Floor machine with attachment system
11134820 · 2021-10-05
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
A47L11/4069
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A47L11/4036
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A47L11/38
HUMAN NECESSITIES
B24B29/00
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
International classification
A47L11/40
HUMAN NECESSITIES
Abstract
The floor machine provides an attachment system capable of securing a handle to the floor machine at multiple locations. A housing of the floor machine provides two attachment bodies located on the exterior of two different walls of the housing. By securing the handle to the different attachment points, the user can configure the footprint of the floor machine to increase the user's access to narrower and/or smaller confined areas.
Claims
1. An apparatus for treating a surface with a treatment attachment wherein a handle releasably attaches to a housing storing a motor that agitates the treatment attachment to treat the surface, the apparatus comprising: a rear wall of the housing extending laterally a first distance; a first side wall of the housing extending longitudinally a second distance; wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance; a rear attachment body extending outward from the rear wall for attachment of the handle; a first side attachment body secured to the first side wall for attachment of the handle, wherein the handle attaches to the housing at one of the attachment bodies to change the orientation of the handle on the housing; and a power source stored within the handle, wherein the power source powers the motor.
2. The apparatus of 1 claim further comprising: a second side attachment body secured to the first side wall wherein the handle attaches to the second side attachment body, the second side attachment body located laterally outward from the first side attachment body.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: the motor secured to the rear attachment body and the side attachment body; a shaft of the motor extending vertically downward; an eccentric assembly secured to the shaft; a driving plate secured to the eccentric assembly wherein the eccentric assembly offsets the driving plate in relation to the shaft.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the first side attachment body is positioned vertically above the driving plate, wherein the second side attachment body is positioned laterally outward from the driving plate.
5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the rear attachment body is located longitudinally outward from the driving plate.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: an attachment neck of the rear attachment body extending longitudinally adjacent the rear wall.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising: a rear attachment aperture located between the attachment neck and the rear wall providing spacing between the attachment neck and the rear wall.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: an attachment neck of the side attachment body extending longitudinally adjacent the side wall.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising: a side attachment aperture located between the attachment neck and the side wall providing spacing between the attachment neck and the side wall.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: an attachment neck of the rear attachment body extending longitudinally adjacent the rear wall; a rear attachment aperture located between the attachment neck and the rear wall providing spacing between the attachment neck and the rear wall; an attachment neck of the side attachment body extending longitudinally adjacent the side wall; and a side attachment aperture located between the attachment neck and the side wall providing spacing between the attachment neck and the side wall.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising: an attachment head of the handle wherein the attachment head encompasses the attachment neck when attaching the handle to the rear attachment body, the attachment head encompasses the attachment neck when attaching the handle to the side attachment body.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a driving plate secured to the housing wherein the treatment attachment attaches to the driving plate wherein the motor revolves the driving plate around a shaft of the motor.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the handle releasably attaches to one of the attachment bodies.
14. An apparatus for treating a surface with a treatment attachment wherein a handle releasably attaches to a housing storing a motor that agitates the treatment attachment to treat the surface, the apparatus comprising: a rear wall of the housing extending laterally a first distance; a first side wall of the housing extending longitudinally a second distance; wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance, a rear attachment body extending outward from the rear wall; a first side attachment body secured to the side wall wherein the handle attaches to at least one of the attachment bodies; and the motor secured to the rear attachment body and the side attachment body; the shaft of the motor extending vertically downward; an eccentric assembly secured to the shaft; the driving plate secured to the eccentric assembly wherein the eccentric assembly offsets the driving plate in relation to the shaft, the driving plate located below the motor; and a power source stored within the handle, wherein the power source powers the motor.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the power source electrically connects to the motor, wherein the power source electrically disconnects from the motor.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the handle storing the power source detaches from the housing.
17. An apparatus for treating a surface with a treatment attachment wherein a handle releasably attaches to a housing storing a motor that agitates the treatment attachment to treat the surface, the apparatus comprising: said motor attaches to said housing, an attachment body secured to the housing, wherein the handle attaches to the attachment body; a driving plate secured to the housing wherein the treatment attachment attaches to the driving plate wherein the motor revolves the driving plate around a shaft of the motor; a power source stored within the handle, wherein the power source powers the motor; and a second attachment body secured to the housing, wherein the handle releasably attaches to the housing at one of the attachment bodies to change the orientation of the handle on the housing.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views:
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
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(66) The treatment attachment secures to the driver plate 106 for contacting the floor. Different types of preparation bodies may attach to the housing depending on the floor surface and the task to be completed. Examples of preparation bodies may include an SQP pad, an SHO pad, a microfiber pad, a wet pad, a tile and grout wet pad, a scrubber, a scrub brush, a tile and grout brush, a carpet cleaning pad, a sandscreen, sandpaper, an abrader plate, stone polishing pads, vacuum braised diamond, resin diamonds, polypads, polishing pads, tooltip diamonds, a sponge, and an enhancer pad, as well as other floor treatment materials. In one embodiment, a gripping surface that includes protrusions, hooks, fasteners, loops, grips, or other fasteners is located on the bottom surface of the driver plate 106. The treatment attachment then attaches to the gripping surface.
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(68) The handle 108 attaches to one of the attachment bodies located on the rear wall and the side wall. If the user needs to adjust the configuration of the floor machine 100, the user simply removes the handle 108 from one attachment body and reconnects the handle at another attachment body. Such configurability of the attachment of the handle 108 with the housing 102 increases the functionality of the floor machine 100 and increases access to the difficult to reach areas.
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(71) Each attachment body 110, 118 provides attachment shoulders 112, 116, 120, 124 that extend laterally from the wall of the housing 102. The attachment shoulders 112, 116, 120, 124 limit lateral movement of the handle 108 in relation to the housing when the handle is attached to the housing 102.
(72) An attachment neck 114, 122 is located between the attachment shoulders 112, 116, 120, 124. An attachment head of the handle 108 attaches to the attachment neck 114, 122 to secure the handle 108 to the housing 102. The attachment neck 114, 122 extends longitudinally along the wall to which the respective attachment body is secured. The attachment neck 114, 122 provides an attachment aperture between the attachment neck and the wall to which the attachment body is secured.
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(75) The user can attach the handle to the different attachment points to change the configuration of the treatment attachment and the driver plate in relation to the handle. Changing the configuration of the treatment attachment in relation to the handle alters operation of the floor machine. If the user needs access to narrower spaces, the user may attach the handle to attachment body 110 for use of the floor machine 100. If the user requires larger surface coverage, the user attaches the handle to attachment body 118 to increase the width of the surface treated with each push/pull of the handle 108.
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(81) The upper jaw 142 and lower jaw 144 are then adjusted to the closed position to secure the handle to the housing. In one embodiment, the upper jaw 142 and lower jaw 144 are biased to the closed position to secure the handle to the closed position. The user can adjust the upper jaw 142 and lower jaw 144 to the open position to release the handle from the housing.
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(90) The user presses the floor machine into the wall and/or baseboard. The support leg 226 limits backwards movement of the floor machine. Therefore, the user can maintain the treatment attachment on the wall and/or baseboards without too much backward movement of the floor machine. The other side of rolling attachment 200 also provides a support body similar to support body 228.
(91) The rolling attachment 200 also provides an upper attachment through support fingers 220, 222. Support fingers 220, 222 contact the attachment body 110. Locking arm 214 and locking finger 218 attach to locking pin 216 to secure attachment body 110 between the support fingers 220, 222 and locking finger 214 and locking arm 218.
(92) Roller attachment 200 provides a front wall 232 and a rear wall 230. Wheels 204, 210 secure to rear wall 230. Wheel 206 secures to front leg 232. The support body 228 maintains the positioning of the cleaning body while in use.
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(101) To remove the floor machine from the roller attachment, the user lifts the attachment finger 218 and attachment arm off of attachment pin. The user can then remove the floor machine from the support fingers 220, 222 and the roller attachment.
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(104) To change power sources 224, the user simply applies a different handle, such as a replacement, with a charged power source 224. The user electrically connects the replacement power source 224 to the motor 104 for continued operation. In one embodiment, the user plugs the power source 224 into the power aperture 105 of the housing to electrically connect the power source 224 with the motor. In one embodiment, lower electrical connection connects the power source 224 with the motor. The user can then continue operation of the floor machine with the replacement handle while the original handle charges.
(105) The user charges the detached power source within the removed handle for later usage. The user electrically connects the detached power source to a charging source. In one embodiment, the user connects the upper electrical connection to the power source 224. Other embodiments may implement a different configuration of the electrical connections for connecting the power source with the motor and the charging source.
(106) The power source 224 can plug into the power opening 105 as shown in
(107) One embodiment of the floor machines allows for the motor to revolve the eccentric in different directions, such as clockwise and counterclockwise. The motor of the floor machines, such as floor machines 100, 300, 400 taught in the FIGURES can revolve in different directions by changing the rotation of the motor shaft.
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(109) Trigger 109 activates the motor 104 to revolve the treatment attachment and driver plate around the motor. Trigger 109 activates the motor to rotate the shaft in a first direction such as clockwise. As long as the user continues to depress the trigger, the motor continues to rotate the shaft in the first direction. The user continues to treat the floor with the treatment attachment secured to the driver plate revolving around the motor in the first direction. The user releases the trigger 109 to stop rotating the shaft in the first direction. The user depresses the trigger 109 to activate the motor again.
(110) In one embodiment, the motor continues to rotate the shaft in the first direction each time the user depresses the trigger 109. In another embodiment, the motor alternates the direction the motor rotates each time the user depresses the trigger 109 or activate the motor 104.
(111) The motor implemented in the floor machine may be an electric motor, such as an AC motor. The AC motor may run in two different directions. The motor may rotate the shaft in two different directions, clockwise and counterclockwise. The rotation of the shaft in two different directions revolves the driver plate and the treatment attachment in two different directions around the motor. Such revolutions can be clockwise or counterclockwise.
(112) In one embodiment, a switch causes the shaft of the motor to rotate in two different directions. The user simply toggles the switch to change the direction that the shaft rotates. The treatment attachment revolves around the motor in two different directions as a result of toggling the switch.
(113) Another embodiment of the floor machine automatically alternates rotation of the motor shaft each time the user depresses trigger 109. The user depresses the trigger 109 to revolve the driver plate and the treatment attachment around the motor in a first direction, such as clockwise. The motor continues to revolve the driver plate and treatment attachment in the first direction as long as the user continues to depress the trigger 109. The user releases the trigger to stop the floor machine.
(114) The user then depresses the trigger 109 again to revolve the driver plate and the treatment attachment around the motor. The motor alternates the direction of rotation to a second direction, such as counterclockwise, to revolve the driver plate and the treatment attachment around the motor in the second direction. The motor continues to revolve the driver plate and the treatment attachment in the second direction as long as the user continues to depress the trigger 109. The user releases the trigger to stop the floor machine. In such an embodiment, the floor machine alternates the direction of revolving the driver plate and the treatment attachment each time the user depresses the trigger 109 or otherwise activates the motor 104.
(115) A motor controller directs the motor to operate in the first direction and the second direction. The motor controller may be a solid state device that automatically alternates the direction of rotation between the first direction and the second direction each time the user depresses trigger 109. The motor controller may be a solid state device that automatically alternates the direction of rotation between the first direction and the second direction each time the motor is activated.
(116) Power cord plugs into a power source that powers the motor 104. The motor 104 revolves the driver plate 106 and the treatment attachment. The floor machine 400 prepares floors and otherwise treats floors. The floor machine re-coats, strips, polishes, scrubs, cleans, removes floor finish, repairs flooring, sands, and accomplishes other floor needs.
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(118) The housing 302 provides multiple attachment bodies 304, 312, 316 to adjust the orientation of the housing with the handle. Adjusting the orientation enables the floor machine 300 to reach different areas. Adjusting the orientation also changes the width of the housing in the relation to the handle to alter the width of the area being treated by the user.
(119) To increase the width of the treatment area, the user attaches the handle 108 to attachment body 304 at rear side 308. To narrow the width of the treatment area, the user attaches the handle 108 one of attachment bodies 312, 316 on side 310. Side 310 provides a smaller width than side 308 to change the configuration of the handle 108 in relation to the preparation body 106. Attachment bodies 312, 316 provide different attachment points to alter the usage of the floor machine 300.
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(124) The power source plugs into power aperture 105 for powering the motor within the housing. The power source may be a corded plug into an electrical outlet or a portable power source such as a battery or batteries.
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(127) The treatment attachment secures to the housing 302 and driver plate 106 for contacting the floor. Different types of treatment attachments attach to the housing 302 and driver plate 106 depending on the floor surface and the task to be completed. Examples of treatment attachments may include an SQP pad, an SHO pad, a microfiber pad, a wet pad, a tile and grout wet pad, a scrubber, a scrub brush, a tile and grout brush, a carpet cleaning pad, a sandscreen, sandpaper, an abrader plate, stone polishing pads, vacuum braised diamond, resin diamonds, polypads, polishing pads, tooltip diamonds, a sponge, and an enhancer pad, as well as other floor treatment materials. The treatment attachment secures to the driver plate 106.
(128) Frame 332 secures to the housing 302 and the driver plate 106. The frame 332 provides attachment bodies 304, 326, 330.
(129) In one embodiment, the eccentric 324 offsets the attachment of the driver plate 106 and treatment attachment 434 one half inch (½ inch) from the shaft of the motor 104. The half inch offset revolves the treatment attachment in a circular pathway with a radius of the offset of a half inch.
(130) In another embodiment, the eccentric 430 offsets the attachment of the driver plate 106 and treatment attachment 434 one quarter inch (¼ inch) from the shaft of the motor 104. The half inch offset revolves the treatment attachment in a circular pathway with a radius of the offset of a quarter inch.
(131) In another embodiment, the eccentric 430 offsets the attachment of the driver plate 106 and treatment attachment 434 one eighth inch (⅛ inch) from the shaft of the motor 104. The half inch offset revolves the treatment attachment in a circular pathway with a radius of the offset of an eighth inch.
(132) The eccentric 430 of one embodiment offsets the driver plate 106 and treatment attachment ranging from one eighth of an inch (⅛ inch) to one and half inches (1½ inches) from the shaft of the motor 104. The offset revolves the treatment attachment in a circular pathway with a radius ranging from ⅛ of an inch to one and a half inches.
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(134) Bearings 336 positioned within bearing cup 334 allow revolving the driver plate 106 by the eccentric 324. The bearing cup 334 seals the bearing 336 to extend the life of the bearings 336.
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(136) The treatment attachment secures to the frame 402 for contacting the floor. Different types of treatment attachments may attach to the frame depending on the floor surface and the task to be completed. Examples of treatment attachments may include an SQP pad, an SHO pad, a microfiber pad, a wet pad, a tile and grout wet pad, a scrubber, a scrub brush, a tile and grout brush, a carpet cleaning pad, a sandscreen, sandpaper, an abrader plate, stone polishing pads, vacuum braised diamond, resin diamonds, polypads, polishing pads, tooltip diamonds, a sponge, and an enhancer pad, as well as other floor treatment materials. The treatment attachment secures to the driver plate 106.
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(138) Different weights may be added or removed to treat different floor types. The weights may also be added or removed for the different treatments of the floors. The user secures the weights 410 with the retention fingers 426, 428. Slots of the weights 410 insert onto the retention fingers 426, 428. The user tightens the retention fingers 426, 428 to secure the weights 410. The user installs different configurations of the weights for treating the floors.
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(141) Handle 108 attaches to the frame at pivot 409. The pivotal attachment of the handle 108 to the frame adjusts the height of the handle 108. Pivot 409 secures the handle 108 to the frame. Pivoting handle 108 away from the motor 104 lowers the handle for the user. Likewise, pivoting handle 108 towards the motor 104 raises the handle for the user. Moving the adjustment finger 418 up the track 420 lowers the handle 108. Moving the adjustment finger 418 down the track 420 raises the handle 108.
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(145) The attachment surface, such as the bottom gripping surface, of the driver plate 106 provides gripping feet 434. The gripping feet provide protrusions extending vertically downward from the gripping surface of driver plate 106 to secure a treatment attachment to the gripping surface.
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(149) Treatment attachment 434 secures to the frame and driver plate 106 for contacting the floor. Different types of treatment attachments 434 attach to the frame and driver plate 106 depending on the floor surface and the task to be completed. Examples of treatment attachments may include an SQP pad, an SHO pad, a microfiber pad, a wet pad, a tile and grout wet pad, a scrubber, a scrub brush, a tile and grout brush, a carpet cleaning pad, a sandscreen, sandpaper, an abrader plate, stone polishing pads, vacuum braised diamond, resin diamonds, polypads, polishing pads, tooltip diamonds, a sponge, and an enhancer pad, as well as other floor treatment materials. The treatment attachment 434 secures to the driver plate 106.
(150) In one embodiment, the eccentric 430 offsets the attachment of the driver plate 106 and treatment attachment 434 one half inch (½ inch) from the shaft of the motor 104. The half inch offset revolves the treatment attachment in a circular pathway with a radius of the offset of a half inch.
(151) In another embodiment, the eccentric 430 offsets the attachment of the driver plate 106 and treatment attachment 434 one quarter inch (¼ inch) from the shaft of the motor 104. The half inch offset revolves the treatment attachment in a circular pathway with a radius of the offset of a quarter inch.
(152) In another embodiment, the eccentric 430 offsets the attachment of the driver plate 106 and treatment attachment 434 one eighth inch (⅛ inch) from the shaft of the motor 104. The half inch offset revolves the treatment attachment in a circular pathway with a radius of the offset of an eighth inch.
(153) The eccentric 430 of one embodiment offsets the driver plate 106 and treatment attachment 434 ranging from one eighth of an inch (⅛ inch) to one and half inches (1½ inches) from the shaft of the motor 104. The offset revolves the treatment attachment in a circular pathway with a radius ranging from ⅛ of an inch to one and a half inches.
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(157) The bearing 438 of the eccentric assembly attaches to motor and the eccentric 430. Eccentric assembly offsets the attachment of the driver plate with the motor. Fastener 432 secures the eccentric assembly with the motor. Offsetting fastener 432 in relation to the driver plate surface enables the treatment attachment to revolve around the motor and the shaft.
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(159) The floor machine of the present invention provides multiple attachment bodies to change the orientation of the floor machine with the handle. Such changes in orientation increase the functionality of the floor machine. The floor machines are also capable of operation in two different direction by revolving the driver plate in different directions. Such changes in operation increase the life of the treatment attachment for treating the surface areas.
(160) The floor machines also provide a removable power source stored within a removable handle. Upon depleting the power source, the user simply replaces the handle with a handle storing a charged power source. The user can then charge the removed handle for later use. Such a handle provides for cordless operation of the floor machine.
(161) From the foregoing, it will be seen that the present invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure.
(162) It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.
(163) As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.