligned with the journal 80A on the outer surface of the side wall 22. The trunnions 80A, 80B extend in openings in the lower end of a handle (not shown). The web module 12 further includes a mounting bracket 102 generally L-shaped.

(Figures 1 and 4). Each end of the long leg 102L of the bracket has a cutout 102C therein. A hole 102B is provided centrally along the long leg 102L of the bracket 102. The upper surface of the long leg 102L has recesses 102R therein.

(Figure 4). One end of the long leg 102 of the mounting bracket 102 is fixed, such as by welding, along the internal surface of the truncated upper edge of the side plate 86. The shorter leg of the mounting bracket 102 defines a outgoing 102F. When the module 12 is fixed within the housing 16, the projection 102F is secured to the inner surface of the side wall 22 using bolts 104 (Figure 4) which extend through the holes 64 of the bolt in the side wall 22. projection 102F has a keyhole-shaped groove 102K formed therein. With the projection 102F which is bolted to the side wall 22, the slot 102K is in exact correspondence with the slot 62K. The trailing edge of the mounting bracket 102 has a flat reinforcement part 106 that depends thereon. The stiffener 106 serves to reinforce the fixation between the side plate 86 and the side wall 22. In addition, the stiffener 106 serves as a backing or support for cleaning the agitator surface of the band 134, as will be described . The inner surface of the side plate 86 has a generally rectangular beam 108 fixed thereto, such as by means of bolts 110 extending through the holes 90 of the bolt. When the module 12 is fixed within the housing 12, the other end of the beam 108 is fixed by means of bolts to the side wall 22 using bolts (not shown) that extend through the holes 66 of the bolt. The lower surface of the beam 108 has a table 112 for supporting the strip (Figure 6) welded thereto. The table 112 is dimensioned to extend substantially along the entire distance between the front and rear rollers or cylinders 76F, 76R. The shaft 74E at one end of each of the web support rollers or cylinders 76F, 76R, is received within one of the shaft receiving openings 96F, 96R, in the sleeves 94 in the side plate 86. When the module of the band 12 is assembled in the apparatus 10 the shaft 74E at the opposite end of the rollers or cylinders 74F, 74R, is received in the corresponding aligned openings 72F, 72R in the sleeves in the side wall 22. According to the preferred implementation of the present invention for a manually operated apparatus illustrated in Figures 1 to 7, it is preferred that the power source for at least one, but preferably both, of the rollers or cylinders 76F, 76R, as well as for the roller or brush cylinder 48, is physically housed on the inside of the roller itself or cylinder. This impiementation can be accomplished using an internally driven roller or cylinder such as an 8 cm (3.15 inch) Powerroll® roller or cylinder manufactured and sold by Interroli Corporation, Wilmington, North Carolina. The casing or liner forming the outer surface of such a driving roller is articulated on bearings for relative rotation with respect to the mounting of the central axis of the roller or cylinder. The liner or wrapper of the roller or cylinder is fixed by means of a planetary gear arrangement to the rotating part of an electric motor. The motor stator is fixed to the fixed end of the shaft assembly. In this way, both ends of the shaft are stationary and can be mounted on the side wall 22 or side plate 86, depending on the case in question, while the roller or cylinder is still capable of being rotated. The current for the motor is supplied by means of electric cables (not shown) which pass axially outwards through one end of the shaft assembly. The cables can conveniently be extended through the interior "of the operator's handle (not shown) of the apparatus 10 to the switches on a control pad (not shown) mounted on the handle.It should be understood that any suitable alternative power source for driving the support rollers or cylinders 76 and the roller or cylinder of the brush 48 can be used.

A support yoke assembly 114 (Figures 1 and 4) for a drive pinion roller 116 is formed from a base plate 114P and a pair of vertical arms 114A, 114B. The arms 114A are secured, such as by welding, to the base plate 114P. However, the arm 114B is removably fixed, such as by the bolts 117 (Figures 1 and 5), to facilitate the mounting of the roller or cylinder 116 to the fork 114. The base plate 114P is a substantially rectangular element having a portion narrower 114N (Figure 5) at the end of the ism adjacent arm 114A. The base plate 114P has a hole 114C positioned substantially centrally therethrough and an elongated slot 114S near each side end. The lower surface of the base plate 114P has recesses 114R therein (Figure 5). The arm 114A corresponds in shape with the rounded oblong portion 62L of the groove 62. The other arm 114B is generally triangular in shape to correspond to the shape of the uppermost portion of the cutout 26 in the side wall 24. The arms 114A, 114B each have an aperture 114H of hexagonal shape therein (Figure 4). The openings 114H each receive the short end of an axis 116A projecting from each end of the support roller or cylinder 116. A suitable support roll or cylinder is manufactured and sold by the Interroi Corporation, Wilmington, North Carolina as the part 1.775.R81.M71. A thin-walled plate 118 (best seen in Figures 4 and 5) is mounted to the arm 114A and to the front edge of the back plate 114P in the vicinity of its intersection. The plate 118 has a guide or track slot 118S therein. The fork assembly 114 is mounted for the rotational movement with respect to the axis of a pin 120 of the elongated projection. The bolt 120 passes through a bushing 121 which is snapped into the hole 102B in the bracket 102. The free end of the bolt 120 passes through the central hole 114C of the rear plate 114P. The bolt 120 is fixed or secured to the rear plate 114P by a nut 120N. To control tracking or tracing of the belt agitator 134 the fork assembly 114 can be rotated about the bolt 120 in the direction of the arrows 122A, 122B (Figure 5) using a tracking or threaded screw 124. As best seen in Figure 5 the tracking or tracking screw 124 is inserted through the opening 34 in the cover 20 and passes in threaded engagement with the tracking or tracking nut 78 on the side wall 22. The inner free end of the tracking screw or crawl 124 has a pair of washers spaced 124W thereon. The portion of the tracking or tracking screw 124 between the washers 124W is received in the slot 118S in the plate 118. Handling a knurled wheel 124K accessible from outside of the cover 20 advances or retracts the tracking or tracking screw 124. with respect to the nut 78, causing the fork assembly 114 to rotate in the directions 122A, 122B, respectively, with respect to the shaft 120A of the protruding bolt 120. This rotational adjustment of the fork assembly 114 maintains the agitator of the belt 134 in alignment on the drive pinion roller 116. A pair of springs 126A, 126B extend between the rear plate 114P of the fork assembly 114 and the mounting bracket 102. The ends of the springs 126A, 126B are captured in the recesses 102R , 114R on the long leg 102L of the bracket 102 and on the base plate 114P of the yoke 114, respectively. The springs 126A, 126B form a tension arrangement that pushes the fork assembly 114 outwardly (i.e., away from the support rollers or cylinders 76F, 76R) in the direction 128T. The movement of the fork assembly 114 is guided by the protruding bolt 120 and the bushing 121. The extension of the fork assembly 114 to the extended position which is illustrated in Figure i, serves to tension the belt agitator 134 against the support rollers or cylinders 76F, 76R and the roller or cylinder of the transmission sprocket 116. The fork assembly 114 is retractable towards the mounting bracket 102 in a 128R direction ( opposed to the tension direction 128T) by a pair of articulated bolt assemblies 130. Each articulated bolt assembly 130 includes an axle 130S extending from a drive mechanism 130M. The drive mechanism is operable using a handle 130H. The shaft 130S has an enlarged head 130E. The end of the head of the shaft 130S of each of the articulated bolts 130 passes through a respective one of the elongated grooves 114S in the rear plate 114P such that the head 130E is superimposed on the surface of the rear plate 114P of The fork. The drive mechanism 130M of each mounting of the pivot pin 130 is secured within the recess provided by the respective open-sided receptacles 132. Each receptacle 132 is formed of a vertical wall 132W fixed to a flat floor 132F. Each receptacle 132 has a shape that generally corresponds to the distinctive keyhole shape of the slots 62K, 88K or 102K. One of the receptacles 132 is fixed on the inner surface of the side plate 86 with the wall 132W of the receptacle 132 extending through the slot 88K so that the edge of the wall 132W rests at the same level with the outer surface of the receptacle 132. the side plate 86. Similarly, the other receptacle 132 is fixed on the inner surface of the projection 102F. In this case the wall 132W of the receptacle 132 extends through the keyhole-shaped grooves 102K, 62K, registered, in the projection 102F and the side wall 22, respectively. The edge of the wall 132 of this receptacle 132 rests at the same level with the outer surface of the side wall 22. The cutouts 102C are provided in the bracket 102 to receive the receptacles 132 therein. To move the fork assembly 114 to the retracted position shown in Figures 6 and 7, the shaft 130S of each articulated bolt 130 is pulled out in the direction 128R by manipulating the handle 130H in the direction 130R. This action leads to the lower surface of the head 130E against the rear plate 114P of the fork 114 to retract the fork 114 towards the mounting bracket 102 with the deviation of the springs 126, whereby tension is relieved on the stirrer. band 134. The open receptacles 132 are advantageous in that they allow access to the articulated mechanism whereby the fork can be extended or retracted, while at the same time the recess produced by the inner volume of the receptacle allows the articulated pin to rest within the confines of the apparatus 10 and does not interfere with the movement of the cleaning apparatus in close proximity to the walls of an area in which a carpet is being cleaned. As suggested in Figure 6, the belt agitator 134 is an endless suspension band comprised of a substrate 134F, such as a woven synthetic fabric, having hair fibers 134P tufted into it. The internal surface of the substrate 134F can be coated with a suitable coating (eg, latex) to prevent the tufts 134P from separating from the fabric 134F and also provide sufficient friction at the interface between the band 134 and the supporting rolls or cylinder 76. that drive it. A belt agitator 134 in the most preferred form has an appearance and feel that is similar in appearance and feel to the surface fabric used on a paint roller. As an example, suitable material for use as the band agitator 134 can be obtained from Monterey Mills Inc., Jamesville Wisconsin, under style number 675-159. To form the endless suspension band the ends of the fabric are joined together, preferably using a fabric that can be sealed with heat. In some case it may be desirable to make strands of more rigid monofilament fibers in the fabric substrate 134F to improve the agitating action of the web 134. The softer hair fibers made in the fabric serve to bring the cleaning liquid to the fabric. the carpet, while stiffer or harder monofilament fibers made tufts in the substrate serve to rub the carpet. The band 134 passes under the table 112 and is dragged over the support cylinders or rollers 76F, 76R and the pinion drive roller 116. When the pivot pins 130 occupy the extended position (Figure 1) the pin 134 is pushed with tension against the rollers or cylinders 76F, 76R, 116 and the table 112 by the action of the tension springs 126. To remove the bolt 134 for replacement, the articulated bolts 130 and the fork assembly are retracted (Figure 6) and the band exhausted 134 is slid axially from 76F, 76R, 116 and table 112. A replacement band 134 can then be slid axially over these elements, and the joints the extended fork assembly. An endless belt agitator 134 drawn on rollers 76F, 767R, 116 and under table 112 is preferred according to this invention because such a fixation has been observed to improve the rubbing action on the carpet above what it is believed that it can be achieved using a rotating brush or an applicator pad. The structural arrangement described here enlarges the interface of the shaking surface area between the belt agitator 134 and the surface of the carpet. In addition, the fabric / hair structure of the belt agitator is believed to provide an increased volumetric capacity to transport dirt and cleaning agent away from the surface of the carpet. To assemble the apparatus 10, the belt module 12 is assembled from the side plate 86 with the bracket 102 and the beam 108 fixed thereto, and with the shafts 74 at one end of the rollers or cylinders 76F, 76R inserted in the sleeves 94. The module thus assembled is inserted into the interior volume 14 of the housing 16 through the opening produced by the cutout 26 in the side wall 24. The module 12 is advanced until the projection 102F (at the far end of the bracket 102), the far end of the beam 108, and the remote axes 74 on the rollers or cylinders 76F, 76F are embedded against the inner surface of the side wall 26. The projection 102F, the beam 108 and the shafts 74 of the rollers 76F, 76R are then fixed in the manner described above to thereby interconnect the web module 12 within the apparatus 10. The tracking or tracking screw 124 is manipulated in the opening 34 from the outside of the housing 16 to ensure that the end of the screw 124 is engaged in the slot 118S in the plate 118. Once the module 12 is secured within the housing 16, a manual bar is connected to the stubs 80A, 80B projecting laterally from the wall lateral 22 and lateral plate 90, respectively. To operate the apparatus 10 the drive of the internal motor with respect to at least one of its support rollers or cylinders 76 causes the agitator of the belt 134 to move rectilinearly in the direction of the arrow 138 (Figures 6 and 7) to carry by means of this a portion of the agitator of the web 134 (for example, the axially extending strip portion 140S) sequentially from a position within the housing 12, to a stirring position in which the portion of the web agitator 134 is in contact with a carpet and, after that, return the portion of the agitator from the band 134 to the housing 12. Each axially extending strip, increasing, of the agitator of the band 134 thus moves from a position that is within of housing 12 (such as position 140A), to a position (such as the position 140B) in which the given axial strip 140S of the agitator of the band 134 comes into contact against the carpet, up to a position (such as the position 140C) in which the given axial strip 140S of the agitator of the web 134 is returned to the interior of the housing 12. Each increasing axial strip of the agitator of the web 134 passes in a rectilinear direction on the surface of the carpet. Accordingly, in accordance with this invention, a stirring apparatus 10 is provided, which is adapted to agitate a cleaning agent on a carpet without imparting any rotary movement to the hair of the carpet. The internal motor for the hair lifting roller 48 drives this roller or cylinder and the brush 50 thereon in a direction 142 contrary to the direction 138 of the rectilinear movement of the belt agitator 134 to counteract the driving force of the belt. on the carpet. In use, the apparatus 10 is advanced and retracted (in a "W-shaped" configuration) through a surface of the carpet by an operator. In the preferred implementation of the present invention, the suction cover 36 is placed inside the housing 16 so that it rests at a predetermined close distance with respect to the hair surface of the agitator of the band 134 when it has been returned to the interior of accommodation 12 (that is, up to position 140C). The location of the cover 36 next to the band 134 after it has returned to the interior of the housing 16 uses the suction to clean the surface of the belt agitator 134 to remove any dirt or other material that has been discharged therein while the agitator 134 passes over the carpet. In a more preferred implementation, the cleaning action of the suction is further improved if the leading edge 36F of the cover 36 is placed in contact against the hair surface of the agitator of the band 134. As seen in Figure 6 there is also within the contemplation of the present invention use the bristles 50B of the brush for lifting the hair 50 for coupling against the surface of the hair of the agitator of the band 134 upstream of the location in which the suction cover 36 is positioned. It is required that the hair lifting roller or cylinder rotate in a direction 142 opposite the direction of movement of the agitator of the band 134. However, in the vicinity of its interaction the brush for lifting the hair 50 and the 134 band are moving in parallel. Due to the difference in diameter between the bristle brush 50 and the roller 76R, the relative movement occurs between the bristles 50B of the brush 50 and the peel surface of the band 134. This relative movement (which acts against the return produced by the reinforcement part 106) has to loosen any material carried on the agitatore of the band 134 prior to the encounter of the effect of the aspiration. The difference in the speeds could be effected alternatively, for example, by changing the relative pulse speeds of rollers 48 and 76R. The trailing edge 36R of the cover 36 could also be used to flex the bristles 50B of the brush for lifting the hair 50 to expel the particles carried thereon. In the most preferred case, then, the interaction line 144F of the leading edge 36F of the cover 36 and the band 134, the interaction line 144R between the trailing edge 36R of the cover 36 and the bristles 50B of the brush for lifting the hair 50, together with the interaction line 144B between the hair removal brush 50 and the band 134, cooperate to define a suction zone generally indicated at 146 immediately ahead of the mouth 36M of the cover 36 in which the material particulate which is ejected from the agitator of the band 134 and / or from the brush for lifting the hair 50, it is collected by aspiration. The hair removal brush 50 also serves to groom the surface of the carpet in a manner known in the art. Figures 8A through 8C illustrate a modified version of the three roller or cylinder embodiment of the invention as described heretofore and illustrated in relation to Figures 1 to 7. The total thrust of the modifications shown in these Figures 8A at 8C is imparting a more resistant configuration to the apparatus and imparting a more powerful stirring and cleaning action. The increased cleaning action can be obtained through the use of a faster and more potent internally driven roller or cylinder for the roller or brush cylinder 48 for the rollers or cylinders 76F and / or 76R. Internally driven rollers or cylinders of the type previously described and sold by Interroll Corporation, Wilmington, North Carolina as rolls or Powerroll® cylinders of 4.5 inches (11.43 cm) have been found to be useful. In addition, the sliding between the internal surface of the substrate 134F and the surface of the rollers or cylinders can be minimized by the use of a high friction belt as a wrap on the surface of the roller (s). It is suitable for use as the tape wrap, the high friction tape sold by 3M Corporation, Minneapolis, Minnesota as the product 5461. With an increased friction interface between the rolls or cylinders and the substrate 134F of the band 134 - it may be required to provide articulated studs 130 'having a longer course of action. To produce the necessary space for a longer travel, while at the same time without unduly increasing the height of the apparatus, it is desirable to relocate the drive pinion roller 116 and the associated mounting bracket 102 and the support yoke assembly 112 later inside the housing 16. Repositioning of the drive pinion roller 116 with respect to the rollers or cylinders 76F, 76R is illustrated in Figure 8A. As a consequence of this relocation, the center of gravity of the modified version of the apparatus 10 has been displaced further forward. This arrangement of the parts thus serves to counteract any tendency for the front part of the apparatus to point upwards. A transport roller 117 is mounted to the housing 16 to facilitate movement of the apparatus.

With the transmission pinion roller 116 and its support structures moved forward, the receptacles 132 can be dimensioned to accept the assemblies 130 'of the articulated pins having a sufficient action path to retract the fork assembly 114 and to allow that the belt 134 is quickly removed from the surface of the rollers or cylinders 76F, 76R and 116 despite the presence of a high friction sheath or liner. Another of the structural modifications illustrated in Figures 8A to 8C adds strength or solidity to the apparatus. For example, the cross section of the beam 108 has been increased, improving the overall stiffness of the apparatus. To avoid any proclivity for the cantilevered side plate 86 of the belt module 12 to hang down from the housing 16 when the apparatus is driven, a pair of external fastening plates 152A, 152B have been placed between the side wall 24 and side plate 86 to interconnect these elements. The rear arm 114A of the fork 114 (not visible in Figure 8A) is accessible through a window 22W in the rear side plate 22. The tracking or tracking screw 124 and the associated tracking or tracking plate 118 (FIG. 5) have been replaced by a cable assembly 154 that includes a pull-pull cable 154C fixed by a mounting clamp 154M to the arm exterior 114A of the fork 114. The cable 154C is transported through a 154S liner and it is accessible in the handle of the apparatus for an operator. Since the movements imparted to the apparatus during the cleaning of a carpet can lead to the "abandonment" of the band of the lateral ends of the roller or cylinder 116, the repositioning of the tracking control on the handle allows an operator to maintain control of the tracking while operating the apparatus. As best seen in Figures 8B and 8C, the modified apparatus also includes an arrangement whereby the brush roller 50 can be moved both vertically and horizontally. In the modified version the slots 44 in the rear margins of the side walls 22, 24 are oriented substantially vertically, instead of being inclined with respect to the vertical as illustrated in Figures 1 and 7. The mounting block 46 it is implemented as a two-part structure comprised of a larger internal portion 46M and a cover 46C. The opening 46R for receiving the shaft is formed in a tubular impact assembly 46T which is fixed by means of bolts 46B to the cover 46C. (Similar shock mounts can be used for rollers or cylinders 76F, 76R). A wider spaced passageway 46P is formed in the main portion 46M. When the elements 46M, 46C are joined, they cooperate to define the double arms that retain the block 46 with respect to the surfaces of the side walls defining the slots 44. In addition, the cover 46C is provided with a pair of adjustment channels 46L which accept the screws 46S that retain the cover 46C with respect to the main portion 46M. The lower end of the slot 44 is closed by a channel 44C bolted to the side wall by means of bolts 44B. In the illustrated modification, the knurled wheel 54 (Figures 3A, 3B) is omitted, and the block 46 is free to float vertically within the slots 44, whereby the axis of the brush roller 50 is vertically adjusted. The horizontal adjustment of the position of the roller or cylinder 50 is produced by loosening the mounting screws 46S, adjusting the lateral position of the cover 46C with respect to the main portion 46M of the block 46, and retightening the screws. The horizontal adjustment of the location of the roller 50 accommodates the thickness variations in the band 134. The modified apparatus shown in Figures 8A to 8C operates in the manner previously described.

An apparatus according to the present invention can also be configured in a self-propelled configuration 10 '., larger, as shown in the sectional view, with a side elevation, of Figure 9. In this embodiment of the invention a pair of modules of the band 12F, 12R, each configured as described at the beginning, is placed in confrontational relationship as previously described, with each other. The modules of the band 12F, 12R are arranged in such a way that the agitators of the band 134 thereof move rectilinearly in the opposite directions. In this way the driving force of a band agitator is counteracted by the action of the other agitator of the band, allowing the apparatus to be advanced along the surface by the operator. The distributor bar 82 in this mode is centrally located from the housing 16, intermediate between the modules of the band 12F, 12R, allowing the nozzles to supply a spray of the liquid cleaning agent to the surface of both the belt agitators and the surface of the carpet. The housing 16 of the apparatus shown in Figure 9 may have integrally mounted thereon a liquid cleaning agent reservoir, a spent liquid collection reservoir, and a low pressure aspiration source. Figures 10A and 10B illustrate a second alternative embodiment of the apparatus 10"according to the present invention In this embodiment the functions of a front one of the support rollers 76F of the belt and the roller of the transmission sprocket 116 have been combined, thus imparting a more compact, lower profile to the apparatus, as shown in the sectional view, with side elevation, of Figure 10B.Therefore, according to this aspect of the invention, the web 134 is guided around of only one pair of rollers or cylinders, especially, a modified roll or cylinder 76R "and a front roll 116." Due to this maintenance with a more compact profile, the dome-like portion of the cover member 20 of the housing 16"It can be eliminated. The upper surface of the housing 16"is therefore of a flat configuration, and is efficiently capable of receiving thereon the reservoir of the liquid cleaning agent and the pump, a collecting tank of the spent liquid, and a source of pressure aspiration. low used by the cleaning device 16". The side wall 24"of the housing 16" exhibits the cutout 26"through which the band 134 is inserted over and is removable from the rolls c cylinders placed in the belt module 12". In this embodiment the side wall 22"of the housing 16" also has a window 22W "therein The structural framework of the band module 12" is also modified in this embodiment of the invention. The side wall 86"and the side wall 22" are interconnected by upper and lower horizontal reinforcing plates 112A ", 112B" and by a vertical reinforcing plate 112C "extending transversely, together with the bracket 102, the reinforcing plates horizontal 112A ", 112B" and vertical reinforcing plate 112C "reinforce the structure of apparatus 10." Horizontal and vertical reinforcement plates cooperate to define an interior chamber 200 within apparatus 10"for a purpose to be described. The horizontal reinforcement plate 112A "defines the table that supports the band 134. The front roller 116" is mounted between the arms 114A, 114B of the support fork assembly 114 which is itself connected by means of a stud 120" to the mounting bracket 102. The arm side 114A is accessible through the window 22W "in the side wall 22" of the housing 16", so that an arrangement suitable for controlling the tracking or tracking of the band with respect to the The roller can be fixed to the fork 114. In addition to the provision of a second pair of springs 126C, 126D (to increase web tension), the fork 114, the stud 120"and the bracket 102 are substantially identical in their structure and operation to the arrangement illustrated and described in relation to Figure 1. Fork assembly 114 is retractable against deflection of springs 126A to 126D by articulated assemblies 130. Articulated assemblies 130, which are similar to those described in Figure 5, are received in the generally rectangular receptacles 132"formed in the side walls 22", 86"With the roller or front cylinder 116" retracted, the band 134 can be removed laterally from the rear roller 76R "and a front roller 116" through the cut-out 26"The vacuum cover 36" projects into the interior volume 14"of the housing 16" rearwardly of the rear roller 76R. "The surrounding transverse edges the mouth 36M "of the cover 36" are bent again to provide transversely extending edges 36F ", 36R", rigid.The edge 36F "makes contact against the material of the agitator of the band 134 along a line of action 144F. "The trailing edge 36R" of the cover 36"engages the brush for lifting the hair 50 along a line of action 144R". The brush 50 is itself mounted to a roller or cylinder 48"that is supported for rotation within the rear portion of the interior volume 14" of the housing 16. "The brush 50 contacts the carpet and makes contact with the fabric. 134 along the 144B interaction line ". The rollers 48", 76R" and 116"are implemented using the internally hinged rollers of the type sold by Interroll Corporation, Wilmington, North Carolina as the rollers of the transmission sprocket Series 1.940. The surface of the rollers 76R" and 116"must be Accordingly, in order to mount the rollers or cylinders 76R "and 116" to the side walls 22", 86", it is only necessary to provide suitable sleeve elements 96R ", 96F" to accept the projecting shafts 74E " laterally from each end of such rollers. The sleeves are mounted in openings provided in the side walls. Similarly, the axes 48E "projecting from each end of the roller 48" are also received in the sleeves 49"which are received by themselves in openings in the side walls 22", 24. "In the embodiment shown in FIG. Figures 10A, 10B, the adjustment blocks 46 are omitted, the driving force for the roller 76R "is provided by a motor 204 which is received inside the inner chamber 200. The motor 200 is supported inside the chamber 200 by the fixing to the upper horizontal support plate 112B. "The shaft 204S of the engine 204 is connected by means of a V-band 206 to the roller or cylinder 76R". To effect this interconnection the surface of the roller 76R "has a V-shaped notch formed therein The interconnection between the roller 76R" and the V-shaped band 206 is under the web 134. The roller or 48"brush cylinder is driven in a similar way, although in the opposite direction 142". A second motor 208 is supported by the housing 16. "The shaft 208S of the motor 208 is connected to the roller or cylinder 48" by a V-shaped band 210 coupled with a corresponding notch formed in the surface of the roller 48. " of the motors 204, 208 and their connections to the associated rollers or cylinders are balanced to keep the weight of the apparatus centered on the table and the woven band.These are suitable for use as the 204, 208 motors available from Stature CE motors. Electric, Inc., Watertown, New York The operation of the apparatus 10"is very similar to the operation of the three cylinder c rollers described in relation to Figures 1 to 7. To briefly summarize, the rotation of the roller 76R" the strap 134 is moved in the direction of the arrow 138 and carries a strip portion 140S extending axially from the band 134 sequentially from the positions 140A (inside the housing 16"), to the agitating position 140B (in which the portion of the agitator 134 of the web is in contact with a carpet) and from there to the 140C position (inside of the housing 16"). The vacuum cover is positioned to communicate with the interior of the housing 16" (in the region of the position 140C) to suck or suck the surface of the agitator of the belt 134 to remove any dirt or other matter that has come to stay in it while the agitator 134 passes over the carpet. The particles expelled to the suction zone 146 defined by the interaction line 114F (between the leading edge 36F of the cover 36 against the surface of the hairs of the band agitator 134), the interaction line (trailing edge 36R of the cover 36 also flexes the bristles 50B of the hair lifting brush 50), and the interaction line 144B (between the brush for lifting the hair 50 and the band 134) are removed by aspiration. Those skilled in the art, who have the benefit of the teachings of the present invention as described herein, can make numerous modifications thereto. Such modifications will be proposed so that they are considered within the contemplation of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it relates.

Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following

Claims (17)

1. An apparatus for agitating a cleaning agent in a carpet, characterized in that it comprises: a housing; a first and second rollers or cylinders and a pinion roller of the transmission each mounted in the housing for rotation in a first angular direction relative thereto, a table mounted in the intermediate housing between the first and second rollers; a band directed around the first and second rollers or cylinders and the pinion roller of the transmission, the band extends down the table, the band comprises a tissue substrate having a surface of the hair fixed on the outer surface thereof, the rollers or cylinders, the pinion roller of the transmission and the table support the rectilinear movement of the web in the first direction to bring a portion of the tissue surface sequentially from a first position into the housing to a contact position in the which portion of the tissue surface is in stirring contact a carpet and, thereafter, a second position in the housing.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a suction head positioned in the housing in a position close to the second position, the suction head rests in a predetermined short distance from the tissue surface, the head Suction is operative to remove from the surface of the fabric the soil raised from the carpet as a result of contact the carpet.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the suction head has a ridge on it, and wherein the rim of the suction head makes contact the tissue surface.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a roller for lifting the hair mounted to the housing for rotation in a second angular direction respect to the housing, the second angular direction that is opposite to the first angular direction, the roller for lifting the hair has a bristle brush on it.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the bristles on the roller for lifting the hair are engageable the surface of the fabric.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that it further comprises: a suction head positioned in the housing in a position close to the second position resting in a predetermined short distance from the tissue surface, the suction head is operative to remove from the surface of the fabric the earth raised from the carpet as a result of contact the carpet.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the suction head has a first and a second ridge on it, and wherein the first rim of the suction head makes contact the tissue surface along a first one. line of contact, and wherein the second flange of the suction head makes contact the bristles on the roller for lifting the hair along a second contact line, whereby the first contact line, the second line of contact and the suction head define a suction zone in which the particulate matter expelled from the surface of the tissue and the bristle brush is drawn towards the suction head.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the rollers is hollow, and wherein a driving source for rotatingly driving the hollow roller or cylinder respect to the housing is placed inside the hollow interior of the roller or cylinder.

9. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the roller for lifting the hair is hollow, and wherein a driving force to rotationally drive the roller for lifting the hair respect to the housing is placed inside the hollow interior of the roller for lifting of hair.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in it further comprises: a tensioning arrangement connected to the roller of the transmission sprocket to tension the band.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in it further comprises: a dispenser mounted to the housing in a position where a cleaning agent is distributed on the surface of the carpet.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in it further comprises: a dispenser mounted to the housing in a position where a cleaning agent is distributed on the web.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in it further comprises: a third and a fourth rollers or cylinders and a second pinion of the transmission pinion mounted in the housing, a second table mounted within the intermediate housing between the second and fourth rollers; a second band directed around the third and fourth rollers and the second roller of the transmission pinion, the second band extends under the second table, the second band comprises a tissue substrate having a hair surface fixed on the outer surface of the same, the third and four rollers or cylinders, the roller of the pinion of the transmission and the table support the rectilinear movement of the band in the second direction opposite to the first direction.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in it further comprises: a distributor positioned intermediate between the first and second bands.

15. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the housing has a pair of slots formed therein, the apparatus is characterized in it further comprises: a block for supporting the roller for lifting the hair, the block includes arms engage the surface of the housing defining the slots, the block is movable within the slots in a first direction, the block is formed of a first element and a second element, one of the elements is adjustable with respect to the other of the elements in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

16. An apparatus for agitating a cleaning agent in a carpet, characterized in it comprises: a housing; first and second rollers each mounted within the housing for rotation in a first angular direction relative thereto, a table mounted within the intermediate housing between the first and second rollers; a band directed around the first and second rollers, the band extends under the platen, the band comprises a tissue substrate having a surface of the hair fixed on the outer surface thereof, the rollers and the table supporting the movement rectilinear of the web in the first direction to bring a portion of the tissue surface sequentially from a first position within the housing to a contact position in which the portion of the tissue surface is in stirring contact with a carpet and, after this, to a second position within the housing.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in it further comprises: a roller for lifting the hair mounted to the housing for rotation in a second angular direction with respect to the housing, the second angular direction is opposite to the first angular direction, the the hair lifting roller has a bristle brush on it, the bristles on the hair lifting roller are engageable with the tissue surface, and a suction head placed inside the housing in a position close to the second position which rests within a predetermined short distance from the surface of the fabric, the suction head is operative to remove from the surface of the fabric the soil raised from the carpet as a result of contact with the carpet.