WO2012159124A1 - Système modulaire de nettoyage multifonction et d'entretien d'un plancher - Google Patents

Système modulaire de nettoyage multifonction et d'entretien d'un plancher Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012159124A1
WO2012159124A1 PCT/US2012/038912 US2012038912W WO2012159124A1 WO 2012159124 A1 WO2012159124 A1 WO 2012159124A1 US 2012038912 W US2012038912 W US 2012038912W WO 2012159124 A1 WO2012159124 A1 WO 2012159124A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
reservoir
assembly
care system
floor care
vacuum
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2012/038912
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2012159124A8 (fr
Inventor
Robert S. Robinson
David W. LLOYD
Robert W. KYDE
John T. Richter
Original Assignee
Kaivac, Inc.
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 Kaivac, Inc. filed Critical Kaivac, Inc.
Priority to GB1322441.5A priority Critical patent/GB2510057A/en
Priority to EP12725210.4A priority patent/EP2706898B1/fr
Publication of WO2012159124A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012159124A1/fr
Publication of WO2012159124A8 publication Critical patent/WO2012159124A8/fr

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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
    • A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
    • A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
    • A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
    • A47L5/36—Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back
    • 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
    • A47L7/00—Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
    • A47L7/0004—Suction cleaners adapted to take up liquids, e.g. wet or dry vacuum cleaners
    • A47L7/0019—Details of the casing
    • 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
    • A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
    • A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
    • A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
    • 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
    • A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
    • A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
    • A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
    • A47L5/225—Convertible suction cleaners, i.e. convertible between different types thereof, e.g. from upright suction cleaners to sledge-type suction cleaners
    • 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
    • A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
    • A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
    • A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
    • A47L5/36—Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back
    • A47L5/365—Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back of the vertical type, e.g. tank or bucket type
    • 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
    • A47L7/00—Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
    • 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
    • A47L7/00—Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
    • A47L7/0004—Suction cleaners adapted to take up liquids, e.g. wet or dry vacuum cleaners
    • 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
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • 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
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/0009—Storing devices ; Supports, stands or holders
    • 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
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/009—Carrying-vehicles; Arrangements of trollies or wheels; Means for avoiding mechanical obstacles

Definitions

  • This invention relates to cleaning and floor care machines, and more particularly, to multi-functional cleaning and floor care machines.
  • a multi-functional cleaning and floor care system in accordance with the principles of the invention, has a reservoir assembly, a wet/dry vacuum assembly, and a handle in the form of a four-bend handle.
  • the reservoir assembly has a wheeled chassis and a reservoir integral with the wheeled chassis.
  • the reservoir has a circumferential sidewall and an upper end.
  • the reservoir defines an interior space operable for holding a fresh cleaning liquid; and the reservoir upper end defines an opening.
  • the reservoir assembly further has a spigot fluidly connected to the reservoir interior space, with the spigot having a valve that is adjustable between a fully open position and a fully closed position; in this fashion, when the reservoir contains a fresh cleaning liquid, a user may regulate the flow of the fresh cleaning liquid from the reservoir through the spigot by adjusting the spigot valve.
  • the wet/dry vacuum assembly is removably positioned on top of the reservoir, with the wet/dry vacuum assembly having a vacuum recovery tank and a vacuum motor assembly fluidly connected to the vacuum recovery tank.
  • the four-bend handle is removably connected to the reservoir.
  • a strap assembly on each side of the vacuum recovery tank releasably connects the wet/dry vacuum assembly to the four-bend handle.
  • the wet/dry vacuum assembly is transportable on the reservoir.
  • each of the reservoir assembly and the wet/dry vacuum assembly is operable both when the wet/dry vacuum assembly is positioned on top of the reservoir, and when the wet/dry vacuum assembly is separated from the reservoir.
  • I3 ⁇ 4e multi-functional cleaning and floor care system provides numerous advantages. For example, a user may open the spigot and apply fresh cleaning solution to a floor, spread and lightly brush the solution into grout lines, and then vacuum the soils and liquid away. This results in a floor that is both clean and dry. The process is significantly better, faster, and safer than cleaning with a mop.
  • the user may operate the wet/dry vacuum assembly of the invention separate and apart from the reservoir assembly.
  • the wet/dry vacuum assembly may be used for picking up spills, detail cleaning, job site cleanup, flood recovery, or for vehicle and equipment detailing.
  • FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the modular multifunctional cleaning and floor care system, in accordance with the principles of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of Fig.1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded front perspective view of the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of Fig.1 ; Fig. 3 also shows an exploded front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention, in which the system includes a lid (shown in phantom);
  • FIG. 4 is an exploded rear perspective view of the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of Fig.1 ; Fig. 4 also shows an exploded rear perspective view of the alternate embodiment shown in Fig. 3, in which the system includes a lid (shown in phantom);
  • FIG. 5 is a right side view of the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of Fig.1 ;
  • Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of Fig.l, taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 5;
  • FIG. 7 is a portion of the cross-sectional view of Fig. 6, enlarged for magnification purposes;
  • FIG. 8 is a front view of the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of Fig.1 ;
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of Fig.l, taken along line 9-9 of Fig. 8;
  • FIG. 10 is a right side view of the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of Fig.l, further illustrating: a dump hose (in a stowed position) connected to a discharge outlet of a vacuum recovery tank; and a vacuuming assembly including a squeegee floor tool connected to a vacuum wand, with the vacuum wand connected to a length of vacuum hose, and the vacuum hose connected to a suction inlet of the vacuum recovery tank;
  • FIG. 11 is a right side view of the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of Fig.1 and a wall-mounted toilet, further illustrating the draining of a liquid or solution from a discharge outlet of a vacuum recovery tank into the bowl of the toilet via the dump hose depicted in Fig. 10;
  • FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the alternate embodiment (of the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of the invention) presented in Fig. 3, with the embodiment including the lid shown in Fig. 3 :
  • FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the alternate embodiment, shown in Fig.
  • FIG. 14 is a right side view of the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of Fig.12;
  • Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of Fig.14, taken along line 15-15 of Fig. 14;
  • FIG. 16 is a portion of the cross-sectional view of Fig. 15, enlarged for magnification purposes;
  • FIG. 17 is a front view of the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of Fig.12:
  • FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of Fig.17, taken along line 18-18 of Fig. 17;
  • FIG. 19 is a left side view of another embodiment of the modular multifunctional cleaning and floor care system of the invention, including a pump-and-chemical- injection assembly and a handle with additional storage features;
  • FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system embodiment of Fig. 19;
  • FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of a further embodiment of the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of the invention, including a pump-and- chemical-injection assembly; and
  • FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of an additional embodiment of the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of the invention, including a power supply assembly that includes a battery.
  • the particular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system embodiment 10 shown comprises a reservoir assembly, a wet/dry vacuum assembly, and a handle in the form of a four-bend handle.
  • the reservoir assembly has a wheeled chassis and a reservoir integral with the wheeled chassis.
  • the reservoir has a circumferential sidewall and an upper end.
  • the reservoir defines an interior space operable for holding a fresh cleaning liquid; and the reservoir upper end defines an opening.
  • the reservoir assembly further has a spigot fluidly connected to the reservoir interior space, with the spigot having a valve that is adjustable between a fully open position and a fully closed position; in this fashion, when the reservoir contains a fresh cleaning liquid, a user may regulate the flow of the fresh cleaning liquid from the reservoir through the spigot by adjusting the spigot valve.
  • the wet/dry vacuum assembly is removably positioned on top of the reservoir, with the wet/dry vacuum assembly having a vacuum recovery tank and a vacuum motor assembly fluidly connected to the vacuum recovery tank.
  • the four-bend handle is removably connected to the reservoir.
  • a strap assembly on each side of the vacuum recovery tank releasably connects the wet/dry vacuum assembly to the four-bend handle.
  • the wet/dry vacuum assembly is transportable on the reservoir.
  • each of the reservoir assembly and the wet/dry vacuum assembly is operable both when the wet/dry vacuum assembly is positioned on top of the reservoir, and when the wet/dry vacuum assembly is separated from the reservoir.
  • i3 ⁇ 4e multi-functional cleaning and floor care system 10 provides numerous benefits. For example, a user may open the spigot and apply fresh cleaning solution to a floor, spread and lightly brush the solution into grout lines, and then vacuum the soils and liquid away. This results in a floor that is both clean and dry. The process is significantly better, faster, and safer than cleaning with a mop.
  • the user may operate the wet/dry vacuum assembly of the invention separate and apart from the reservoir assembly.
  • the wet/dry vacuum assembly may be used for picking up spills, detail cleaning, job site cleanup, flood recovery, or for vehicle and equipment detailing.
  • the particular reservoir assembly shown in the Figures is substantially similar to the reservoir assembly disclosed in commonly-owned U.S. Patent Application No.
  • the reservoir assembly has a reservoir and a wheeled chassis integral with the reservoir.
  • the reservoir has a circumferential sidewall and a bottom wall - with the circumferential sidewall including a front wall, a back wall, a left sidewall, and a right sidewall. Together, these walls define the reservoir and the interior space within the reservoir - a reservoir capable of holding a cleaning solution or other liquid, or alternatively, any of a number of different cleaning supplies.
  • the circumferential sidewall also has an upper end and a top wall at the upper end.
  • the top wall is integral with the circumferential sidewall, and extends outward away from the circumferential sidewall and reservoir interior space.
  • the top wall has a number of openings and recessed areas, as discussed in further detail below.
  • the chassis includes the structure that supports the wheels.
  • the reservoir assembly has four wheels - two swivel casters at the front, and two fixed-axle wheels at the back.
  • the chassis includes a reinforced post or leg at the front lower-left corner, and a reinforced post or leg at the front lower-right corner. Each of these legs includes a cylindrical bore for receiving the post of the corresponding caster.
  • the chassis includes a wheel frame at the back lower-left corner, and a wheel frame at the back lower- right corner.
  • the reservoir assembly also has a spigot fluidly connected to the reservoir, and an extension arm rearward of the back wall.
  • the extension arm is connected to the spigot and includes an upwardly extending section.
  • a user may operate the spigot between a fully open position and a fully closed position by rotating the extension arm.
  • the spigot makes the system ideal for applying stripper, floor finish, gym finish, or fresh cleaning solution onto a surface in a controlled precise manner. If desired, the spigot also may be used to drain liquid from the reservoir. Additional aspects of the spigot, extension arm, and related features are discussed in further detail below.
  • the reservoir has a top wall.
  • the top wall also is continuous - extending all the way around the reservoir at the circumferential sidewalk In alternate embodiments, however, the top wall does not have to be continuous, and does not have to extend all the way around the reservoir.
  • the top wall may be discontinuous, or may comprise one or more discrete members or segments.
  • the top wall has a number of openings and recessed areas - openings and recesses that may be used in various ways.
  • the top wall has a front section, a back section, a left section, and a right section - with each top wall section integral with an adjacent top wall section.
  • the top wall left section has a cylindrical bore, a rectangular opening, a pair of circular openings, another cylindrical bore, an additional circular opening, and an elongated channel or recessed area - the channel located at the front left corner of the top wall, and formed in conjunction with the top wall front section.
  • the top wall right section is essentially the mirror image of the top wall left section - including a cylindrical bore, a rectangular opening, a pair of circular openings, another cylindrical bore, an additional circular opening, and an elongated channel or recessed area - with the channel located at the front right corner of the top wall, and formed in conjunction with the top wall front section.
  • Each of these top wall right section features is positioned directly across the reservoir from its corresponding top wall left section feature.
  • the top wall front section has a cylindrical bore at the midpoint of the section.
  • Each of the cylindrical bores has a bottom wall, with the bottom wall including an opening for drainage.
  • each of these top wall features may be used in a number of different ways - which contributes to the flexibility of the cleaning cart system.
  • One leg of the four-bend handle is inserted in the cylindrical bore, and the other leg is inserted in the cylindrical bore.
  • the elongated channels at the front left and front right corners of the top wall are configured to assist in guiding a liquid from the reservoir when the reservoir contains a liquid and a user chooses to drain the liquid via either the front left corner or the front right corner of the top wall.
  • a user may use the downwardly facing exterior surface of a channel and/or an adjacent exterior rounded corner edge surface (formed where the reservoir front wall meets the corresponding reservoir sidewall) as a pivoting surface, e.g., against the rim of a toilet, when draining liquid from the reservoir via the left or right front corner.
  • the wet/dry vacuum assembly has a vacuum recovery tank and a vacuum motor assembly fluidly connected to the vacuum recovery tank.
  • the vacuum motor assembly is positioned on top of the vacuum recovery tank, and is releasably fastened to the vacuum recovery tank with latches.
  • the vacuum recovery tank has a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, a left sidewall, and a right sidewall.
  • a suction inlet is located toward the top of the front wall; and a discharge outlet is located at the bottom of the front wall.
  • Four swivel caster wheels extend downward from the bottom wall, providing the wet/dry vacuum assembly with easy 360-degree mobility.
  • the vacuum motor assembly may have the following specifications: 114-130 inches of water lift; 60-300 CFM; and 85-300 MPH blow.
  • the wet/dry vac tank may have a capacity of about 11.5 gallons; and the wet/dry vac assembly may have 25-50 feet of vacuum hose.
  • the vacuum motor assembly may have the following specifications: Vac Tank: 11.5 Gallons (43,5 1); Dump/Drain Hose: 22 inches (56 cm) long; Vac Tank Cleanout: 100% via Dump/Drain Hose; Vac CFM: 60 cfm (1700 1/min); Blow Feature: 85 mph (137 km/h); and Vac Motor Lift: 114 inches -dead head (290 cm).
  • Other aspects of the wet/dry vacuum assembly may include: a 50 foot slinky-style vacuum hose; and a 15 foot retractable electrical cord; and the vacuum motor being a heavy duty two-stage vacuum motor.
  • the vacuum recovery tank includes a support surface and the reservoir includes a support surface, the reservoir support surface supporting the vacuum recovery tank support surface when the wet vacuum assembly is removably positioned on the reservoir.
  • the vacuum recovery tank support surface directly contacts the reservoir support surface when the wet vacuum assembly is removably positioned on the reservoir.
  • the reservoir has a lip that extends laterally from the reservoir left sidewall, the lip in the form of the left section of the top wall.
  • the reservoir also has a lip that extends laterally from the reservoir right sidewall, the lip in the form of the right section of the top wall.
  • the reservoir support surface comprises a portion of each of the top wall left section and the top wall right section.
  • the vacuum recovery tank support surface comprises a first support surface extending between the front and back walls of the tank, and a second support surface also extending between the front and back walls of the tank.
  • first support surface is in the form of a wall portion at this left recess or shelf.
  • second support surface is in the form of a wall portion at this right recess or shelf.
  • a portion of the reservoir top wall left section supports part of the wall portion of the left recess or shelf; and a portion of the reservoir top wall right section supports part of the wall portion of the right recess or shelf.
  • the wet/dry vacuum assembly may be removably positioned at a number of locations along the length of the reservoir.
  • the reservoir includes a front, a back, and a length that extends from the front to the back.
  • the vacuum recovery tank includes a length that extends from the vacuum recovery tank front to the vacuum recovery tank back.
  • the reservoir length is greater than the vacuum recovery tank length; and therefore, the wet vacuum assembly may be removably positioned at a number of locations along the length of the reservoir.
  • the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system has a dump hose (shown in a stowed position) connected to the discharge outlet of the vacuum recovery tank.
  • the system further has a vacuuming assembly.
  • the vacuuming assembly includes: a squeegee floor tool connected to a vacuum wand; the vacuum wand connected to a length of vacuum hose; and the length of vacuum hose connected to the suction inlet of the vacuum recovery tank.
  • the vacuum wand may be a two-piece lightweight aluminum vacuum wand.
  • the squeegee floor tool may be a dual- bladed squeegee head with built-in bristle brush.
  • the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system is adjacent a wall-mounted toilet.
  • the system is designed such that when the wet/dry vacuum assembly is positioned on the reservoir assembly, the discharge outlet is at a height above the floor surface that enables a soiled liquid in the vacuum recovery tank to be gravity drained through the dump hose into the toilet bowl without lifting the vacuum recovery tank.
  • figs. 3, 4, and 12-18 show another embodiment of the modular multifunctional cleaning and floor care system.
  • This embodiment has all of the elements and components of the embodiment, described above, and further has a cover member in the form of a lid. As best seen in Figs. 3 and 4, the lid (shown in phantom in. Figs.
  • the lid 3 and 4 has a top wall, a bottom wall, and a circumferential sidewall connecting the top and bottom walls.
  • the size and shape of the top wall correspond generally to the size and shape of the reservoir top wall.
  • the lid may be easily positioned on, and removed from, the reservoir.
  • the lid bottom wall is positioned slightly within the reservoir interior space.
  • the lid sidewall has a height such that the vacuum recovery tank support surfaces are supported by the reservoir support surfaces - with the tank contacting the lid, and the lid contacting the reservoir.
  • the tank wheels are positioned within the space defined by the lid.
  • FIG. 19 another embodiment of the modular multifunctional cleaning and floor care system is shown.
  • This embodiment has the reservoir assembly and wet/dry vacuum assembly described above.
  • this system has a pump-and-chemical-injection assembly (also referred to herein as a pump system) and a handle with additional storage features.
  • the pump system includes: a fresh water inlet line connected to a pump inlet; a pump; a fresh water outlet line connected from a pump outlet to a Venturi-type chemical injector; a chemical draw line connected to the chemical injector at an outlet end, and connected (or connectable) to a chemical container at an inlet end; and a spray line connected to the chemical injector outlet, and connectable to a cleaning tool (e.g., a spray gun).
  • a cleaning tool e.g., a spray gun
  • a user may apply automatically diluted cleaning solution to fixtures and floors in low pressure, and then wash the soils loose with a power rinse of always-fresh, clean water.
  • the indoor pressure washer flushes soils out of grout lines and tight places that mops cannot reach.
  • a user may vacuum the floor dry - completely removing soils, moisture, and biopollution from all surfaces, grout lines, and crevices, leaving the floor dry and soil free.
  • the pump may have the following specifications: 0.75-1.2 GPM, 150-500 PSI; 1.0-3.5 amps; and 120 VAC.
  • the spray line may be 25-50 feet in length, and may have an ID of 1/4-3/8 inch.
  • the pump system may have the following specifications: Spray Line: 32 feet (9,75 m); Quick-Connect Spray Gun; Electrical Cord: 25 ft. (7,6 m); Pressure: 150 psi (10,3 bars); Low Pressure Flow Rate: 1.20 GPM (4,5 1/min); and High Pressure Flow Rate: .30 GPM (1, 1 1/min).
  • a further embodiment of the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system of the invention includes a pump-and-chemical-injection assembly (also referred to herein as a pump system) in which the pump assembly is removably connected to the reservoir at the reservoir back wall, and is supported by a caster wheel.
  • a pump-and-chemical-injection assembly also referred to herein as a pump system
  • the pump assembly is removably connected to the reservoir at the reservoir back wall, and is supported by a caster wheel.
  • an additional embodiment of the modular multifunctional cleaning and floor care system of the invention has a power supply assembly that includes a battery.
  • the power supply assembly is removably positioned on top of the reservoir, rearward of the wet/dry vacuum assembly.
  • Modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system embodiments may be made using any suitable material(s) and manufacturing technique(s).
  • the reservoir assembly may be made of polypropylene using injection molding; and the wet/dry vacuum tank may be made of plastic using rotational molding.
  • the modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system provides many benefits and advantages, several of which have been mentioned in this patent document.
  • the system may be used by one user/worker.
  • the system may be used by multiple users/workers - simultaneously.
  • the wet/dry vacuum assembly and the reservoir assembly may be separated from each other; and one worker may apply cleaning solution with the reservoir assembly, while another worker brushes the work surface on which the solution has been applied, and vacuums up the soil-containing solution.
  • a wipes container is provided in which a first roll of dry wipes already is packaged in the container (e.g., during manufacture and assembly by a manufacturer). Additional advantages and modifications readily will appear to those skilled in the art upon a reading of this patent document.
  • the invention in its broader aspects, is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described in this patent document. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventors' general inventive concept.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Cleaning Implements For Floors, Carpets, Furniture, Walls, And The Like (AREA)

Abstract

Un système de nettoyage multifonction et d'entretien d'un plancher comprend un ensemble réservoir et un ensemble aspirateur pour matières sèches et liquides. L'ensemble réservoir comporte un châssis à roues et un réservoir définissant un espace intérieur destiné à contenir un liquide de nettoyage frais et dont l'extrémité supérieure définit une ouverture. L'ensemble réservoir comporte en outre un bout mâle en communication fluidique avec l'espace intérieur du réservoir, le bout mâle comprenant un robinet réglable entre une position complètement ouverte et une position complètement fermée. L'ensemble aspirateur pour matières sèches et liquides est positionné de manière amovible sur le dessus du réservoir et il comporte une cuve de récupération par aspiration ainsi qu'un ensemble moteur d'aspiration. L'ensemble réservoir et l'ensemble aspirateur pour matières sèches et liquides sont fonctionnels, que l'ensemble aspirateur pour matières sèches et liquides soit positionné sur le dessus du réservoir ou séparé de ce dernier.
PCT/US2012/038912 2011-05-19 2012-05-22 Système modulaire de nettoyage multifonction et d'entretien d'un plancher WO2012159124A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1322441.5A GB2510057A (en) 2011-05-19 2012-05-22 Modular multi-functional cleaning and floor care system
EP12725210.4A EP2706898B1 (fr) 2011-05-19 2012-05-22 Système modulaire de nettoyage multifonction et d'entretien d'un plancher

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WO2015176052A1 (fr) * 2014-05-16 2015-11-19 Kaivac, Inc. Appareil et procédé pour nettoyer un revêtement de sol à surface dure
WO2016054457A1 (fr) * 2014-10-01 2016-04-07 Kaivac, Inc. Système d'entretien du sol avec ensembles moteurs d'aspiration à courant alternatif et à courant continu interchangeables
US20220125254A1 (en) * 2019-02-01 2022-04-28 Techtronic Cordless Gp Vacuum cleaner

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US11083352B2 (en) * 2019-01-31 2021-08-10 Emerson Electric Co. Motor cover for wet/dry vacuum cleaner with integrated hose retainer
JP7326642B1 (ja) 2022-03-28 2023-08-15 株式会社オカムラ 自律掃除ロボット

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015176052A1 (fr) * 2014-05-16 2015-11-19 Kaivac, Inc. Appareil et procédé pour nettoyer un revêtement de sol à surface dure
WO2016054457A1 (fr) * 2014-10-01 2016-04-07 Kaivac, Inc. Système d'entretien du sol avec ensembles moteurs d'aspiration à courant alternatif et à courant continu interchangeables
US20220125254A1 (en) * 2019-02-01 2022-04-28 Techtronic Cordless Gp Vacuum cleaner
US11707168B2 (en) * 2019-02-01 2023-07-25 Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited Vacuum cleaner

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Publication number Publication date
EP2706898B1 (fr) 2020-12-09
GB2510057A (en) 2014-07-23
EP2706898A1 (fr) 2014-03-19
US20130125335A1 (en) 2013-05-23
WO2012159124A8 (fr) 2013-05-16
GB201322441D0 (en) 2014-02-05

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