LOW PROFILE TREATMENT MACHINE

Abstract

A floor treatment machine (100) is provided with a low profile housing (101); the floor treatment machine (100) has at least one transport wheel (103), a power supply (102), a brushless direct drive motor (115), a treatment tool (105) wherein the treatment tool (105) is adapted to receive a treatment pad; the direct drive motor (115) is positioned above the treatment tool upper side and presents a radial size greater than its axial size; the motor (115) is adjustable and turns the treatment tool under 500 revolutions per minute. The floor treatment machine reduces power consumption by up to about 30%. Also provided is a method of treating a surface with a low profile treatment machine.

Claims

1. A floor treatment machine comprising: a top part with a handle for a user to maneuver the floor treatment machine; and a bottom part, connected with the top part, wherein the bottom part includes: a direct drive motor having a rotor and a stator, the rotor being configured to turn around an axis of rotation; a power supply configured for supplying an electric power to the direct drive motor; a treatment tool with a lower side destined to face a floor to be cleaned and an upper side opposite to the lower side, wherein the rotor is in direct drive connection with the treatment tool so that the treatment tool is adapted to rotate together with the rotor around said axis of rotation, wherein the direct drive motor is positioned above the treatment tool upper side and presents a radial size, measured perpendicular to said axis of rotation, and an axial size, measured parallel to the axis of rotation, the radial size being greater than the axial size.

2. The floor treatment machine of claim 1, wherein the axial size of direct drive motor is at least 2 times smaller, than a maximum radial size of the direct drive motor.

3. The floor treatment machine of claim 1, wherein both the treatment tool and the direct drive motor present a discoidal conformation and are coaxially stacked one above the other.

4. (canceled)

5. The floor treatment machine of claim 1, wherein the power supply is positioned radially external with respect to a radial periphery of the direct drive motor.

6. The floor treatment machine of claim 1 further comprising at least one wheel located at a rear end of the bottom part of the floor treatment machine, wherein the power supply is located adjacent to the rear end of the floor treatment machine, proximate to the direct drive motor and/or proximate to the at least one wheel, and wherein the power supply is positioned between the direct drive motor and the at least one wheel.

7. (canceled)

8. The floor treatment machine of claim 1, wherein the power supply is positioned such that a bottom side of the power supply is vertically aligned or below an ideal plane tangential to a lower surface of the direct drive motor, and/or wherein the power supply is positioned such that at least 30%, of the power supply extends below an/the ideal plane tangential to an upper surface of the direct drive motor.

9. The floor treatment machine according to claim 1, wherein the power supply, is positioned above the direct drive motor, and wherein the power supply presents at least a portion of flattened and axial-symmetric conformation, which is coaxially positioned relative to the direct drive motor.

10. (canceled)

11. The floor treatment apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the power supply has flattened and circular conformation, and is coaxially positioned above the direct drive motor.

12. The floor treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power supply, treatment tool and the direct drive motor are coaxially stacked the one above the other.

13. The floor treatment machine according to claim 1, comprising a counterweight positioned at a front end of the bottom part of the floor treatment machine.

14. The floor treatment machine according to claim 13, wherein the counterweight is positioned radially external with respect to a radial periphery of the direct drive motor.

15. The floor treatment machine according to claim 13, wherein the counterweight is positioned, with respect to the direct drive motor, in a location which is radially opposite to the power supply.

16. The floor treatment machine of claim 1, wherein the floor treatment machine is configured to be positioned in at least one operative condition, where the treatment tool contacts the floor to be cleaned, and wherein, in said operative condition, the treatment tool is the only component of the floor treatment machine destined to contact the floor to be cleaned; and/or wherein said at least one wheel is vertically raised relative to an ideal plane tangential to a lower surface of the treatment tool, whereby in said operative condition the at least one wheel is destined to not contact the floor to be treated.

17. (canceled)

18. The floor treatment machine according to claim 16, further comprising at least one wheel located at a rear end of the bottom part of the floor treatment machine, wherein the floor treatment machine is configured to be positioned in at least one transport condition, and wherein in the transport condition the at least one wheel is the only component of the floor treatment machine destined to contact the floor to be cleaned, further wherein the floor treatment machine is susceptible of being inclined from the use condition to the transport condition causing at least an angular displacement of the treatment tool from an horizontal position to an inclined position.

19. The floor treatment machine of claim 1, wherein the power supply comprises a battery extractable from said bottom part of the floor treatment machine.

20. (canceled)

21. The floor treatment machine according to claim 1 comprising a housing at least partially covering the bottom part of the floor treatment machine, wherein the housing extends above the direct drive motor and has a peripheral edge extending around at least a portion of the direct drive motor.

22. (canceled)

23. The floor treatment machine according to claim 1 comprising a delivery channel, optionally a water delivery channel, having a first terminal portion connected to a tank, optionally to a water tank, and a second terminal portion configured for delivering fluid, optionally water, at or in proximity of the treatment tool.

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. The floor treatment machine according to claim 1, wherein a shaft extending through a central axial gap of the direct drive motor mechanically connects the treatment tool with the rotor of the direct drive motor.

28. (canceled)

29. The floor treatment machine of claim 1, wherein the floor treatment machine is configured to be positioned in at least one operative condition, where the treatment tool contacts the floor to be cleaned, wherein in the operative condition the center of gravity of the floor treatment machine lies on a vertical plane passing through the treatment tool.

30. The floor treatment machine of claim 1, wherein the floor treatment machine is configured to be positioned in at least one operative condition, where the treatment tool contacts the floor to be cleaned, and wherein in the operative condition the center of gravity of the floor treatment machine lies on a vertical plane passing through a central area of the treatment tool.

31. (canceled)

32. (canceled)

33. (canceled)

34. (canceled)

35. (canceled)

36. (canceled)

37. (canceled)

38. (canceled)

39. (canceled)

40. (canceled)

41. (canceled)

42. (canceled)

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0184] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a prior art floor machine.

[0185] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a first illustrative embodiment of the claimed low profile treatment machine.

[0186] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a second illustrative embodiment of the claimed low profile treatment machine.

[0187] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a third illustrative embodiment of the claimed low profile treatment machine.

[0188] FIG. 5 is cross-sectional view of a fourth illustrative embodiment of the claimed low profile treatment machine.

[0189] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a fifth illustrative embodiment of the claimed low profile treatment machine.

[0190] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a sixth illustrative embodiment of the claimed low profile treatment machine.

[0191] FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a seventh illustrative embodiment of the claimed low profile treatment machine.

[0192] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the vertical medial section plane IX-IX represented in FIG. 4; FIG. 9 shows further features of machine of FIG. 4;

[0193] FIG. 10 is a lateral broken view of a bottom part of a variant of the low profile machine of FIGS. 4 and 9, wherein the power supply is a battery 102 located directly above the motor 115.

[0194] FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of the low profile machine of any one of FIGS. 2-10 in an operative condition.

[0195] FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of the low profile machine of any one of FIGS. 2-10 in a transport condition.

[0196] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a rear portion of the low profile machine of FIGS. 4, 9 and 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0197] For the purposes of the present application floor treatment may include, but is not limited to: damp mopping, dust mopping, auto-scrubbing, high speed buffing, low speed buffing, high speed burnishing, low speed burnishing, high speed scrubbing, low speed scrubbing, recoating, stripping, refinishing, high speed cleaning, and low speed cleaning.

[0198] Turning to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a prior art floor machine. FIG. 1 depicts a profile view of a standard single-disc machine 50. The standard single-disc machine housing 51 is shown with a typical configuration. Components such as the standard electric motor, damping equipment, and transmission (all not shown) are contained under the exterior shell of housing 51. The presence of these mechanical components requires additional space within housing 51. Without components such as a standard electric motor, damping equipment, and transmission, the prior art single-disc machine 50 cannot function. However, these required components also greatly add to the physical size of housing 51, specifically raising the height of the housing 51 with respect to the floor. The required components thus limit the machine access to confined areas or spaces underneath obstacles. The presently claimed embodiments seek to eliminate this common access problem associated with the prior art depicted in FIG. 1.

[0199] The claimed embodiments provide a solution to provide greater access to confined spaces and treat floor areas in those confined spaces. The concept may include a low profile floor treatment machine which incorporates a brushless direct drive (BLDC) motor. The BLDC motor induces rotational motion of a treatment tool to treat a floor surface. Due to the inclusion of the BLDC motor, the need for mechanical transmission parts between the motor and the treatment tool is eliminated. Eliminating the transmission between the motor and the treatment tool results in a space/volume savings on the floor treatment machine, and provides a smaller, lighter, and more versatile floor treatment machine.

[0200] Additionally, the claimed embodiments provide a floor treatment machine which is quieter and more energy efficient. Utilizing a BLDC motor instead of a traditional electric motor and eliminating the mechanical transmission allows for a treatment machine to operate at lower revolutions per minute (RPM). Standard electric motors with transmissions operate around 1500 RPM. The claimed embodiments which employ a BLDC motor operate at lower revolution rates, typically lower than 500 RPM. The lower RPM required to operate the treatment tool translates to up to around a 30% reduction in power consumption.

[0201] Further, the lower RPM and lack of a mechanical transmission translates to fewer moving parts, and parts moving at a slower rate than those in prior art solutions. As fewer moving parts are required, and the parts are moving at a slower rate, damping equipment to reduce vibration and audible noise is no longer required. The reduction in parts and reduction in movement results in a quieter floor treatment machine. Further still, the reduction in parts yields additional space/volume savings, and provides a floor treatment machine that may maintain a low profile height with respect to the ground.

[0202] Provided is a floor treatment machine comprising: a housing; wherein the housing comprises a low profile with respect to the floor, and a cover with peripheral edges; a flexible power supply; a brushless direct drive motor; a treatment tool, wherein the treatment tool adapts to receive a treatment pad; and wherein the motor is adjustable and turns the treatment tool under about 500 RPM. In certain embodiments, the subject machine may comprise a low profile housing cover peripheral edge, wherein the low profile housing cover peripheral edge comprises a height. According to certain embodiments, the housing cover peripheral edge height ranges from about 1.0 inch to about 15.0 inches (about 2.5 cm to about 38 cm) with respect to the floor.

[0203] Also provided is a floor treatment machine wherein the floor treatment machine comprises: an electromechanical stack, wherein the stack comprises a treatment tool having one side in communication with a floor, wherein the treatment tool may be adapted to receive a treatment pad on the side in communication with the floor; a brushless direct drive motor in communication with an opposite side of the treatment tool, wherein the motor comprises a top and a bottom, may be adjustable and may turn the treatment tool under about 500 RPM; and a housing; wherein the housing comprises a low profile with respect to the floor, a cover with peripheral edges, and the housing may be oriented on the motor top; at least one transport wheel; and a flexible power supply.

[0204] The electromechanical stack comprises a low profile with respect to the floor. According to certain embodiments, the electromechanical stack height ranges from about 1.0 inch to about 15.0 inches (about 2.5 cm to about 38 cm) with respect to the floor. From the floor up, the stack may begin with a treatment tool in direct communication with the floor, or with the treatment tool in communication with a treatment pad which is in communication with the floor. A brushless direct drive motor may be oriented on top of the treatment tool. The brushless direct drive motor may be adjustable to turn the treatment tool up to about 500 RPM. A housing may be oriented on top of the brushless direct drive motor, and the housing comprises a cover with peripheral edges. The housing cover overlays the motor and treatment tool, and provides a low profile with respect to the floor.

[0205] Turning to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of floor treatment machine 100. FIG. 2 depicts a profile view of an illustrative embodiment of single-disc treatment machine 100. The claimed low profile single-disc treatment machine housing 101 is shown with a typical configuration. Components such as the BLDC motor and power supply (not shown) are contained on and under the exterior shell of low profile housing 101. Without components such as a standard electric motor, damping equipment, and transmission, the claimed single-disc treatment machine 100 provides a low profile housing 101 which is closer to the floor. As the low profile housing 101 lies closer in proximity to the floor level, floor treatment machine 100 is able to access confined areas or spaces underneath obstacles such as chairs, tables, shelves, cabinets, cupboards, and lockers.

[0206] Turning to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are schematic representations of floor treatment machine 100. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 depict profile views of illustrative embodiments of single-disc treatment machine 100 and how certain features may be arranged externally on the low profile housing 101. The treatment machine 100 contains a flexible power supply 102. In certain embodiments, the flexible power supply comprises a battery, a voltage converter with power cord, or a combination thereof. Further, the floor treatment machine 100 comprises at least one wheel 103 to transport the machine 100 during periods of non-use. In certain embodiments, the flexible power supply 102 is oriented proximate to the at least one wheel 103. In certain embodiments, the treatment machine 100 comprises multiple wheels 103. In certain embodiments where multiple wheels are included, each wheel 103 may be connected to the other wheels by an axle.

[0207] The floor treatment machine 100 and low profile housing 101 comprise a treatment tool 105 and cover 104, wherein the cover 104 separates the internal components of machine 100 from the exterior environment. In certain embodiments, the treatment tool 105 comprises a pad drive or a brush comprising a base and bristles in communication with the base. The pad drive or brush of treatment tool 105 may be used to contact a treatment pad, a sanding screen, a stripping pad, a polishing pad, or a burnishing pad depending on the treatment operation that is needed. During operation of the machine 100, the BLDC motor (not shown) enables movement of the treatment tool 105 underneath the cover 104. In certain embodiments, the BLDC motor enables a rotational movement of treatment tool 105 in an x-y plane, about a z-axis.

[0208] In certain embodiments, the treatment tool comprises a geometric shape such as a circular disc, triangular disc, square disc, rectangular disc, linear body, or cross-shaped body.

[0209] The floor treatment machine 100 may also comprise elements which aid in floor treatment operations and processes. In certain embodiments, the treatment machine 100 comprises a water tank 125. In certain embodiments the water tank is in fluid communication with the treatment tool 105. Water to assist in a treatment process may be stored in water tank 125, which may be arranged in fluid communication (not shown) with water inlet nozzle 107.

[0210] The water release may be controlled by a lever 126 on handle 124 on the machine 100. As the lever 126 is actuated, water is released from the water tank 125 and flows to water inlet nozzle 107. Gravity forces water from water inlet nozzle 107, and the water follows a series of internal channels and/or passages within housing 101. The water then exits the housing 101 from an outlet near the center of treatment tool 105, where it contacts the floor being treated.

[0211] In certain embodiments, the treatment machine 100 comprises a chemical container 112. The chemical container 112 may be suitable to store and supply a chemical cleaner or chemical solution. In certain embodiments, the chemical container 112 is in fluid communication with the treatment tool 105. The chemical container 112 connects to chemical inlet tube 106 to provide chemical solution in fluid communication with a chemical pump (not shown), and subsequently to the treatment tool 105. The chemical pump may be actuated by a button or lever 126 on handle 124. As the chemical pump is actuated, chemical cleaner or chemical solution flows from chemical container 112, through chemical inlet tube 106, and through the chemical pump housed within the housing 101. From the chemical pump, the chemical cleaner or chemical solution is provided to hose 108. Hose 108 fluidly connects the chemical pump and spray nozzle 109. From spray nozzle 109, the chemical cleaner or chemical solution is introduced to the floor surface for treatment, where the treatment tool 105 may affect the spray. As seen in FIG. 3, the housing 101 comprises an adapter 111, where a spray nozzle holder 110 may be oriented. The spray nozzle holder 110 then allows spray nozzle 109 to be adjusted for optimal treatment performance.

[0212] Turning to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of treatment machine 100. FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of treatment machine 100 demonstrating the low profile of the treatment machine. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 depict an illustrative embodiments of the claimed subject matter. The illustrative embodiments shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 demonstrate alternative set ups for how the components of the treatment machine 100 may be arranged within and on the low profile housing 101.

[0213] In certain embodiments, the water inlet nozzle 107 is connected to an internal water channel 127. The internal water channel 127 connects the water inlet nozzle 107 with a motor shaft gap 128 in motor shaft 117. When water is actuated by the machine user, gravity draws the water from the water tank 125 to water inlet nozzle 107, through internal water channel 127, and through the motor shaft gap 128 to the floor near the center of treatment tool 105.

[0214] FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment for how a BLDC motor 115 may be oriented within low profile housing 101. The BLDC motor comprises a stator 115a which does not rotate within housing 101. The BLDC motor further comprises a BLDC rotor 115b, which rotates along with treatment tool 105. Together the BLDC motor includes both the stator 115a and the rotor 115b. The BLDC motor rests on motor ball bearings 116 within low profile housing 101. The BLDC rotor 115b is in communication with motor shaft 117. The motor shaft 117 provides a communication link between rotor 115b and pad/brush coupling 118. The pad/brush coupling 118 allows the treatment tool 105 to connect and communicate with the rotor 115b, and subsequently the stator 115a. Through the motor shaft 117, the BLDC motor provides the direct drive movement to pad/brush coupling 118 and treatment tool 105.

[0215] FIG. 5 also depicts an illustrative embodiment of an electromechanical stack. The electromechanical stack comprises the treatment tool 105 in communication with pad/brush coupling 118, which is in further communication with rotor 115b via the motor shaft 117, wherein the rotor 115b is coupled with the stator 115a. Atop the brushless direct drive (BLDC) motor (stator 115a and rotor 115b), lies the low profile housing 101. In certain embodiments, the low profile housing 101 further comprises a cover 104 which at least partially encloses treatment tool 105. The treatment tool 105 may be further adapted to receive a treatment pad between it and the surface being treated by the low profile machine 100.

[0216] FIG. 5 further depicts an illustrative embodiment of the electromechanical stack orientation with relation to the flexible power supply 102. The electromechanical stack may be oriented proximate to the flexible power supply 102.

[0217] In certain embodiments, the Brushless Direct Drive (BLDC) motor may directly drive the treatment tool, namely a scrubbing brush or pad drive, without any transmission in between. The BLDC motor turns the motor shaft at same speed as the treatment tool. It was unexpectedly discovered that employing the BLDC motor led to several machine improvements. A first unexpected improvement is that the BLDC motor allows for a very low height of the floor treatment machine.

[0218] A second unexpected improvement is reduced maintenance of the treatment machine. The presently claimed embodiments with the BLDC motor do not include a mechanical transmission, therefore there is no wear and tear of belt or gearing in a transmission system. Due to the lack of belts and/or gearing, shafts, and fittings, there are fewer components on the treatment machine which may break downs, malfunction, or require replacement. Fewer parts translates to a reduced maintenance load on machine operators.

[0219] A third unexpected improvement is improved versatility with regard to treatment tool speed. The BLDC motor operates below 500 RPM and is adjustable via a BLDC motor controller. Traditional electric motors turn around 1500 RPM and are not adjustable in terms of rotational rates. The claimed embodiments provide a BLDC motor which has an adjustable treatment tool speed up to 500 RPM.

[0220] According to certain embodiments, the brushless direct drive motor turns the treatment tool in the absence of a transmission. In certain embodiments, the brushless direct drive motor turns the treatment tool at a speed of about 50 RPM to about 500 RPM. In certain embodiments, the brushless direct drive motor turns the treatment tool at a speed of about 50 RPM to about 450 RPM. In certain embodiments, the brushless direct drive motor turns the treatment tool at a speed of about 100 RPM to about 450 RPM. In certain embodiments, the brushless direct drive motor turns the treatment tool at a speed of about 120 RPM to about 400 RPM. In certain embodiments, the brushless direct drive motor turns the treatment tool at a speed of about 120

[0221] RPM to about 350 RPM.

[0222] A fourth unexpected improvement is reduced vibration and audible noise. The BLDC motor operates at lower rotation speeds than traditional electric motors, so less mechanical vibration is created during operation of the claimed embodiments. The BLDC motor operates under the rotational speed of a traditional electric motor, so less audible noise is generated. Further, the absence of a mechanical transmission also means that there are fewer mechanical parts moving and generating audible noise. In certain embodiments, the treatment machine generates up to about 50% less audible noise. In certain embodiments, the treatment machine operates generates from about 30 decibels to about 80 decibels during operation.

[0223] Further still, as the BLDC motor operates at a lower rotational speed than a traditional electric motor, less vibration is generated by the floor treatment machine. As the vibrational energy is reduced, the claimed floor treatment machine and floor treatment system do not require vibrational damping equipment. The lack of vibrational damping equipment aids in the development of a low profile housing to access hard to reach areas underneath obstacles.

[0224] A fifth unexpected improvement is improved power consumption. In certain embodiments, the treatment machine and treatment system may reduce power consumption by up to about 30%. In certain embodiments, the treatment machine and treatment system may reduce power consumption from about 1% to about 30%. In certain embodiments, the floor treatment system may reduce power consumption from about 0.01 kWh to about 0.5 kWh. In certain embodiments, energy efficiency is increased with up to 30% less power consumption. The BLDC motor consumes less energy than traditional electric motors as it may operate at the rotation of traditional electric motors. The reduced power consumption allows for flexibility with a soft start.

[0225] In certain embodiments, the treatment machine and treatment system comprise soft starting equipment. Prior art soft starts include motor condensers which buffer the start-up, leading to a quick turning speed or steep ramp of start-up time under one second. Normally, the purpose for a soft start process is to reduce the load on a powertrain by reducing the torque applied by a motor. A soft start may include mechanical equipment, electrical equipment, or a combination of both to reduce wear and stress on components in a system. Mechanical soft start equipment may comprise clutches, couplings, magnets, or other torque limiting devices. Electrical soft start equipment may comprise control systems which limit voltage input or current input. The soft start equipment comprises a controller with software that controls the BLDC motor voltage applied to the low profile treatment machine, resulting in a more gradual ramp and modest start-up time of about one to about four seconds. The soft start capability improves the service life of the treatment machine and treatment system.

[0226] According to certain embodiments, the flexible power supply 102 may comprise at least one of a battery, a voltage converter with power cord, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the flexible power supply comprises a battery. In certain embodiments, the flexible power supply comprises a voltage converter with power cord. In certain embodiments, the flexible power supply comprises a hybrid arrangement wherein the treatment machine may switch power supply between a battery and a voltage converter with power cord. In certain embodiments, the battery may be removed and replaced with a voltage converter with power cord. In certain embodiments, the voltage converter may be removed and replaced with a battery.

[0227] In certain embodiments, the flexible power supply 102 may be oriented proximate to the brushless direct drive (BLDC) motor. In certain embodiments the flexible power supply 102 may be oriented proximate to the at least one wheel 103. In certain embodiments, the flexible power supply 102 may be oriented in between the at least one wheel 103 and brushless direct drive motor. In certain embodiments, the flexible power supply 102 may be oriented in between the brushless direct drive motor and an axle connecting at least one wheel 103. It was unexpectedly discovered that embodiments wherein the flexible power supply is located between the brushless direct drive motor and the at least one wheel or multiple wheels and axle further contributes to the low height of the housing. In placing the flexible power supply between the motor and the wheel or axle, the flexible power supply is moved further away from the peripheral edge of the treatment machine located furthest from the machine user. This configuration allows the housing and treatment machine increased access underneath overhanging obstacles.

[0228] Turning to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative embodiment of the subject floor treatment machine 100. FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment where the flexible power supply 102 is oriented with relation to the at least one wheel 103 (not shown) and the brushless direct drive (BLDC) motor. As shown in FIG. 7, the flexible power supply 102 is oriented about various axes from the at least one wheel 103 and the BLDC motor. Wheel axis first line 133 and wheel axis second line 134 may intersect at a height about equal to the top edge of low profile housing 101, where the low profile housing 101 covers the BLDC motor. FIG. 7 depicts underneath the housing 101 to show the orientation of the stator 115a and the treatment tool 105 with relation to the flexible power supply 102. The flexible power supply 102 may be located in between wheel axis first line 133 and motor shaft axis line 135. The motor shaft axis line 135 may be aligned down the central motor shaft of the BLDC motor. The treatment tool 105 may rotate about the axis of motor shaft axis line 135.

[0229] In certain embodiments, the flexible power supply 102 may be oriented such that the flexible power supply 102 vertical midline may be about the same height as wheel axis second line 134. In certain embodiments, wheel axis second line 134 may be about equal to the height of the top edge of low profile housing 101. In certain embodiments, the flexible power supply 102 may be oriented such that the flexible power supply 102 horizontal midline may be about half way between wheel axis first line 133 and motor shaft axis line 135. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the flexible power supply 102 may be oriented below the axle of the at least one wheel 103. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the flexible power supply 102 may be oriented above the peripheral edge of the treatment machine. In certain embodiments, the flexible power supply 102 may be oriented proximate to the housing 104. In certain embodiments, the flexible power supply 102 may be oriented in contact with the housing 104.

[0230] It was unexpectedly discovered that orienting the flexible power supply 102 as depicted in FIG. 7 facilitates the lowering of the height for low profile housing 101. Where the flexible power supply is located near the at least one wheel 103, and between the at least one wheel 103 and the motor shaft axis line 135, the low profile housing 101 cover is lowered in height over a greater area. Described another way, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7 creates greater clearance above the top of low profile housing 101. The greater clearance provides for increased access beneath any overhanging obstacles on a surface to be treated, such as chairs, tables, shelves, etc.

[0231] It was unexpectedly discovered that orienting the flexible power supply 102 as depicted in FIG. 7 provides greater weight balance to the floor treatment machine 100. The flexible power supply 102 may comprise a relatively heavy element or unit. In embodiments where the flexible power supply 102 comprises a heavy battery, voltage converter, or hybrid battery/voltage converter, locating the flexible power supply 102 between the motor shaft axis line 135 and wheel axis first line 133 provides a more even or equal weight distribution for the floor treatment machine. The improved weight balance from the arrangement depicted in FIG. 7 yields improved control and ease of use for a machine operator.

[0232] In certain embodiments, the flexible power supply sufficiently moves a treatment disc which is about 12.0 inches (about 30.5 cm) to about 25.0 inches (about 61 cm) in size. In certain embodiments, the flexible power supply sufficiently moves a treatment disc which is about 15.0 inches (about 38 cm) to about 20.0 inches (about 51 cm) in size. In certain embodiments, the flexible power supply sufficiently moves a treatment disc which is about 17.0 inches (about 43 cm) to about 20.0 inches (about 51 cm) in size.

[0233] The low profile housing 101 also includes an internal space 121, wherein a BLDC motor controller may be included. In certain embodiments, the BLDC motor adjusts the treatment speed of the floor treatment machine.

[0234] The treatment machine 100 includes a chemical pump 122 within the housing 101. The chemical pump 122 pulls chemical supply from the chemical container 112. The chemical container 112 connects to chemical inlet tube 106 to provide chemical solution in fluid communication with to the treatment tool 105. As the chemical pump 122 is actuated, chemical cleaner or chemical solution flows from chemical container 112, through chemical inlet tube 106, and through the chemical pump 122 within the housing 101. From the chemical pump 122, the chemical cleaner or chemical solution is provided to a hose which fluidly communicates with a spray nozzle. From the spray nozzle, the chemical cleaner or chemical solution is introduced to the floor surface for treatment, where the treatment tool 105 may affect the spray.

[0235] Turning to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of treatment machine 100 demonstrating the low profile of the treatment machine. FIG. 8 depicts an illustrative embodiments of the claimed subject matter. The illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 8 demonstrates an alternative set up for how the components of the treatment machine 100 may be arranged within and on the low profile housing 101.

[0236] In certain embodiments, cooling vents 130 are incorporated on the housing 101. The cooling vents 130 may enable air flow between components internal to the housing 101, such as the flexible power supply 102 and BLDC motor and rotor 115a and 115b, so that cooling may occur. The cooling vents 130 may comprise at least one of a mesh, slits, holes, perforations, screens, channels, orifices, ducts, tubes, pipes, horizontal rows, vertical rows, diagonal rows, curved rows, polygonal shaped orifices, or combinations thereof. Air may be exchanged from outside the housing 101, through the cooling vents 130, and the air allowed to interact with the surfaces of the flexible power supply 102 and BLDC stator 115a and rotor 115b.

[0237] The cooling vents 130 and external air aid in cooling the temperature of components within the housing 101. Thus the treatment machine 100 may operate more efficiently, and extend component service life. In order to maximize the cooling effect, the cooling vents 130 may be oriented about several locations on the housing 101. In certain embodiments, the cooling vents may be oriented on the rear side of treatment machine 100 and in between the wheels 103. In certain embodiments, the cooling vents may be oriented proximate to the flexible power supply 102.

[0238] It was unexpectedly found that moving the wheels 103 rearward up to about 0.4 inches (10.0 mm) aids in the addition of cooling vents 130 proximate to the flexible power supply 102. In certain embodiments, the wheels 103 are moved rearward about 0.12 inches (3.0 mm) to facilitate the inclusion of cooling vents 130. Additionally, rearwardly moving the wheels 103 by several millimeters improved the weight balance of the treatment machine 100. As the weight balance improves, treatment machine handling becomes easier for the user/operator.

[0239] The floor treatment machine 100 of FIG. 4 is further described here below with reference to FIGS. 9-13. This machine may include the features of the machines of FIGS. 2, 3 and 5-8 described above: same features are therefore identified with same reference numbers.

[0240] As shown in FIGS. 4, 9-13, the machine 100 comprises a top part 140 with handle 124, allowing a user to maneuver the floor treatment machine, and a bottom part 141 connected to the top part 140, including the treatment tool 105; the treatment tool is provided with a lower side destined to face a floor to be cleaned or surface to be treated. The treatment tool 105 may comprise a rotating disk-shaped body (note that other regular geometries are not excluded) comprising for example a rotating pad (which may have a fibrous structure) or a rotating brush (which may include a support base and bristles attached to the base).

[0241] As shown in the figures, the floor treatment machine 100 has one single treatment tool 105 formed by one single rotating disk shaped body operative at the bottom of the machine.

[0242] In greater detail the top part 140 is connected to the bottom part 141 at a hinge 143: in the example shown the hinge 143 is a horizontal hinge configured to adjust inclination of the top part 140 relative to the bottom part 141 of the floor treatment machine. For example the hinge 143 may allow to raise and lower the inclination of the top part 140 and thus adjust the handle 124 to a user height. Furthermore, the handle 124 may allow to turn the top part 140 around the hinge 143 and fold the top part 140 forward above the bottom part 141 thus reaching a very compact size which may become practical for storing the machine when not in use. A lock mechanism may be associated to lock the hinge 143 and thus to block the top part 140 to the bottom part 141 of the machine when a desired relative position is reached.

[0243] The bottom part 141 of the machine also comprises the direct drive motor 115, connected to the treatment tool 105 (in the example shown with the single disk shaped body forming the treatment tool 105) and devoid of a conventional transmission. The motor 115 is coupled with the treatment tool 105, either directly or at most with the motor shaft 117. For example, the motor 115 may be a brushless electric direct drive motor. The stator 115a of the direct drive motor rests on a chassis 145 of the machine, while the rotor 115b is configured to turn, relative to the stator 115a, around an axis of rotation or motor shaft axis line 135, which, in as shown in the view of FIG. 9, is also the axis of symmetry of the rotor 115b itself. For example, the rotor 115b is in direct drive connection with the treatment tool 105 by means of the motor shaft 117 extending through a central axial gap of the direct drive motor. The motor shaft 117 mechanically connects the treatment tool 105 with the rotor 115b, such that rotor 115b and treatment tool 105 are angularly locked to one another and always turn about the axis 135 at a same angular speed dictated by the direct drive motor 115.

[0244] The bottom part 141 of machine 100 also includes a power supply 102 configured for supplying an electric power to the direct drive motor; the power supply may be a battery or an electrical voltage converter with power cord, or a combination thereof. In the example shown in the figures, the power supply is a battery, for example of the type extractable from and insertable into a battery seat 144 (see for example FIGS. 9 and 10) of the bottom part 141 of the floor treatment machine.

[0245] In accordance with an aspect, the direct drive motor 115 is positioned above an upper side of the treatment tool 105: the motor presents a radial size, measured perpendicular to axis line, and an axial size, measured parallel to the motor axis 135. As it is visible from the attached figures the radial size of the motor is significantly greater than the motor axial size. For example, the axial size of direct drive motor may be at least 2 times smaller, or at least 3 times smaller, or at least 4 times smaller than a maximum radial size of the direct drive motor.

[0246] In practice the direct drive motor may be very thin and large. In the examples shown, both the treatment tool 105 and the direct drive motor present a discoidal shape and are coaxially stacked one above the other thereby resulting in a stack of components having a small thickness, i.e., a small axial size. This results in a bottom part 141 of the machine (at least the portion of the bottom part where treatment tool 105 and motor operate) having a very low profile height relative to the floor that is treated, thus allowing for easier treatment under common objects such as shelves, chairs, tables, etc.

[0247] Again in the direction of minimizing the height of the profile of the bottom part of the machine, the power supply 102 (for example the battery) may be positioned adjacent to the direct drive motor and, more specifically, it may be positioned radially external with respect to a radial periphery of the direct drive motor.

[0248] As previously mentioned, the floor treatment machine may also comprise one or more wheels 103 (in the examples shown two transversally opposite wheels are provided) located at a rear end of the bottom part 141 of the floor treatment machine. As visible from FIGS. 9 and 10 the power supply 102 may conveniently be located adjacent to the rear end of the floor treatment machine, proximate to the direct drive motor and to the wheels 103, and specifically between the direct drive motor and the wheels 103.

[0249] Going in further detail, the power supply 102 may be positioned such that a bottom side of the power supply 102 is vertically aligned or slightly below an ideal plane tangential to a lower surface of the direct drive motor and such that at least 30%, optionally at least 40%, of the power supply 102 extends below an ideal plane tangential to an upper surface of the direct drive motor lies. In other words, the power supply position is kept as vertically low as possible and as close as possible to the stack formed by motor and treatment tool, thereby resulting in a very compact and balanced structure.

[0250] In order to balance the distribution of weights one or more counterweights 146 may be positioned at a front end of the bottom part 141 of the floor treatment machine, opposite to the wheels 103 of the machine, thereby counterbalancing the weight of the power supply 102. As shown in FIG. 9 the counterweight(s) 146 is/are positioned radially external with respect to a radial periphery of the direct drive motor and more specifically in a location which is radially opposite to the power supply 102, with respect to the motor, which thus lies between the counterweight(s) 146 and the power supply 102.

[0251] As to the relative position between power supply 102 and hinge 143, it is noted that in accordance with one aspect (see FIG. 9) the hinge linking the top part with the rear end of the bottom part may be positioned vertically above said power supply 102 and vertically above said wheel(s) 103.

[0252] In an alternative solution, which is shown in FIG. 10 the power supply 102 may be positioned above the direct drive motor. In this case, the power supply 102 may present at least a flattened portion, of axial-symmetric conformation, which is coaxially positioned relative to the direct drive motor. For example, the power supply 102 (in the example shown the battery) may have a flattened and circular conformation, and be coaxially positioned directly above the direct drive motor 115, thus forming a very compact and balanced stack of three components: treatment tool 105, motor, and battery.

[0253] In a further aspect the floor treatment machine 100 comprises housing 101 partially or totally covering the bottom part of the floor treatment machine. The housing 101 extends above the direct drive motor 115 and has a peripheral edge covering a side of the motor 115. The machine further includes a cover 104, which may be a separate piece or part of the housing 101, extending below the housing peripheral edge; the cover may for example be joined to the housing 101 and extend both radially and then vertically downwards from the periphery of the housing 101 to position around at least a peripheral portion of the direct drive motor 115 and above the periphery of the treatment tool.

[0254] As shown in FIGS. 4, 9-13, housing 101 has a flat portion 101a in the form of a thin wall positioned immediately above and extending substantially parallel to a major portion of upper surface of the direct drive motor 115. The thin wall is very close or in contact to the upper surface of the motor 115, such that (also by virtue of the motor design and position) at least the front potion of the lower part of the floor treatment machine shows a reduced and constant height from the floor to be cleaned. For example, the height of the front portion may range from about 1.0 inches (corresponding to 2.54 cm) to about 15.0 inches (corresponding to 38.1 cm) with respect to the floor to be cleaned.

[0255] According to another aspect, the floor treatment machine of FIGS. 4, 9-13 (but also the machine variants described above, e.g. the machine of FIG. 5) may have a fluid tank, for example a water tank, indicated with reference number 125 and designed for hosting clean fluid, for example clean water. A fluid delivery channel 147, for example a water delivery channel, is present to receive fluid or water (for example by gravity) from the water tank 125 and deliver it to the treatment tool 105. In the examples of FIG. 5 and of FIGS. 4, 9-13, the fluid delivery channel 147 has a first terminal portion 147a connected to the fluid tank 125, a second terminal portion 147c, configured for delivering fluid at or in proximity of the treatment tool 105 and a medial portion 147b, extending parallel to or in contact with the upper surface of the direct drive motor 115. More precisely, the medial portion 147b may be formed by a water channel 127 internal to the housing and may extend within a slim space present between the flat portion (which, as already mentioned, may preferably be thin walled) of the housing 101 and the upper surface of the direct drive motor 115. Also the medial portion or internal water channel may be connected to the first terminal portion 147a by means of a connecting nozzle 107. Furthermore, the second terminal portion of the fluid delivery channel 147 extends through a central axial gap or motor shaft gap 128 in the direct drive motor and ends at a central area of the treatment tool 105. In the exemplifying solution shown in FIGS. 5 and 9-13, the motor shaft 117 connecting the rotor 115b to the treatment tool 105 has a hollow tubular shape and it is coaxially positioned in the mentioned central axial gap. Thus, the motor shaft 117 defines a central passage: the second terminal portion of the fluid delivery channel 147 leads to or extends through said central passage. The described design of the fluid delivery channel 147 thus contributes to compactness and reduced vertical size of the front portion of the machine.

[0256] The floor treatment machine may further comprise the chemical container 112 configured for housing a chemical composition, optionally a detergent or a disinfectant. The chemical container 112 is in fluid communication with the treatment tool 105 via a delivery tube for example comprising chemical inlet tube 106 extending from the chemical container 112 to chemical pump 112 and a connecting hose extending from the pump 112 and leading to a location at, or in proximity of, the treatment tool 105. In the example of FIGS. 4, 9-13 the chemical pump 122 is provided for pumping the chemical composition from the chemical container 112 sucking through the chemical inlet tube 106 and pumping into hose 108 up to a delivery device which may include one or more spray nozzles 109. The one or more spray nozzle(s) 109, connected to the pump 122 via the hose 108, spray or distribute the chemical composition coming from container 112 in direction of the floor to be cleaned.

[0257] In a convenient manner, the spray nozzle(s) 109 may be positioned on a side of the housing or of the cover 104 such that the spray nozzle 109 does not vertically protrude above said flat portion 101a of the housing: in practice, again with the aim of keeping the profile of the machine as low as possible, no components are mounted on the upper surface of said flat portion 101a.

[0258] In a further aspect, the floor treatment machine is configured to be positioned in at least one operative condition, where the treatment tool 105 contacts the floor to be cleaned (see for example FIG. 11). In the operative condition, the treatment tool 105 (in the examples the single treatment tool) is the only component of the floor treatment machine destined to contact the floor to be cleaned.

[0259] On the other hand, and as already described, the floor treatment machine may also include one or two or more wheels 103 located at a rear end of the bottom part of the machine 100 and vertically raised relative to an ideal lying plane of a lower surface of the treatment tool 105. Consequently, in the operative condition, the wheel(s) 103 is/are destined to not contact the floor to be treated, which once again is only contacted by the rotating treatment tool 105.

[0260] Thanks to the presence of the rear wheel(s) 103, the floor treatment machine may be positioned in at least one transport condition, where the wheel(s) is/are the only component of the floor treatment machine destined to contact the floor to be cleaned: as shown in FIG. 12, the floor treatment machine is susceptible of being inclined from the use condition to the transport condition causing at least an angular displacement of the treatment tool 105 from an horizontal position to an inclined and lifted position. In the transport condition, the treatment tool 105 is no longer in contact with the floor to be treated and only the wheel(s) 103 contact the floor, such that a user may easily pull the machine operating on the handle and move the machine as necessary with minimum effort.

[0261] According to a further aspect, the floor treatment machine, when in the operative condition, is designed and balanced such that the machine center of gravity lies on a vertical plane passing through the treatment tool 105. In a possible solution, the operative condition the center of gravity of the floor treatment machine lies on a vertical plane passing through a central area of the treatment tool 105, in particular through the center of the treatment tool 105, for example through axis 135. As further explained the position of the center of gravity may shift horizontally towards the front end of the bottom part 141, for example due to the consumption of liquids (e.g., water, chemicals or other coming from the above described water tank 125 and/or chemical container 112) delivered by the machine 100. Although this may be true, yet the machine is designed to maintain the center of gravity vertically aligned with a central area of the treatment tool: for example, the central area of the treatment tool (delimiting the maximum excursion of the vertical projection of the center of gravity of the machine) may be defined by an ideal circle with center at the geometric center of the lower surface of the treatment tool and radius equal to 50%, optionally 40%, more optionally 25% of the diameter or maximum radial width of the treatment tool 105.

[0262] In a possible solution, the center of gravity of the machine lies on a plane passing through the center of the treatment tool 105 (for example the plane of the center of gravity may be parallel to or comprise the axis 135), when the tank and the chemical containers are full, while the same center of gravity displaces forward as consumption of the fluids contained in the tank and chemical container takes place. In any case, the machine 100 is designed such as, even during this forward excursion, the center of gravity of the machine remains on a plane passing through said central area of the treatment tool 105. In order to minimize excursion of the center of gravity, the top part 140 of the machine 100 includes a support bar 148 connecting the handle 124 with the hinge 143 and the water tank 125 is mounted to a forward side of the support bar 148 (which is the side of the support bar 148 facing the forward end of the machine) such that the water tank 125 at least in part extends vertically above and in overlapping fashion relative to the treatment tool 105.

[0263] The floor treatment machine 100 may also include a control unit 150, for example positioned in a respective seat located inside the low profile housing 101, communicatively connected (e.g. by means of a wired or a wireless connection) with the direct drive motor 115 and with the handle 124, in particular with one or more input devices associated to the handle 124, such as one or more levers 126 or one or more buttons. The control unit 150 may be configured to receive one or more input signals from said one or more input devices (for example commands directed to change the angular speed of the motor), and operate the direct drive motor and consequently the floor treatment tool at an angular speed selected based on said one or more input signals.

[0264] For example the control unit may be configured to control the direct drive motor (and consequently the treatment tool) to turn at an angular speed of about 50 RPM to about 500 RPM, or of about 50 RPM to about 450 RPM, or of about 100 RPM to about 450 RPM, or of about 120 RPM to about 400 RPM, or of about 120 RPM to about 350 RPM.

[0265] Also disclosed are methods for treating a surface substrate. Below disclosed methods may use the floor treatment machines of any one of the embodiments of FIGS. 2-13 described above. Below methods may also use a floor treatment machine according to any one of the appended claims.

[0266] According to certain embodiments, the method for treating a surface substrate comprises: applying a low profile treatment machine to a surface; wherein the low profile treatment machine comprises a housing; wherein the housing comprises a low profile with respect to the floor, and a cover with peripheral edges; a flexible power supply; a brushless direct drive motor; a treatment tool, wherein the treatment tool adapts to receive a treatment pad; wherein the motor may be adjustable and turns the treatment tool under about 500 RPM; wherein the low profile treatment machine contacts a surface to be treated and treats the surface with at least one of water, chemical or chemical solution, the treatment tool, or combinations thereof; and applies a surface treatment to the surface.

[0267] According to certain embodiments, the method of treating a surface comprises: deploying a low profile treatment machine on a surface; wherein the low profile treatment machine comprises a housing; wherein the housing comprises a low profile with respect to the floor, and a cover with peripheral edges; at least one transport wheel; a flexible power supply; a brushless direct drive motor; a treatment tool, wherein the treatment tool adapts to receive a treatment pad; and wherein the motor may be adjustable and directly drives the treatment tool; contacting the low profile treatment machine to the surface via the treatment tool; and performing a treatment operation process on the surface.

[0268] In certain embodiments, the surface may comprise at least one of a hard surface, stone, wood, wood coverings, carpet, or tiled floors. The hard surface may comprise a vinyl sheet surface, a vinyl plank surface, a laminate surface, metal, glass, cement, or combinations thereof. The stone may comprise marble, terrazzo, slate, limestone, granite, travertine, sandstone, sedimentary rock, quartzite, onyx, flagstone, or combinations thereof. The wood may comprise hickory, maple, oak, bamboo, birch, cork, white oak, wenge, bubinga, Sydney Blue Gum, Brazilian cherry, engineered wood, solid hardwood, red oak, laminate wood surface, teak, acacia, Canadian flooring, parquet, douglas fir, black cherry, beech, Brazilian walnut, solid wood, cypress, or combinations thereof. The tiled floor may comprise ceramic tile, glass tile, cement tile, marble tile, mosaic tile, granite tile, limestone tile, travertine tile, quarry tile, metal tile, resin tile, porcelain tile, vinyl tile, or combinations thereof.

[0269] The surface treatment may comprise low speed spray care, high speed spray care, spray crystallization, low speed spray care with partial spray, low speed spray care with high spray, spray cleaning with oil, dry shampooing, wet shampooing, yarn pad cleaning, top stripping, dry scrubbing, low speed spray cleaning, basic cleaning without rinsing, basic cleaning with rinsing, basic cleaning of linoleum floors, cement film removal, thorough cleaning, dry grinding, wet grinding, wet crystallization, low speed spray cleaning with basic cleaning, low speed spray cleaning with full spray, sanding, and combinations thereof.

[0270] A low speed spray care process employing the claimed embodiments for a hard surface may be described below. The hard surface is cleared of any loose dirt. A new treatment pad is attached to a low profile treatment machine driven by a BLDC motor. The process involves segmenting a surface to be treated into lanes and setting the machine speed from about 150 RPM to about 200 RPM in a circular motion. A user of the low profile treatment machine will move the machine from one side of a lane to the opposite side. As the initial pass is undertaken, a chemical solution is sprayed onto the hard surface. The user then moves the low profile treatment machine back over from the opposite side of the lane to the point of origin. However, in the return pass, no chemical solution is sprayed onto the hard surface. The machine operates the treatment pad with only remnants from the initial spray process. After completing the initial pass, the process is repeated several times in the initial lane until the chemical solution is evenly distributed on the surface lane, before repositioning the low profile treatment machine to additional lanes. The low speed spray care process is then repeated in each of the subsequent lanes until the entire surface is treated. After the low speed spray care process is completed, the hard surface may be buffed on an as-needed basis.

[0271] A high speed spray care process employing the claimed embodiments for a hard surface may be described below. The hard surface is cleared of any loose dirt. A new treatment pad is attached to a low profile treatment machine driven by a BLDC motor. The process involves segmenting a surface to be treated into lanes and setting the machine speed from about 350 RPM to about 400 RPM in a circular motion. A user of the low profile treatment machine will move the machine from one side of a lane to the opposite side. As the initial pass is undertaken, a chemical solution is sprayed onto the hard surface every third step. The user then moves the low profile treatment machine back over from the opposite side of the lane to the point of origin. After completing the initial pass, the process is repeated several times in the initial lane until the chemical solution is evenly distributed on the surface lane, before repositioning the low profile treatment machine to additional lanes. The high speed spray care process is then repeated in each of the subsequent lanes until the entire surface is treated. After the high speed spray care process is completed, the hard surface may be buffed on an as-needed basis.

[0272] A spray crystallization process employing the claimed embodiments for a stone surface may be described below. The stone surface should be acid sensitive and clear of any polymer coating or any wax coating. In order to test whether the surface is acid sensitive, a drop of sulfamic acid should be placed on the surface. In the presence of the sulfamic acid, an acid sensitive surface will foam. The foam and any residual acid should be subsequently removed with a cloth and water.

[0273] Once the stone surface is confirmed to be acid sensitive, the stone surface is cleared of any loose dirt. A new steel wool treatment pad is attached to a low profile treatment machine driven by a BLDC motor. The process involves segmenting a surface to be treated into lanes. A user of the low profile treatment machine will move the machine from one side of a lane to the opposite side. As the initial pass is undertaken, a crystallization product is sprayed onto the stone surface at a rate of one or two discharges per three feet of length. The user then continues the process until the stone surface being treated begins to shine. For brighter shines, the spray crystallization process may be repeated. After the stone surface shines at an acceptable level, any residual dust may be removed with a cloth, or with a pH-neutral cleaning agent to remove any pad residue.

[0274] A low speed spray care/cleaning process with partial spray employing the claimed embodiments for a wood covering may be described below. The wood covering is cleared of any loose dirt. A new treatment pad is attached to a low profile treatment machine driven by a BLDC motor. The process involves identifying a stain on the wood covering surface to be treated and setting the machine speed from about 150 RPM to about 200 RPM in a circular motion. The treatment/cleaning spray is applied to the stained spot. A user of the low profile treatment machine will move the machine in a circular motion about the stained spot. The low speed spray care/cleaning process is then repeated until the stain is removed. After the low speed spray care process is completed, the wood covering surface may be buffed on an as-needed basis.

[0275] A low speed spray care process employing the claimed embodiments for a wood covering may be described below. The wood covering is cleared of any loose dirt. A new treatment pad is attached to a low profile treatment machine driven by a BLDC motor. The process involves segmenting a surface to be treated into lanes and setting the machine speed from about 150 RPM to about 200 RPM in a circular motion. A user of the low profile treatment machine will move the machine from one side of a lane to the opposite side. As the initial pass is undertaken, a chemical solution is sprayed onto the wood covering. The user then moves the low profile treatment machine back over from the opposite side of the lane to the point of origin. However, in the return pass, no chemical solution is sprayed onto the wood covering. The machine operates the treatment pad with only remnants from the initial spray process. After completing the initial pass, the process is repeated several times in the initial lane until the chemical solution is evenly distributed on the surface lane, before repositioning the low profile treatment machine to additional lanes. The low speed spray care process is then repeated in each of the subsequent lanes until the entire surface is treated. After the low speed spray care process is completed, the wood covering may be buffed on an as-needed basis.

[0276] A low speed oil spray process employing the claimed embodiments for a wood covering may be described below. The wood covering is cleared of any loose dirt. A new treatment pad is attached to a low profile treatment machine driven by a BLDC motor. The process involves segmenting a surface to be treated into lanes and setting the machine speed from about 150 RPM to about 200 RPM in a circular motion. A user of the low profile treatment machine will move the machine from one side of a lane to the opposite side. As the initial pass is undertaken, oil is sprayed onto the wood covering. The user then moves the low profile treatment machine back over from the opposite side of the lane to the point of origin. However, in the return pass, no oil is sprayed onto the wood covering. The machine operates the treatment pad with only remnants from the initial spray process. After completing the initial pass, the process is repeated several times in the initial lane until the oil is evenly distributed on the surface lane, before repositioning the low profile treatment machine to additional lanes.

[0277] The low speed oil spray process is then repeated in each of the subsequent lanes until the entire surface is treated. After the oil is evenly distributed and about ten (10) to about twenty (20) minutes elapse, the newly oiled surface should be polished with a cotton cloth. The cotton cloth may be positioned over the treatment pad, and the low profile treatment machine may accomplish the polishing with the same about 150 RPM to about 200 RPM setting. After the low speed oil spray care is completed, the wood covering may be buffed on an as-needed basis.

[0278] A dry shampooing process employing the claimed embodiments for carpet may be described below. The carpet is cleared of any furniture, and then all gum residue, large debris, and loose dirt is removed. The carpet should then be vacuumed. A foam generator that may utilize water and carpet shampoo may be utilized. The foam generator is then used in concert with a dry vacuum, and then the carpet surface is dry vacuumed.

[0279] After vacuuming the foam, a new treatment pad is attached to a low profile treatment machine driven by a BLDC motor. The process involves segmenting a surface to be treated into lanes. A user of the low profile treatment machine will move the machine from one side of a lane to the opposite side. The user then moves the low profile treatment machine back over from the opposite side of the lane to the point of origin. After completing the initial pass, the process is repeated several times in the initial lane until the dry vacuumed carpet lane is sufficiently cleaned, before repositioning the low profile treatment machine to additional lanes.

[0280] The machine treatment process is then repeated in each of the subsequent lanes until the entire surface is treated. The carpet should then be allowed to dry, and is vacuumed again to complete the process.

[0281] A wet shampooing process employing the claimed embodiments for carpet may be described below. The carpet is cleared of any furniture, and then all gum residue, large debris, and loose dirt is removed. The carpet should then be vacuumed. A foam generator that may utilize water and carpet shampoo may be utilized. The foam generator may then be used in concert with the low profile machine, or may be used as a stand-alone piece of equipment.

[0282] A new treatment pad is attached to a low profile treatment machine driven by a BLDC motor. The process involves segmenting a surface to be treated into lanes. A user of the low profile treatment machine will move the machine from one side of a lane to the opposite side, following the application of the foam. The user then moves the low profile treatment machine back over from the opposite side of the lane to the point of origin. After completing the initial pass, the process is repeated several times in the initial lane until the carpet lane is sufficiently cleaned, before repositioning the low profile treatment machine to additional lanes. After a lane is sufficiently cleaned, the foam may be vacuumed up. The machine treatment process is then repeated in each of the subsequent lanes until the entire surface is treated. The carpet should then be allowed to dry for about eight (8) hours to about twenty-four (24) hours, and is vacuumed again to complete the process.

[0283] A yarn pad cleaning process employing the claimed embodiments for carpet may be described below. The carpet is cleared of all gum residue, large debris, and loose dirt. The carpet should then be vacuumed. A cleaning solution that may utilize water and chemical cleaner may be utilized. The cleaning solution may then be used in concert with the low profile machine, or may be dispersed from a stand-alone piece of equipment.

[0284] A new yarn treatment pad is attached to a low profile treatment machine driven by a BLDC motor. The process involves segmenting a surface to be treated into lanes. A user of the low profile treatment machine will move the machine from one side of a lane to the opposite side, following the application of the cleaning solution. The user then moves the low profile treatment machine back over from the opposite side of the lane to the point of origin. After completing the initial pass, the process is repeated several times in the initial lane until the carpet lane is sufficiently cleaned, before repositioning the low profile treatment machine to additional lanes. The machine treatment process is then repeated in each of the subsequent lanes until the entire surface is treated.

[0285] A top stripping process employing the claimed embodiments for a hard surface may be described below. The hard surface is cleared of any furniture, and then all gum residue, large debris, and loose dirt is removed. An alkaline solution that may utilize water and detergent may be utilized. The alkaline solution may then be used in concert with the low profile machine, or may be used as a stand-alone piece of equipment.

[0286] A new treatment pad is attached to a low profile treatment machine driven by a BLDC motor. The process involves segmenting a surface to be treated into lanes. A user of the low profile treatment machine will move the machine from one side of a lane to the opposite side, following the application of the alkaline solution. The user then moves the low profile treatment machine back over from the opposite side of the lane to the point of origin. After completing the initial pass, the process is repeated several times in the initial lane until the hard surface lane is sufficiently cleaned, before repositioning the low profile treatment machine to additional lanes. After a lane is sufficiently cleaned, the remaining alkaline solution may be vacuumed up. The machine treatment process is then repeated in each of the subsequent lanes until the entire surface is treated. The hard surface should then be rinsed with water to complete the process.

[0287] A dry scrub process employing the claimed embodiments for a hard surface may be described below. The hard surface is cleared of any loose dirt. A new treatment pad is attached to a low profile treatment machine driven by a BLDC motor. The process involves segmenting a surface to be treated into lanes and setting the machine speed from about 150 RPM to about 200 RPM in a circular motion. A user of the low profile treatment machine will move the machine from one side of a lane to the opposite side. The user then moves the low profile treatment machine back over from the opposite side of the lane to the point of origin. The machine operates the treatment pad in contact with the dry hard surface. After completing the initial pass, the process is repeated several times in the initial lane, before repositioning the low profile treatment machine to additional lanes. The dry scrubbing process is then repeated in each of the subsequent lanes until the entire surface is treated. After the low speed spray care process is completed, the hard surface may be vacuumed or mopped as needed.

[0288] A low speed spray cleaning process employing the claimed embodiments for a hard surface may be described below. The hard surface is cleared of any loose dirt. A new treatment pad is attached to a low profile treatment machine driven by a BLDC motor. The process involves segmenting a surface to be treated into lanes and setting the machine speed from about 150 RPM to about 200 RPM in a circular motion. A user of the low profile treatment machine will move the machine from one side of a lane to the opposite side. As the initial pass is undertaken, a chemical solution is sprayed onto the hard surface. The user then moves the low profile treatment machine back over from the opposite side of the lane to the point of origin. However, in the return pass, no chemical solution is sprayed onto the hard surface. The machine operates the treatment pad with only remnants from the initial spray process. After completing the initial pass, the process is repeated several times in the initial lane until the chemical solution is evenly distributed on the surface lane, before repositioning the low profile treatment machine to additional lanes. The low speed spray care process is then repeated in each of the subsequent lanes until the entire surface is treated. After the low speed spray care process is completed, the hard surface may be buffed on an as-needed basis.

[0289] A top stripping process employing the claimed embodiments for a hard surface may be described below. The hard surface is cleared of any furniture, and then all gum residue, large debris, and loose dirt is removed. An alkaline solution that may utilize water and detergent may be utilized. The alkaline solution may then be used in concert with the low profile machine, or may be used as a stand-alone piece of equipment.

[0290] A new treatment pad is attached to a low profile treatment machine driven by a BLDC motor. The process involves segmenting a surface to be treated into lanes. A user of the low profile treatment machine will move the machine from one side of a lane to the opposite side, following the application of the alkaline solution. The user then moves the low profile treatment machine back over from the opposite side of the lane to the point of origin. After completing the initial pass, the process is repeated several times in the initial lane until the hard surface lane is sufficiently cleaned, before repositioning the low profile treatment machine to additional lanes. After a lane is sufficiently cleaned, the remaining alkaline solution should be vacuumed up within about five (5) minutes, and not allowed to dry on the hard surface. The machine treatment process is then repeated in each of the subsequent lanes until the entire surface is treated. The hard surface should then be rinsed with water to complete the process.

[0291] A top stripping process employing the claimed embodiments for a hard surface may be described below. The hard surface is cleared of any furniture, and then all gum residue, large debris, and loose dirt is removed. An alkaline solution that may utilize water and detergent may be utilized. The alkaline solution may then be used in concert with the low profile machine, or may be used as a stand-alone piece of equipment. The alkaline solution should be applied to the hard surface, and then allowed to sit for about two (2) to about five (5) minutes before utilizing a low profile treatment machine.

[0292] A new treatment pad is attached to a low profile treatment machine driven by a BLDC motor. The process involves segmenting a surface to be treated into lanes. A user of the low profile treatment machine will move the machine from one side of a lane to the opposite side, following the application of the alkaline solution. The user then moves the low profile treatment machine back over from the opposite side of the lane to the point of origin. After completing the initial pass, the process is repeated several times in the initial lane until the hard surface lane is sufficiently cleaned, before repositioning the low profile treatment machine to additional lanes. After a lane is sufficiently cleaned, the remaining alkaline solution should be vacuumed up within about five (5) minutes, and not allowed to dry on the hard surface. The machine treatment process is then repeated in each of the subsequent lanes until the entire surface is treated. The hard surface should then be rinsed with water to complete the process.

[0293] A basic cleaning process employing the claimed embodiments for a non-porous hard surface may be described below. The hard surface is cleared of any loose dirt. A new treatment pad is attached to a low profile treatment machine driven by a BLDC motor. The process involves segmenting a surface to be treated into lanes and setting the machine speed from about 150 RPM to about 200 RPM in a circular motion. A user of the low profile treatment machine will move the machine from one side of a lane to the opposite side. As the initial pass is undertaken, a chemical solution mixed with water is sprayed onto the hard surface. The user then moves the low profile treatment machine back over from the opposite side of the lane to the point of origin. However, in the return pass, no chemical solution mixed with water is sprayed onto the hard surface. The machine operates the treatment pad with only remnants from the initial spray process. After completing the initial pass, the process is repeated several times in the initial lane until the chemical solution mixed with water is evenly distributed on the surface lane, before repositioning the low profile treatment machine to additional lanes. The basic cleaning process is then repeated in each of the subsequent lanes until the entire surface is treated. The chemical solution mixed with water is allowed to sit on the surface for about ten (10) minutes to about fifteen (15) minutes, and then vacuumed. No rinsing is needed for a non-porous hard surface; however, a porous surface will require an additional rinsing step. After the basic cleaning process is completed, the hard surface may be buffed on an as-needed basis.

[0294] A basic cleaning process employing the claimed embodiments to remove a dispersion from a hard surface may be described below. The hard surface is cleared of any loose dirt. A new treatment pad is attached to a low profile treatment machine driven by a BLDC motor. The process involves segmenting a surface to be treated into lanes and setting the machine speed from about 150 RPM to about 200 RPM in a circular motion. A user of the low profile treatment machine will move the machine from one side of a lane to the opposite side. As the initial pass is undertaken, a chemical solution mixed with water is sprayed onto the hard surface. The user then moves the low profile treatment machine back over from the opposite side of the lane to the point of origin. However, in the return pass, no chemical solution mixed with water is sprayed onto the hard surface. The machine operates the treatment pad with only remnants from the initial spray process. After completing the initial pass, the process is repeated several times in the initial lane until the chemical solution is evenly distributed on the surface lane, before repositioning the low profile treatment machine to additional lanes. The basic cleaning process is then repeated in each of the subsequent lanes until the entire surface is treated. The chemical solution mixed with water is allowed to sit on the surface for about ten (10) minutes to about fifteen (15) minutes, and then vacuumed. The surface should be rinsed with water after the surface is vacuumed. After the basic cleaning process is completed, the hard surface may be buffed on an as-needed basis.

[0295] A basic cleaning process employing the claimed embodiments for a linoleum surface may be described below. The linoleum surface is cleared of any loose dirt. A new treatment pad is attached to a low profile treatment machine driven by a BLDC motor. The process involves segmenting a surface to be treated into lanes and setting the machine speed from about 150 RPM to about 200 RPM in a circular motion. A user of the low profile treatment machine will move the machine from one side of a lane to the opposite side. As the initial pass is undertaken, a chemical solution mixed with water is sprayed onto the linoleum surface. The user then moves the low profile treatment machine back over from the opposite side of the lane to the point of origin. However, in the return pass, no chemical solution mixed with water is sprayed onto the linoleum surface. The machine operates the treatment pad with only remnants from the initial spray process. After completing the initial pass, the process is repeated several times in the initial lane until the chemical solution is evenly distributed on the surface lane, before repositioning the low profile treatment machine to additional lanes. The basic cleaning process is then repeated in each of the subsequent lanes until the entire surface is treated. The chemical solution mixed with water is allowed to sit on the surface for about ten (10) minutes to about fifteen (15) minutes, and then vacuumed. The surface should be rinsed with water after the surface is vacuumed. After the basic cleaning process is completed, the linoleum surface may be buffed on an as-needed basis.

[0296] A cement film removal process employing the claimed embodiments for a tiled surface may be described below. The tiled surface should be acid sensitive. The tiled surface is cleared of any furniture, and then all gum residue, large debris, and loose dirt is removed. A solution of chemicals and water may be utilized. The solution may then be used in concert with the low profile machine, or may be used as a stand-alone piece of equipment. The solution should be applied to the tiled surface, and then allowed to sit for about five (5) to about ten (10) minutes before utilizing a low profile treatment machine.

[0297] A new treatment pad is attached to a low profile treatment machine driven by a BLDC motor. The process involves segmenting a surface to be treated into lanes. A user of the low profile treatment machine will move the machine from one side of a lane to the opposite side, following the application of the solution. The user then moves the low profile treatment machine back over from the opposite side of the lane to the point of origin. After completing the initial pass, the process is repeated several times in the initial lane until the tiled surface lane is sufficiently cleaned, before repositioning the low profile treatment machine to additional lanes. After a lane is sufficiently cleaned, the remaining solution should be vacuumed up within about five (5) minutes, and not allowed to dry on the tiled surface. The machine treatment process is then repeated in each of the subsequent lanes until the entire surface is treated. The tiled surface should then be rinsed with water to complete the process.

[0298] A thorough cleaning process employing the claimed embodiments for a stone surface may be described below. The stone surface should be acid sensitive and clear of any polymer coating or any wax coating. The stone surface is cleared of any furniture, and then all gum residue, large debris, and loose dirt is removed. A solution of chemicals and water may be utilized. The solution may then be used in concert with the low profile machine, or may be used as a stand-alone piece of equipment. The solution should be applied to the stone surface, and then allowed to sit for about twenty (20) to about forty (40) minutes before utilizing a low profile treatment machine. The stone surface should not be allowed to dry, therefore the application of additional solution during the 20-40 minute waiting period is encouraged.

[0299] A new treatment pad is attached to a low profile treatment machine driven by a BLDC motor. The process involves segmenting a surface to be treated into lanes. A user of the low profile treatment machine will move the machine from one side of a lane to the opposite side, following the application of the solution. The user then moves the low profile treatment machine back over from the opposite side of the lane to the point of origin. After completing the initial pass, the process is repeated several times in the initial lane until the stone surface lane is sufficiently cleaned, before repositioning the low profile treatment machine to additional lanes. After a lane is sufficiently cleaned, the remaining solution should be vacuumed up within about five (5) minutes, and not allowed to dry on the stone surface. The machine treatment process is then repeated in each of the subsequent lanes until the entire surface is treated. The stone surface should then be rinsed with water to complete the process.

[0300] A grinding process employing the claimed embodiments for a stone surface may be described below. The stone surface should be acid sensitive and clear of any polymer coating or any wax coating. The stone surface is cleared of any furniture, and then all gum residue, large debris, and loose dirt is removed. Water may be utilized for the grinding process. The water may then be used in concert with the low profile machine, or may be used as a stand-alone piece of equipment. The water should be applied to the stone surface, and then followed with treatment from the low profile treatment machine.

[0301] A new sanding treatment pad is attached to a low profile treatment machine driven by a BLDC motor. The process involves segmenting a surface to be treated into lanes. A user of the low profile treatment machine will position the machine on the wet stone surface. The user then moves the low profile treatment machine in circular motion from about two (2) minutes to about three (3) minutes over each area to be ground with the sanding treatment pad. After treating the initial area, the process is repeated as needed on other areas which need surface grinding. The remaining grinding liquid should be vacuumed, and the stone surface should then be rinsed with a mixture of water and detergent to complete the process.

[0302] A wet crystallization process employing the claimed embodiments for a stone surface may be described below. The stone surface should be acid sensitive and clear of any polymer coating or any wax coating. The stone surface is cleared of any furniture, and then all gum residue, large debris, and loose dirt is removed. A paste may be utilized. The paste may then be used in concert with the low profile machine, or may be used as a stand-alone piece of equipment. The paste should be applied to the stone surface at a rate of about one (1) ounce (30 mL) to about 1.5 ounces (45 mL) per about ten (10) feet to about fifteen (15) feet of surface before utilizing a low profile treatment machine. The stone surface should immediately treated with the low profile machine.

[0303] A new treatment pad is attached to a low profile treatment machine driven by a BLDC motor. The process involves applying the paste to surfaces which need wet crystallization treatment. A user of the low profile treatment machine will move the machine to the surface where paste has been applied. The user then moves the low profile treatment machine in a circular motion over the surface being treated for about four (4) minutes. After completing the initial pass, water is added to the treated area to stop the crystallization process and then the surface is vacuumed. The stone surface should then be rinsed with a solution of water and neutral cleaner to complete the process.

[0304] A low speed spray cleaning process employing the claimed embodiments for a sealed or oiled wood covering surface may be described below. The sealed/oiled wood covering surface is cleared of any loose dirt. A new treatment pad is attached to a low profile treatment machine driven by a BLDC motor. The process involves segmenting a surface to be treated into lanes and setting the machine speed from about 150 RPM to about 200 RPM in a circular motion. A user of the low profile treatment machine will move the machine from one side of a lane to the opposite side. As the initial pass is undertaken, a chemical solution is sprayed onto the sealed/oiled wood covering surface. The user then moves the low profile treatment machine back over from the opposite side of the lane to the point of origin. However, in the return pass, no chemical solution is sprayed onto the sealed/oiled wood covering surface. The machine operates the treatment pad with only remnants from the initial spray process. After completing the initial pass, the process is repeated several times in the initial lane until the dirt or wax layer is removed from the treated area. The low speed spray cleaning process is then repeated in each of the subsequent lanes until the entire surface is treated. After the low speed spray care process is completed, the sealed/oiled wood covering surface may be buffed on an as-needed basis.

[0305] A sanding process employing the claimed embodiments for a sealed wood surface may be described below. The sealed wood surface should be and clear of any polymer coating or any wax coating. The sealed wood surface is cleared of any furniture, and then all gum residue, large debris, and loose dirt is removed.

[0306] A new sanding treatment pad is attached to a low profile treatment machine driven by a BLDC motor. In certain embodiments, sand paper may be affixed to the sanding treatment pad. The process involves segmenting a surface to be treated into lanes. A user of the low profile treatment machine will position the machine on the sealed wood surface. The user then moves the low profile treatment machine in circular motion over each area to be ground with the sanding treatment pad. After treating the initial area, the process is repeated as needed on other areas which need surface grinding. Any remaining debris or sanding residue should be vacuumed, and the sealed surface should then be rinsed with a mixture of water and detergent to complete the process.

[0307] It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary, and that one skilled in the art may make variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as described hereinabove. Further, all embodiments disclosed are not necessarily in the alternative, as various embodiments of the invention may be combined to provide the desired result.