CA2356489A1 - Mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus - Google Patents
Mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2356489A1 CA2356489A1 CA 2356489 CA2356489A CA2356489A1 CA 2356489 A1 CA2356489 A1 CA 2356489A1 CA 2356489 CA2356489 CA 2356489 CA 2356489 A CA2356489 A CA 2356489A CA 2356489 A1 CA2356489 A1 CA 2356489A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- debris
- cleaning apparatus
- surface cleaning
- housing
- area surface
- 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
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Classifications
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- 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
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- 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
- A47L11/02—Floor surfacing or polishing machines
- A47L11/20—Floor surfacing or polishing machines combined with vacuum cleaning devices
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- 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
-
- 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
- A47L11/4036—Parts or details of the surface treating tools
- A47L11/4044—Vacuuming or pick-up tools; Squeegees
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- 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
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01H—STREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
- E01H1/00—Removing undesirable matter from roads or like surfaces, with or without moistening of the surface
- E01H1/08—Pneumatically dislodging or taking-up undesirable matter or small objects; Drying by heat only or by streams of gas; Cleaning by projecting abrasive particles
- E01H1/0827—Dislodging by suction; Mechanical dislodging-cleaning apparatus with independent or dependent exhaust, e.g. dislodging-sweeping machines with independent suction nozzles ; Mechanical loosening devices working under vacuum
- E01H1/0836—Apparatus dislodging all of the dirt by suction ; Suction nozzles
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01H—STREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
- E01H1/00—Removing undesirable matter from roads or like surfaces, with or without moistening of the surface
- E01H1/10—Hydraulically loosening or dislodging undesirable matter; Raking or scraping apparatus ; Removing liquids or semi-liquids e.g., absorbing water, sliding-off mud
- E01H1/108—Removing liquids or semi- liquids, e.g. absorbing rain water, sucking-off mud
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Cleaning In General (AREA)
Abstract
A mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus comprises a vehicle carrying a vacuum source. A housing mounted on the vehicle has a surface facing peripheral bottom edge defining a suctioning bottom opening. A dust transfer duct has an inlet disposed in dust suctioning relation with the suctioning bottom opening of the housing and is connected in fluid communication via an airflow passageway to an outlet disposed exteriorly to the housing and is connected in fluid communication and in debris transfer relation to the vacuum source. A debris transfer duct has a debris inlet disposed in debris suctioning relation exteriorly to the housing and above the peripheral bottom edge of the housing to thereby accept debris too large to pass between the peripheral bottom edge and a surface being cleaned during use, and is connected in fluid communication to a debris outlet disposed in debris transfer relation to the vacuum source.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus, and more particularly relates to such large area surface cleaning apparatus for suctioning both dust and debris from a surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When cleaning sidewalks, factories, warehouses, and the like, various types of fine particulate material, such as dust, and also larger debris, such as litter, are encountered. While it is possible to manually sweep up fine particulate matter and litter with a broom, and also to pick up litter by hand, such manual labor is time-consuming and expensive, and therefore largely unacceptable.
The need for thorough, yet quick and inexpensive cleaning of sidewalks, factories, warehouses, and the like, has spawned dozens of designs for walk behind push-type mobile surface cleaning units, walk behind self-propelled mobile surface cleaning units, and ride-on mobile surface cleaning units. These units effectively increase productivity and decrease the need for less productive manual cleaning operations.
Part of the reason for the number of different units is that each manufacturer is trying to achieve a useful balance between suctioning up fine particulate matter and suctioning up litter. Fine particulate matter typically is spread in a thin layer over at least a large portion of the surface. Accordingly, the covered surface must be vacuumed in its entirety. In order to vacuum up fine particulate matter, it is well-known to use a vacuuming head that closely engages the surface being cleaned in a manner to cause a low pressure vacuuming force of air between the vacuuming head and the surface. Further, such vacuuming heads on mobile surface cleaning units are typically quite wide in order to l~ permit a maximum area of the surface to be covered per unit time.
In order to vacuum up fine particulate matter, which has a small surface area, a mobile vacuum unit must have high vacuum lift characteristics. This is especially important where wide vacuuming heads are used. Conversely, in order to suction up litter, which 2:.-~ has a comparatively large overall surface area for its light weight, a mobile vacuum unit must produce high air velocity. These units typically are designed such that, in use, the operator moves a vacuum hose over the litter, without the vacuum hose necessarily contacting the surface being cleaned in order to establish a vacuuming effect. Debris is merely suctioned up the hose by the high flow of air, and is deposited in the receptacle for subsequent disposal or dumping.
Accordingly, as is well known in the prior art, it is S very difficult in the design of mobile surface cleaning units to concurrently achieve both high vacuum lift characteristics (typically measured by a column of water or mercury) and produce high air velocity using an air impeller. Further, there is also no known prior art unit that can maintain its vacuuming head in close i0 proximity to a surface in order to properly suction dust and dirt, and also concurrently permit the suctioning up of litter, or conversely, there is no known prior art unit that can vacuum up of debris while still maintaining its vacuuming head in close proximity to a surface in order to properly suction dust and dirt.
15 One such prior art unit is taught in U.S. Patent No. 6,041,471 issued March 28, 2000, to Charky et a1, which teaches a Mobile Walk-Behind Sweeper. Dust, dirt and litter are swept into a central path by a pair of brushes 18 whereat a suction nozzle 26 attempts to suction up the dust, dirt and debris. The entire unit can be manipulated via the handlebar 22 to position the suction nozzle 26 vertically with respect to a surface being cleaned, to either maximize the suctioning up of dust and dirt or accommodate the suctioning up of litter. Such manual manipulation is very cumbersome and slow, and is even difficult, and is therefore highly undesirable . Further, it is common to miss dust and dirt while trying to raise the suction nozzle 26 high enough to suction up litter.
Another reason that it is very difficult in the design of mobile surface cleaning units to concurrently achieve both high vacuum lift characteristics and produce high air velocity is the necessity to filter out fine particulate matter from the flow of air produced. The fine particulate filters required by present-day legislation cannot pass very large volumes of air and still function properly. Accordingly, it is difficult to produce a unit that has the necessary high air velocity for suctioning up fine particular matter.
It is an obj ect of the present invention to provide a mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus that suctions up both fine particulate matter, such as dust, and larger debris, such as litter, from a surface.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus that suctions up both fine particulate matter, such as dust, and larger debris, such as litter, from a surface in one pass.
_ q _ It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus that suctions up both fine particulate matter, such as dust, and larger debris, such as litter, from a surface with increased effectiveness and efficiency.
STJ1~IARY OF T8E INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a novel mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus for suctioning both dust and debris from a surface being cleaned. The mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus comprises a main body carrying a vacuum source and having wheels for permitting travel along the surface being cleaned. A housing has a surface facing peripheral bottom edge defining a suctioning bottom opening and is operatively mounted on the main body such that, in use, the surface facing peripheral bottom edge is disposed adjacent with the surface being cleaned, in dust suctioning relation thereto. A dust transfer duct has an inlet disposed in dust suctioning relation with the suctioning bottom opening of the housing and is connected in fluid communication via an airflow passageway to an outlet disposed exteriorly to the housing and is operatively connected in fluid communication and in debris transfer relation to the vacuum source. A debris transfer duct is operatively mounted on the main body for movement therewith and has a debris inlet disposed in debris suctioning relation exteriorly to the housing at least partially above the peripheral bottom edge of the housing to thereby accept debris too large to pass between the peripheral bottom edge and a surface being cleaned during use, and is connected in fluid communication to a debris outlet disposed in debris transfer relation to the vacuum source.
1U Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the latter of which is briefly described hereinbelow.
The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus according to the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:
Figure 1A is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the mobile area surface cleaning apparatus according to the present invention;
Figure 1B is a side elevational view partially cut away of the first preferred embodiment mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 1A, with the flap valve in a closed position;
Figure 1C is a side elevational view partially cut away similar to Figure 1B, but with the flap valve in an open position, and with debris entering into the debris transfer duct;
:' n Figure 2A is a side elevational view partially cut away of a portion of a second preferred embodiment mobile area surface cleaning apparatus according to the present invention, with the flap valve in a closed position;
Figure 2B is a side elevational view partially cut away similar to Figure 2A, but with the flap valve in an open position and with debris entering the debris transfer duct;
Figure 3A is a side elevational view partially cut away of a portion of a third preferred embodiment mobile area surface cleaning apparatus according to the present invention; and, Figure 3B is a top plan view partially cut away of a rear portion of the third preferred embodiment mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 3A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED E1~ODIMENT
Referring to Figures 1A through 3B of the drawings, it will be noted that Figures 1A through 1C illustrate the first preferred embodiment of the mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of the present invention, Figures 2A and 2B illustrate the second preferred embodiment of the mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of the present invention, and Figures 3A and 3B illustrate the third preferred embodiment of the mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of the present invention.
g Reference will now be made to Figures 1A through 1C, which show a first preferred embodiment of the mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 20. The mobile area surface cleaning apparatus 20 is for suctioning both dust and debris from a surface 22 being cleaned, such as a factory floor, a warehouse floor, a sidewalk, or any other substantially flat surface.
Briefly, the mobile area surface cleaning apparatus 20 comprises a vehicle 25 carrying a vacuum source 69 and having wheels 27. A housing 30 mounted on the vehicle 25 has a surface facing peripheral bottom edge 46 that defines a suctioning bottom opening 48. A dust transfer duct 60 has an inlet 62 disposed in dust suctioning relation with said suctioning bottom opening 48 of the housing 30 and connected in fluid communication via an internal airflow passageway 64 to an outlet 66 disposed exteriorly to the housing 30 and in fluid communication and in debris transfer relation to a vacuum source 69. A debris transfer duct 40 has a debris inlet 41 and a debris outlet 42. A valve means 80 is provided for controlling air and debris flow through the debris transfer duct 40. A selectively operable control means 90 is provided for controlling the valve means 80.
The various elements of the first preferred embodiment mobile area surface cleaning apparatus 20 will now be described in greater detail.
In the mobile area surface cleaning apparatus 20, the vehicle 25 carries the vacuum source 69 that comprises an impeller 69a, a motor 69b, two filters 69c, and a debris receptacle 69d, as is well known in the art. The impeller could alternatively be replaced by a vacuum pump. Also, it is well known that the vacuum source 69, although is commonly located after the receptacle 69d, can also precede the receptacle and thereby have debris flow through it. The debris receptacle 69d, as illustrated, has a rear dump door 69e to permit removal of debris therefrom. It is also well known in the industry to use removable top plates, tipping cannisters, removable cannisters, bags, and so on. Preferably, the duct 60 is made from a rigid metal or plastic material, such as stainless steel, aluminum, UHMW (ultra-high molecular weight) plastic, or any other suitable material, as is well known in the industry.
The vehicle 25 also has four wheels 27, specifically two steerable front wheels 27f (only one shown) and two larger rear wheels 27r (only one shown). The wheels 27f,27r are for permitting travel along the surface 22 being cleaned. The apparatus 20 is --- self propelled and steered by a user holding onto the steering wheel 28. Alternatively, the rear wheels 27r of the apparatus'20 could be powered by an electric motor or internal combustion engine (not shown) and also could be steerable by means of the steering wheel 28 through a suitable linkage (not shown).
J
The housing 30 includes a perimeter portion 34 having a front portion 35, a back portion 36, a left end portion 37, and a right end portion 38. As can be best seen in Figure 1A, the housing 30 is elongate from its left end portion 37 to its right i0 end portion 38, and is preferably about two to three feet long (from the left end portion 37 to the right end portion 38), and is generally proportionate to the diameter of the dust transfer duct 60, (about two to four inches high at the center) , and about two to four inches from front to back depending on the specific 15 configuration of the housing 30.
The particular housing 30 illustrated is also tapered downwardly from a raised central portion 39 towards each of the left and right end portions 37, 38, and is also tapered slightly a from front to back towards each of the left and right end portions 37,38. In this manner, the left and right end portions 37,38 can be used to vacuum under slightly raised objects.
As can be best seen in Figure 1A, the front portion 35 of the perimeter portion 34 comprises a left front portion 351 and a right front portion 35r that are each sloped rearwardly a'nd inwardly to the debris inlet 41 of the debris transfer duct 40.
The debris inlet 41 is disposed exteriorly to the housing 30 between the left front portion 351 and the right front portion 35r, and above the peripheral bottom edge 46 of the housing 30 in debris suctioning relation with respect to a surface 22 being cleaned.
The rearwardly and inwardly sloping left and right front portions 351, 35r, cause debris to be deflected towards the central opening 40 when the housing 30 of the mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus 20 is pushed forwardly along the surface 22 being cleaned.
The housing 30 of the mobile area surface cleaning apparatus preferably has a substantially hollow interior 32, as can best 15 be seen in Figures 1B and 1C. The perimeter portion 34 of the housing 30 terminates downwardly in the substantially straight surface facing peripheral bottom edge 46. The surface facing peripheral bottom edge 46 defines the suctioning bottom opening 48 that is continuous with the interior 32 of the housing 30.
%' 0 The housing 30 is operatively mounted on the vehicle 25, such that, in use, the surface facing peripheral bottom edge 46 is disposed adjacent the surface 22 being cleaned, in dust suctioning relation thereto. The term "dust suctioning relation" refers to the surface facing peripheral bottom edge 46 being a very small distance above the surface 22 being cleaned (or actually partially touching it) in order to cause the air being suctioned into the interior 32 of the housing 30 between the surface facing peripheral bottom edge 46 and the surface 22 being cleaned to maintain a sufficient air speed and vacuum to suction dust and other fine particulate matter into the interior 32 of the housing 30, or in other words, to maintain the housing 30 in dust suctioning relation with respect to the surface 22 being cleaned. The distance of the surface facing peripheral bottom edge 46 above the surface 22 being cleaned is determined by the vertical adjustment of an adjustable mounting bracket (not shown) or alternatively by small wheels or skid plates mounted in vertically adjustable relation on the housing 30. This vertical adjustment may even be set such that the surface facing peripheral bottom edge at least partially contacts the surface 22 being cleaned.
In the first preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the surface facing peripheral bottom edge 46 comprises numerous downwardly projecting bristles 46b that permit the housing 30 of the mobile area surface cleaning apparatus 20 to slide along a smooth floor without doing damage to either the floor or the surface facing peripheral bottom edge 46 of the housing 30. The bristles also provide an airflow passageway 64 between the surface 22 being cleaned and the remainder of the housing 30, which airflow %~ passageway has a relatively small cross-sectional area, that is preferably less than or even approximately the same cross-sectional area as the internal airflow passageway 64 of the dust transfer duct 60, so as to permit a suitable high speed airflow between the surface 22 being cleaned and the remainder of the housing 30, and subsequently into the housing 30 through the suctioning bottom opening 48. In this manner, air and dust can enter the interior 32 of the housing 30, thus maintaining the housing 30 in dust suctioning relation with respect to the surface 22 being cleaned, as aforesaid. Alternatively, rubber squeegees can be used in place of the bristles 46b for applications where water is to be suctioned. Also, alternatively, the surface facing peripheral bottom edge 46 may be substantially straight or may be ridged.
As is best seen in Figures 1B and 1C, the dust transfer duct 60 is connected at its inlet 62 to a crown portion 56 of the housing 30 such that the inlet 62 disposed in dust suctioning relation with the suctioning bottom opening 48 of the housing 30, and is connected at its outlet 66 to the vacuum source 69 such that the dust transfer duct 60 is connected in fluid communication via 64 an internal airflow passageway to the outlet 66 disposed exteriorly to the housing 30 and in fluid communication with and in debris transfer relation to the vacuum source 69. Preferably, the dust transfer duct 60 is made from a rigid metal material, such as stainless steel or any other suitable metal or metals, as is well known in the industry.
The debris transfer duct 40 is operatively mounted on the vehicle 25 for movement therewith, as the mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus 20 is moved across the surface 22 being cleaned.
In the first preferred embodiment as illustrated, the debris transfer duct 40 is securely attached to the housing 30 and the vehicle 25. Alternatively, it is contemplated that a forward portion of the housing 30 may be mounted on the dust transfer duct 60 in removable and replaceable relation, and also be extensible, so as to permit suctioning of debris from places other than in front of the middle of the housing 30.
The debris inlet 41 of the debris transfer duct 40 is disposed forwardly of the housing 30 between the left and right portions 351,35r of the front portion 35 of the perimeter portion 34 of the housing 30, in debris suctioning relation exteriorly to the housing 30. Also, the debris transfer duct 40 is disposed at least partially above the peripheral bottom edge of the housing 30, to thereby accept debris too large to pass between the peripheral bottom edge and a surface 22 being cleaned, during use, as can be best seen in Figure 1C. The debris inlet 41 of the debris transfer duct 40 is also connected in fluid communication to a debris outlet 42 disposed in debris transfer relation to the vacuum source 69, through the dust transfer duct 60. More particularly, in the first preferred embodiment, the debris outlet 42 of the debris transfer ». duct 40 is disposed in debris transfer relation and in fluid communication at an airflow junction 43 with the airflow passageway 64 of the dust transfer duct 60. It is contemplated that the airflow junction 43 could alternatively be disposed in any other suitable location along the dust transfer duct 60, or even in the housing 30.
In the first preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the valve means 80 for controlling air and debris flow through the debris transfer duct 40 comprises a diverter valve, and more specifically a flap valve 81, as can be best seen in Figures 1B and 1C. The flap valve 81 is pivotally movable between a debris blocking position, as can be best seen in Figure 1B, and a debris passage position, as can be best seen in Figure 1C, which pivotal movement is indicated by arrow "A". In the debris blocking position, the debris outlet 42 of debris transfer duct 40 is closed off from being in debris transfer relation to the vacuum source 69, through the dust transfer duct 60. In the debris passage position, the debris outlet 42 of debris transfer duct 40 is disposed in debris transfer relation and in fluid communication with the airflow passageway of the dust transfer duct 60 and with the vacuum source 69. Accordingly, debris 24 is suctioned into the debris inlet 41 of the debris transfer duct 40, as indicated by arrow "B" in Figure 1C, through the debris transfer duct 40, as indicated by arrow "C", into the inlet 62 of the dust transfer duct 60, as indicated by arrow "D", and through the airflow passageway 64 of the dust transfer duct 60 to the vacuum source 69.
It is contemplated that it is also possible to have the flap valve 81 not completely close off the inlet 62 of the dust transfer duct 60 from fluid communication with the interior 38 of the housing 30. In this manner, at least a partial air flow is maintained at all times so as to maintain suctioning of dust through the housing 30 at all times. However, in this instance, full suction would not be available to the debris transfer duct 40.
The selectively operable means 90 for controlling the valve means 80, namely the flap valve 81, from its dust suctioning position to its debris suctioning position, comprises an electrically operated rotary solenoid 91. As can be best seen in Figures 1B and 1C, the body of the solenoid 91 is securely mounted to the debris transfer duct 40 by means of suitable threaded fasteners (not shown). The rotating drive shaft 91d of the solenoid 91 is directly connected to the pivot axle 81p of the flap valve 81.
The selectively operable control means 90 for controlling the valve means 80 also comprises a thumb operable momentary contact single-pole switch 94 mounted on the steering wheel 28, and _.. electrically connected to the solenoid by wires 96.
In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated, it is contemplated that although it is preferable to mount the housing 30 at the front of the vehicle 25 of the mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus 20, it is also possible to mount the housing 30 on the vehicle 25 at any longitudinal position, from front to back.
For instance, the housing 30 could be mounted generally centrally from front to back, such as under a small tractor or the like.
Reference will now be made to Figure 2A and 2B, which show a second preferred embodiment of the mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 220. The mobile area surface cleaning apparatus 220 is similar to the first preferred embodiment mobile area surface cleaning apparatus 20, except that the debris transfer duct 240 is connected at its debris outlet 242 directly to the vacuum source 269. The flap valve 281 is disposed at the debris outlet 242, and the selectively operable control means 290 comprises a manually operable cable 291 disposed within a sheath 292 and secured at its upper end 291a to the flap valve 281. The selectively operable control means 290 comprises a hand operated lever 297 pivotally mounted on a flange 229 on the vehicle 225 adjacent the seat 226. The cable 291 is secured at its lower end 291b to the hand operated lever 297.
Reference will now be made to Figures 3A and 3B, which shows a third preferred embodiment of the mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 320. The mobile area surface cleaning apparatus 320 is somewhat similar to the second preferred embodiment mobile area surface cleaning apparatus 320 in that the debris transfer duct 340 is connected at its outlet 346 to the vacuum source 369;
however, the vacuum source 369 comprises a first vacuum source 369a and a second vacuum source 369b that are mounted on the vehicle 325 in side-by-side relation and are separate and distinct one from the other. As can best be seen in Figure 3B, the dust transfer duct 360 is connected at its outlet 366 to the first vacuum source 369a and the debris transfer duct 340 is connected at its outlet 346 to the second vacuum source. Further, there is no valve menas for controlling air and debris flow through the debris transfer duct.
Instead, the air flow through the duct transfer duct 360 is determined by the capacity (air flow) and vacuum strength of the first vacuum source 369a, and the air flow through the debris transfer duct 340 is determined by the capacity (air flow) and ~0 vacuum strength of the second vacuum source 369b. Accordingly, the suctioning of dust through the housing 330 and the suctioning of debris, through the debris transfer duct 340, both occur on a continuous basis.
As can be understood from the above description and from the accompanying drawings, the mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus according to the present invention permits suctioning of both dust and large debris from a surface, especially in one pass;
and provides a mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus that permits suctioning of dust and debris from a surface with increased efficiency and effectiveness, all of which features are unknown in the prior art.
Other variations of the above principles will be apparent to those who are knowledgeable in the field of the invention, and such variations are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. For instance, the housing of the mobile surface cleaning apparatus could be mounted generally centrally under the vehicle, between the front and rear wheels. As such, a tractor or tractor-like vehicle could be used as the vehicle in the present invention. Also, the housing of the mobile surface cleaning apparatus could be mounted at the rear of the vehicle. Further, other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and ~?0 manufacture of the mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.
The present invention relates to mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus, and more particularly relates to such large area surface cleaning apparatus for suctioning both dust and debris from a surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When cleaning sidewalks, factories, warehouses, and the like, various types of fine particulate material, such as dust, and also larger debris, such as litter, are encountered. While it is possible to manually sweep up fine particulate matter and litter with a broom, and also to pick up litter by hand, such manual labor is time-consuming and expensive, and therefore largely unacceptable.
The need for thorough, yet quick and inexpensive cleaning of sidewalks, factories, warehouses, and the like, has spawned dozens of designs for walk behind push-type mobile surface cleaning units, walk behind self-propelled mobile surface cleaning units, and ride-on mobile surface cleaning units. These units effectively increase productivity and decrease the need for less productive manual cleaning operations.
Part of the reason for the number of different units is that each manufacturer is trying to achieve a useful balance between suctioning up fine particulate matter and suctioning up litter. Fine particulate matter typically is spread in a thin layer over at least a large portion of the surface. Accordingly, the covered surface must be vacuumed in its entirety. In order to vacuum up fine particulate matter, it is well-known to use a vacuuming head that closely engages the surface being cleaned in a manner to cause a low pressure vacuuming force of air between the vacuuming head and the surface. Further, such vacuuming heads on mobile surface cleaning units are typically quite wide in order to l~ permit a maximum area of the surface to be covered per unit time.
In order to vacuum up fine particulate matter, which has a small surface area, a mobile vacuum unit must have high vacuum lift characteristics. This is especially important where wide vacuuming heads are used. Conversely, in order to suction up litter, which 2:.-~ has a comparatively large overall surface area for its light weight, a mobile vacuum unit must produce high air velocity. These units typically are designed such that, in use, the operator moves a vacuum hose over the litter, without the vacuum hose necessarily contacting the surface being cleaned in order to establish a vacuuming effect. Debris is merely suctioned up the hose by the high flow of air, and is deposited in the receptacle for subsequent disposal or dumping.
Accordingly, as is well known in the prior art, it is S very difficult in the design of mobile surface cleaning units to concurrently achieve both high vacuum lift characteristics (typically measured by a column of water or mercury) and produce high air velocity using an air impeller. Further, there is also no known prior art unit that can maintain its vacuuming head in close i0 proximity to a surface in order to properly suction dust and dirt, and also concurrently permit the suctioning up of litter, or conversely, there is no known prior art unit that can vacuum up of debris while still maintaining its vacuuming head in close proximity to a surface in order to properly suction dust and dirt.
15 One such prior art unit is taught in U.S. Patent No. 6,041,471 issued March 28, 2000, to Charky et a1, which teaches a Mobile Walk-Behind Sweeper. Dust, dirt and litter are swept into a central path by a pair of brushes 18 whereat a suction nozzle 26 attempts to suction up the dust, dirt and debris. The entire unit can be manipulated via the handlebar 22 to position the suction nozzle 26 vertically with respect to a surface being cleaned, to either maximize the suctioning up of dust and dirt or accommodate the suctioning up of litter. Such manual manipulation is very cumbersome and slow, and is even difficult, and is therefore highly undesirable . Further, it is common to miss dust and dirt while trying to raise the suction nozzle 26 high enough to suction up litter.
Another reason that it is very difficult in the design of mobile surface cleaning units to concurrently achieve both high vacuum lift characteristics and produce high air velocity is the necessity to filter out fine particulate matter from the flow of air produced. The fine particulate filters required by present-day legislation cannot pass very large volumes of air and still function properly. Accordingly, it is difficult to produce a unit that has the necessary high air velocity for suctioning up fine particular matter.
It is an obj ect of the present invention to provide a mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus that suctions up both fine particulate matter, such as dust, and larger debris, such as litter, from a surface.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus that suctions up both fine particulate matter, such as dust, and larger debris, such as litter, from a surface in one pass.
_ q _ It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus that suctions up both fine particulate matter, such as dust, and larger debris, such as litter, from a surface with increased effectiveness and efficiency.
STJ1~IARY OF T8E INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a novel mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus for suctioning both dust and debris from a surface being cleaned. The mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus comprises a main body carrying a vacuum source and having wheels for permitting travel along the surface being cleaned. A housing has a surface facing peripheral bottom edge defining a suctioning bottom opening and is operatively mounted on the main body such that, in use, the surface facing peripheral bottom edge is disposed adjacent with the surface being cleaned, in dust suctioning relation thereto. A dust transfer duct has an inlet disposed in dust suctioning relation with the suctioning bottom opening of the housing and is connected in fluid communication via an airflow passageway to an outlet disposed exteriorly to the housing and is operatively connected in fluid communication and in debris transfer relation to the vacuum source. A debris transfer duct is operatively mounted on the main body for movement therewith and has a debris inlet disposed in debris suctioning relation exteriorly to the housing at least partially above the peripheral bottom edge of the housing to thereby accept debris too large to pass between the peripheral bottom edge and a surface being cleaned during use, and is connected in fluid communication to a debris outlet disposed in debris transfer relation to the vacuum source.
1U Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the latter of which is briefly described hereinbelow.
The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus according to the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:
Figure 1A is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the mobile area surface cleaning apparatus according to the present invention;
Figure 1B is a side elevational view partially cut away of the first preferred embodiment mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 1A, with the flap valve in a closed position;
Figure 1C is a side elevational view partially cut away similar to Figure 1B, but with the flap valve in an open position, and with debris entering into the debris transfer duct;
:' n Figure 2A is a side elevational view partially cut away of a portion of a second preferred embodiment mobile area surface cleaning apparatus according to the present invention, with the flap valve in a closed position;
Figure 2B is a side elevational view partially cut away similar to Figure 2A, but with the flap valve in an open position and with debris entering the debris transfer duct;
Figure 3A is a side elevational view partially cut away of a portion of a third preferred embodiment mobile area surface cleaning apparatus according to the present invention; and, Figure 3B is a top plan view partially cut away of a rear portion of the third preferred embodiment mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 3A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED E1~ODIMENT
Referring to Figures 1A through 3B of the drawings, it will be noted that Figures 1A through 1C illustrate the first preferred embodiment of the mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of the present invention, Figures 2A and 2B illustrate the second preferred embodiment of the mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of the present invention, and Figures 3A and 3B illustrate the third preferred embodiment of the mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of the present invention.
g Reference will now be made to Figures 1A through 1C, which show a first preferred embodiment of the mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 20. The mobile area surface cleaning apparatus 20 is for suctioning both dust and debris from a surface 22 being cleaned, such as a factory floor, a warehouse floor, a sidewalk, or any other substantially flat surface.
Briefly, the mobile area surface cleaning apparatus 20 comprises a vehicle 25 carrying a vacuum source 69 and having wheels 27. A housing 30 mounted on the vehicle 25 has a surface facing peripheral bottom edge 46 that defines a suctioning bottom opening 48. A dust transfer duct 60 has an inlet 62 disposed in dust suctioning relation with said suctioning bottom opening 48 of the housing 30 and connected in fluid communication via an internal airflow passageway 64 to an outlet 66 disposed exteriorly to the housing 30 and in fluid communication and in debris transfer relation to a vacuum source 69. A debris transfer duct 40 has a debris inlet 41 and a debris outlet 42. A valve means 80 is provided for controlling air and debris flow through the debris transfer duct 40. A selectively operable control means 90 is provided for controlling the valve means 80.
The various elements of the first preferred embodiment mobile area surface cleaning apparatus 20 will now be described in greater detail.
In the mobile area surface cleaning apparatus 20, the vehicle 25 carries the vacuum source 69 that comprises an impeller 69a, a motor 69b, two filters 69c, and a debris receptacle 69d, as is well known in the art. The impeller could alternatively be replaced by a vacuum pump. Also, it is well known that the vacuum source 69, although is commonly located after the receptacle 69d, can also precede the receptacle and thereby have debris flow through it. The debris receptacle 69d, as illustrated, has a rear dump door 69e to permit removal of debris therefrom. It is also well known in the industry to use removable top plates, tipping cannisters, removable cannisters, bags, and so on. Preferably, the duct 60 is made from a rigid metal or plastic material, such as stainless steel, aluminum, UHMW (ultra-high molecular weight) plastic, or any other suitable material, as is well known in the industry.
The vehicle 25 also has four wheels 27, specifically two steerable front wheels 27f (only one shown) and two larger rear wheels 27r (only one shown). The wheels 27f,27r are for permitting travel along the surface 22 being cleaned. The apparatus 20 is --- self propelled and steered by a user holding onto the steering wheel 28. Alternatively, the rear wheels 27r of the apparatus'20 could be powered by an electric motor or internal combustion engine (not shown) and also could be steerable by means of the steering wheel 28 through a suitable linkage (not shown).
J
The housing 30 includes a perimeter portion 34 having a front portion 35, a back portion 36, a left end portion 37, and a right end portion 38. As can be best seen in Figure 1A, the housing 30 is elongate from its left end portion 37 to its right i0 end portion 38, and is preferably about two to three feet long (from the left end portion 37 to the right end portion 38), and is generally proportionate to the diameter of the dust transfer duct 60, (about two to four inches high at the center) , and about two to four inches from front to back depending on the specific 15 configuration of the housing 30.
The particular housing 30 illustrated is also tapered downwardly from a raised central portion 39 towards each of the left and right end portions 37, 38, and is also tapered slightly a from front to back towards each of the left and right end portions 37,38. In this manner, the left and right end portions 37,38 can be used to vacuum under slightly raised objects.
As can be best seen in Figure 1A, the front portion 35 of the perimeter portion 34 comprises a left front portion 351 and a right front portion 35r that are each sloped rearwardly a'nd inwardly to the debris inlet 41 of the debris transfer duct 40.
The debris inlet 41 is disposed exteriorly to the housing 30 between the left front portion 351 and the right front portion 35r, and above the peripheral bottom edge 46 of the housing 30 in debris suctioning relation with respect to a surface 22 being cleaned.
The rearwardly and inwardly sloping left and right front portions 351, 35r, cause debris to be deflected towards the central opening 40 when the housing 30 of the mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus 20 is pushed forwardly along the surface 22 being cleaned.
The housing 30 of the mobile area surface cleaning apparatus preferably has a substantially hollow interior 32, as can best 15 be seen in Figures 1B and 1C. The perimeter portion 34 of the housing 30 terminates downwardly in the substantially straight surface facing peripheral bottom edge 46. The surface facing peripheral bottom edge 46 defines the suctioning bottom opening 48 that is continuous with the interior 32 of the housing 30.
%' 0 The housing 30 is operatively mounted on the vehicle 25, such that, in use, the surface facing peripheral bottom edge 46 is disposed adjacent the surface 22 being cleaned, in dust suctioning relation thereto. The term "dust suctioning relation" refers to the surface facing peripheral bottom edge 46 being a very small distance above the surface 22 being cleaned (or actually partially touching it) in order to cause the air being suctioned into the interior 32 of the housing 30 between the surface facing peripheral bottom edge 46 and the surface 22 being cleaned to maintain a sufficient air speed and vacuum to suction dust and other fine particulate matter into the interior 32 of the housing 30, or in other words, to maintain the housing 30 in dust suctioning relation with respect to the surface 22 being cleaned. The distance of the surface facing peripheral bottom edge 46 above the surface 22 being cleaned is determined by the vertical adjustment of an adjustable mounting bracket (not shown) or alternatively by small wheels or skid plates mounted in vertically adjustable relation on the housing 30. This vertical adjustment may even be set such that the surface facing peripheral bottom edge at least partially contacts the surface 22 being cleaned.
In the first preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the surface facing peripheral bottom edge 46 comprises numerous downwardly projecting bristles 46b that permit the housing 30 of the mobile area surface cleaning apparatus 20 to slide along a smooth floor without doing damage to either the floor or the surface facing peripheral bottom edge 46 of the housing 30. The bristles also provide an airflow passageway 64 between the surface 22 being cleaned and the remainder of the housing 30, which airflow %~ passageway has a relatively small cross-sectional area, that is preferably less than or even approximately the same cross-sectional area as the internal airflow passageway 64 of the dust transfer duct 60, so as to permit a suitable high speed airflow between the surface 22 being cleaned and the remainder of the housing 30, and subsequently into the housing 30 through the suctioning bottom opening 48. In this manner, air and dust can enter the interior 32 of the housing 30, thus maintaining the housing 30 in dust suctioning relation with respect to the surface 22 being cleaned, as aforesaid. Alternatively, rubber squeegees can be used in place of the bristles 46b for applications where water is to be suctioned. Also, alternatively, the surface facing peripheral bottom edge 46 may be substantially straight or may be ridged.
As is best seen in Figures 1B and 1C, the dust transfer duct 60 is connected at its inlet 62 to a crown portion 56 of the housing 30 such that the inlet 62 disposed in dust suctioning relation with the suctioning bottom opening 48 of the housing 30, and is connected at its outlet 66 to the vacuum source 69 such that the dust transfer duct 60 is connected in fluid communication via 64 an internal airflow passageway to the outlet 66 disposed exteriorly to the housing 30 and in fluid communication with and in debris transfer relation to the vacuum source 69. Preferably, the dust transfer duct 60 is made from a rigid metal material, such as stainless steel or any other suitable metal or metals, as is well known in the industry.
The debris transfer duct 40 is operatively mounted on the vehicle 25 for movement therewith, as the mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus 20 is moved across the surface 22 being cleaned.
In the first preferred embodiment as illustrated, the debris transfer duct 40 is securely attached to the housing 30 and the vehicle 25. Alternatively, it is contemplated that a forward portion of the housing 30 may be mounted on the dust transfer duct 60 in removable and replaceable relation, and also be extensible, so as to permit suctioning of debris from places other than in front of the middle of the housing 30.
The debris inlet 41 of the debris transfer duct 40 is disposed forwardly of the housing 30 between the left and right portions 351,35r of the front portion 35 of the perimeter portion 34 of the housing 30, in debris suctioning relation exteriorly to the housing 30. Also, the debris transfer duct 40 is disposed at least partially above the peripheral bottom edge of the housing 30, to thereby accept debris too large to pass between the peripheral bottom edge and a surface 22 being cleaned, during use, as can be best seen in Figure 1C. The debris inlet 41 of the debris transfer duct 40 is also connected in fluid communication to a debris outlet 42 disposed in debris transfer relation to the vacuum source 69, through the dust transfer duct 60. More particularly, in the first preferred embodiment, the debris outlet 42 of the debris transfer ». duct 40 is disposed in debris transfer relation and in fluid communication at an airflow junction 43 with the airflow passageway 64 of the dust transfer duct 60. It is contemplated that the airflow junction 43 could alternatively be disposed in any other suitable location along the dust transfer duct 60, or even in the housing 30.
In the first preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the valve means 80 for controlling air and debris flow through the debris transfer duct 40 comprises a diverter valve, and more specifically a flap valve 81, as can be best seen in Figures 1B and 1C. The flap valve 81 is pivotally movable between a debris blocking position, as can be best seen in Figure 1B, and a debris passage position, as can be best seen in Figure 1C, which pivotal movement is indicated by arrow "A". In the debris blocking position, the debris outlet 42 of debris transfer duct 40 is closed off from being in debris transfer relation to the vacuum source 69, through the dust transfer duct 60. In the debris passage position, the debris outlet 42 of debris transfer duct 40 is disposed in debris transfer relation and in fluid communication with the airflow passageway of the dust transfer duct 60 and with the vacuum source 69. Accordingly, debris 24 is suctioned into the debris inlet 41 of the debris transfer duct 40, as indicated by arrow "B" in Figure 1C, through the debris transfer duct 40, as indicated by arrow "C", into the inlet 62 of the dust transfer duct 60, as indicated by arrow "D", and through the airflow passageway 64 of the dust transfer duct 60 to the vacuum source 69.
It is contemplated that it is also possible to have the flap valve 81 not completely close off the inlet 62 of the dust transfer duct 60 from fluid communication with the interior 38 of the housing 30. In this manner, at least a partial air flow is maintained at all times so as to maintain suctioning of dust through the housing 30 at all times. However, in this instance, full suction would not be available to the debris transfer duct 40.
The selectively operable means 90 for controlling the valve means 80, namely the flap valve 81, from its dust suctioning position to its debris suctioning position, comprises an electrically operated rotary solenoid 91. As can be best seen in Figures 1B and 1C, the body of the solenoid 91 is securely mounted to the debris transfer duct 40 by means of suitable threaded fasteners (not shown). The rotating drive shaft 91d of the solenoid 91 is directly connected to the pivot axle 81p of the flap valve 81.
The selectively operable control means 90 for controlling the valve means 80 also comprises a thumb operable momentary contact single-pole switch 94 mounted on the steering wheel 28, and _.. electrically connected to the solenoid by wires 96.
In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated, it is contemplated that although it is preferable to mount the housing 30 at the front of the vehicle 25 of the mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus 20, it is also possible to mount the housing 30 on the vehicle 25 at any longitudinal position, from front to back.
For instance, the housing 30 could be mounted generally centrally from front to back, such as under a small tractor or the like.
Reference will now be made to Figure 2A and 2B, which show a second preferred embodiment of the mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 220. The mobile area surface cleaning apparatus 220 is similar to the first preferred embodiment mobile area surface cleaning apparatus 20, except that the debris transfer duct 240 is connected at its debris outlet 242 directly to the vacuum source 269. The flap valve 281 is disposed at the debris outlet 242, and the selectively operable control means 290 comprises a manually operable cable 291 disposed within a sheath 292 and secured at its upper end 291a to the flap valve 281. The selectively operable control means 290 comprises a hand operated lever 297 pivotally mounted on a flange 229 on the vehicle 225 adjacent the seat 226. The cable 291 is secured at its lower end 291b to the hand operated lever 297.
Reference will now be made to Figures 3A and 3B, which shows a third preferred embodiment of the mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 320. The mobile area surface cleaning apparatus 320 is somewhat similar to the second preferred embodiment mobile area surface cleaning apparatus 320 in that the debris transfer duct 340 is connected at its outlet 346 to the vacuum source 369;
however, the vacuum source 369 comprises a first vacuum source 369a and a second vacuum source 369b that are mounted on the vehicle 325 in side-by-side relation and are separate and distinct one from the other. As can best be seen in Figure 3B, the dust transfer duct 360 is connected at its outlet 366 to the first vacuum source 369a and the debris transfer duct 340 is connected at its outlet 346 to the second vacuum source. Further, there is no valve menas for controlling air and debris flow through the debris transfer duct.
Instead, the air flow through the duct transfer duct 360 is determined by the capacity (air flow) and vacuum strength of the first vacuum source 369a, and the air flow through the debris transfer duct 340 is determined by the capacity (air flow) and ~0 vacuum strength of the second vacuum source 369b. Accordingly, the suctioning of dust through the housing 330 and the suctioning of debris, through the debris transfer duct 340, both occur on a continuous basis.
As can be understood from the above description and from the accompanying drawings, the mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus according to the present invention permits suctioning of both dust and large debris from a surface, especially in one pass;
and provides a mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus that permits suctioning of dust and debris from a surface with increased efficiency and effectiveness, all of which features are unknown in the prior art.
Other variations of the above principles will be apparent to those who are knowledgeable in the field of the invention, and such variations are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. For instance, the housing of the mobile surface cleaning apparatus could be mounted generally centrally under the vehicle, between the front and rear wheels. As such, a tractor or tractor-like vehicle could be used as the vehicle in the present invention. Also, the housing of the mobile surface cleaning apparatus could be mounted at the rear of the vehicle. Further, other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and ~?0 manufacture of the mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.
Claims (14)
1. A mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus for suctioning both dust and debris from a surface being cleaned, said mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus comprising:
a vehicle carrying a vacuum source and having wheels for permitting travel along said surface being cleaned;
a housing having a surface facing peripheral bottom edge defining a suctioning bottom opening and operatively mounted on said vehicle such that, in use, said surface facing peripheral bottom edge is disposed adjacent with said surface being cleaned, in dust suctioning relation thereto;
a dust transfer duct having an inlet disposed in dust suctioning relation with said suctioning bottom opening of said housing and connected in fluid communication via an airflow passageway to an outlet disposed exteriorly to said housing and operatively connected in fluid communication and in debris transfer relation to said vacuum source; and, a debris transfer duct operatively mounted on said vehicle for movement therewith and having a debris inlet disposed in debris suctioning relation exteriorly to said housing at least partially above said peripheral bottom edge of said housing to thereby accept debris too large to pass between said peripheral bottom edge and a surface being cleaned during use, and connected in fluid communication to a debris outlet disposed in debris transfer relation to said vacuum source.
a vehicle carrying a vacuum source and having wheels for permitting travel along said surface being cleaned;
a housing having a surface facing peripheral bottom edge defining a suctioning bottom opening and operatively mounted on said vehicle such that, in use, said surface facing peripheral bottom edge is disposed adjacent with said surface being cleaned, in dust suctioning relation thereto;
a dust transfer duct having an inlet disposed in dust suctioning relation with said suctioning bottom opening of said housing and connected in fluid communication via an airflow passageway to an outlet disposed exteriorly to said housing and operatively connected in fluid communication and in debris transfer relation to said vacuum source; and, a debris transfer duct operatively mounted on said vehicle for movement therewith and having a debris inlet disposed in debris suctioning relation exteriorly to said housing at least partially above said peripheral bottom edge of said housing to thereby accept debris too large to pass between said peripheral bottom edge and a surface being cleaned during use, and connected in fluid communication to a debris outlet disposed in debris transfer relation to said vacuum source.
2. The mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a valve means for controlling air and debris flow through said debris transfer duct.
3. The mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein said valve means is movable between a debris blocking position whereat said debris outlet of debris transfer duct is closed off from being in debris transfer relation to said vacuum source, and a debris passing position whereat said debris outlet of debris transfer duct is disposed in debris transfer relation to said vacuum source, as aforesaid.
4. The mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of claim 4, wherein when said valve means is in said debris passing position, said inlet of said dust transfer duct remains in fluid communication with said vacuum source.
5. The mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein said valve means comprises a diverter valve.
6. The mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein said valve means comprises a flap valve.
7. The mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein said debris inlet of said debris transfer duct is disposed forwardly of said housing.
8. The mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein said housing has a substantially hollow interior and a perimeter portion that terminates downwardly in said surface facing peripheral bottom edge, and said perimeter portion of said housing has a front portion comprising left and right portions that are each sloped rearwardly and inwardly, and said debris inlet of said debris transfer duct is disposed at said front portion between said left and right portions, in debris receiving relation with respect to a surface being cleaned.
9. The mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for moving said valve means comprises a manually operable cable member.
10. The mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for moving said valve means comprises an electrically powered solenoid.
11. The mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein said debris outlet of said debris transfer duct is disposed in debris transfer relation at an airflow junction with said airflow passageway of said dust transfer duct.
12. The mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of claim 11, wherein said debris outlet is disposed in debris transfer relation at an airflow junction with said airflow passageway of said flexible suction hose.
13. The mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein said debris outlet is disposed in debris transfer relation directly with said vacuuming unit.
14. The mobile area surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein said debris transfer duct is mounted on said housing.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2356489 CA2356489A1 (en) | 2001-08-10 | 2001-08-10 | Mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2356489 CA2356489A1 (en) | 2001-08-10 | 2001-08-10 | Mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2356489A1 true CA2356489A1 (en) | 2003-02-10 |
Family
ID=4169868
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2356489 Abandoned CA2356489A1 (en) | 2001-08-10 | 2001-08-10 | Mobile large area surface cleaning apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2356489A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109267525A (en) * | 2018-10-06 | 2019-01-25 | 扬州三源机械有限公司 | A kind of efficient sweeper |
| CN110051282A (en) * | 2019-03-28 | 2019-07-26 | 王昕� | A kind of cleaning floor-cleaning machine device people |
| CN115201223A (en) * | 2022-06-07 | 2022-10-18 | 武汉盛永智杰科技有限公司 | Pipeline detection system |
-
2001
- 2001-08-10 CA CA 2356489 patent/CA2356489A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109267525A (en) * | 2018-10-06 | 2019-01-25 | 扬州三源机械有限公司 | A kind of efficient sweeper |
| CN109267525B (en) * | 2018-10-06 | 2023-08-15 | 扬州三源机械有限公司 | High-efficient washing and sweeping vehicle |
| CN110051282A (en) * | 2019-03-28 | 2019-07-26 | 王昕� | A kind of cleaning floor-cleaning machine device people |
| CN115201223A (en) * | 2022-06-07 | 2022-10-18 | 武汉盛永智杰科技有限公司 | Pipeline detection system |
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| FZDE | Dead |