US20110056046A1 - brush and vacuum assembly and method of use - Google Patents
brush and vacuum assembly and method of use Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110056046A1 US20110056046A1 US12/877,222 US87722210A US2011056046A1 US 20110056046 A1 US20110056046 A1 US 20110056046A1 US 87722210 A US87722210 A US 87722210A US 2011056046 A1 US2011056046 A1 US 2011056046A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- debris
- pin
- assembly
- deck
- debris box
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title abstract description 6
- 238000005201 scrubbing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 7
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/29—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid
- A47L11/30—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid by suction
- A47L11/302—Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid by suction having rotary tools
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
- A47L11/4013—Contaminants collecting devices, i.e. hoppers, tanks or the like
- A47L11/4025—Means for emptying
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a brush and vacuum assembly and its method of use. More particularly, the invention relates to a brush and vacuum assembly and method of use with floor cleaning equipment, such as a floor scrubber.
- the present invention is an improvement over known floor cleaning equipment, such as floor scrubbers.
- floor scrubbers have a water supply, a cleaning solution and outlets that apply the water and/or cleaning solution onto a floor.
- a set of rotary brushes works the cleaning solution into the floor to lift dirt and debris from the floor and scrub the floor clean.
- a squeegee and water suction device may be located at the rear of the machine to collect excess water and cleaning solution from the floor.
- known equipment that combines a floor scrubber with a vacuum apparatus has proven to be difficult to use. More particularly, known devices locate the debris bins, which are bins that collect dirt and debris from the vacuum apparatus, in very difficult to reach places.
- the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art designs by locating a debris bin in a convenient location that is easily accessible.
- the present invention is directed toward a brush and vacuum assembly and a method of its use.
- the assembly has a debris box selectively located within a debris box housing.
- At least one arm extends downwardly from a deck supporting at least one brush motor.
- At least one pin extends through the at least one arm for selective engagement with the debris box housing.
- the debris box is located in an easy to reach area that facilitates its removal and replacement.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a brush and vacuum assembly depicting a deck, a debris box housing and a debris box in a lowered position;
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 1 with the deck in a raised position and the debris box housing and debris box in a first, raised position and the debris box housing and the debris box in a second, alternative lowered position in dashed lines;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the deck in a raised position and the debris box and debris box housing in a lowered position;
- FIG. 4 is a partial, front view of a pin of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a side view of the brush and vacuum assembly with a floor scrubber
- FIG. 6 is a top view partially depicting the assembly and floor scrubber with the cover of the assembly being removed;
- FIG. 7 is a side view of another embodiment of the assembly depicting the deck, the debris box housing and the debris box in a lowered position;
- FIG. 8 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 7 with the deck in a raised position.
- FIG. 1 one embodiment of a brush and vacuum assembly 10 and part of a floor scrubber 12 is depicted.
- the assembly 10 comprises a deck 14 .
- the deck 14 is connected to the floor scrubber 12 . More particularly, a rear portion 16 of the deck 14 is connected to a front portion 18 of the floor scrubber 12 .
- the connection may be made via one or more hinges 20 .
- the hinges 20 are also depicted in FIGS. 2 , 5 and 6 .
- a first part 22 of a hinge 20 is connected to the rear portion 16 of the deck 14 .
- the second part 24 of the hinge 20 is connected to the front portion 18 of the scrubber 12 . This arrangement permits the deck 14 to pivot upwardly and downwardly with respect to the scrubber 12 .
- a hinge axis 26 is created between the first part 22 of the hinge 20 and the second part 24 of the hinge 20 .
- An actuator mount 28 may also be located at the front portion 18 of the scrubber 12 .
- the actuator mount 28 may have an upper portion 30 and a lower portion 32 .
- the lower portion 32 is preferably connected to the front portion 18 of the scrubber 12 .
- the upper portion 30 is adapted to pivotally mount an actuator shaft 34 therewith. More particularly, an actuator shaft 34 may be pivotally mounted to the upper portion 30 of the mount 28 .
- the actuator shaft 34 selectively extends into a shaft housing 36 .
- the shaft housing 36 is pivotally mounted to the deck 14 .
- a deck actuator mount 38 is provided that pivotally connects the shaft housing 36 with the deck 14 , as shown in FIG. 6 .
- the deck actuator mount 38 may be located at a central portion 40 of the deck 14 , but other locations are permissible.
- actuator shaft 34 While a single actuator shaft 34 is depicted, it is permissible to include additional actuators.
- the additional actuators may be spaced from one another along the scrubber 12 and the deck 14 .
- the actuators may be identical to one another or they may be or various sizes and capacities.
- the actuator shaft 34 provides for a controlled raising and lowering of the deck 14 . More particularly, the deck 14 and its associated components, which are described below, can be heavy. It is preferred that the deck 14 be raised and lowered with at least the assistance of the actuator shaft 34 so that it is slowly moved to permit workers time to remove themselves from the moving deck 14 , to ensure the machine is not damaged by a dropped deck 14 and to ensure that the machine does not damage the floor.
- At least one brush motor 42 is mounted on an upper side 44 of the deck 14 .
- two brush motors 42 are located on a first side 46 and a second side 48 of the upper side 44 of the deck 14 .
- the brush motors 42 are drivingly connected to two brushes 50 located beneath a lower side 52 of the deck 14 .
- the brush motors 42 are connected to a source of electrical energy, such as a battery (not shown) located on the scrubber 12 . It may be readily appreciated that greater or fewer brush motors 42 and brushes 50 may be used and that they may be located anywhere on or in the deck 14 .
- the brushes 50 have long bristles 54 designed to contact the floor. When turned by the brush motors 42 , the bristles 54 move in a circular pattern and collect dirt and debris from the floor. The bristles 54 deposit collected dirt and debris onto a ramp 56 . In the depicted embodiment, the ramp 56 is located between the brushes 50 , but other orientations are permissible.
- the ramp 26 has a leading edge 50 separated from the floor surface by a small gap 60 .
- the ramp 56 inclines at a predetermined angle from the leading edge 58 to a trailing edge 62 , as shown in FIG. 3 .
- a vacuum motor 64 is mounted on the deck 14 .
- the vacuum motor 64 may be such as an electric motor, depicted in FIGS. 1 , 2 and 6 , powered by the battery located on the scrubber 12 .
- the vacuum motor 64 may be connected to a vacuum filter 66 for filtering out dirt and debris from a vacuum stream, which is discussed below.
- a first tube 68 may connect a suction side of the motor 64 with the filter 66 so as to draw air through the filter.
- a second tube 70 may be connected from the filter to a cavity 72 defined by the ramp 56 . More particularly, the cavity 72 is defined by the ramp 56 and two side portions 74 extending downwardly from the ramp 56 .
- a gap 76 similar to the gap 60 between the leading edge 58 of the ramp 56 and the floor, is provided between the side portions 74 and the floor.
- the second tube 70 draws air, which includes dirt and debris, from the cavity 72 to the filter 66 where it collects and/or falls into a debris box 78 .
- the bristles 54 assist in collecting and directing debris to the cavity 72 .
- the trailing edge 62 of the ramp 56 is located directly adjacent the debris box 78 . More particularly, the debris box 78 is located directly behind the trailing edge 62 of the ramp 56 .
- the ramp 56 may be directly connected to a housing 80 for the debris box 78 .
- two arms 82 on either side 74 of the ramp 56 extend to the housing 80 and are secured thereto with mechanical fasteners and/or welding.
- the arms 82 position the ramp 56 so that at least a central portion 84 of it is aligned with an opening 86 in the housing 80 .
- the opening 86 is defined by a first side portion 88 of the housing 80 , a second side portion 90 of the housing 80 and a vertical portion 92 of the housing 80 .
- the vertical portion 92 of the housing 80 comprises a first side member 94 , a second side member 96 and a top member 98 .
- the opening 86 in the housing 80 communicates with the debris box 78 .
- the debris box 78 has a first side wall 100 , a second side wall 102 , a front wall 104 , a rear wall 106 and a bottom wall 108 . At least a portion of the top of the debris box 78 is left open. Thus, debris that is swept up the ramp 56 by the brushes 50 and which falls through the housing opening 86 falls directly into the debris box 78 , where it may be temporarily stored until the debris box 78 is emptied.
- the debris box 78 is slidable and removable from the debris box housing 80 .
- the debris box 78 is positioned within the housing 80 so that it is substantially oriented transverse to a debris path 110 of the ramp 56 .
- the debris box 78 direction of motion within the housing 80 is also aligned with the hinge axis 26 .
- the debris box 78 may be accessed, removed and replaced all from one side 112 of the floor scrubber 12 . Further, the debris box 78 may be accessed with the deck 14 in either the lowered or the raised position.
- At least one track is located along either the first side member 94 or the second side member 96 .
- a first track 114 is located along the first side member 94 and a second track 116 is located along the second side member 96 .
- Each track 114 , 116 preferably extends from a lower, inner corner 118 of each side member 94 , 96 , and extends in a curvilinear fashion across the side member 94 , 96 , to an upper, outer corner 120 of each side member 94 , 96 .
- each track 114 , 116 defines a central continuous groove 122 from the lower inner corner 118 to the upper outer corner 120 .
- At least one pin arm 124 extends from the deck 14 .
- the pin arm 124 is connected at a first end 126 to the deck 14 .
- the pin arm 124 extends downwardly from the deck 14 , when the deck 14 is in the lowered position, toward the debris box 78 .
- the first end 126 of the pin arm 124 may be fixed to the deck 14 so that it moves with the deck 14 .
- a second end 128 of the pin arm 124 opposite the first end 126 , has an aperture 130 extending therethrough.
- a pin 132 having a body portion 134 and a head portion 136 , is slidably located within each groove 122 .
- the body portion 134 has a smaller outer diameter than the head portion 136 .
- the body portion 134 of the pin 132 extends into the groove 122 , while the head portion 136 functions as a stop from the pin 132 extending beyond a predetermined point into the groove 122 .
- a lower, inner corner aperture 138 is provided in the first side member 94 .
- the aperture 138 is aligned with the groove 122 in the first track 114 .
- An upper, outer corner aperture 140 is provided in the first side member 94 .
- This aperture 140 is also aligned with the groove 122 in the first track 114 .
- Similar apertures are provided in the second side member 96 .
- the body portion 134 of the pin 132 extends through the pin aperture 130 in the arm 124 , through the track groove 122 where it is designed to be selectively located in the lower, inner corner aperture 138 to secure the deck 14 and the debris box housing 80 together.
- a biasing member such as a coil spring 142 , may be located about the pin body 134 so that the pin body 134 is biased inwardly into the lower, inner corner aperture 138 .
- the head portion 136 of the pin 132 can be grasped and the head portion 136 and the body portion 134 of the pin 132 can be withdrawn from the lower, inner corner aperture 138 .
- the pin body 134 is now able to slide along the groove 122 of the track 114 , 116 .
- the curvilinear upward nature of the groove 122 causes the pin 132 , and thus the pin arm 124 , to move in an upward motion. This motion results in the deck 14 being raised.
- the deck 14 may be locked into a raised position by permitting the pin body 134 to extend through the aperture 130 in the pin arm 124 , through the groove 122 and into the upper, outer corner aperture 140 . As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the ramp 56 and the debris box 78 and its housing 80 remain on the floor and are not elevated with the deck 14 .
- the present invention also permits the deck 14 , the ramp 56 , the debris box 78 and the housing 80 to be elevated simultaneously with each other, as depicted in FIG. 2 .
- the pin 132 is extended through the pin arm 124 , through the groove 122 and into the lower, inner corner aperture 138 .
- the pin 132 locks into the lower, inner corner aperture 138 and connects the deck 14 with the ramp 56 , debris box 78 and debris box housing 80 together.
- FIGS. 7-8 depict yet another embodiment of the present invention.
- the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 7-8 has many of the features discussed above, thus identical reference numbers will be used for the same features where discussion is required; where no additional discussion is required for the description of FIGS. 7-8 , it can be appreciated that the two designs have the same features. Different features are provided with new reference numbers.
- At least one pin arm 144 extends downwardly, substantially perpendicularly, from the lower side 52 of the deck 14 .
- a first end 146 of the pin arm 144 is connected, such as welding and/or mechanical fasteners or the like, to the deck 14 .
- the first end 146 of the pin arm 144 is in a fixed, non-moving relationship with the deck 14 .
- two pin arms extend down from the deck 14 .
- the pin arms both extend along the first and second side members 94 , 96 , respectively. While two pin arms exist, the following describes just one of the pin arms as the two are identical and function in the same way.
- the pin arm 144 has a second end 148 , opposite the first end 146 .
- two apertures are located through the second end 148 of the pin arm 144 .
- the apertures may be vertically aligned with one another on the arm 144 .
- a first pin 150 is located through one of the apertures.
- the first pin 150 is located through the upper aperture 152 , but it may be located through either one.
- the pin 150 extends through the upper aperture 152 where it engages the first side member 94 .
- the first pin 150 may selectively engage the first side member 94 in a number of ways, but in each it is preferred that the pin 150 selectively secure the pin arm 144 and the side member 94 together.
- the pin 150 may extend into an aperture, housing or recess within or on the side member 94 .
- an aperture 154 is used.
- the pin 150 engages the side member 94 , it is preferred that when the pin 150 engages the side member 94 that it locks the two together. More particularly, it is preferred that when the two are engaged, it prevents the pin arm 144 from pivoting with respect to the side member 94 , and/or with respect to the ramp 56 , the debris box 78 or the debris box housing 80 .
- a lower aperture 156 is located below the upper aperture 152 in the pin arm 144 .
- a second pin 158 is located through the lower aperture 156 .
- the second pin 158 connects with the first side member 94 to permit selective pivotal movement of the pin arm 144 with respect to the side member 94 and/or with respect 56 to the ramp, the debris box 78 or the debris housing 80 .
- FIG. 7 depicts a brush and vacuum assembly 160 in a lowered position, where the debris box 78 is located substantially parallel to the floor.
- the lowered position is the position used for floor cleaning.
- the first pin 150 is engaged with the aperture 154 in the side member 94 to maintain the debris box 78 substantially parallel to the floor. It can be appreciated that the debris box 78 can be easily accessed from a side 162 of the assembly 160 , as the debris box 78 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the ramp 56 . In other words, the debris box 78 opens parallel with the hinge axis 26 .
- FIG. 8 depicts the brush and vacuum assembly 160 in a raised position.
- the raised position might be used for maintenance or repair of the assembly 160 .
- the raised position may be helpful in changing or repairing the brushes 50 .
- the raised position can be achieved by pulling the first pin 150 from the aperture 154 in the side member 94 .
- the first pin 150 has a stop (not shown) that prevents it from being entirely withdrawn from the aperture 154 .
- the actuator When the actuator is engaged, it draws the deck 14 upwardly and backward, via the hinge 20 , toward the floor scrubber 12 .
- the pin arm 144 pivots about the second pin 158 on the side member 94 .
- the pin arm 144 lifts the side member 94 and the components associated with it, off the floor.
- Those components may include the debris box 78 , the debris box housing 80 and at least a portion of the ramp 56 . This causes the debris box 78 to assume a downward angle.
Abstract
A brush and vacuum assembly and its method of use are provided. The assembly has a debris box selectively located within a debris box housing. At least one arm extends from a deck that supports at least one brush motor. At least one pin extends through the at least one arm for selective engagement with the debris box housing. The layout permits the debris box to be accessed from a side of the machine.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/276,221 filed on Sep. 9, 2009, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- The present invention relates to a brush and vacuum assembly and its method of use. More particularly, the invention relates to a brush and vacuum assembly and method of use with floor cleaning equipment, such as a floor scrubber.
- The present invention is an improvement over known floor cleaning equipment, such as floor scrubbers. Most floor scrubbers have a water supply, a cleaning solution and outlets that apply the water and/or cleaning solution onto a floor. A set of rotary brushes works the cleaning solution into the floor to lift dirt and debris from the floor and scrub the floor clean. A squeegee and water suction device may be located at the rear of the machine to collect excess water and cleaning solution from the floor.
- Those skilled in the art know that floor maintenance also typically requires vacuuming, usually before the scrubbing step. Vacuuming requires additional equipment, time and labor. Thus, it is known to associate a vacuum apparatus with a floor scrubber to accomplish both steps at once.
- However, known equipment that combines a floor scrubber with a vacuum apparatus has proven to be difficult to use. More particularly, known devices locate the debris bins, which are bins that collect dirt and debris from the vacuum apparatus, in very difficult to reach places. The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art designs by locating a debris bin in a convenient location that is easily accessible.
- The present invention is directed toward a brush and vacuum assembly and a method of its use. The assembly has a debris box selectively located within a debris box housing. At least one arm extends downwardly from a deck supporting at least one brush motor. At least one pin extends through the at least one arm for selective engagement with the debris box housing. The debris box is located in an easy to reach area that facilitates its removal and replacement.
- The above, as well as other advantages of the present invention, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a brush and vacuum assembly depicting a deck, a debris box housing and a debris box in a lowered position; -
FIG. 2 is a side view of the assembly ofFIG. 1 with the deck in a raised position and the debris box housing and debris box in a first, raised position and the debris box housing and the debris box in a second, alternative lowered position in dashed lines; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the deck in a raised position and the debris box and debris box housing in a lowered position; -
FIG. 4 is a partial, front view of a pin of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a side view of the brush and vacuum assembly with a floor scrubber; -
FIG. 6 is a top view partially depicting the assembly and floor scrubber with the cover of the assembly being removed; -
FIG. 7 is a side view of another embodiment of the assembly depicting the deck, the debris box housing and the debris box in a lowered position; -
FIG. 8 is a side view of the assembly ofFIG. 7 with the deck in a raised position. - It is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions, directions or other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
- Turning now to
FIG. 1 , one embodiment of a brush andvacuum assembly 10 and part of afloor scrubber 12 is depicted. Theassembly 10 comprises adeck 14. Thedeck 14 is connected to thefloor scrubber 12. More particularly, arear portion 16 of thedeck 14 is connected to afront portion 18 of thefloor scrubber 12. The connection may be made via one ormore hinges 20. Thehinges 20 are also depicted inFIGS. 2 , 5 and 6. - A
first part 22 of ahinge 20 is connected to therear portion 16 of thedeck 14. - The
second part 24 of thehinge 20 is connected to thefront portion 18 of thescrubber 12. This arrangement permits thedeck 14 to pivot upwardly and downwardly with respect to thescrubber 12. Ahinge axis 26 is created between thefirst part 22 of thehinge 20 and thesecond part 24 of thehinge 20. - An
actuator mount 28 may also be located at thefront portion 18 of thescrubber 12. Theactuator mount 28 may have anupper portion 30 and alower portion 32. Thelower portion 32 is preferably connected to thefront portion 18 of thescrubber 12. Theupper portion 30 is adapted to pivotally mount anactuator shaft 34 therewith. More particularly, anactuator shaft 34 may be pivotally mounted to theupper portion 30 of themount 28. - The
actuator shaft 34 selectively extends into ashaft housing 36. Theshaft housing 36 is pivotally mounted to thedeck 14. Preferably, adeck actuator mount 38 is provided that pivotally connects theshaft housing 36 with thedeck 14, as shown inFIG. 6 . Thedeck actuator mount 38 may be located at acentral portion 40 of thedeck 14, but other locations are permissible. - While a
single actuator shaft 34 is depicted, it is permissible to include additional actuators. The additional actuators may be spaced from one another along thescrubber 12 and thedeck 14. The actuators may be identical to one another or they may be or various sizes and capacities. - Regardless of the number or size of the
actuator shaft 34, theactuator shaft 34 provides for a controlled raising and lowering of thedeck 14. More particularly, thedeck 14 and its associated components, which are described below, can be heavy. It is preferred that thedeck 14 be raised and lowered with at least the assistance of theactuator shaft 34 so that it is slowly moved to permit workers time to remove themselves from the movingdeck 14, to ensure the machine is not damaged by a droppeddeck 14 and to ensure that the machine does not damage the floor. - As best seen in
FIG. 6 , at least onebrush motor 42 is mounted on anupper side 44 of thedeck 14. Preferably, twobrush motors 42 are located on afirst side 46 and asecond side 48 of theupper side 44 of thedeck 14. Thebrush motors 42 are drivingly connected to twobrushes 50 located beneath alower side 52 of thedeck 14. Thebrush motors 42 are connected to a source of electrical energy, such as a battery (not shown) located on thescrubber 12. It may be readily appreciated that greater orfewer brush motors 42 and brushes 50 may be used and that they may be located anywhere on or in thedeck 14. - The
brushes 50 havelong bristles 54 designed to contact the floor. When turned by thebrush motors 42, thebristles 54 move in a circular pattern and collect dirt and debris from the floor. Thebristles 54 deposit collected dirt and debris onto aramp 56. In the depicted embodiment, theramp 56 is located between thebrushes 50, but other orientations are permissible. - The
ramp 26 has aleading edge 50 separated from the floor surface by asmall gap 60. Theramp 56 inclines at a predetermined angle from the leadingedge 58 to a trailingedge 62, as shown inFIG. 3 . - A
vacuum motor 64 is mounted on thedeck 14. Thevacuum motor 64 may be such as an electric motor, depicted inFIGS. 1 , 2 and 6, powered by the battery located on thescrubber 12. Thevacuum motor 64 may be connected to avacuum filter 66 for filtering out dirt and debris from a vacuum stream, which is discussed below. - A
first tube 68 may connect a suction side of themotor 64 with thefilter 66 so as to draw air through the filter. Asecond tube 70 may be connected from the filter to acavity 72 defined by theramp 56. More particularly, thecavity 72 is defined by theramp 56 and twoside portions 74 extending downwardly from theramp 56. Agap 76, similar to thegap 60 between theleading edge 58 of theramp 56 and the floor, is provided between theside portions 74 and the floor. - The
second tube 70 draws air, which includes dirt and debris, from thecavity 72 to thefilter 66 where it collects and/or falls into adebris box 78. Thebristles 54 assist in collecting and directing debris to thecavity 72. - The trailing
edge 62 of theramp 56 is located directly adjacent thedebris box 78. More particularly, thedebris box 78 is located directly behind the trailingedge 62 of theramp 56. - The
ramp 56 may be directly connected to ahousing 80 for thedebris box 78. In the depicted embodiment, twoarms 82 on eitherside 74 of theramp 56 extend to thehousing 80 and are secured thereto with mechanical fasteners and/or welding. - The
arms 82 position theramp 56 so that at least acentral portion 84 of it is aligned with anopening 86 in thehousing 80. Theopening 86 is defined by afirst side portion 88 of thehousing 80, asecond side portion 90 of thehousing 80 and avertical portion 92 of thehousing 80. Thevertical portion 92 of thehousing 80 comprises afirst side member 94, asecond side member 96 and atop member 98. - The
opening 86 in thehousing 80 communicates with thedebris box 78. Thedebris box 78 has afirst side wall 100, asecond side wall 102, afront wall 104, arear wall 106 and abottom wall 108. At least a portion of the top of thedebris box 78 is left open. Thus, debris that is swept up theramp 56 by thebrushes 50 and which falls through thehousing opening 86 falls directly into thedebris box 78, where it may be temporarily stored until thedebris box 78 is emptied. - The
debris box 78 is slidable and removable from thedebris box housing 80. Preferably, thedebris box 78 is positioned within thehousing 80 so that it is substantially oriented transverse to adebris path 110 of theramp 56. Thedebris box 78 direction of motion within thehousing 80 is also aligned with thehinge axis 26. - Based on the foregoing, the
debris box 78 may be accessed, removed and replaced all from oneside 112 of thefloor scrubber 12. Further, thedebris box 78 may be accessed with thedeck 14 in either the lowered or the raised position. - At least one track is located along either the
first side member 94 or thesecond side member 96. Preferably, afirst track 114 is located along thefirst side member 94 and asecond track 116 is located along thesecond side member 96. Eachtrack inner corner 118 of eachside member side member outer corner 120 of eachside member track continuous groove 122 from the lowerinner corner 118 to the upperouter corner 120. - At least one
pin arm 124 extends from thedeck 14. Thepin arm 124 is connected at afirst end 126 to thedeck 14. Thepin arm 124 extends downwardly from thedeck 14, when thedeck 14 is in the lowered position, toward thedebris box 78. Thefirst end 126 of thepin arm 124 may be fixed to thedeck 14 so that it moves with thedeck 14. Asecond end 128 of thepin arm 124, opposite thefirst end 126, has anaperture 130 extending therethrough. - A
pin 132, having abody portion 134 and ahead portion 136, is slidably located within eachgroove 122. Thebody portion 134 has a smaller outer diameter than thehead portion 136. Thebody portion 134 of thepin 132 extends into thegroove 122, while thehead portion 136 functions as a stop from thepin 132 extending beyond a predetermined point into thegroove 122. - A lower,
inner corner aperture 138 is provided in thefirst side member 94. Theaperture 138 is aligned with thegroove 122 in thefirst track 114. An upper,outer corner aperture 140 is provided in thefirst side member 94. Thisaperture 140 is also aligned with thegroove 122 in thefirst track 114. Similar apertures are provided in thesecond side member 96. - The
body portion 134 of thepin 132 extends through thepin aperture 130 in thearm 124, through thetrack groove 122 where it is designed to be selectively located in the lower,inner corner aperture 138 to secure thedeck 14 and thedebris box housing 80 together. A biasing member, such as acoil spring 142, may be located about thepin body 134 so that thepin body 134 is biased inwardly into the lower,inner corner aperture 138. - The
head portion 136 of thepin 132 can be grasped and thehead portion 136 and thebody portion 134 of thepin 132 can be withdrawn from the lower,inner corner aperture 138. Thepin body 134 is now able to slide along thegroove 122 of thetrack groove 122 causes thepin 132, and thus thepin arm 124, to move in an upward motion. This motion results in thedeck 14 being raised. - The
deck 14 may be locked into a raised position by permitting thepin body 134 to extend through theaperture 130 in thepin arm 124, through thegroove 122 and into the upper,outer corner aperture 140. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 , theramp 56 and thedebris box 78 and itshousing 80 remain on the floor and are not elevated with thedeck 14. - The present invention also permits the
deck 14, theramp 56, thedebris box 78 and thehousing 80 to be elevated simultaneously with each other, as depicted inFIG. 2 . In this embodiment, thepin 132 is extended through thepin arm 124, through thegroove 122 and into the lower,inner corner aperture 138. Thepin 132 locks into the lower,inner corner aperture 138 and connects thedeck 14 with theramp 56,debris box 78 anddebris box housing 80 together. -
FIGS. 7-8 depict yet another embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment depicted inFIGS. 7-8 has many of the features discussed above, thus identical reference numbers will be used for the same features where discussion is required; where no additional discussion is required for the description ofFIGS. 7-8 , it can be appreciated that the two designs have the same features. Different features are provided with new reference numbers. - At least one
pin arm 144 extends downwardly, substantially perpendicularly, from thelower side 52 of thedeck 14. Afirst end 146 of thepin arm 144 is connected, such as welding and/or mechanical fasteners or the like, to thedeck 14. Preferably, thefirst end 146 of thepin arm 144 is in a fixed, non-moving relationship with thedeck 14. - Preferably, two pin arms (only one shown) extend down from the
deck 14. In a preferred embodiment, the pin arms both extend along the first andsecond side members - The
pin arm 144 has asecond end 148, opposite thefirst end 146. In the preferred embodiment, two apertures are located through thesecond end 148 of thepin arm 144. The apertures may be vertically aligned with one another on thearm 144. - A
first pin 150 is located through one of the apertures. In the figures, thefirst pin 150 is located through theupper aperture 152, but it may be located through either one. Thepin 150 extends through theupper aperture 152 where it engages thefirst side member 94. - The
first pin 150 may selectively engage thefirst side member 94 in a number of ways, but in each it is preferred that thepin 150 selectively secure thepin arm 144 and theside member 94 together. By way of example only, thepin 150 may extend into an aperture, housing or recess within or on theside member 94. Preferably, as shown inFIG. 8 , anaperture 154 is used. - Regardless of the manner in which the
pin 150 engages theside member 94, it is preferred that when thepin 150 engages theside member 94 that it locks the two together. More particularly, it is preferred that when the two are engaged, it prevents thepin arm 144 from pivoting with respect to theside member 94, and/or with respect to theramp 56, thedebris box 78 or thedebris box housing 80. - In the depicted embodiment, a
lower aperture 156 is located below theupper aperture 152 in thepin arm 144. Asecond pin 158 is located through thelower aperture 156. Thesecond pin 158 connects with thefirst side member 94 to permit selective pivotal movement of thepin arm 144 with respect to theside member 94 and/or withrespect 56 to the ramp, thedebris box 78 or thedebris housing 80. -
FIG. 7 depicts a brush andvacuum assembly 160 in a lowered position, where thedebris box 78 is located substantially parallel to the floor. The lowered position is the position used for floor cleaning. - The
first pin 150 is engaged with theaperture 154 in theside member 94 to maintain thedebris box 78 substantially parallel to the floor. It can be appreciated that thedebris box 78 can be easily accessed from aside 162 of theassembly 160, as thedebris box 78 is oriented substantially perpendicular to theramp 56. In other words, thedebris box 78 opens parallel with thehinge axis 26. -
FIG. 8 depicts the brush andvacuum assembly 160 in a raised position. The raised position might be used for maintenance or repair of theassembly 160. For example, the raised position may be helpful in changing or repairing thebrushes 50. - The raised position can be achieved by pulling the
first pin 150 from theaperture 154 in theside member 94. Preferably, thefirst pin 150 has a stop (not shown) that prevents it from being entirely withdrawn from theaperture 154. Once thefirst pin 150 is removed from theaperture 154, theside member 94, and the components connected to it, such as thedebris box housing 80, thedebris box 78 and theramp 56, are free to pivot about thesecond pin 158. - When the actuator is engaged, it draws the
deck 14 upwardly and backward, via thehinge 20, toward thefloor scrubber 12. At a first predetermined point, thepin arm 144 pivots about thesecond pin 158 on theside member 94. At a second predetermined point, thepin arm 144 lifts theside member 94 and the components associated with it, off the floor. Those components may include thedebris box 78, thedebris box housing 80 and at least a portion of theramp 56. This causes thedebris box 78 to assume a downward angle. - In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present invention has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope.
Claims (20)
1. A brush and vacuum assembly, comprising:
a debris box selectively located within a debris box housing;
at least one arm extending downwardly from a deck supporting at least one brush motor thereon;
at least one pin extending through said at least one arm for selective engagement with an aperture in said debris box housing.
2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein a debris ramp is attached to said debris box housing.
3. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein said debris box housing has an opening for receiving debris from said ramp.
4. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein said debris box is removably located within said housing transverse to said ramp.
5. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein said arm is fixed with respect to said deck.
6. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein a first pin extends through said aperture and a second pin extends through said arm and into said housing is a pivot point for said housing.
7. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein said track arm is located behind said ramp and above said debris box.
8. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein said pin is biased inwardly by a spring.
9. The assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a hinge pivotally connecting said deck with a floor scrubber frame.
10. The assembly of claim 9 , wherein a first part of said hinge is located on a rear edge of said deck and a second part of said hinge is located on front edge of said floor scrubber frame.
11. The assembly of claim 10 , wherein an actuator flange is secured to said front edge of said floor scrubber frame, said actuator flange having an upper portion that is pivotally connected to a first end of an actuator, wherein a second end of said actuator is connected to said deck.
12. A brush and vacuum assembly, comprising:
a deck portion supporting at least one brush motor and a vacuum motor thereon, said brush motor selectively driving at least one brush below said deck portion;
at least one arm rigidly connected to and extending downwardly from said deck portion;
a debris ramp, a debris box housing, and at least one curvilinear track all located below said deck portion; and
at least one pin slidably engaged with said at least one arm and selectively engagable with said debris box housing through said arm.
13. The assembly of claim 12 , wherein said debris box housing has a debris box slidable within said debris box housing transverse to said debris ramp.
14. The assembly of claim 13 , wherein a debris opening is provided in said debris box housing and a first arm is located on one side of said housing and a second arm is located on the other side of said housing.
15. A brush and vacuum assembly, comprising:
a deck pivotally connected to a floor scrubbing machine via at least one hinge;
a pin arm extending substantially perpendicularly downward from said deck, said arm having at least one aperture therethrough;
a pin movable within said pin arm;
a side member of a debris box housing having at least one aperture for selectively receiving said pin therein, said debris box housing having a debris box selectively movable parallel to said pin;
a debris ramp oriented transverse to said debris box housing and located in front of said housing.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein a trailing edge of said ramp terminates adjacent a debris aperture in said debris housing.
17. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein a pivot pin is provided in said pin arm and into said debris box housing.
18. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein said debris box is oriented parallel to a hinge axis from said hinge.
19. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein an actuator selectively moves said deck with respect to said floor scrubbing machine.
20. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein said debris box has two side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom wall and a top portion that is at least partially open and defined by the side walls, the rear wall and the front wall.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/877,222 US20110056046A1 (en) | 2009-09-09 | 2010-09-08 | brush and vacuum assembly and method of use |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US27622109P | 2009-09-09 | 2009-09-09 | |
US12/877,222 US20110056046A1 (en) | 2009-09-09 | 2010-09-08 | brush and vacuum assembly and method of use |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20110056046A1 true US20110056046A1 (en) | 2011-03-10 |
Family
ID=43646535
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/877,222 Abandoned US20110056046A1 (en) | 2009-09-09 | 2010-09-08 | brush and vacuum assembly and method of use |
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US (1) | US20110056046A1 (en) |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6990709B2 (en) * | 2002-10-11 | 2006-01-31 | Surtec, Inc. | Vacuum sweeping system for automatic scrubber |
-
2010
- 2010-09-08 US US12/877,222 patent/US20110056046A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6990709B2 (en) * | 2002-10-11 | 2006-01-31 | Surtec, Inc. | Vacuum sweeping system for automatic scrubber |
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Owner name: NSS ENTERPRISES, INC., OHIO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:RUPP, MARK N.;KATTI, ANILKUMAR P.;DASH, CHOUDHURI SRI CHINMAYA KUMAR;REEL/FRAME:025036/0017 Effective date: 20100922 |
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