ROTARY SURFACE CLEANING TOOL
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention s generally to a rotary tool for cleaning es,
ing rugs and carpets, and in particular to such apparatus and s with brushes
for coaction with cleaning liquid delivering means and suction extraction means.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many apparatuses and methods are known for cleaning carpeting and other
flooring, wall and upholstery surfaces. The cleaning tuses and methods most
commonly used today apply cleaning fluid as a spray under pressure to the surface
whereupon the cleaning fluid dissolves the dirt and stains and the apparatus scrubs the
fibers while simultaneously applying suction to extract the ng fluid and the dissolved
soil. Many different apparatuses and methods for spraying cleaning fluid under pressure
and then removing it with suction are illustrated in the prior art. Some of these cleaning
apparatuses and methods use a rotating device n the entire machine is transported
over the carpeting while a cleaning head is rotated about a vertical axis.
Another category of carpeting and upholstery cleaning apparatuses and
methods using the ng device wherein the entire machine is transported over the
carpeting while a cleaning head is rotated about a vertical axis includes machines having a
plurality of arms, each of having one or more spray nozzles or a suction means coupled to
a vacuum source. These rotary cleaning tools providing a more intense scrubbing action
since, in general, more ing surfaces contact the carpet. These apparatuses and
methods are primarily rated in US. Pat. No. 229 granted to Monson on April
, 1984, and are listed in the prior art known to the inventor but not discussed in detail
herein.
A third category of ing and upholstery cleaning apparatuses and
methods that attempt to deflect or otherwise control the cleaning fluid are illustrated by
US. Pat. No. 6,243,914, which was granted to the inventor of the present patent
09/05/12, op2266 speci, l
application June 12, 2001, and which is orated herein by reference. US. Pat. No.
6,243,914 discloses a cleaning head for carpets, walls or upholstery, having a rigid open-
ed main body that defines a e subjected to the cleaning process. Mounted
within or adjacent to the main body and coplanar with the bottom thereof is a fluid-
applying device which es a slot at an acute angle to the plane of the bottom of the
body located adjacent the plane of the bottom of the body, the slot configured such that the
fluid is applied in a thin sheet that flows out of the slot and into the upper portion of the
surface to be cleaned and is subsequently extracted by suction into the vacuum source for
recovery. The cleaning head is alternatively multiply embodied in a plurality of arms
which are rotated about a hub.
illustrates a typical prior art professional fluid cleaning system as
rated in U.S. Pat. 6,243,914. It is to be understood that this cleaning system is
typically mounted in a van or truck for mobile ing of carpets and flooring in homes
and businesses. The typical truck-mounted fluid cleaning system 1 includes a main liquid
waste receptacle 3 into which soiled ng fluid is routed. A cleaning head or nozzle 5 is
mounted on a rigid vacuum wand 7 which includes a handle 8 for controlling cleaning
head 5. A supply of pressurized hot liquid solution of cleaning fluid is supplied to ng
head 5 Via a ng solution delivery tube 9 arranged in fluid communication with a
ng solution inlet orifice 11 of cleaning head 5 for delivering there through a flow of
pressurized liquid cleaning solution to fluid cleaning solution spray jets 13 of cleaning
head 5. Carpet cleaning head 5 typically includes a rectangular, downwardly open
truncated pyramidal envelope 15 which contains the cleaning fluid spray that is applied to
the carpet or other flooring, as well as forming a vacuum plenum for the vacuum retrieving
the soiled liquid for ort to waste receptacle 3. An intake port 16 of the vacuum wand
7 is coupled in fluid communication with the vacuum plenum of cleaning head 5.
Mounted above the main waste receptacle 3 is a cabinet 17 g a
vacuum source and supply of pressurized hot liquid cleaning fluid. Soiled cleaning fluid is
routed from cleaning head 5 into waste receptacle 3 via rigid vacuum wand 7 and a flexible
vacuum retum hose 19 coupled in fluid communication with an exhaust port 20 thereof,
whereby spent cleaning solution and dissolved soil are withdrawn under a vacuum force
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 2
supplied by the fluid cleaning system, as is well known in the art. A vacuum l valve
or switch 21 is provided for controlling the vacuum source.
illustrates details of operation of the l truck-mounted fluid
cleaning system 1 illustrated in Here, the main waste receptacle 3, as well as the
vacuum source and ng fluid supply cabinet 17, are shown in partial cut-away views
for exposing details thereof. The cleaning fluid is drawn through cleaning on delivery
tube 9 from a supply 23 of liquid cleaning solution in the cabinet 17. The vacuum for
vacuum return hose 19 is provided by a vacuum suction source 25, such as a high pressure
blower, driven by a power supply 27. The blower vacuum source 25 icates with
the main waste receptacle 3 through an air intake 29 coupled into an upper portion 31
thereof and, when operating, ps a powerful vacuum in an air r 33 enclosed in
the receptacle 3.
Vacuum return hose 19 is coupled in communication with waste receptacle
3 through a drain 35, for example, at upper portion 31, remote from intake 29. Vacuum
return hose l9 feeds soiled cleaning fluid into waste receptacle 3 as a flow 37 of liquid
soiled with dissolved dust, dirt and stains, as well as undissolved particulate material
picked up by the vacuum return but of a size or nature as to be undissolvable in the liquid
cleaning fluid. The flow 37 of soiled cleaning fluid enters into waste receptacle 3 through
drain 35 and forms a pool 39 of soiled liquid filled with dissolved and undissolved debris.
A float switch 41 or other means avoids overfilling the waste receptacle 3 and inundating
the blower 25 through its air intake 29. A screen or simple filter may be applied to remove
gross contaminates from the soiled liquid flow 37 before it reaches the pool 39, but this is a
matter of operator choice since any impediment to the flow 37 reduces crucial vacuum
pressure at the cleaning head 5 for retrieving the soiled liquid from the cleaned carpet or
other surface.
Soiled liquid ng fluid effectively filters air drawn into the waste
receptacle 3 by dissolving the majority of dust, dirt and stains, and drowning and sinking
any undissolved debris whereby it is sunk into the pool 39 of soiled liquid and captured
therein. Thus, the soiled liquid in the vacuum return hose 19 effectively filters the air
before it is discharged into the enclosed air chamber 34, and no airborne les of dust
09/05/12, op2266 speci, .
and dirt are ble to escape into the enclosed air r 33 floating above the liquid
pool 39.
In a rotary surface cleaning tool, cleaning head 5 utilizes cleaning liquid
delivering means and suction extraction means in ation with a rotary cleaning plate
that is coupled for high speed rotary motion.
One example of a rotary surface cleaning tool is illustrated by US. Pat. No.
001, SURFACE CLEANING AND RINSING DEVICE, issued to Helmuth W.
Krause on January 8, 1980, which is incorporated herein by nce.
illustrates the rotary surface cleaning and rinsing machine of ,
indicated generally at 50, which includes a substantially circular g 51 and frame 53
with its lower axial face open at 55, with this face 55 being disposed substantially parallel
to the surface which is to be cleaned, such as a rug 57. Mounted on top of the housing 51
and frame 53 is an enclosure 59 from which extends a handle assembly 61. Handle
assembly 61 is held by the operator during the manipulation of machine 50. Handle
assembly 61 has operating levers 63 and 65. Control handle 65 regulates flow of cleaning
or rinsing fluid to rotary surface cleaning tool 51 through feed line 67. For example, feed
line 67 is coupled to cleaning on delivery tube 9 from supply 23 of liquid cleaning
solution in. cabinet 17 in a truck-mounted unit, or another supply of liquid cleaning
solution. Control handle 63 can be used to regulate the starting and stopping of drive
motors.
An exhaust pipe or tube 69 is mounted on handle assembly 61 and is
connected to the top of rotary surface cleaning tool 51 at a connection 71. Suction is
created by the motor and fan assembly 73. Else, exhaust pipe or tube 69 is coupled for
suction extraction to vacuum return hose 19 and vacuum source 25 in a truck-mounted
unit. Soiled cleaning fluid extracted by suction extraction from carpet or rug 57 is drawn
off through outlet connection 71 and through discharge hose 69. Frame 53 may also be
supported by a swivel wheel 75. A large rotor 77 is rotationally d within housing 51
and rotationally coupled within ure 59. Rotor 77 is gly connected by a drive
belt or chain 79 to an output shaft 81 of an electric motor 83 mounted on the frame 53.
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 4
Motor 83 serves to turn large rotor 77. A plurality of circular brushes 85 are located on
rotor 77.
illustrates brushes 85 are rotated as shown by arrows 87 in the
opposite direction from the g motion 89 of the rotor 77 by a rotating drive means for
rotating brushes 85 with respect to rotor 77. Moreover, brushes 85 are rotated at
significantly higher revolutions per minute (RPM) than rotor 77 for producing a very
vigorous brush scrubbing action. For example, brushes 85 rotate more than seven times
with respect to rug 57 for each full rotation of rotor 77. As a result, the brush elements or
bristles in the peripheral region traveling very rapidly in a backward direction 87 relative to
rotor 77 tend to lift up and to flip over the matted pile of rug 57 thereby exposing and
scrubbing its underside. Then, in interior regions 91 where brush elements or bristles are
traveling in the same direction as rotor 77, they flip the pile back into its original position
for ing it on the other side. Thus, the pile of rug 57 becomes thoroughly scrubbed on
its underside as well as on its upper side. A cyclic scrubbing action is produced flipping the
matted pile back and forth many times during one pass of machine 50.
Also oned on rotor 77 are suction extraction nozzles 93 spaced
between brushes 85 and communicating with discharge hose 69. Suction extraction nozzles
93 are fixed to rotor 77 and each is provided with a relatively narrow vacuum extraction
slot 95. Each vacuum extraction slot 95 is positioned coplanar with the ends of the brush
elements or bristles of brushes 85 distal from rotor 77.
Also d on rotor 77 is a plurality of spray nozzle means 97 for
dispensing cleaning or rinsing liquid. Each of spray nozzle means 97 can be mounted for
angular adjustment so as to direct sprays of cleaning or rinsing liquid through individual
nozzles 99 onto rug 57 at different angles. The cleaning or rinsing fluid is ed to
nozzle means 97 h line 67 which leads to a supply of cleaning or rinsing fluid, such
as either feed line 67 or solution delivery tube 9.
During operation of the cleaning device, rotor 77 rotates in the direction
ted by arrow 89. As the cleaning liquid is sprayed onto rug 57 h nozzles 99,
rotating s 85 agitate the pile of rug 57 in conjunction with the cleaning liquid to
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 5
loosen dirt in or on the surface. The spent cleaning liquid and loosened dirt are extracted
up by the next succeeding suction extraction nozzle 93. Accordingly, the liquid-dwell-time
is solely controlled by machine 50. and not by the rate at which the or advances
machine 50 over the floor.
However. known rotary surface cleaning tool are limited in their ability to
effectively provide the desired cleaning of target floor es and extraction of soiled
cleaning .
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a rotary surface cleaning machine for cleaning
floors. including both carpeted floors and uncarpeted hard floor es including but not
limited to wood. tile. linoleum and natural stone flooring. The rotary surface cleaning
machine has a rotary surface cleaning tool mounted on a frame and coupled for high speed
rotary motion relative to the frame. The rotary e cleaning tool has a ntially
circular operational surface that ms the cleaning ion. The rotary surface
cleaning tool is driven by an on-board power plant to rotate at a high rate. The rotary
surface ng tool is d to a supply of pressurized hot liquid solution of cleaning
fluid and a powerful vacuum suction source.
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a rotary surface
cleaning machine, sing: a rotary surface cleaning tool coupled for high speed rotary
motion and further comprising a substantially ar ional surface; a plurality of
individual arrays of cleaning solution delivery spray nozzles being angularly buted
across the operational surface of the rotary surface cleaning tool and being coupled in fluid
communication with corresponding liquid cleaning fluid distribution channels ofa cleaning
fluid distribution manifold portion ofthe rotary surface cleaning tool. wherein each of the
plurality of individual arrays of cleaning solution delivery spray nozzles further comprises
at least one or more individual delivery spray nozzles that are radially oriented across a
maximum annular portion of the substantially circular operational surface of the rotary
surface cleaning tool between an inner radial limit and an outer radial limit: a plurality of
suction extraction shoes being angularly distributed across the operational surfr: 3 of the
INNS l2 "HEN-sneer. "
rotary surface cleaning tool and being projected therefrom ately between the arrays of
cleaning on delivery spray nozzles, and each of the suction extraction shoes further
comprising a fluid extraction passage communicating with a vacuum manifold; and, a
vacuum plenum communicating with the vacuum manifold of the rotary surface cleaning
tool, the vacuum plenum forming a cavity having an g thereinto and further
comprising a removable vacuum inlet cap assembly, comprising: an inlet cap sized for
being releasably sealed with the opening into the cavity of the vacuum plenum, and a
cleaning on delivery tube sealed to the inlet cap and sized for being releasably sealed
in communication with the plurality of suction extraction shoes.
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13, op2266 speciZ, 8
Other aspects of the invention are detailed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this
invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by
reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
illustrates a typical prior art sional fluid cleaning system of a
type that is typically mounted in a van or truck for mobile servicing of carpets and g
in homes and businesses;
illustrates details of operation of the typical truck-mounted fluid
cleaning system illustrated in
illustrates one rotary surface cleaning and rinsing machine of the
prior art;
is r View of the rotary surface cleaning and rinsing machine of
the prior art as illustrated in
rates the rotary surface cleaning machine of the invention for
ry of liquid cleaning fluid to a target e to be cleaned, such as either carpeting
or hard floor surfaces including but not limited to wood, tile, linoleum and natural stone
flooring;
is a side view of the rotary surface cleaning machine rated in
wherein a plurality of suction extraction shoes are more clearly illustrated as being
located on a rotary surface cleaning tool and projected from an open lower axial face of a
housing dome;
is a bottom View of the rotary surface cleaning e illustrated in
and wherein the plurality of n extraction shoes are more clearly
31/10/13, op2266 speci2, 9
is a bottom view of the rotary surface ng machine illustrated in
and wherein the plurality of suction extraction shoes are more clearly
illustrated as being located on the rotary e cleaning tool in the open lower axial face
of the housing dome;
is another bottom view of the rotary surface cleaning machine
illustrated in and wherein a relatively narrow annular suction or vacuum
extraction passage is formed as a substantially continuous r slot between the bottom
cleaning surface of the rotary surface cleaning tool and the housing dome at its lower axial
face for closer approach to walls and other surfaces projected from the floor;
illustrates the rotary surface ng tool of the rotary surface
cleaning machine illustrated in FIGS. 5 through wherein the rotary surface cleaning
tool is mounted on the support frame with an on-board power plant;
is a partial cross-section view of the rotary surface cleaning machine
illustrated in through wherein the rotary surface cleaning tool is d on
the t frame through a rotary coupling;
illustrates a relatively narrow annular suction or vacuum extraction
passage formed as a ntially continuous annular slot between the bottom cleaning
surface of the rotary surface cleaning tool and the housing dome, and further illustrates an
ative vacuum plenum that is useful for cleaning trapped debris from the vacuum
passage;
is an exploded view showing operation of the alternative vacuum
plenum of ;
[003 7] is another ed view showing operation of the alternative
vacuum plenum of and ;
[003 8] illustrates the rotary surface cleaning tool of the rotary surface
cleaning machine illustrated in through wherein the rotary surface cleaning
09/05/12, 0132266 speci, IO
tool is drivingly connected, for example but without limitation, by a drive gear to the rotary
drive output of the on—board power plant;
A illustrates an upper coupling surface of the rotary surface cleaning
tool of the rotary surface cleaning machine of the prior art;
B illustrates an upper coupling surface of the rotary surface cleaning
tool of the rotary surface cleaning machine rated in through as further
illustrated in , and further illustrates the vacuum manifold having an optional
curved portion that actually generates a pumping action of the suction pressure;
illustrates a bottom operational surface of the rotary surface
cleaning tool of the rotary surface cleaning machine illustrated in through as
further rated in and ;
is a detail view of one embodiment of the suction extraction shoe of
the rotary surface cleaning machine illustrated in through
is a detailed cross-section View of one ment of the n
extraction shoe illustrated in , wherein the suction tion shoe is shown as
having a leading e and a trailing surface as a function of the rotational direction of
the rotary surface ng tool;
illustrates the bottom operational surface of the rotary surface
cleaning tool of the rotary surface cleaning machine illustrated in through
having the suction extraction shoe with an optional raised leading surface portion and a
relatively lower trailing surface n as illustrated in and ;
illustrates bottom the operational surface of the rotary surface
ng tool of the rotary surface ng machine illustrated in through
having a spiral pattern of cleaning solution delivery spray nozzle arrays of individual
ry holes, wherein each spray nozzle array consists of one to about four individual
delivery holes, and wherein the individual spray nozzle arrays are oned in a spiral
pattern across the bottom operational surface of the rotary surface cleaning tool;
09/05/12, op2266 speci, ll
A illustrates an alternative configuration of the spiral pattern of
cleaning solution delivery spray nozzle arrays illustrated in ;
is a detail view of r embodiment of the n extraction
shoe of the rotary surface cleaning machine illustrated in through wherein
the leading surface does not include the optional raised portion but is rather substantially
coplanar with the trailing surface, but the leading surface rather includes one or more
bristle brushes in one or more rows arranged along an outermost portion thereof;
is a detailed cross-section View of the embodiment of the suction
extraction shoe illustrated in ;
illustrates the operational surface of the rotary surface cleaning tool
of the rotary surface cleaning machine illustrated in through wherein the
suction extraction shoes are configured with ntially ar g and trailing
surfaces, and the shoe leading es have one or more of the bristle brushes in one or
more rows arranged along the outermost portions thereof;
illustrates rotary surface cleaning tool of the rotary surface cleaning
machine illustrated in through wherein each suction extraction shoe is
supported in the bottom operational e by a biasing means structured for individually
biasing or “floating” each n extraction shoe outwardly relative to the bottom
operational surface of the rotary surface cleaning tool;
is a cross-section view of the rotary surface cleaning tool of the
rotary e cleaning machine illustrated in h wherein the biasing
means for individually biasing or “floating” each suction extraction shoe outwardly
relative to the bottom operational surface of the rotary surface cleaning tool is structured,
by example and without limitation, as a resilient cushion, such as a closed-cell foam rubber
n of about one-quarter inch thickness or thereabout, that is positioned between a
flange portion of each shoe and the rotary surface ng tool;
is a detail view of another embodiment of the suction extraction
shoe of the rotary e cleaning machine illustrated in through wherein
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 12
each suction extraction shoe is structured for accomplishing the “washboard” scrubbing
effect of the moveable target surface, i.e. carpet surface, independently of the next
consecutive suction extraction shoe;
is a detailed cross—section view of the embodiment of the suction
extraction shoe illustrated in , wherein the suction extraction shoe is shown as
having the optional relatively lower or recessed portion formed on the leading surface and
the relatively raised portion is formed on the trailing e as a function of the reversed
clockwise rotational direction of the rotary surface ng tool; and
rates the bottom operational surface of the rotary surface
cleaning tool of the rotary surface cleaning machine illustrated in through
having the suction extraction shoe formed with the optional relatively lower or recessed
surface portion on its leading surface, and the optional relatively raised surface portion
formed on the trailing e as illustrated in and .
DETAILED PTION OF RED EMBODIMENT
In the Figures, like numerals indicate like elements.
illustrates a rotary surface cleaning machine 100 of a type for
delivery of liquid cleaning fluid to a target surface to be cleaned, such as either carpeting
or hard floor surfaces including but not limited to wood, tile, linoleum and natural stone
flooring. Rotary surface cleaning machine 100 is coupled to draw liquid cleaning fluid
through cleaning solution delivery tube 9 from a supply 23 of liquid cleaning solution in
the cabinet 17.
[005 7] Rotary surface cleaning machine 100 is optionally a stand-alone unit
coupled to a supply of rized hot liquid solution of ng fluid and a having an
on-board motor or other power plant coupled for driving a fan assembly for ting a
suction as, for example, rotary tool for ng surfaces disclosed by US. Pat. No.
4,182,001, which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, rotary surface cleaning
machine 100 is part of a mounted fluid cleaning system such as rated in
and and disclosed in US. Pat. 6,243,914, which is incorporated herein by reference.
09/05/12, 0132266 speci, l3
When part of a mounted fluid cleaning system, rotary surface cleaning machine 100
is coupled to vacuum return hose 19 and truck-mounted vacuum source 25 by means of an
exhaust pipe or hose 102 coupled to an exhaust port 104. Fluid extraction suction is
ted by the vacuum force supplied by vacuum source 25. Soiled cleaning fluid
extracted from carpet or rug 57 is drawn off through exhaust port 104 and carried through
flexible vacuum return hose 19 to main waste receptacle 3.
As illustrated here by example and without limitation, rotary surface
ng machine 100 includes a support frame member 106, which may be supported by a
wheel assembly 108. Support frame 106 s a substantially ar housing dome 110
having its lower axial face open at 112 with this face 112 being disposed substantially
parallel to the surface which is to be cleaned, such as rug 57. A pivotally mounted handle
assembly 114 is used by the operator during operation for manipulating machine 100.
Handle assembly 114 supports one or more operating control mechanisms mounted
thereon for the convenience of the operator. For e, one flow control mechanism 116
regulates flow of cleaning fluid through cleaning solution delivery tube 9. A tional
quick connection can be used for supplying the liquid cleaning solution. Another vacuum
control mechanism 118 can be used to regulate the suction extraction of spent cleaning
liquid and loosened dirt. A rotary control mechanism 120 can be used to regulate the
ng and stopping of the rotary surface cleaning tool through control of an on-board
power plant 122, such as an electric motor or other power plant, mounted on support frame
106.
A rotary surface ng tool 124 is configured as a large rotor that is
journaled with support frame 106 for high speed rotary motion within housing dome 110.
On-board power plant 122 is coupled for driving the high speed rotary motion of rotary
surface ng tool 124.
A plurality of n extraction shoes 126 are located on rotary surface
cleaning tool 124 and t from open lower axial face 112 of housing dome 110. Each
suction extraction shoe 126 is coupled in fluid communication with vacuum source 25
through exhaust port 104 and exhaust pipe or hose 102 for the suction extraction of spent
cleaning liquid and loosened dirt.
09/05/12. 0132266 speci. l4
is a side view of the rotary surface cleaning machine 100 rated
in wherein the plurality of suction extraction shoes 126 are more clearly illustrated
as being located on rotary surface cleaning tool 124 and projected from open lower axial
face 112 of housing dome 110.
is a bottom View of the rotary surface cleaning machine 100
illustrated in and n the plurality of suction extraction shoes 126 are
more clearly illustrated as being located on rotary surface cleaning tool 124 in open lower
axial face 112 of housing dome 110.
As disclosed herein, a rotary drive output 128 of on-board power plant 122
is coupled for driving the high speed rotary motion of rotary surface cleaning tool 124. For
example, rotary surface cleaning tool 124 is rotationally mounted within housing dome 110
and is drivingly connected, for example but without limitation by any of: a drive belt, a
drive chain, or a drive gear, to rotary drive output 128 of on—board power plant 122
mounted on frame 106. Here, by example and without limitation, rotary drive output 128
of on-board power plant 122 is a drive gear coupled to drive a circumferential tooth gear
130 disposed about the circumference of rotary surface cleaning tool 124. Accordingly,
drive means alternative to the rotary gear drive disclosed herein by example and without
limitation are also contemplated and may be substituted without deviating from the scope
and intent of the present invention. Power plant 122 thus serves to turn rotary surface
ng tool 124 at a high speed rotary motion under the control of rotary control
mechanism 120.
Rotary surface cleaning tool 124 includes a ity of arrays 132 of
cleaning solution ry spray nozzles each coupled in fluid connection to the
pressurized flow of cleaning fluid delivered through cleaning solution delivery tube 9.
Spray nozzle arrays 132 deliver pressurized hot liquid on of cleaning fluid to target
carpeting or hard floor surface. Spray nozzle arrays 132 are distributed on rotary e
cleaning tool 124 in groups oned between the ity of suction extraction shoes
126. Accordingly, when rotary surface cleaning tool 124 turns at 150 RPM during
operation, each spray nozzle array 132 delivers the pressurized hot liquid solution of
ng fluid to the target floor surface at least one, two or more times each second.
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 15
Consecutively with arrays 132 of spray nozzles, each of the plurality of suction extraction
shoes 126 also covers the same area of the target floor as spray nozzle arrays 132 at least
one, two or more times each second. Furthermore, each of the ity of suction
extraction shoes 126 includes a relatively narrow suction or vacuum extraction passage 136
oriented substantially radially of rotary surface cleaning tool 124.
illustrates a relatively narrow annular auxiliary suction or vacuum
tion passage 136a formed as a substantially continuous annular slot between bottom
ng e of rotary surface cleaning tool 124 and housing dome 110 at lower axial
face 112 f. Auxiliary annular suction or vacuum extraction passage 136a is coupled
in fluid communication with vacuum source 25 through exhaust port 104 and exhaust pipe
or hose 102 for the suction extraction of spent cleaning liquid and loosened dirt. Auxiliary
annular suction or vacuum_extraction passage 136a is positioned adjacent to an outermost
surface of housing dome 110, which permits minimum ch distance to walls and
other surfaces projected from the floor or rug 57. Accordingly, housing dome 110 of the
invention having auxiliary annular vacuum extraction passage 136a in combination with
the plurality of n or vacuum extraction passages 136 oriented substantially radially of
rotary surface cleaning tool 124 is a significant novel improvement over conventional
vacuum extraction structures of the prior art as to be an ndently patentable feature,
as discussed in more detail herein below. Furthermore, auxiliary vacuum extraction slot
136a need not completely surround rotary surface cleaning tool 124 to be effective. For
example, auxiliary vacuum tion slot 136a need not extend into area nt to
t frame member 106 under mounted handle assembly 114.
illustrates the rotary surface ng tool 124 of the rotary surface
cleaning machine 100 illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, wherein rotary surface ng tool
124 is mounted on support frame 106 with on—board power plant 122. Here, by example
and without limitation, rotary drive output 128 of on-board power plant 122 is a drive gear
coupled to drive circumferential tooth gear 130 disposed about the circumference of rotary
surface cleaning tool 124. However, as disclosed herein, drive means alternative to the
rotary gear drive are also contemplated and may be substituted without deviating from the
scope and intent of the present ion.
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 16
is a partial cross—section View of the rotary surface ng machine
100 illustrated in through wherein rotary surface cleaning tool 124 is
mounted on support frame 106 through a rotary coupling. For example, rotary surface
cleaning tool 124 is mounted through a cylindrical sleeve extension 138 of a rotor hub
member 140 that is journaled in a bushing 142.
Each of the plurality of spray nozzle arrays 132 is coupled in fluid
communication with the pressurized hot liquid solution of cleaning fluid through a
cleaning fluid distribution manifold 144 that is in fluid communication with cleaning
solution delivery tube 9. Cleaning fluid distribution manifold 144 includes a central sprue
hole 146 for receiving the pressurized cleaning fluid and an expansion chamber 148 for
reducing the pressure of the cleaning fluid to below a delivery pressure ed by the
supply of rized cleaning solution, such as but not limited to supply 23 of rized
cleaning solution in the cabinet 17 of a truck-mounted , or another supply of
pressurized cleaning on. Expansion chamber 148 is connected for distributing the
liquid cleaning fluid outward along a plurality of radial liquid cleaning fluid distribution
channels 150 for delivery by the plurality of spray nozzle arrays 132 uniformly distributed
across bottom cleaning surface 72 of rotary e cleaning tool 124. Individual radial
cleaning fluid distribution channels 150 are uniformly angularly distributed within rotary
surface cleaning tool 124, wherein each of cleaning fluid distribution channels 150
communicates with one of the plurality of spray nozzle arrays 132 for delivery thereto of
the pressurized hot liquid solution of cleaning fluid. Radial liquid cleaning fluid
distribution channels 150 are optionally ed to an outer circumference 124a of the
large rotor of surface cleaning tool 124 for ease of manufacturing, and later sealed with
plugs 151.
Between adjacent arrays 132 of spray nozzles are distributed
radially-oriented suction or vacuum extraction passage 136 each d to a vacuum
source for retrieving a quantity of soiled cleaning fluid. Radially-oriented plurality of
suction tion shoes 126 are uniformly distributed angularly about rotary surface
cleaning tool 124 for uniformly angularly distributing the n or vacuum extraction
passages 136 about rotary e cleaning tool 124. t port 104 communicates with
a vacuum plenum 152 within rotor hub member 140, which in turn communicates through
09/05/12. op2266 speci. l7
respective suction extraction shoes 126 with each suction or vacuum extraction passage
136. For example, radially-oriented suction or vacuum extraction passages 136
communicate through individual vacuum manifold branch es 154 of a vacuum
manifold 155 that each communicate in turn with a ntially cylindrical central
vacuum passage 156 within rotor hub member 140. Central vacuum passage 156
communicates at its upper end through vacuum plenum 152 and exhaust port 104 with
exhaust pipe or hose 102.
As indicated by rotational arrow 158, rotary surface cleaning tool 124 is
rotated at high speed during application of cleaning solution to the target surface. Rotary
surface cleaning tool 124 successfully delivers a lly uniform distribution of liquid
cleaning solution to a target surface, such as rug 57, between the quantity of arrays 132 of
spray nozzles and the large number of passes, i.e. at least one, two or more passes per
second, of each spray nozzle array 132 occasioned by the high rotational speed rotary
surface cleaning tool 124 regardless of any lack of uniformity in the instantaneous fluid
ry of any individual spray nozzle array 132. Additionally, the instantaneous fluid
delivery of each individual spray nozzles array 132 tends to be generally uniform at least
because the length of the spray nozzle array 132 is minimal as compared with the size of
rotary surface ng tool 124.
illustrates auxiliary annular suction or vacuum extraction passage
136a formed as a substantially annular slot between outer circumference 124a of surface
cleaning tool 124 and circumferential skirt 111 of housing dome 110 adjacent to its lower
axial face 112. Annular vacuum extraction passage 136a communicates with central
vacuum passage 156 within rotor hub member 140. By example and without limitation,
annular vacuum extraction passage 136a icates with l vacuum passage 156
through extensions 157 formed in one or more dual vacuum ld branch
passages 154 and through outer circumference 124a of surface ng tool 124. As
discussed herein, individual vacuum manifold branch passages 154 each communicate in
turn with central vacuum passage 156 within rotor hub member 140, whereby annular
vacuum extraction passage 136a communicates with central vacuum e 156 and
exhaust port 104.
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 18
Alternatively, annular vacuum tion passage 136a icates with
a vacuum passage 136b formed between housing dome 110 and vacuum ld cover
159 which is fixed to top of surface cleaning tool 124 and seals dual vacuum
manifold branch passages 154. Vacuum passage 136b communicates with central vacuum
e 156 within rotor hub member 140 either indirectly through one or more vacuum
ld apertures 161 formed through_vacuum manifold cover 159 in communication
with individual vacuum manifold branch passages 154, else directly through one or more
vacuum passage apertures 163 formed in direct communication with central vacuum
passage 156 directly through cylindrical sleeve extension 138 of rotor hub member 140.
According to yet another alternative, vacuum passage 136b communicates directly to a
second independent exhaust port 104a that is coupled through a portion 113 of housing
dome 110, exhaust port 104a is in turn coupled to truck-mounted vacuum source 25 by
means of either exhaust hose 102 or another exhaust hose, whereby vacuum pressure is not
reduced in vacuum manifold branch passages 154 and vacuum extraction passages 136
communicating therewith. Other means for ng r vacuum extraction passage
136a in communication with l vacuum passage 156 or ly with either exhaust
hose 102 or another exhaust hose are also contemplated and may be included and or
substituted without deviating from the scope and intent of the present invention.
According to one embodiment, at least circumferential skirt 111 of housing
dome 110 forming annular vacuum tion passage 136a is formed of a resiliently
pliable material, such as a plastic or rubber material. The material is pliable enough to
collapse skirt 111 of housing dome 110 when cleaning machine 100 is forced into t
with an immovable object, such as a wall. Yet the material is resilient enough to
substantially automatically reform sed skirt 111 and annular vacuum extraction
passage 136a when cleaning machine 100 is moved away from contact such immovable
object. Accordingly, cleaning machine 100 can be moved closely enough to such
immovable objects that spray nozzle arrays 132 and suction extraction shoes 126 of
cleaning tool 124 can be positioned almost directly against a wall for cleaning solution
delivery and retrieval. This flexibility of circumferential skirt 111 of housing dome 110 is
thus advantageous, for example, for cleaning wall-to-wall carpet.
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 19
also rates an alternative vacuum plenum 152a communicating
with central vacuum passage 156, for example at an upper portion thereof. Alternative
vacuum plenum 152a is useful for emptying and cleaning central vacuum passage 156
during operation of rotary surface cleaning machine 100. Alternative vacuum plenum 152a
optionally includes means 218 for visually inspecting central vacuum passage 156. For
example, visual inspecting means 218 is formed as a visually clear sight window set into a
side wall 220 of alternative vacuum plenum 152a. Else, in another example, visual
inspecting means 218 is provided as all, or at least a portion of side wall 220 of alternative
vacuum plenum 152a being formed substantially entirely of a ly clear material, such
as glass or a Visually clear polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polycarbonate material, whereby
l vacuum e 156 is clearly Visible through some or substantially all of vacuum
plenum side wall 220. Visual inspecting means 218 is a unique attribute of alternative
vacuum plenum 152a. In inventor’s long years and vast experience, prior art vacuum
plenums have all been opaque whereby operator must determine levels of olved
dust, dirt and debris ped in the vacuum plenum either by physically disassembling
the vacuum plenum for visual inspection, else by noticing a reduction in the suction level
at the n extraction ports. Either prior art means for determining a up of
entrapped contaminants at least s ncy of the cleaning tool, and may be
detrimental to the cleaning tool, and potentially to the entire cleaning . Therefore,
vacuum plenum_visual inspecting means 218 of the present invention advantageously
provides both increased cleaning efficiency of rotary surface cleaning machine 100, and
means for protecting rotary surface cleaning machine 100 from damage, as from clogging
or even possible over heating.
Another advantageous unique attribute of alternative vacuum plenum 152a
is a removable vacuum inlet cap assembly 230 which operates as a clean-out for
advantageously emptying and cleaning central vacuum passage 156 during ion of
rotary surface cleaning e 100, whereby rotary surface cleaning machine 100 is
provided with increased cleaning efficiency and protection from damage, as from clogging
or even le over heating. For example, removable vacuum inlet cap assembly 230
includes a removable machined or molded inlet cap 232 that fits over a substantially round
open end 152b of tubular alternative vacuum plenum 152a. Inlet cap 232 is formed with a
stem or plug 234 that is sized to enter into and mate with open end 152b of tubular
09/05/12, 0p2266 speci, 20
ative vacuum plenum 152a. Inlet cap 232 is structured to seal open end 152b of
vacuum plenum 152a. For example, cap plug 234 is formed with one or more seal seats
236 each sized to receive a seal 238 which is compressed between cap plug 234 and open
end 152b of vacuum plenum 152a. For example, seal seats 236 each accept thereinto an
elastomeric o-ring seal 238 sized to be compressed between cap plug 234 and open end
152b of vacuum plenum 152a. Alternatively, inlet cap 232 is sized to fit outside er
of side wall 220 of vacuum plenum 152a similarly to a lid fitting a jar, wherein one or
more seal seats 236 are formed into inner surface of lid side wall rly to lid screw
s, and o-ring seals 238 are fit into seal seats 236 and compressed between lid inner
side wall and outer surface of side wall 220 of vacuum plenum 152a. According to r
alternative, whether inlet cap 232 has cap plug 234 sized to fit into open end 152b of
tubular alternative vacuum plenum 152a, or has external wall sized to fit outside er
of side wall 220, underside of inlet cap 232 is alternatively formed with one or more seal
seats 236 and one or more seals 238 are positioned between underside of inlet cap 232 and
top surface of vacuum plenum side wall 220 at open end 152b of tubular alternative
vacuum plenum 152a, which seals 238 are compressed between inlet cap 232 and vacuum
plenum side wall 220 as by negative pressure of vacuum in central vacuum e 156
during operation of rotary surface cleaning machine 100. Inlet cap 232 is thus retained in
connection with alternative vacuum plenum 152a by application of negative pressure of
vacuum in central vacuum passage 156 during operation of rotary surface cleaning
machine 100, and seal 238 maintains the ve vacuum pressure in vacuum passage
156, whereby no mechanical connection is required. Furthermore, because no mechanical
connection, i.e., clamp or threads, is necessary between inlet cap 232 and alternative
vacuum plenum 152a, inlet cap 232 is readily removable from alternative vacuum plenum
152a as soon as negative vacuum pressure is released from vacuum passage 156 and seal
238 is broken. In other words, inlet cap 232 is just pulled off of alternative vacuum plenum
152a as soon as vacuum is cut from vacuum passage 156, or rotary surface ng
machine 100 is shut down, without releasing any clamps or unscrewing any joints.
According to another aspect of removable vacuum inlet cap assembly 230,
cleaning solution ry tube 9 is inserted through an aperture 240 formed through inlet
cap 232, for example substantially at the center thereof. ry tube 9 is sealed in
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 21
aperture 240 of inlet cap 232, for example by a threaded joint, an o-ring joint, or another
sealed coupling 242 etween.
Delivery tube 9 is removably extended through central vacuum passage 156
into cleaning fluid expansion chamber 148 of cleaning fluid distribution manifold 144
through a sealing plate 244 thereof positioned between vacuum passage 156 and cleaning
fluid expansion chamber 148. Delivery tube 9 is removably extended into cleaning fluid
expansion chamber 148 through an another g coupling 246 and forms central sprue
hole 146. For example, a smooth tubular end 9a of delivery tube 9 distal of inlet cap 232
extends through an aperture 248 in a hub or stem portion 250 of sealing plate 244 in sealed
coupling 246. For example, sealing coupling 246 includes one or more seals which are
ssed in aperture 248 n delivery tube 9 and stem portion 250 of sealing plate
244. Here, sealed coupling is one, two, three (shown) or more elastomeric o-ring seals
ssed between delivery tube 9 and stem portion 250 of sealing plate 244, whereby
smooth tubular end 9a of delivery tube 9 is ly engageable with sealed coupling 246
in g plate 244 simply by pushing inlet cap 232 into engagement with open end 152b
of alternative vacuum plenum 152a. Likewise, smooth tubular end 9a of delivery tube 9 is
slidably disengageable from sealed coupling 246 with sealing plate 244 simply by pulling
inlet cap 232 from open end 152b of alternative vacuum plenum 152a, as disclosed herein.
is an exploded view showing smooth tubular end 9a of delivery
tube 9 slidingly withdrawn from aperture 248 in stem portion 250 of sealing plate 244 and
disengaged from sealing coupling 246 therewith when vacuum inlet cap assembly 230 is at
least partly removed from alternative vacuum plenum 152a.
illustrates one novel attribute of removable vacuum inlet cap
assembly 230 operating with alternative vacuum plenum 152a, which novel attribute is an
ability to easily and ntially tically clean built-up hair, fibers and other debris
252 from a position wrapped and twisted around solution ry tube 9. Inventor has
determined a tendency for longer hair, fibers and other debris to twist around delivery tube
9 where it passes through vacuum passage 156. Such elongated inants are sucked
into vacuum passage 156 through shoe vacuum tion passages 136 and annular
n or vacuum extraction passage 136a during operation of rotary surface cleaning
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 22
machine 100. Build—up of such long fibers can exacerbate entrapment of smaller
contaminants that can reduce efficiency of the cleaning tool, and may be detrimental to the
cleaning tool, and potentially to the entire cleaning system, as disclosed herein. Therefore,
it is beneficial to the operational efficiency and longevity of rotary e cleaning
machine 100 to clean ry tube 9 of such longer hair, fibers and other debris as may
become wrapped and twisted there around. To this end, delivery tube 9 is ntially
smooth over a lengthwise portion 9b thereof between inlet cap 232 of vacuum inlet cap
assembly 230 and smooth tubular distal end 9a of delivery tube 9. Lengthwise n 9b
of delivery tube 9 may be substantially straight, as shown, or may taper toward distal end
9a. Inventor has determined that such contaminants may be easily removed from
lengthwise n 9b of delivery tube 9 by operation of vacuum suction source 25. It has
been determined that merely ting distal end 9a of delivery tube 9 to vacuum suction
source 25, whereby built-up hair, fibers and other debris 252 are sucked from smooth
lengthwise portion 9b of delivery tube 9 over smooth distal end 9a.
Accordingly, alternative vacuum plenum 152a of the invention having
removable vacuum inlet cap ly 230 is a significant novel improvement over
conventional vacuum plenums of the prior art as to be an independently patentable e.
illustrates rotary surface cleaning tool 124 of the rotary surface
cleaning machine 100 illustrated in through wherein rotary surface ng
tool 124 is drivingly connected, for example but without limitation, by a drive gear to
rotary drive output 128 of on-board power plant 122. Here, by example and without
limitation, rotary surface cleaning tool 124 is a large rotor that is fixedly attached to a
rotary drive member 160 through a fixed coupling 162, such as a plurality of threaded
fasteners (shown) or other conventional fixed ng means. Rotary drive member 160
includes circumferential tooth gear 130 disposed about the circumference thereof for
operating as the drive gear coupled to rotary drive output 128 of on-board power plant 122.
Rotary drive member 160 is mounted to cylindrical sleeve extension 138 of
rotor hub member 140 that is in turn journaled in bushing 142. See, for example,
The large rotor of rotary surface cleaning tool 124 is fitted with central sprue hole 146 and
includes ion chamber 148 and the plurality of dual closed liquid cleaning fluid
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 23
distribution channels 150, as well as the plurality of spray nozzle arrays 132 that are
uniformly distributed across the bottom cleaning surface of rotary surface cleaning tool
124. The large rotor of rotary surface ng tool 124 also includes individual vacuum
manifold branch passages 154 that each communicate in turn with l vacuum passage
156 of rotor hub member 140, as well as the plurality suction or vacuum extraction
passages 136 of respective suction extraction shoes 126 located on rotary surface cleaning
tool 124 and projected from open lower axial face 112 of housing dome 110.
illustrates vacuum manifold 155 formed in an upper coupling
surface 164 of rotary surface cleaning tool 124 of the rotary surface cleaning machine 100
illustrated in through as further rated in . The large rotor of
rotary surface cleaning tool 124 is again rated as including expansion chamber 148
and the plurality of individual closed liquid cleaning fluid distribution channels 150 that
communicate with the plurality of spray nozzle arrays 132 distributed across the bottom
cleaning surface of rotary surface cleaning tool 124. Here, rotary drive member 160 is
removed to more clearly show vacuum manifold 155 having individual vacuum manifold
branch passages 154 that each communicate in turn with l vacuum passage 156 of
rotor hub member 140. Each individual vacuum manifold branch passage 154 ates in
a fluid extraction passage 166 of about identical radial s 168 positioned adjacent to
the circumference of the large rotor of rotary surface cleaning tool 124. In assembly, each
shoe 126 is coupled to the lower face of rotary e cleaning tool 124 with respective
suction or vacuum extraction passages 136 in communication with a respective fluid
extraction passage 166 of one of the individual vacuum ld branch passages 154. As
illustrated here by example and without tion, individual vacuum ld branch
passages 154 optionally include a curved n 170 inwardly of respective fluid
extraction passage 166. Optional curved portion 170 of vacuum ld branch passages
154, when present, operate to urge generation of a Coriolis effect in a suction or vacuum
fluid extraction airstream received into central vacuum passage 156 of rotor hub member
140.
A illustrates one rotary surface cleaning tool 125 of a rotary surface
cleaning machine of the prior art having a vacuum manifold 123, wherein individual
vacuum manifold branch es 127 each communicate with a central vacuum passage
09/05/12. 0p2266 speci, 24
(not shown) through an expansion chamber 129. As illustrated here, vacuum manifold
branch passages 127 each form a ntially straight radial passages ing from
central expansion chamber 129 to fluid extraction passages 131. Suction action (arrows
133) generated by vacuum source 25 es to pull air and soiled liquid cleaning fluid
inwardly away from fluid extraction passages 131 and toward central ion chamber
129. However, centrifugal force s 135) generated by high speed rotary motion
(arrow 139) of rotary surface cleaning tool 125 simultaneously operates to push such air
and soiled liquid cleaning fluid outwardly away from central expansion chamber 129 and
toward fluid extraction passages 131. Thus, in prior art machines, centrifugal force (arrows
135) of rotary e cleaning tool 125 generated by its high speed rotary motion (arrow
139) operates oppositely in vacuum manifold branch passages 127 from suction action
(arrows 133) generated by vacuum source 25. Therefore, centrifugal force (arrows 135) of
rotary surface cleaning tool 125 opposes and actually reduces the force of suction action
(arrows 133) which is relied upon by the rotary surface cleaning e for retrieving the
soiled cleaning fluid. In effect, the centrifugal force (arrows 135) of rotary surface cleaning
tool 125 opposes and actually reduces the effectiveness of the rotary surface ng
machine by reducing the force of suction action (arrows 133) for retrieving the soiled
cleaning fluid since n action force s 133) must first overcome centrifugal force
(arrows 135) of rotary surface cleaning tool 125 before operating to extract soiled liquid
cleaning fluid from carpet 57 and pull extracted cleaning fluid inwardly away from fluid
extraction passages 131.
Referring again to , in contrast to prior art rotary surface cleaning
tools wherein vacuum manifold branch passages 127 consist of substantially straight radial
es radiating from central expansion chamber 129 to fluid extraction passages 131,
the present invention rather provides optional curved portion 170 that, when present,
actually generates a pumping action (arrows 270) of the suction re generated in
vacuum manifold branch passages 154 by vacuum source 25. Pumping action 270 is
actually driven by centrifugal force (arrow 135) generated by high speed rotary motion
(arrow 139) of rotary surface cleaning tool 125, y centrifilgal force (arrow 135)
operates in combination with shape of curved portion 170 to accelerate extracted air and
soiled liquid cleaning fluid rapidly inwardly away from fluid extraction passages 131 and
toward central expansion chamber 129. Accordingly, curved portion 170 of vacuum
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 25
manifold branch passages 154 of the invention is a significant novel improvement over the
substantially straight radial vacuum ld branch es 127 of the prior art as to be
an independently patentable feature.
illustrates a bottom operational e 172 of rotary surface
cleaning tool 124 of the rotary surface cleaning machine 100 illustrated in through
as further illustrated in and . The large rotor of rotary surface
cleaning tool 124 is again illustrated as including expansion chamber 148 and the plurality
of individual closed liquid cleaning fluid distribution channels 150 that communicate with
the pluralities of spray nozzle arrays 132 distributed across the bottom ional surface
172 of rotary surface cleaning tool 124. Spray nozzle arrays 132 are illustrated here by
example and without limitation as radially oriented arrays of ities of individual
delivery spray nozzles 174 of about 0.01 to about 0.03 inch in diameter formed through
bottom operational surface 172 of rotary e cleaning tool 124, for example by
mechanical, chemical or laser drilling, into communication with respective individual
closed liquid cleaning fluid distribution channels 150 for delivery therethrough of the
pressurized hot liquid solution of cleaning fluid. As illustrated here by example and
without limitation, each spray nozzle array 132 consists of a plurality of individual delivery
spray nozzles 174 substantially unifome distributed over a substantially identical r
portion 176 of bottom operational surface 172 extended between an inner radial limit 178
and an outer radial limit 180 thereof, n annular n 176 covered by delivery
spray nozzles 174 has about the same radial extents as radial length 168 of fluid extraction
passages 166 of suction extraction shoes 126, and wherein inner radial limit 178 is about
cal with an inner terminus 166a of fluid extraction passages 166 and outer radial limit
180 is about identical with an outer terminus 166b of fluid extraction passages 166.
Therefore, delivery spray nozzles 174 are distributed over annular portion 176 that is
substantially ly nsive with fluid extraction passages 166.
Each individual fluid extraction passage 166 is positioned nt to the
circumference of the large rotor of rotary surface cleaning tool 124 and oriented
substantially radially thereof approximately halfway between adjacent cleaning solution
delivery spray nozzle arrays 132. As illustrated here by example and without limitation,
each individual fluid extraction passage 166 is positioned in a shoe recess 182 formed into
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 26
rotary surface cleaning tool 124 below bottom operational surface 172 thereof. Each shoe
recess 182 is riately sized and shaped to receive thereinto one suction extraction
shoe 126 with its surrounding flange n 184 being ntially flush with bottom
operational surface 172 of rotary surface cleaning tool 124.
Optionally, a plurality of lightening holes or recesses 186 are provided to
reduce the weight of rotary surface cleaning tool 124.
is a detail View of one embodiment of suction extraction shoe 126
of the rotary surface cleaning machine 100 illustrated in through As
disclosed herein above, suction extraction shoe 126 is structured to sit in recess 182 flush
or below bottom ional surface 172 of rotary surface cleaning tool 124. Accordingly,
flange portion 184 surrounding each suction extraction shoe 126 is structured for being
fixed to bottom operational surface 172 of rotary surface cleaning tool 124 within shoe
recess 182. Optionally, suction extraction shoe 126 may include a sealing member 187
structured to fit into med slots in bottom operational surface 172 of rotary surface
cleaning tool 124 and form a ntially airtight seal therewith to concentrate the force of
the fluid extraction suction generated by the vacuum force supplied by vacuum source 25
into dual fluid tion passages 136 of shoes 126.
Here, suction extraction shoe 126 is shown as having a leading surface 188
and a trailing surface 190 as a function of the rotational direction (arrow 158) of rotary
surface cleaning tool 124. As shown here, g surface 188 is shown by example and
without limitation as having an optional relatively raised portion 192 thereof that stands
out further from bottom operational surface 172 of rotary surface cleaning tool 124 than a
relatively lower or recessed n 194 of trailing surface 190. When optional raised
portion 192 of suction extraction shoe 126 is present, optional raised portion 192 of n
extraction shoe 126 causes a “washboard” scrubbing effect of a moveable target surface,
i.e. carpet surface, wherein up-down ations of the moveable carpet are caused by
alternate application of vacuum n and shoe compression of carpet 57. In other words,
the target carpet 57 is initially sucked up toward recessed trailing portion 194 of shoe 126
and operational surface 172 by one suction extraction passage 136, and then squeezed back
down by optional raised portion 192 of leading surface 188 of a next consecutive suction
09/05/12, 0132266 speci. 27
extraction shoe 126, as illustrated in , before being immediately sucked up again by
the suction extraction passage 136 of the same next utive suction extraction shoe
126. This alternate vacuum suction and shoe compression of carpet 57 is repeated by each
next consecutive suction extraction shoe 126 as a function of the combination of recessed
trailing portion 194 and raised g surface portion 192. Since rotary surface cleaning
tool 124 turns at a high speed rotary motion these up-down oscillations of the moveable
carpet are repeated at least one, two or several times each second, which results in
significantly aggressive agitation of the target carpet 57 in combination with the fluid
cleaning.
Alternatively, rotational direction (arrow 158) of rotary surface cleaning
tool 124 is ed, whereby al raised portion 192 is positioned on trailing surface
190 as a function of the ed onal direction (arrow 158a shown in Figure 15).
Accordingly, the “washboard” scrubbing effect of the moveable target surface, i.e. carpet
surface, is accomplished by the recessed g surface 188 and optional raised portion
192 of each suction extraction shoe 126 in turn. Furthermore, as illustrated here each
suction extraction shoe 126 ally further includes an extension portion 126a that
overhangs an outer end n 184a of its nding flange portion 184. Extension
portion 126a permits extraction passages 136 to extend radially outwardly of cleaning tool
operational surface 172 beyond the radial extent of fluid extraction passages 166 of rotary
surface cleaning tool 124. Accordingly, when optional extension portion 126a is present,
suction extraction passages 136 extend nearly to outer circumference 124a of the large
rotor of surface cleaning tool 124, as illustrated in .
is a detailed section View of one embodiment of suction
extraction shoe 126 illustrated in , wherein suction extraction shoe 126 is shown as
having leading surface 188 and trailing surface 190 as a function of the rotational direction
(arrow 158) of rotary surface cleaning tool 124. As shown here, leading surface 188 is
shown by example and without limitation as having optional raised portion 192 thereof that
stands out further from bottom ional surface 172 of rotary surface cleaning tool 124
than relatively lower or recessed portion 194 of ng surface 190.
09/05/12, 0p2266 speci, 28
illustrates bottom ional surface 172 of rotary surface cleaning
tool 124 of the rotary surface cleaning machine 100 illustrated in through
having suction extraction shoe 126 with optional raised surface portion 192 formed on ,
leading surface 188 and relatively lower or recessed e portion 194 formed on trailing
surface 190 as illustrated in and . Here, suction extraction shoe 126 is
illustrated having optional raised surface portion 192 leading and relatively lower or
recessed surface n 194 trailing as a function of the optional counterclockwise
rotational direction (arrow 158) of rotary surface cleaning tool 124. It will be understood
that suction extraction shoes 126 and rotational direction 158 of rotary surface cleaning
tool 124 is optional and can be reversed such that the functional leading surface 188 and
functional ng surface 190 portions thereof are maintained. Accordingly, reversal of
rotational directionality 158 of rotary surface cleaning tool 124 disclosed herein by
example and without limitation is also plated and may be substituted without
deviating from the scope and intent of the present invention. Suction extraction shoe 126
are attached to bottom operational surface 172 of rotary surface cleaning tool 124 by
attachment means 196, such as but not limited to one or more threaded fasteners.
Furthermore, during rotational ion (arrow 158) of rotary surface
cleaning tool 124 wherein leading e 188 of suction extraction shoe 126 includes
relatively raised portion 192, relatively raised portion 192 of leading surface 188 es
to compress or squeeze carpet 57 down upon passing, while relatively recessed n 194
of trailing surface 190 permits vacuum source 25 through operating through vacuum
extraction passage 136 to lift carpet 57.
Alternatively, during opposite rotational direction (arrow 158a shown in
Figure 15) of rotary surface cleaning tool 124 wherein leading surface 188 of n
extraction shoe 126 includes relatively recessed portion 194, vely recessed portion
194 of leading surface 188 permits vacuum source 25 h operating through vacuum
extraction e 136 to lift carpet 57, while relatively raised portion 192 of trailing
surface 190 operates to compress or squeeze carpet 57 down upon g. Therefore,
regardless of rotational direction (arrow 158 or arrow 158a) of rotary e ng tool
124, each dual suction extraction shoe 126 having relatively raised and recessed
portions 192, 194 further operates as a scrub board for generating a “washboard” scrubbing
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 29
effect on the moveable carpet 57 by alternately compressing and lifting thereof.
Accordingly, suction extraction shoe 126 of the invention having the combination of
relatively raised and recessed portions 192, 194 is a significant novel improvement over
conventional suction extraction shoes of the prior art as to be an independently patentable
illustrates bottom operational surface 172 of rotary surface cleaning
tool 124 of the rotary surface cleaning machine 100 illustrated in h
having a spiral pattern of cleaning solution delivery spray nozzle arrays 132 of dual
delivery spray s 174, wherein each spray nozzle array 132a, 132b, 132C, 132d and
132e is shorter in extent than annular portion 176. For example, each spray nozzle array
132a, 132b, 132e, 132d and 1326 consists of one to about four individual delivery spray
nozzles 174, and wherein individual spray nozzle arrays 132a, 132b, 132c, 132d, 132e are
positioned in a spiral pattern 198 across bottom operational surface 172 of rotary e
cleaning tool 124 that is substantially radially coextensive with radial lengths 137 of fluid
extraction passages 136 of shoes 126 between the extremes of annular portion 176 between
inner radial limit 178 and outer radial limit 180. The spiral pattern 198 of spray nozzle
array 132a, 132b, 1320, 132d, 1326 optionally ds in a uniform stepwise manner
around bottom operational surface 172 of rotary surface cleaning tool 124, with nozzle
array 132a being nearest to a center point 200 of operational surface 172 and substantially
radially coextensive with inner radial limit 178 and each consecutive nozzle array 132a,
132b, 132C, 132d, 1326 stepping further dly therefrom toward outer radial limit 180
of operational surface 172. Alternatively, the stepwise manner of spiral pattern 198 of
spray nozzle arrays 132a, 132b, 132C, 132d, 1326 alternatively proceeds in a non-uniform
manner (shown) wherein one or more of spray nozzle arrays 132a, 132b, 132C, 132d, 132e
is optionally out of step with an adjacent one of spray nozzle arrays 132a, 132b, l32c,
132d, 132e. Thus, spiral pattern 198 of spray nozzle arrays 132a, 132b, 1320, 132d, 132e is
optionally either uniformly stepwise between inner radial limit 178 and outer radial limit
180 of radial lengths 168 of fluid tion passages 136 of shoes 126, else spiral pattern
198 proceeds in a iform manner. Spiral pattern 198 of spray nozzle arrays 132a,
132b, 1320, 132d, 132e ds in either a clockwise manner between inner radial limit
178 and outer radial limit 180 of radial lengths 137 of fluid extraction passages 136 of
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 30
shoes 126, else spiral pattern 198 proceeds in a counterclockwise manner without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The spiral pattern 198 of spray nozzle arrays 132a, 132b, 132C, 132d, 1326
is effective for delivery of cleaning solution at least because, as disclosed herein, rotary
e cleaning tool 124 turns at a high rate during operation, y each spray nozzle
array 132a, 132b, 132C, 132d, 132e delivers the pressurized hot liquid solution of cleaning
fluid to the target floor surface at least one, two or more times each second. Furthermore,
dividing spray nozzle arrays 132 into several spray nozzle arrays 132a, 132b, 132C, 132d,
132e reduces the number of individual delivery spray nozzles 174 that have to be drilled or
otherwise formed through bottom ional surface 172 of rotary surface cleaning tool
124 by a factor of the number of spray nozzle arrays 132 otherwise provided in rotary
surface cleaning tool 124. Here, as illustrated in , there are five radial rows of spray
nozzle arrays 132 across operational surface 172. By dividing spray nozzle arrays 132 into
several spray nozzle arrays 132a, 132b, 1320, 132d, 132e, the total number of individual
delivery spray nozzles 174 that have to be provided in bottom operational surface 172 is
reduced by a factor of five, so that only one-fifth or twenty percent of the number of
delivery spray s 174 that have to be provided in bottom operational surface 172.
Delivery spray nozzles 174 are very expensive to drill or otherwise form because they are
only about 0.02 inch in diameter. ore, a large cost savings is gained, while the
delivery of ng solution does not suffer. A further age of dividing spray nozzle
arrays 132 into several spray nozzle arrays 132a, 132b, 132c, 132d, 132e is that the
ng solution is delivered with substantially uniform re across the entire radius
of rotary surface cleaning tool 124 between inner radial limit 178 and outer radial limit
180, without resorting to special design features normally required in the prior art to
provide uniform pressure across each spray nozzle arrays 132 that extends all of the entire
annular portion 176 between inner radial limit 178 and outer radial limit 180 and
substantially radially coextensively with fluid extraction passages 136 of suction extraction
shoes 126. ore, the optional spiral pattern 198 of spray nozzle arrays 132a, 132b,
132C, 132d, 132e, when present, provides both the economic advantage not known in the
prior art of forming fewer expensive delivery spray nozzles 174 for multiple spray nozzle
arrays 132 provide across the entire length of annular portion 176 coextensively with fluid
tion passages 136 of shoes 126, and the technological advantage not known in the
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 31
prior art of providing substantially uniform cleaning solution delivery pressure across
bottom operational surface 172 of rotary surface cleaning tool 124 for the entire length of
annular portion 176 without developing special fluid ry features normally ed in
the prior art.
Optionally, one or more bristle brushes 202 may be provided across bottom
operational surface 172 of rotary surface cleaning tool 124 adjacent to cleaning solution
delivery spray nozzle arrays 132, or the al spiral pattern 198 of spray nozzle arrays
132a, 132b, 1320, 132d, 132e, when present. Bristle brushes 202 may be provided
substantially radially coextensively with fluid extraction passages 136 of suction extraction
shoes 126 and either adjacent cleaning on delivery spray nozzle arrays 132, or the
al spiral n 198 of spray nozzle arrays 132a, 132b, 1320, 132d, 132e, when
present. Optionally, either multiple radial rows bristle brushes 202 may be provided, else
single radial rows of bristle brushes 202 may be ed. Bristle brushes 202 both (1)
separate fibers of rug 57 for dry l of dust, dirt and other particles, and (2) provide a
more aggressive cleaning action in cleaning when provided in combination with fluid
cleaning of carpet or other target flooring surface.
A illustrates bottom operational surface 172 of rotary surface
cleaning tool 124 of the rotary surface cleaning machine 100 having an alternative
configuration of the spiral pattern of ng solution delivery spray nozzle arrays 132 of
individual delivery spray nozzles 174 from that shown in , with or without brushes
202. Here, at least one or more of the plurality of spray nozzle arrays 132a, 132b, l32c,
132d and 132e is shorter in extent than annular portion 176, and at least one or more of the
plurality of spray nozzle arrays 132a, 132b, 1320, 132d and 132e is replaced by array 132
that across substantially the entire annular portion 176 between inner radial limit 178 and
outer radial limit 180, as illustrated for example in .
For example, spray nozzle arrays 132b, 132C, 132d are shorter in extent than
r portion 176 and each consists of one to about four (three shown) individual
ry spray nozzles 174 that are positioned in spiral pattern 198 across bottom
operational surface 172 of rotary surface cleaning tool 124 between inner radial limit 178
and outer radial limit 180 and n the extreme positions of spray nozzle array 132a
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 32
and 132e shown in . Additionally, full length spray nozzle arrays 132 are
substituted for shorter spray nozzle arrays 132a and 1326 adjacent to inner radial limit 178
and outer radial limit 180 at the extremes of annular portion 176 as shown in .
ingly, spray nozzle arrays 132 extend substantially the full length of annular n
176 n inner radial limit 178 and outer radial limit 180, as illustrated for example in
. Thus, spiral n 198 is replaced by a combination semi-spiral pattern 199
consisting of a combination of a plurality of full length spray nozzle arrays 132 with a
plurality of shorter spray nozzle arrays 132b, 1320, 132d forming a spiral pattern between
the extreme positions of spray nozzle array 132a and 132e, as shown in .
Combination semi-spiral pattern 199 of full length spray nozzle arrays 132
and shorter spray nozzle arrays 132b, 132c, 132d is believed to most efficiently r the
pressurized hot liquid solution of cleaning fluid to the target floor surface, while
minimizing the number of delivery spray s 174 that have to be provided in bottom
operational e 172 and simultaneously delivering a substantially uniform supply of
cleaning solution to the target floor or rug 57 surface. Combination semi-spiral pattern 199
simultaneously delivers a minimal quantity of cleaning solution to the target floor or mg 57
surface, which in turn minimizes the amount of spent fluid to be extracted by cleaning
machine 100 and also minimized the time ed to dry the rug 57.
Accordingly, combination piral n 199 of the invention having
full length spray nozzle arrays 132 in combination with a plurality of shorter spray nozzle
arrays 132b, 132e, 132d is a significant novel improvement over conventional patterns of
spray nozzle arrays of the prior art as to be an independently patentable feature, as
discussed in more detail herein below.
Furthermore, orifices 175 of a first plurality of individual delivery spray
nozzles 174 are optionally sized larger, and orifices 177 of a first plurality of individual
delivery spray nozzles 174 are optionally sized smaller than orifices 175. Larger and
smaller spray nozzle orifices 175, 177 cause cleaning machine 100 to provide a deep clean
of rug 57, while simultaneously providing a surface clean of rug 57. Here, larger sized
orifices 175 of spray nozzles 174 deliver cleaning on at a lower pressure that
penetrates only the surface of rug 57, while smaller sized orifices 177 of spray nozzles 174
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 33
deliver cleaning solution at a higher pressure that penetrates to the core of rug 57. For
example, the larger sized orifices 175 of spray nozzles 174 are as much as 2 to 3 times
larger than the smaller sized s 177 of spray nozzles 174. Accordingly, smaller sized
orifices 177 of a portion of spray nozzles 174 may be sized on the order of about 0.01 inch
in diameter to 0.03 inch in diameter. The larger sized orifices 175 of a portion of spray
nozzles 174 may be sized relatively larger than smaller sized orifices 177.
According to one embodiment, one of full length spray nozzle arrays 132
and one or more of shorter spray nozzle arrays 132b, 132c, 132d consist of spray nozzles
174 having smaller sized orifices 177, while a different one of full length spray nozzle
arrays 132 and a different one or more of shorter spray nozzle arrays 132b, 132c, 132d
consist of spray nozzles 174 having larger sized orifices 175, whereby combination
piral pattern 199 of the invention includes a substantially uniform ation of
spray nozzles 174 having both larger and smaller sized orifices 175, 177 for substantially
simultaneously delivering cleaning solution at both lower and higher re.
atively, one or more of full length spray nozzle arrays 132 and one or
more of shorter spray nozzle arrays 132b, 132c, 132d optionally consist of spray nozzles
174 having a ation of both larger and smaller sized orifices 175, 177.
Furthermore, the pattern of spray nozzle arrays 132 illustrated in
optionally consist of spray nozzles 174 having a combination of both larger and smaller
sized orifices 175, 177. For example, alternating ones of full length spray nozzle arrays
132 in consist of spray nozzles 174 having both larger and smaller sized orifices
175, 177. Alternatively, each of full length spray nozzle arrays 132 in consist of
spray nozzles 174 having both larger and smaller sized orifices 175, 177, for example
alternating n larger and smaller sized spray nozzle orifices 175, 177.
Accordingly, a combination of the ion having a plurality of spray
s 174 having relatively larger sized nozzle orifices 175 in combination with a
plurality of spray nozzles 174 having relatively smaller sized nozzle orifices 177 is a
significant novel improvement over conventional patterns of spray s of the prior art
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 34
having nozzle orifices of only a single size as to be an independently patentable feature, as
discussed in more detail herein below.
is a detail view of another ment of suction extraction shoe
126 of the rotary surface cleaning e 100 illustrated in through and
is a detailed cross-section View of the embodiment of suction extraction shoe 126
illustrated in . Here, leading surface 188 does not include the optional raised
portion 192. Therefore, leading surface 188 of suction extraction shoe 126 is substantially
coplanar with trailing surface 190. r, leading surface 188 rather includes one or
more bristle brushes 204 in one or more rows arranged along an outermost portion 206
thereof. ingly, bristle brushes 204 are substituted for optional raised portion 192 of
shoe leading surface 188 and stands out further from bottom operational surface 172 of
rotary e ng tool 124 than relatively lower or ed portion 194 of trailing
surface 190. Raised bristle brushes 204 of shoe leading surface 188 operate similarly to
optional raised portion 192 disclosed herein. When optional raised bristle brushes 204 of
suction tion shoe 126 is present on shoe leading surface 188, optional raised bristle
brushes 204 cause a “washboard” ing effect of the moveable target surface, i.e.
carpet surface, wherein up-down oscillations of the moveable carpet is caused by
alternately application of vacuum suction and shoe compression of carpet. In other words,
the target carpet is sucked up into narrow suction or vacuum extraction passage 136, and
then squeezed back down by optional raised bristle brushes 204 of leading surface 188 of
next consecutive suction extraction shoe 126, as illustrated in .
Similarly to optional bristle s 202 on bottom operational surface 172
of rotary surface cleaning tool 124, optional raised bristle brushes 204 on leading surfaces
188 of suction extraction shoes 126 e a more aggressive cleaning action in cleaning
when provided in combination with fluid cleaning of carpet or other target g surface.
Furthermore, when present al raised bristle brushes 204 effectively
raise bottom operational surface 172 of rotary surface cleaning tool 124 slightly away from
target floor surface. Accordingly, rotary surface cleaning tool 124 can be alternated
between carpeting and hard floor surfaces such as wood, tile, linoleum and natural stone
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 35
flooring, without possibility of scarring or other damage to either operational surface 172
of rotary surface cleaning tool 124 or the hard floor es.
rates operational surface 172 of rotary surface cleaning tool
124, wherein suction extraction shoes 126 are configured with substantially coplanar
g and trailing surfaces 188, 190 and shoe leading surfaces 188 are configured with
one or more bristle brushes 204 in one or more rows arranged along outermost portions
206 f.
illustrates rotary surface cleaning tool 124 as disclosed herein,
wherein each suction extraction shoe 126 is ted in bottom operational surface 172
by a biasing means 208 ured for individually biasing each n extraction shoe 126
outwardly relative to bottom operational surface 172 of rotary surface cleaning tool 124.
Additionally, it is generally well known that if a suction slot directly
contacts rug 57 or another floor, the suction tool virtually locks onto the rug 57 or floor and
s ble. Therefore, the suction tool must be spaced away from the rug 57 or
floor to permit some airflow which prevents such vacuum p. Airflow is also
necessary for drying the carpet 57 or floor. However, the airflow must be very near the rug
57 or floor to be effective for drying. Also, excessive airflow decreases the vacuum force
supplied by the fluid cleaning system. Thus, there is a trade-off between cing the
suction slot from the rug 57 or floor to prevent vacuum lock-up and ensuring mobility on
the one hand, and on the other hand positioning the suction slot as near to the rug 57 or
floor as possible for maintaining the vacuum force supplied by the fluid cleaning system
for maximizing airflow to promote drying.
As disclosed herein, suction tion passages 136 are oriented
ntially perpendicular to the counterclockwise or clockwise rotary motion (arrows
158, 158a) of cleaning tool 124, i.e., oriented substantially radially with respect to cleaning
tool operational surface 172. Here, suction extraction shoe 126 includes a plurality of
shallow vacuum or suction relief grooves 216 formed across its leading surface 188 and
oriented substantially perpendicular to suction extraction passages 136, whereby suction
relief grooves 216 lie substantially along the rotary motion (arrows 158, 158a) of cleaning
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 36
tool 124. Shallow suction relief grooves 216 e to increase airflow to suction
extraction passages 136, while permitting the cleaning tool operational surface 172 to be
positioned directly against the rug 57 or floor, whereby moisture tion is maximized.
Another age of orienting suction relief grooves 216 along the rotary motion (arrows
158, 158a) of cleaning tool 124 is that suction relief grooves 216 are carpet pile enters into
suction relief grooves 216 when cleaning tool operational surface 172 moves across rug 57.
This permits airflow to be pulled through the rug 57 n fiber bundles that make up
the carpet pile so that the rotary motion of cleaning tool 124 is not wasted.
The quantity and actual dimensions of suction relief grooves 216 on suction
extraction shoes 126 is subject to several factors, including but not limited to, the size and
number of n extraction shoes 126 on operational surface 172 of rotary cleaning tool
124, width and length dimensions of n extraction passages 136, and the vacuum
force generated by the suction source, as well as the rotational velocity of cleaning tool
operational surface 172. When relatively raised n 192 is present in contrast to
relatively lower or recessed portion 194, the ing height differences between leading
surface 188 and ng e 190 also affect the quantity and actual dimensions of
suction relief grooves 216 on suction extraction shoes 126. Optionally, suction relief
grooves 216 are also optionally positioned on either one or both of leading surface 188 and
trailing surface 190 of suction extraction shoes 126. When positioned on both leading
surface 188 and trailing surface 190 of suction extraction shoes 126, suction relief grooves
216 are also optionally staggered between leading and trailing surfaces 188, 190 as shown.
Furthermore, the inventors have found that, when optional n relief grooves 216 of
suction extraction shoe 126 are present, suction relief grooves 216 of suction extraction
shoe 126 is effective for producing the completely unexpected and unpredicted yet
desirable result of generating the “washboard” scrubbing effect of a moveable target
surface, i.e. carpet surface, n up-down oscillations of the moveable carpet are caused
by alternate application of vacuum suction and shoe compression of carpet 57. In other
words, the target carpet is initially sucked up toward recessed suction relief grooves 216 of
shoe 126 and operational surface 172 by one n extraction passage 136, and then
ed back down by surrounding leading or trailing surfaces 188, 190 of suction
extraction shoe 126, before being immediately sucked up again by the suction extraction
passage 136 of the same or an adjacent suction relief s 216. This alternating vacuum
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 37
suction and shoe compression of carpet 57 is repeated constantly by each alternate
encounter with surrounding leading or trailing surfaces 188, 190 of n extraction shoe
126 between encounters with nt suction relief grooves 216 as a function of the
frequency of ation of recessed suction relief grooves 216 within surrounding
leading or trailing surfaces 188, 190. The high speed rotary motion of rotary surface
cleaning tool 124 causes these n oscillations of the moveable carpet are repeated at
least one, two or several times each second as a function of the rotational speed (arrows
158, 158a) of rotary surface ng tool 124, which results in significantly aggressive
agitation of the target carpet 57 in combination with the fluid cleaning. The size, quantity,
ve positioning and distribution and of suction relief grooves 216 is a function of all
these factors, but can be determined for any rotary surface cleaning machine 100 t
undue experimentation.
is a cross-section view of rotary surface cleaning tool 124 as
disclosed herein, wherein both leading surface 188 and trailing surface 190 of suction
tion shoes 126 are illustrated as including suction relief grooves 216.
Here, biasing means 208 is structured by example and without limitation as
a resilient cushion, such as a closed-cell foam rubber cushion of about one-quarter inch
thickness or thereabout, that is positioned between flange portion 184 of each shoe 126 and
rotary surface cleaning tool 124. For example, each shoe recess 182 is recessed deeper into
bottom operational surface 172 of rotary surface ng tool 124 than a thickness of shoe
flange portion 184, whereby each shoe recess 182 is riately sized to receive resilient
biasing cushion 208 between an interface surface 210 of flange portion 184 of suction
extraction shoe 126 and a floor portion 212 of shoe recess 182, While a clamping plate 214
is positioned over shoe flange 184 and arranged substantially flush with bottom operational
surface 172 of rotary surface ng tool 124. Accordingly, resilient biasing means 208
s each suction extraction shoe 126 to “float” individually relative to rotary surface
cleaning tool 124. Individually “floating” each suction extraction shoe 126 both effectively
balances rotary surface ng tool 124, and causes each individual suction extraction
shoe 126 to be pushed deeper into portions of carpet that may be positioned over small
recesses in a non-flat substrate floor surface, as well as pushing causes each dual
suction extraction shoe 126 deeper into portions of a non-flat smooth floor surface such as
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 38
natural rock, distressed wood, and other non-flat or pitted floor surfaces. Therefore,
individually “floating” each suction extraction shoe 126 in bottom operational surface 172
of rotary surface cleaning tool 124 cleans carpet and non-carpeted smooth floors alike
more effectively than cleaning tools having fixed suction extraction shoes, as known in the
prior art.
When present as a closed-cell foam cushion, biasing means 208 optionally
also es as a g means n suction tion shoe 126 and rotary surface
cleaning tool 124. Accordingly, biasing means 208 is structured to form a substantially
airtight seal with shoe recess 182 in bottom operational surface 172 of rotary surface
ng tool 124 to concentrate the force of the fluid extraction suction generated by the
vacuum force supplied by vacuum source 25 into individual fluid extraction passages 136
of shoes 126. Optionally, closed-cell foam cushion biasing means 208 is substituted for
sealing member 187 for sealing n extraction shoe 126 ve to rotary surface
cleaning tool 124. However, although disclosed herein by example and without tion
as a closed—cell foam rubber cushion, biasing means 208 is optionally ed as any
ent biasing structure, including one spring or a series of springs, without deviating
from the scope and intent of the present invention. Accordingly, biasing means alternative
to the closed-cell foam rubber cushion biasing means 208 disclosed herein by example and
without limitation are also contemplated and may be substituted without deviating from the
scope and intent of the present invention.
Optionally, clamping plate 214 is formed of a non-metallic material, such as
but not limited to a plastic material, while suction extraction shoe 126 is formed of a
metallic material, such as but not limited to stainless steel material.
is a detail View of another embodiment of suction extraction shoe
126 of the rotary surface cleaning e 100 illustrated in through
wherein each suction extraction shoe 126 is structured for accomplishing the “washboard”
scrubbing effect of the moveable target surface, i.e. carpet surface, independently of the
next consecutive n extraction shoe 126. Here, suction extraction shoe 126 is again
shown as having functional g surface 188 and onal trailing surface 190 both as
a function of the reversed rotational direction (arrow 158a) of rotary surface cleaning tool
09/05/12, 0112266 speci, 39
124, shown as clockwise in Figure 24. As shown here, g surface 188 is shown by
example and t limitation as having optional relatively lower or recessed portion 194,
while trailing surface 190 is shown as having optional raised portion 192 thereof that
stands out further from bottom ional surface 172 of rotary surface cleaning tool 124
than relatively lower or ed leading surface portion 194.
When optional recessed portion 194 and raised n 192 of suction
tion shoe 126 are present on leading surface 188 and trailing e 190,
respectively, the relative difference in height of recessed leading portion 194 and raised
trailing portion 192 combine in each suction extraction shoe 126 to independently e
the “washboard” scrubbing effect of a moveable target surface, i.e. carpet surface, wherein
up—down oscillations of the moveable carpet are caused by alternate application of vacuum
suction and shoe compression of carpet 57. In other words, the target carpet 57 is initially
sucked up toward recessed leading portion 194 of suction extraction shoe 126 by the action
of n or vacuum extraction passage 136, and then squeezed back down by optional
raised trailing portion 192 of trailing surface 190 of the same n extraction shoe 126,
as illustrated in . Each consecutive suction extraction shoe 126 operates
independently of the other suction extraction shoes 126 of rotary surface cleaning tool 124
to operate suction or vacuum extraction passage 136 to initially suck up the target carpet
57 toward recessed leading portion 194, before the raised trailing portion 192 of the same
suction extraction shoe 126 consecutively compresses the target carpet 57 back down
toward the underlying floor surface. This alternate vacuum suction and shoe compression
of carpet 57 is repeated independently by each consecutive suction extraction shoe 126.
Since rotary surface cleaning tool 124 turns at a high speed rotary motion these up-down
oscillations of the moveable carpet are repeated at least one or several times each second,
which results in significantly sive agitation of the target carpet 57 in combination
with the fluid cleaning.
onally, suction extraction shoe 126 is illustrated having a plurality of
shallow vacuum or suction relief grooves 216 formed across relatively raised portion 192
thereof and ed substantially perpendicular to suction extraction passages 136. Suction
relief grooves 216 are formed across either leading e 188 or ng surface 190 as a
function of the counterclockwise or clockwise rotary motion (arrows 158, 158a) of
09/05/12, 0p2266 speci, 40
cleaning tool 124. As disclosed herein, suction tion passages 136 are oriented
substantially ly with respect to cleaning tool ional surface 172 and ntially
perpendicular to the counterclockwise or clockwise rotary motion (arrows 158, 158a) of
cleaning tool 124, whereby suction relief grooves 216 lie substantially along the rotary
motion (arrows 158, 158a) of cleaning tool 124. Suction relief grooves 216 formed across
relatively raised portion 192 of suction extraction shoe 126 and oriented substantially
radially with respect to cleaning tool operational surface 172 and along the rotary motion
s 158, 158a) of cleaning tool 124 provide the advantages disclosed herein. Suction
relief grooves 216 permit suction extraction passages 136 of suction extraction shoes 126
to be positioned as near to the rug 57 or floor as possible for maintaining the vacuum force
ed by the fluid cleaning system for maximizing airflow to promote drying, while
preventing vacuum lock-up and ensuring mobility on the one hand.
Again, as disclosed herein, the quantity and actual dimensions of suction
relief grooves 216 on suction extraction shoes 126 are subject to such factors as the size
and number of n extraction shoes 126 on operational surface 172 of rotary cleaning
tool 124, the width and length dimensions of suction extraction passages 136, and the
vacuum force generated by the suction source, as well as the rotational velocity of cleaning
tool operational surface 172. When relatively raised portion 192 is present in contrast to
relatively lower or recessed portion 194 as shown, the resulting height difference between
g surface 188 and trailing e 190 also affects the quantity and actual dimensions
of suction relief grooves 216 on suction tion shoes 126. ally, suction relief
grooves 216 are also optionally positioned on relatively raised n 192 of either of
leading surface 188 or trailing surface 190 of suction extraction shoes 126. The size,
quantity, relative positioning and distribution and of suction relief grooves 216 is a
function of all these factors, but can be ined for any rotary surface cleaning machine
100 without undue experimentation.
is a detailed cross-section View of the ment of suction
extraction shoe 126 illustrated in , wherein suction extraction shoe 126 is shown as
having leading surface 188 and trailing surface 190 as a function of the reversed clockwise
rotational direction (arrow 15 8a) of rotary e cleaning tool 124. As shown here,
leading surface 188 is shown by example and without limitation as having optional
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 41
relatively lower or recessed portion 194, while trailing surface 190 is formed with
relatively raised portion 192 thereof that stands out further from bottom operational surface
172 of rotary surface cleaning tool 124 than relatively lower or recessed portion 194 of
leading surface 188.
illustrates bottom operational surface 172 of rotary surface cleaning
tool 124 of the rotary surface cleaning machine 100 illustrated in through
having suction extraction shoe 126 with vely lower or recessed surface portion 194
formed on leading surface 188, and optional raised surface portion 192 formed on trailing
surface 190 as illustrated in and . Here, rotational direction of rotary
surface cleaning tool 124 is reversed, y rotary cleaning tool 124 operates in a
clockwise direction (arrow 158a) in contrast to the counterclockwise ion 158
illustrated in . As illustrated here, optional vely recessed portion 194 is
positioned on leading surface 188 of suction extraction shoe 124, while relatively raised
portion 192 is oned on trailing surface 190 as a function of the reversed ise
rotational direction (arrow 158a). Accordingly, the “washboard” scrubbing effect of the
moveable target carpet 57 is accomplished by each suction extraction shoe 126 as a
function of the combination therein of recessed portion 194 of leading surface 188 and
raised portion 192 of trailing surface 190 in turn engaging the movable target carpet 57.
While the preferred and onal alternative embodiments of the ion
have been rated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be
made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it will
be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the inventor makes the following claims.
Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the
context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and
"comprising", will be tood to imply the inclusion of a stated r or step or group
of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or
steps.
09/05/12, 0p2266 speci, 42
The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be
taken as an ledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the
common general knowledge.
09/05/12, op2266 speci, 43