WO2001005275A1 - Balai oscillant a eau sous pression - Google Patents

Balai oscillant a eau sous pression Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001005275A1
WO2001005275A1 PCT/US2000/019360 US0019360W WO0105275A1 WO 2001005275 A1 WO2001005275 A1 WO 2001005275A1 US 0019360 W US0019360 W US 0019360W WO 0105275 A1 WO0105275 A1 WO 0105275A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
head
spray bar
spray
broom
set forth
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/019360
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2001005275A9 (fr
Inventor
Phillip M. Delaine, Jr.
Original Assignee
Delaine Phillip M Jr
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Delaine Phillip M Jr filed Critical Delaine Phillip M Jr
Priority to AU59355/00A priority Critical patent/AU5935500A/en
Publication of WO2001005275A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001005275A1/fr
Publication of WO2001005275A9 publication Critical patent/WO2001005275A9/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
    • A46B11/06—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water connected to supply pipe or to other external supply means
    • A46B11/063—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water connected to supply pipe or to other external supply means by means of a supply pipe
    • A46B11/066—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water connected to supply pipe or to other external supply means by means of a supply pipe with means for introducing an additive, e.g. soap
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/30—Brushes for cleaning or polishing
    • A46B2200/302—Broom

Definitions

  • This application relates to the field of cleaning implements, and more particularly to the field of brooms.
  • a conventional push broom is a device that is commonly used to clean floors. Such a push broom is shown in Figure 1.
  • the components of push broom may include a broom handle 1 and a broom head 3 with attached bristles 2.
  • the cleaning action of the broom is provided by the user exerting a downward force on the handle 1 while pushing forward, which causes the bristles 2 attached to the broom head 3 to push loose debris on a surface, such as a floor, to another location.
  • the user then lifts the broom head 3 slightly and pulls backward, such that the broom head 3 is repositioned to repeat the cleaning action.
  • Debris can be removed from a floor surface by water pressure exerted by a hose nozzle attached to a common garden hose.
  • a hose nozzle attached to a common garden hose.
  • An example of such a hose nozzle is illustrated in Figure 11.
  • the hose nozzle is a hand held device and, when activated while pointed at the floor, requires several horizontal and vertical motions in order to remove debris. With this method a significant amount of time and effort required to clean a large area. This method of cleaning can be ineffective if the debris content is high, partially stuck to the floor, relatively large or relatively heavy. In addition, the remaining water on the floor surface may cause puddling and require excessively long drying times.
  • Wheel-mounted spray systems are also known. These devices are generally called water brooms. An example of such a broom is shown in Figure 12. This type of device uses the force of water to lift and push debris. Given the spray jets' close proximity to the floor, these devices can be effective when attempting to remove loose and relatively small debris from a floor. However, if the debris is larger or heavier, several cleaning passes may be required. When using this system, an area can be swept faster than the hose nozzle method mentioned above.
  • FIG. 15 shows a flow chart that lists the procedures for the brush device's use.
  • the user connects a garden hose to the water service and the brush device at 100.
  • the user checks that the water cut-off valve 101 is turned off, at step 131.
  • the user turns on the water service, at step 132.
  • the user positions the brush head 104 near the surface to be cleaned, at step 133.
  • the user turns the valve control 101 such that water passes through the valve 101, the broom handle 102 and emerges from a hole 107 at the bottom of the brush head 105.
  • the user pushes the brush head 104 onto the surface to be cleaned, at step 135.
  • step 136 the user induces a back and forth action on the broom handle 102 such that the brush head 104 scrubs the desired surface.
  • step 137 if additional cleaning is required, step 136 is repeated.
  • step 138 the user removes the brush head 104 from the surface, turns off the water cut-off valve 101 and stops.
  • This device may be useful when cleaning surfaces such as walls, vinyl siding, cars, tires and other sloping or substantially vertical surfaces. The general release of water near the brush bristles and the scrubbing action is very effective for these surfaces. The issue of where the water goes is generally not a problem because the water falls and drips off the item being cleaned. However, this type of device may not be appropriate for cleaning floors or other similar horizontal surfaces.
  • a device for sweeping a substantially horizontal surface which includes a broom having a handle and a head, a valve disposed on the device, and a spray bar disposed on the head for directionally spraying a liquid that is supplied to the valve, wherein the valve regulates the pressure of liquid sprayed by the spray bar.
  • the liquid may be water from a common garden hose.
  • the spray bar is movably positioned on the head.
  • the device may further include a reservoir for holding an agent for treating the horizontal surface.
  • the treating agent may be a soap, a solvent, a stain, a cleaning liquid, a paint, a wax, or any other known treating agent.
  • the device may include a filter for filtering particles from the treating agent.
  • the valve is spring- loaded and/or hand-controlled.
  • the device may include tubing between the valve and the spray bar. The tubing may be positioned internal to the handle or external to the handle.
  • the handle may be used to convey liquid from the valve to the spray bar.
  • the head may include water channels.
  • the spray bar may be made integral to the head.
  • the spray bar may take a variety of shapes, including elliptical, u-shaped and straight shapes.
  • a method of using a device for cleaning a substantially horizontal surface including providing a broom having a handle and a head, positioning a valve on the handle, positioning a spray bar on the head for spraying a liquid that is supplied to the valve, providing a supply of cleaning liquid to the valve, opening the valve and sweeping the surface with the broom while spraying the surface with the spray bar.
  • the methods may include adjusting the position of the spray bar according to the nature of the cleaning task.
  • a device for sweeping a substantially horizontal surface may include a broom having a handle and a head, a spring-loaded, hand-controlled valve disposed on the handle, a spray bar disposed on the head for directionally spraying a liquid that is supplied to the valve, wherein the valve regulates the pressure of liquid sprayed by the spray bar and wherein the spray bar is movably positioned on the head, and a tube, having a lumen, for delivering the liquid from the valve to the spray bar.
  • the device may further include a reservoir for holding an agent for treating the horizontal surface.
  • the tube may be positioned internal to the handle.
  • the head may include water channels.
  • the spray bar may be made integral to the head.
  • an oscillating spray bar is provided, which may improve the performance of the device in some circumstances.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a conventional push broom.
  • FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the invention, including a water spray bar and a spring-loaded hand-controlled valve.
  • FIG. 3 depicts a detailed view of the valve assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 4 depicts a detailed view of the water spray bar of the embodiment of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates the capability of changing the water spray attack angle by manually rotating the pitch of the spray bar.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a reservoir that can be positioned mid-handle or on the broom head in an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 7 depicts a bottom view of a broom head with an integrated spray bar.
  • FIG. 8 A shows an embodiment of the invention with an alternative spray bar design.
  • FIG. 8B shows an embodiment of the invention with another alternative spray bar design, including attachment of the spray bar with brackets.
  • FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the invention with a valve integrated onto a hollow broom handle.
  • FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the invention with a cost-effective broom head design.
  • FIG. 1 1 shows an example of a hose nozzle.
  • FIG. 12 depicts a conventional wheel-mounted spray system.
  • FIG. 13 shows a device combining brush and water technology.
  • FIG. 14 is a flow chart that lists the procedures for use of an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 15 is a flow chart that lists the procedures for the use of a conventional brush device.
  • FIG. 16 illustrates in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention a broom having an oscillating spray bar.
  • FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of the broom designed to include water pulsing spray jets.
  • FIG. 18 illustrates a broom having a guard against the water spray jets in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative embodiment for the water spray jet guard shown in FIG. 18.
  • FIGS. 20A-B illustrate embodiments of the broom head having multiple rows of water spray jets.
  • FIG. 21 illustrates a broom head having a port hole for removal of debris from the water spray jets.
  • FIG. 22 illustrates a water spray jet for use in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 23 illustrates the location of the water spray jets in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 24 illustrates in accordance with an embodiment of the invention a broom head having a manually adjustable spray bar.
  • FIG. 25 illustrates a engine-driven water pump for use in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • a push broom 1 having a broom head 2, a handle 7, a water spray bar 4 and a spring-loaded hand-controlled valve 5, as shown in Figure 2.
  • a common garden hose is connected to the spring-loaded valve 5 at a valve entry point 9, shown in Figure 3.
  • the valve 5 may be used to regulate the flow of water from the hose to a spray bar 4.
  • the water may be conducted from the valve 5 to the spray bar 4 via tubing 6.
  • spray bar 26 contains several holes 19 and is positioned in front of the broom head 17 such that when water pressure is applied, strong jets of water emerge from the holes 19, which pound and buffet a surface 20, such as a floor surface, in front of bristles 18 of the broom head 17.
  • the push broom is provided with a directional water jet spray from the spray bar 26, for dislodging and suspending debris prior to the sweeping action of the broom's bristles 18. Most, if not all, of the debris can be removed with a single sweeping pass.
  • Figure 14 shows a flow chart that lists the procedures for the invention's use.
  • the user connects the garden hose to the invention at the valve entry point 9 and connects the hose to the water service.
  • the user turns on the water service, at step 111.
  • the user positions the broom head 17 behind the debris he or she wishes to move, at step 112.
  • the user decides whether or not to use to the water jet spray.
  • the user squeezes the valve lever 10 and jets of water emerge from the spray bar 26.
  • the user pushes downward on the broom handle 7 and pushes the broom through the debris area, at step 115.
  • the user releases the valve lever 10 and the water jet spray stops, at step 116.
  • the user lifts the broom, pulls the broom back toward him or her self, at step 117.
  • step 118 if the user needs to perform additional cleaning, the steps starting at step 112 can be repeated. If not, the user can stop. If at step 113 the user decides not to use the water jet spray, the user pushes downward on the broom handle 7 and pushes the broom through the debris area, at step 119. The user lifts the broom, pulls the broom back toward him or her self, at step 120.
  • the steps starting at step 112 can be repeated. If not, the user can stop.
  • the broom of the present invention permits the user to change the water spray attack angle 27 on the floor by manually rotating the pitch of the spray bar 26.
  • the ability to change the water attack angle 27 allows the user to match the effectiveness of the water jet spray with the type of debris that is being swept.
  • Effective water attack angles may be in a wide variety of angles. In embodiment, water attack angles of between fifteen and forty-five degrees are available.
  • the broom of the present invention has significant cleaning flexibility.
  • the broom easily removes sand, dirt, grime, grass clippings, pine needles, saw dust, bark mulch, small rocks and any other similar debris from a floor surface.
  • the combined forces of the water jet spray and the highly abrasive characteristics of the broom bristles can also remove debris stuck to the floor.
  • the broom can clean very contaminated areas due to the broom bristles which can collectively push large amounts of debris and water.
  • This broom is ideal for cleaning concrete, asphalt, steel, plastic, wood or other horizontal surfaces. These surfaces include; garage and basement floors, patio decks, street curb areas, truck beds (plastic or steel), sidewalks and any other surface where a water jet spray and sweeping action would be effective.
  • the broom works extremely well with normal household water pressures from 40 to 60 psi. Higher water pressures can be used, and, in some applications, may be desirable.
  • the broom also gives the user excellent control over the amount of water used, and when not needed, the user can direct the water and/or debris with the broom bristle action alone. Because the broom bristles follow the water spray, the floor surfaces will only be damp and relatively quick to dry after the invention's use.
  • the broom as shown in Figures 3-5, may be constructed, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, with the following materials.
  • the valve 5 may be fabricated from a Sears Telescoping Shower Sprinkler, ID number — 69081.
  • the spray bar 26 may be a Nelson model 1015 Rainshower® oscillator sprinkler.
  • the spray bar 26 may be an aluminum, elliptically shaped 1/2" diameter tube, 11 5/8" long, with a plurality of spray jets spaced approximately 1/2" apart.
  • a band saw may be used to cut the shower Sprinkler and Oscillator sprinkler so as to isolate the valve 5 and the spray bar 26, respectively. Both devices may be cut in a location allowing sufficient stems 13, 22 so that vinyl tubing and clamps 12, 21 can be attached.
  • the elliptical sprinkler tube may include a plug 25 to prevent water from exiting the end of the sprinkler tube. With the plug removed, water under pressure can be used to flush the tube free of jet clogging debris.
  • the broom may be similar to that manufactured by O-Ceder Brands with a 54" long broom handle and a broom head which measures approximately 17 1/2" Wide x 2 1/2" Thick x 4" High. The height includes a bristle length of 3".
  • the tubing 11, 6, 23 may be made of ordinary clear 5/8" outer diameter x 1/2" inner diameter vinyl tubing with a length sufficient to reach from the valve stem 13 to the spray bar stem 22, and the strength to withstand water pressure.
  • the device may include straps 14, 24, which may be common ties made of plastic with sufficient strength to hold the various components in place.
  • the clamps 12, 21 may be made of ordinary stainless steel sufficient to fix the vinyl tubing onto the valve stem 13 and spray bar stem 22.
  • a piece of wood 15, 4 1/2" Long x 1/4" Wide x 3/4" High, may be used as a spacer that allows for proper seating of the valve 5 onto the broom handle 16.
  • the spring-loaded valve can be made to attach onto the broom handle via glue, screw, snap, clip, or clamp.
  • the valve can be made as an integral part of the broom handle.
  • the valve can be located on the broom head or another part of the handle.
  • the spring-loaded valve can be made to actuate by a button, trigger or lever type mechanism.
  • the valve can also be made to actuate by a mechanism that senses the downward or pushing force on the broom handle.
  • the tubing can be placed inside of a hollow broom handle.
  • the broom handle can be manufactured such that it passes the water from the valve to the broom head without vinyl or similar tubing.
  • the broom head can be manufactured with water channels molded or built into the broom head.
  • the broom head can be manufactured to receive water from the broom handle and pass it to the spray bar without the need of vinyl or similar tubing.
  • the broom head can be manufactured such that the spray bar is an integral part of the broom head.
  • the spray bar can be made of aluminum, plastic or other material.
  • the spray bar can be manufactured in different shapes including elliptical, u-shaped or straight.
  • the spray bar can be manufactured with varied lengths and number of spray jets.
  • the spray bar can be manufactured to glue, screw, snap, clip, clamp or use some other means to attach to the broom head.
  • the spray bar can be manufactured to swivel to different angles or be fixed to a particular angle.
  • the spray jets can be manufactured with various diameters and shapes. The size and quantity of spray jets can be varied to maintain sufficient water pressure and force in front of the broom head. All of these adaptations, or similar adaptation
  • All of the components, the valve, the tubing, the spray bar and the clamps can be manufactured such that they form a kit so that a user can change a common push broom into the invention. Assembly can be made significantly easier with the use of "Quick Connector" type connectors at the ends of the components. Quick Connector technology is taught by WaterWhiz, Inc's Lego products, and Nelson's "Snap Connect" under Patent Number 4,856,823.
  • the valve, broom handle and broom head can also be manufactured as a kit and user assembled by screwing the components together.
  • Figure 6 shows a reservoir 47 that can be positioned on the broom handle or on the broom head.
  • This feature allows the user to dispense a soap and water solution that can then be scrubbed into a surface using the broom bristles.
  • the turbulence of the water as it passes through the reservoir 47 can be used to dissolve the soap agent resting on top of a platform 48.
  • Other agents can be used including a wax or stain.
  • the agent can be in the form of tablets or granules.
  • the agent can be made to dissolve slowly and with sufficient strength so that the user has sufficient effective spray time for the application.
  • a screen filter 49 can be positioned at the bottom of the reservoir to prohibit small particles of agent from plugging the holes in the spray bar.
  • the reservoir 47 may be opened or disassembled at 46 in order to fill it with the desired agent, and when closed or reassembled, a watertight compartment is formed that can withstand water pressure.
  • the input stem 45 can be connected to the valve stem 13 via vinyl tubing.
  • the output stem 50 can be connected to the spray bar 26 via vinyl tubing. Clamping as previously discussed can be used to attach the vinyl tubing to the stems.
  • the reservoir may be fixed to the broom handle by clamp, straps, screws, nails or other attachment means or integrated into the handle or broom head. Integrated reservoir designs are more practical from a manufacturing standpoint and offer greater flexibility and control of the applied agent. With these designs liquid agents are a better option and a button or other triggering method can be used to regulate the agent's application.
  • the reservoir adds an additional cleaning feature while maintaining the simplicity of the invention.
  • Figure 7 shows a bottom view of a broom head 30, for example, an 18" wide broom head, with an integrated spray bar.
  • the broom head 30 includes a spray bar 33 having a plurality of spray jets centered to the broom head 30 and evenly spaced, for instance, about 1" apart.
  • the spray jets may include a hole with a diameter of approximately 3/64" and may be angled at about 35-degrees.
  • the broom head 30, in this design may include two integrated turn valves 37 and 38 which control left and right edge water spray jets 31 and 32, respectively.
  • the turn valves 37 and 38 can be manually actuated by the user with twist knobs 42 and 43 located on top of the broom head 45.
  • the edge spray jets 31 and 32 discharge a focused volume of water from the edges of the broom head 30.
  • the edge water spray jets are extremely effective and useful when cleaning surfaces next to walls, curbs or other vertical constructions. (For reference, the broom handle attachment point 34 is shown.) All of the spray jets are shown on the bottom of the broom head; however, alternatively, they can be positioned on the front of the head.
  • Figure 7 also shows a top view of the broom head 30 indicating the location of the water channels 36, 39, 40 which supply jets 33, 31 and 32, respectively.
  • a stem tube 44 receives water from a vinyl tube 46 and supplies the water to the water channels at 41.
  • FIG 8A shows another spray bar design for broom head 50.
  • the broom head may include spray bar 51 made from, for example, a 1/2" square tube having a length of about 16".
  • the spray bar 51 may be attached to the broom head 50 where indicated via screws, nails or other attachment means 52 and 53, at 54 and 55 respectively.
  • the spray bar 51 may include a plurality of spray jets 57 centered on the spray bar 51 and evenly spaced , for instance, about 3/4" apart.
  • the spray jets 57 can be positioned on the bottom or front of the spray bar 51.
  • the spray jets have a hole diameter of approximately 3/64" and are angled at 35-degrees. Vinyl tubing from the valve can be attached at 56.
  • Figure 8B shows a similar spray bar design as above, except that spray bar 145 is attached to broom head 140 via brackets 143 and 144.
  • the spray bar 145 as shown in Figure 8B, includes rounded ends 141 and 142, which ends may be placed through holes in brackets 143 and 144, respectively.
  • the brackets are attached to the broom head 140 where indicated.
  • the brackets 143 and 144 could be a molded on the front or bottom front of broom head 140.
  • the bracket 143 and 144 are made such that the spray bar 145 may be held firmly within the holes.
  • the advantage to this design is that it allows the user to change the pitch of the water jet spray by manually rotating the spray bar 145.
  • This design also shows slotted water spray jets 146.
  • the slotted jets 146 help spread the water force horizontally and more uniformly in front of the broom head 140.
  • the slotted spray jets 146 can be positioned on the bottom or front of the spray bar 145.
  • the size and quantity of slotted spray jets should be sufficient to maintain adequate water pressure and force in front of the broom head 140.
  • the use of slots, holes or other shapes of water jets practice the invention herein.
  • FIG 9 shows, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a valve 61 integrated onto a hollow broom handle 64.
  • a water hose may be connected at 60 and the water may be regulated via spring-loaded valve 61.
  • lever 62 When lever 62 is squeezed toward the valve 61 , water passes through the valve and into the hollow broom handle 64.
  • the broom handle 64 screws into broom head 66 at 65.
  • the top water channel view 71 also shows where the broom handle end 74 attaches to the broom head at 68. Water may be supplied from the broom handle 64 and 75 through the broom handle end hole 77 to the broom head water channel 69.
  • a rubber o-ring type washer 76 seats inside of the broom handle attachment point 68 such that water, under pressure, can pass from the broom handle 64 to the broom head water channel 69 without leaking.
  • the bottom view of the broom head can be identical to 30 in Figure 7 as previously described.
  • the edge water spray jets, if so equipped, can also operated as previously described.
  • Figure 10 shows a cost-effective broom head design.
  • Broom head 81 in one embodiment of the invention, can be provided with a configuration wherein the broom head 81 may be approximately 18" Wide x 7/8" Thick x 4" High.
  • the broom handle 80 may be attached to the broom head 81 with the tip 86 of the broom handle 80 emerging at the front face of the broom head 81 at 82.
  • a spray bar 83 may be mounted onto the broom head 81 by first positioning a spray bar stem tube 92 inside of hole 91 at end 82 of the broom handle 80, also shown at 87, and pushing the spray bar 83 flush onto the front face of the broom head 81. Screws, nails or other attachment means can be used where indicated to fix the spray bar 83 to the broom head 81.
  • the side view of the spray bar 83 shows the spray bar stem tube 92 and a rubber o-ring type washer 88.
  • the o-ring seats on the broom head 82 or end hole 87 and on the stem tube 92 such that water does not leak as it passes from the broom handle 80 to the spray bar 83.
  • An integrated valve and hollow broom handle of the type shown in Figure 9 are used to supply water to the broom handle 80.
  • the advantage of this design is that it does not require an expensively molded broom head or spray bar.
  • the spray bar can be easily changed for a spray bar with different spray characteristics.
  • the spray bar 83 may include a plurality of spray jets 84 centered to the spray bar 83 and evenly spaced, for example, about 1" apart.
  • the spray jets 84 may each include a hole with a diameter of approximately 3/64" and may be angled at about 35-degrees.
  • the spray jets 84 can be positioned on the bottom or front of the spray bar 83.
  • the broom head 81 can be molded with a simple water channel that supplies water from the handle tip to the broom head top or bottom, which enables the spray bar 83 to be mounted on the top or bottom of the broom head 81, respectively.
  • motor technologies a subject that will be discussed later herein, can be fitted onto or with the spray bar 83.
  • the broom of the present invention can be configured with an oscillating spray bar 204, as illustrated in Figure 16.
  • the spray bar 204 may be oscillated by a water motor 201 , shown in Figure 16.
  • the water motor is similar to the motor illustrated by Jerry R. Hayes in patent 4,568,023, which is also the subject of the before-mentioned Nelson model 1015 Rainshower® oscillator sprinkler.
  • the motor 201 can be fitted into cavity 216 of broom head 200, such that it has access to water channels 207.
  • the motor 201 may be activated by water entering the broom head 200 from the broom handle 217 and spraying across the motor's impellers (not shown).
  • the impellers cause motor shaft 211 to rotate, which in turn causes connecting rod 202 to oscillate back and forward.
  • the other end of the rod 202 may be attached to a spray bar lever arm 219.
  • the spray bar 204 rotates in its brackets 214 and causes the water spray attack angle to deviate in an oscillating manner.
  • the spray angle can oscillate be between 10 degrees and 35 degrees. Alternatively, other angles may be provided for oscillation.
  • Gears or another form of transmission can be used to actuate the spray bar 204 instead of a connecting rod.
  • the motor 201 can be geared such that the desired oscillating frequency can be achieved.
  • the motor 201 can also be designed with a variable speed selection mechanism or a disengage setting.
  • the water from the motor output can be sent through a water channel 207 in the broom head 200, through tube 203, to supply the spray bar 204.
  • the brackets, or other means, holding the spray bar can be designed so that the water motor can effectively and reliably actuate the spray bar.
  • the spray jets may become clogged by debris.
  • Debris can originate from the water source or the broom's manufacturing process. Jet clogging can be remedied by providing the broom head with debris port holes 290, such as that shown in Figure 21. When unplugged, these port holes 290 may allow a user to flush debris out of the broom head's water channels. If debris is stuck in the jet, the user can insert a tooth pick, or a similar item, into the jet during the flushing process to dislodge the debris and allow it to flow out through the port holes 290. With the flushing process complete, the user can screw plugs 291 into the debris port holes 290 and use the invention with the operation water spray jets fully restored.
  • the debris port holes 290 should be made of sufficient size to allow water and debris to flow out.
  • the hole size can be between about 1/4 inch and about 3/8 inch in diameter.
  • the hole 290 and plug 291 can be threaded such that the plug 291 can be removed and screwed back in the broom head.
  • the plug can be operated by hand, a "Flat” screwdriver, a “Philips” screwdriver, an “Allen” wrench or by other means. When screwed into the broom head, the plug 291 should stop water under pressure from emerging from the debris port holes.
  • the plug 291 illustrated in Figure 21 is an Allen "Set Screw” with a 3/8-16 thread and 3/8 inches long.
  • the broom of the present invention could be fitted with water spray jets 300 of the type shown in Figure 22.
  • These jets 300 are formally referred to as nozzles.
  • These nozzles can have a thread 302 with a diameter of about 1/4 inch, or larger, which can be screwed into the broom head and access the water channel.
  • the use of nozzles eliminates the need for debris port holes. When clogged, the problem nozzles can be removed, cleaned and the system can be flushed. This design also allows the user to change the water spray pattern by changing the type of nozzles used.
  • Water spray jets or nozzles mounted to the front of the broom head may require protection from being thrust into vertical surfaces such as walls, curbs, or large rocks.
  • Figure 18 shows a broom head 240 equipped with a jet guard 242.
  • the jet guard 242 projects out from the broom head 240 at a sufficient distance 241 to protect the spray jets 243 from impact.
  • a front view of the broom head 260 shows the jet guard 242 extended continuously from the left side of the broom head 260 to the right.
  • the jet guard 262 may be composed of a series of guards 262 placed above the spray jets 263 on the broom head 260.
  • the guards 262 can be made into different shapes and can be optionally positioned on the sides or bottom of the spray jets 263.
  • Figure 20A shows still another jet guard design. These guards 282 surround or substantially surround the spray jets 281 on the broom head 280.
  • Another alternative is to design the broom head such that the spray jets recess into the broom head .
  • Still another design alternative is to position the spray jets or nozzles 315 on a sloped or angled surface 314 as shown in Figure 23.
  • the broom of the present invention can have a spray bar 226 with water pulsing spray jets 233.
  • Water pulsing can be achieved by fitting the invention with a water pulsing motor 231 , as shown in Figure 17.
  • the pulsing motor 231 can be fitted into a cavity 232 in the broom head 234.
  • the motor 231 receives water from the broom handle 229 and pulses the water from the cavity 232 through the various water channels 227 to the water spray jets 233.
  • the motor 231 can be configured to pulse water in various patterns, sequences and frequencies.
  • the spray jets 233 can be pulsed individually, in groups and simultaneously.
  • the water channels 227 can be grouped or arranged differently.
  • a user activated control can be made available to select the pattern, sequence and frequency of pulses. Additionally, the user may have a continuous spray option.
  • the pulse pattern and sequence can be used to steer surface debris in a desired direction.
  • An example of a water pulsing motor technology is the Teledyne Water Pik shower Massage® showerhead. This showerhead technology is embodied in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,316,216, 4,190,207, and 3,801,019.
  • the shower Massage's pulsing motor operates three groups of six water spray jets with a 3/32 inch jet hole diameter.
  • the motor's water turbine activates each jet group separately and in sequence, and repeats the sequence at a user set frequency. During operation, the pulsing motor generates extremely powerful and forceful pulses of water.
  • the invention produces a broom with superior sweeping and cleaning capabilities.
  • the operation of the pulse motor also causes the broom head and bristles to vibrate. As the bristles vibrate, their abrasive characteristics on the floor surface increase, which thus increases the broom's cleaning effectiveness.
  • the invention could be equipped with a water driven vibration motor.
  • the broom head 283 in Figure 20B shows such a configuration.
  • the spray jets in each row 284 and 285 can have different functions independent of the spray jets in the other row, including those functions as described herein.
  • Figure 24 shows a broom head 330 with a manually adjustable spray bar 335.
  • the spray bar 335 may be held onto the broom head 330 by a fixture 338 and a c-clamp 334.
  • the fixture 338 may be connected to the broom head's water channel and provides water to the spray bar 335 from the broom handle connected at 343.
  • An O-Ring 337 can provide a water tight seal between the spray bar 335 and the fixture 338.
  • the spray bar 335 is fitted with a lever arm 333 that emerges through a hole 342 in the broom head 330.
  • the lever arm 333 may rotate the spray bar 353 such that the water jets' 336 angle of attack 354 is altered.
  • the spray bar 335 may also be provided with a debris port hole plug 332.
  • a stop block 331 can also provided to prevent water pressure from ejecting the spray bar 335 out of the fixture 338.
  • the spray bar 335 can have a plurality of spray jets with a hole diameter of about 3/64 inch and spaced about 1 inch apart.
  • the lever arm 352 can adjust the angle of attack 354, in one embodiment, from 10-degrees to 40-degrees. Alternatively, the invention can use other angles.
  • the spray bar 335 can be extremely easy to install and remove from the broom head 330.
  • the user or manufacturer may position an end of the spray bar 335 opposite the lever arm 333 into the fixture 338.
  • the installation may be completed by snapping the remaining end of the spray bar 335 into clamp 334, while positioning the lever arm 333 to emerge through the hole at 342. Reversing these steps will remove the spray bar 335.
  • Figure 25 shows an engine 376, pump 381, and valve 380 housed in a handle assembly 374.
  • a water hose may be attached at 373 and supplies water to valve 380.
  • a spring-loaded trigger 371 or other manually operated lever controls the engine 376 throttle and valve 380 via 377 and 378, respectively.
  • the trigger 371 When the trigger 371 is engaged, water flows through the valve 380 to the pump 381 where an accelerated engine generates high water pressure to the broom handle 370.
  • the engine throttle can be regulated by a water pressure sensor, set at a constant speed, or regulated in some other manor.
  • the engine can be similar to the Ryobi 31 cc engine supplied to the Model 790R "EZ" 2 Cycle Trimmer/Brush Cutter.
  • the water pump and valve are commercially available and are well known in the art.
  • the assembly 374 can be positioned elsewhere on the broom handle or on the broom head.
  • an electric motor can be used instead of a gasoline engine.
  • the engine or electric motor and pump can be fitted to a user "back-pack" with a connecting hose and controls mounted to the broom handle.
  • the valve can be optionally positioned on the broom handle or the "back-pack" assembly.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif de balayage d'une surface (20) sensiblement horizontale, le dispositif comprenant un balai (1) doté d'un manche (7) et d'une tête (2), une soupape (5) disposée sur le dispositif et une rampe (4) de pulvérisation disposée amovible sur la tête et destinée à pulvériser de façon dirigée un liquide introduit dans la soupape, la soupape régulant la pression du liquide pulvérisé par la rampe de pulvérisation. La soupape peut être à ressort et/ou manuelle. Le dispositif peut comprendre un tubage (6) disposé entre la soupape et la rampe de pulvérisation, ce tubage pouvant être situé à l'intérieur ou à l'extérieur du manche. Le manche (7) peut s'utiliser pour transporter un liquide, provenant par exemple d'un tuyau d'arrosage, de la soupape (5) à la rampe (4) de pulvérisation. Dans un mode de réalisation, la tête (2) peut comporter des canaux (19) d'eau et la rampe de pulvérisation peut être intégrée à la tête. La rampe de pulvérisation peut être oscillante et peut emprunter diverses formes, telles qu'une forme elliptique, en U ou droite. Le dispositif peut aussi comprendre un réservoir (47) destiné à contenir un agent de traitement de la surface horizontale.
PCT/US2000/019360 1999-07-15 2000-07-14 Balai oscillant a eau sous pression WO2001005275A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU59355/00A AU5935500A (en) 1999-07-15 2000-07-14 Oscillating aquabroom

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14398699P 1999-07-15 1999-07-15
US60/143,986 1999-07-15

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001005275A1 true WO2001005275A1 (fr) 2001-01-25
WO2001005275A9 WO2001005275A9 (fr) 2002-09-06

Family

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PCT/US2000/019360 WO2001005275A1 (fr) 1999-07-15 2000-07-14 Balai oscillant a eau sous pression

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU5935500A (fr)
WO (1) WO2001005275A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2375704A (en) * 2001-05-18 2002-11-27 Gordon Chih Cleaning brush with variable sprinkling pattern
GB2401032A (en) * 2003-04-30 2004-11-03 Graham Smart Cleaning implement with liquid supply means

Citations (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB485219A (en) 1937-02-10 1938-05-17 Aero Brush Company Ltd Improvements in or relating to self-feeding brushes
US2595933A (en) * 1949-07-23 1952-05-06 Magnus R Snipen Rug rinser
GB677741A (en) 1950-01-17 1952-08-20 Ernest Cohen Improvements in or relating to brushes
US2908445A (en) 1956-07-26 1959-10-13 Empire Brushes Inc Fountain detergent brushes and controls therefor
GB1243775A (en) 1967-08-24 1971-08-25 Stewart Warner Ltd Cleaning device
US3931931A (en) 1975-02-20 1976-01-13 Otis George A Surface washer
US4022382A (en) 1976-04-21 1977-05-10 Engdahl Jr Arnold Bernard Surface cleaning device
DE7736700U1 (de) * 1977-12-01 1978-04-06 Albersinger, Georg, 8200 Westerndorf St Peter Besen fuer die reinigung von gitterrosten in viehstaellen
US4083495A (en) 1976-04-05 1978-04-11 Sharp Ronald L Water spray device
US4095746A (en) 1977-01-31 1978-06-20 Anderberg Thomas A Self-supported water sweeper
US4200236A (en) * 1978-09-15 1980-04-29 Briar Industries, Inc. Mobile water jet sweep cleaner
US4575270A (en) 1984-11-06 1986-03-11 Dustbane Products Limited Hose end sprayer
US4895179A (en) * 1987-05-13 1990-01-23 Harben Systems Limited Cleaning apparatus
US4930706A (en) 1988-10-03 1990-06-05 Arthur Merlin Water broom
FR2665650A1 (fr) * 1990-08-07 1992-02-14 Vermont Francois Balai mouilleur pour vitres permettant l'injection et l'aspiration de l'eau.
WO2000003620A1 (fr) * 1998-07-20 2000-01-27 Delaine Phillip M Jr Balai a eau

Patent Citations (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB485219A (en) 1937-02-10 1938-05-17 Aero Brush Company Ltd Improvements in or relating to self-feeding brushes
US2595933A (en) * 1949-07-23 1952-05-06 Magnus R Snipen Rug rinser
GB677741A (en) 1950-01-17 1952-08-20 Ernest Cohen Improvements in or relating to brushes
US2908445A (en) 1956-07-26 1959-10-13 Empire Brushes Inc Fountain detergent brushes and controls therefor
GB1243775A (en) 1967-08-24 1971-08-25 Stewart Warner Ltd Cleaning device
US3931931A (en) 1975-02-20 1976-01-13 Otis George A Surface washer
US4083495A (en) 1976-04-05 1978-04-11 Sharp Ronald L Water spray device
US4022382A (en) 1976-04-21 1977-05-10 Engdahl Jr Arnold Bernard Surface cleaning device
US4095746A (en) 1977-01-31 1978-06-20 Anderberg Thomas A Self-supported water sweeper
DE7736700U1 (de) * 1977-12-01 1978-04-06 Albersinger, Georg, 8200 Westerndorf St Peter Besen fuer die reinigung von gitterrosten in viehstaellen
US4200236A (en) * 1978-09-15 1980-04-29 Briar Industries, Inc. Mobile water jet sweep cleaner
US4575270A (en) 1984-11-06 1986-03-11 Dustbane Products Limited Hose end sprayer
US4895179A (en) * 1987-05-13 1990-01-23 Harben Systems Limited Cleaning apparatus
US4930706A (en) 1988-10-03 1990-06-05 Arthur Merlin Water broom
FR2665650A1 (fr) * 1990-08-07 1992-02-14 Vermont Francois Balai mouilleur pour vitres permettant l'injection et l'aspiration de l'eau.
WO2000003620A1 (fr) * 1998-07-20 2000-01-27 Delaine Phillip M Jr Balai a eau

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2375704A (en) * 2001-05-18 2002-11-27 Gordon Chih Cleaning brush with variable sprinkling pattern
GB2401032A (en) * 2003-04-30 2004-11-03 Graham Smart Cleaning implement with liquid supply means

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU5935500A (en) 2001-02-05
WO2001005275A9 (fr) 2002-09-06

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