HK1204897B - Floor cleaning tool having a mechanically operated pump - Google Patents

Description

Floor cleaning tool with mechanically operated pump

This U.S. non-provisional patent application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 61/680,635 filed on 8/7/2012 and U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 61/752,230 filed on 1/14/2013, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to floor cleaning tools having mechanically operated pumps. The tool of the present invention is capable of performing floor or surface cleaning functions, including dispensing and recovering liquid from the floor or surface.

Background

Conventional tools for cleaning floors range from mops and buckets to pressure washers to automatic washers. With a mop and bucket, the solution is added to the bucket, and then a mop made with an absorbent material is used to suck the solution and then apply it to the floor. The mop is then used as an abrasive tool to break loose dirt from the floor. Dirt from the floor is collected in the mop, which is then submerged in the solution in the bucket. The dirt is rinsed from the mop by repeated soaking and wringing (usually with a mop wringer).

This process is sub-optimal for a number of reasons. First, the return of soil from the floor to the bucket causes the solution to become increasingly dirty, so that the area cleaned near the end of the process is never as clean as the area initially cleaned. There are today some mop buckets with a solution tank and a rinse tank that help keep the solution clean for a longer period of time, but dirt is still carried into the solution tank by the mop.

Second, an absorbent mop that requires the solution to be lifted out of the bucket and onto the floor does not become a good scrubber. Ideally, abrasive pads or brushes are used to break loose dirt, but they do not absorb water and therefore cannot be used to take water from the bucket to the floor or to take dirty water from the floor back to the bucket. The combination of sponge and abrasive pad to accomplish both tasks is common for cleaning in the home environment, but is rarely used in the commercial environment because of the insufficient ability to contain dirt due to excessive floor coverage.

Pressure washers utilizing high pressure pumps rely on the high pressure outflow of cleaning solution as a means of breaking loose soils. The pressure washer is provided with vacuum capability to recover the atomized solution and contaminants. These systems use significant amounts of water, are expensive, and are more difficult to use and maintain than the floor cleaning tools of the present invention.

With an automatic scrubber, the solution is dispensed onto the floor, a scrubbing pad or brush driven by a motor breaks loose dirt, and then a vacuum cleaner and squeegee return the dirty solution to a separate tank, keeping the solution clean from start to finish. However, like pressure washers, automatic washers are significantly more expensive and more difficult to operate and maintain. Furthermore, automatic washers are difficult to maneuver in tight places and do not have the ability to clean under low profile objects (shelves, tables, chairs, etc.). Some automatic scrubbers have wand (wand) accessories with or without powered brushes for reaching these cramped areas, but these often suffer from sub-optimal performance due to the design of the automatic scrubber to clean large, unobstructed areas.

Both pressure washers and automatic washers typically include an electric pump or vacuum for dispensing water and/or cleaning solution and for collecting dirty water and/or cleaning solution. Such electrically operated pumps and vacuum cleaners increase the cost of these machines. In addition, these machines require a power source, which increases the operating costs of the machine, while limiting the area of use (i.e. close to the power outlet) or the duration of use (i.e. until the battery is completely discharged) of the machine.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is a great advance over mops and buckets, but is much less expensive than pressure washers and automatic washers. It is also easier to use and maintain. The embodiment of the invention comprises the following steps: (1) a solution tank and a gravity feed dispensing system for applying solution to a surface; (2) a platen assembly having an abrasive pad or brush for scrubbing the surface being cleaned and a squeegee for collecting the used cleaning solution; and (3) a mechanically operated pump that creates suction in a fluid transfer path terminating adjacent the scraper to convey dirty solution to the recovery tank. Because neither the dispensing system nor the pump require a power source, the apparatus of the present invention is simple, highly portable, cost-effective, and easy to use and maintain. Other characteristics include dispensing the solution, keeping clean and dirty solution separate, and collecting the dirty solution. Variations on these and other aspects of the disclosure are described below.

In one embodiment, there is provided a portable, manually-powered floor cleaning apparatus comprising a base comprising: a clean fluid storage tank and a waste fluid collection tank; a plurality of wheels for supporting and moving the device; a platform assembly comprising a fluid pick-up aperture and a wiper blade; a mechanically driven pump housed within the base having an inlet and an outlet, the pump being operatively interconnected to the drive wheel such that rotational movement of the drive wheel causes actuation of the pump; a fluid pick-up orifice interconnected to a pump by a conduit for conveying fluid from the fluid pick-up orifice to the pump, wherein the conduit comprises at least one valve for substantially preventing fluid flow in a first direction; wherein the device is completely free of a power generating unit such that translation of the device and actuation of the pump is driven by a user applying a force to the device.

In one embodiment, there is provided a non-powered floor washing machine, the machine comprising: a base comprising a clean fluid storage tank and a waste fluid collection tank; at least two wheels for supporting and moving the machine; a trailing platform assembly comprising a fluid pick-up port and a squeegee; a mechanically driven pump housed within the base having an inlet and an outlet, the pump being operatively interconnected to the drive wheel via a shaft such that rotational movement of the drive wheel results in substantially vertical displacement of the shaft to provide power to the pump; a fluid pick-up aperture interconnected to a pump by a conduit for conveying fluid from the fluid pick-up aperture to the pump, wherein the pump is positioned above the pick-up aperture and the conduit comprises at least one valve for substantially preventing fluid flow in a direction away from the pump.

In one embodiment, there is provided a floor cleaning tool for cleaning a surface, the floor cleaning tool comprising: a base comprising a first tank containing a cleaning solution, the first tank having an outflow opening positioned to efficiently dispense cleaning solution therefrom; a second tank for receiving a cleaning solution that is subsequently dispensed to the surface; and a mechanically driven pump for removing the cleaning solution from the surface and draining the collected cleaning solution to the second tank; a conduit for conveying the cleaning solution from the collection point to the second tank, the conduit including at least one check valve substantially preventing fluid flow away from the second tank. A rotatable trailing platform assembly is provided connected to the base and includes a flight that is selectively removable from the platform. A main wheel assembly is provided comprising at least two wheels for supporting and moving the base, at least one of said wheels comprising a drive wheel having a rotational movement mechanism for converting rotational movement of the drive wheel to reciprocating movement, and said drive wheel being disposed substantially directly beneath the pump and connected to said pump by a substantially vertical drive shaft.

It is an object of the present disclosure to describe an efficient and economical scrubber that can be operated manually. Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

In accordance with a variant embodiment of the present disclosure, a floor cleaning tool having a mechanically operated pump is disclosed.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a floor cleaning tool according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a partial schematic view of an embodiment of a floor cleaning tool according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of a floor cleaning tool according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of one feature of an embodiment of a floor cleaning tool according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a floor cleaning tool according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a component of one embodiment of the present invention.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted from the figures. Of course, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

Detailed Description

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be clearly understood that while fig. 1-6 depict certain embodiments of floor cleaning tools, the present disclosure is not limited to those specifically disclosed embodiments.

Referring to fig. 1-2, a floor cleaning tool 10 is provided having a base 14 with a main wheel 22 mounted on an axle 26 near a rear portion of the tool 10. The base 14 includes a platform assembly 66, the platform assembly 66 including cleaning and fluid collection features that will be shown and described in greater detail herein. In some embodiments, the base 14 is rotationally molded from one of a plurality of plastic materials, such as high density polyethylene. The base 14 is provided with a cleaning solution tank that extends from the back of the base 14 near the main wheel 22 to the front of the base 14 and occupies most or all of the bottom portion of the base 14. The cleaning solution tank contains a cleaning solution, which may be any liquid useful for cleaning, including water, soap, and/or chemical detergents. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the location, size, and shape of the cleaning solution tank 18 may be modified as desired and/or convenient; neither the parameters nor the location of the cleaning solution tank 18 are critical to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a fluid application and recovery system according to one embodiment of the present invention and is shown in isolation with respect to certain additional features of the present disclosure. As shown, a recovery pump 40 is provided for transferring fluid. The recovery pump 40 comprises a mechanical pump driven by the rotational movement caused by the ground of the drive wheel 31. Additional wheels 30, 32 are provided for supporting the apparatus and/or providing rotational power to the drive wheel 31 and associated pump 40. Accordingly, movement of the apparatus along the surface provides the power required to drive the pump 40 and draw fluid from the ground or floor surface. The pressure differential created by the pump 40 draws fluid from the floor via a recovery line 52 operatively associated with the pick-up hole 48 located adjacent the floor. Clean fluid 47 dispensed from the apparatus 10 contacts and cleans the floor as it is converted to dirty fluid 44 and is substantially transferred and picked up by the pump 40 and delivered to a recovery tank or similar container.

In various embodiments, one or more conduits between the pick-up orifice 48 and the recovery tank 28 are provided with means for maintaining sufficient pressure and preventing backflow in the conduit(s). For example, in certain embodiments, one or more check valves 42, 50 are provided to reduce or eliminate the risk of backflow or pressure loss in the line 52. The check valve preferably includes a valve feature that allows only one-way flow of fluid 44 (i.e., from the floor/aperture to the recovery tank 28). It will be appreciated that where pump pressure is lost or where fluid is allowed to drain down line 52, such as by gravity, pump 40 may become ineffective at removing fluid 44 as desired. It is a further object of the invention to prevent fluid from being arranged between the inlet and the pump 40 to simply empty the apparatus when the tool is at rest. Accordingly, the present invention contemplates providing at least one valve feature for reducing or eliminating such risk. As shown, the first valve 50 is disposed adjacent the inlet aperture. A second valve 42 is disposed adjacent to the pump 40 and downstream of the pump 40. In various embodiments, valves 42, 50 comprise valves that allow fluid flow in one direction (i.e., toward recovery tank 28) and substantially prevent backflow or fluid push in the opposite direction. Such valves may include one-way valves, check valves, flap valves (clapper valves), one-way valves (one-way valves), or various other types of valves that provide the described functionality.

As shown in fig. 2-3, cleaning fluid is preferably dispensed directly in front of the squeegee and within the area defined by the platform assembly 66 via a clean fluid conduit 47. The distribution of fluid through the clean fluid conduit 47 is controlled or measured by one or more control devices 16, the control devices 16 being disposed on or adjacent to the base 14. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the apparatus 10 of the present invention is useful for cleaning spills (spills) or liquids from outside or from pre-existing sources. In addition, however, the apparatus 10 of the present invention includes the ability to dispense cleaning fluid(s) to a surface, perform cleaning functions (e.g., scrubbing, wiping, etc.), and collect and store such fluids after they have performed their intended function. Accordingly, the present invention includes a multi-purpose floor cleaning appliance.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the cleaning apparatus 10 includes various features for assisting in various cleaning tasks. For example, the depicted embodiment of the cleaning device 10 is provided with a storage element 12. The storage element 12 comprises a selectively removable device provided with a handle 13 and a further storage area 15, the storage area 15 being intended to contain various products, including but not limited to cleaning products, tools, waste products, etc. In certain embodiments, the storage element 12 is provided as a replacement or substitute for a waste fluid collection tank. For example, and as shown in FIG. 1, the device 10 may be disposed in a state in which the pump and platform 66 are inactive, and the device 10 is essentially a capsule or cart. The platform 66 is in the raised position in fig. 1 in which it has been rotated upwardly and out of contact with the surface of the floor or ground on which the apparatus 10 rests. A user-operated control 16 is provided on the exterior of the base 14 so that the dispensing of cleaning fluid can be selectively controlled. Control 16 is contemplated as any one or more known devices useful for starting, stopping, and/or metering fluid flow. Control 16 may, for example, control a ball valve for initiating and terminating fluid to be dispensed. The device 10 also includes additional features such as a stand portion 17 for receiving and supporting a mop, broom, or similar cleaning device.

The port 3 is provided on a portion of the base 14. The port 3 may serve as a fluid outlet or inlet for one or both of the clean fluid storage tank and the waste fluid storage tank. In one embodiment, such as when it is preferable to empty the apparatus 10 when the apparatus 10 is stored or transported, it may be desirable for the port 3 to include a simple drain that removes unused clean fluid from the clean fluid storage tank.

As shown in fig. 1, the user interface portion 2 includes a simple handle for holding and manipulating the device 10. The interface portion 2 is rotatable and detachable at the location of the fastener 4. The fastener 4 comprises, for example, a simple threaded fastener.

Referring to fig. 2 and 5, the base 14 also includes a recovery tank 28. Preferably, the recovery tank 28 is removably mounted on the base 14 and is equipped with a handle to facilitate removal of the recovery tank 28 from the base 14, i.e., when the contents of the recovery tank 28 are disposed of. The recovery tank 28 rests on top of the solution tank 18. The upper portion of the recovery tank 28 has an inlet opening (not shown) through which dirty cleaning solution is pumped into the recovery tank 28 during operation of the floor cleaning tool 10.

To further simplify assembly and disassembly of the platform assembly 66 to and from the trailing arm 142, simply manipulated squeegee mounting knobs 92a, 92b are provided. The squeegee mounting knobs 92a, 92b removably engage the platform assembly 66. In some embodiments, the squeegee mounting knobs 92a, 92b comprise threaded fasteners. In other embodiments, the squeegee mounting knobs 92a, 92b comprise snap fasteners or other known quick connect/disconnect fasteners.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the platform 66 according to one embodiment. The base 14 is shown in a transparent manner so that the drive wheel 31 and associated features are more visible. As shown, the drive wheel 31 is disposed in a recess 145 of the base such that the drive wheel abuts the base on three sides. The drive wheel 31 is thus accessible to the user from behind the device 10 without having to disassemble the base 14. In addition, the drive wheel 31 and associated components are protected on three sides by the base and provide an increased storage volume for clean or used fluid or various additional components. In certain embodiments, the axle 26 of the drive wheel 31 is disposed within a recess or void space 145 of the base 14. As shown in more detail in fig. 6, the axle 26 and wheel yoke 312 are driven by the eccentric hub 306 of the drive wheel 31, which drives an upwardly extending shaft 314 that is interconnected to the pump element. The arrangement of the centrally located drive wheel 31 and surrounding components and the position of the base 14 provides a compact element with a lower centre of gravity compared to known devices, while also providing additional storage volume. The layout of the drive wheel 31 is one aspect of the present invention that enables the apparatus 10 to occupy a minimum amount of space while providing its intended cleaning function and advantages over the prior art.

As shown, the platform 66 is selectively connected to the base 14 via a trailing arm 142, which trailing arm 142 may be bolted or similarly secured to the base 14 via fasteners. A cut-out or recess 145 is provided in the base allowing a user to access, for example, the drive wheel 31 and the attachment points and fasteners 143 for fitting and removing the platform 66. A tab or extension 90 extends from the trailing arm 142. One or more pivot points may be provided on the extension 90 to allow the platform 66 to rotate or swivel.

As shown, the platform 66 is selectively interconnected to the remainder of the floor cleaning device 10. The apparatus 10 includes a tail extension 90 having slotted recesses for receiving and securing fastening members 92a, 92b to secure the platform 66 to the tail extension 90. In various embodiments, the platform 66 is pivotally mounted on the extension 90 and/or the extension 90 is pivotally disposed on the base 14 of the apparatus 10. Thus, in at least some embodiments, the platform 66 is at least one of removable from the remainder of the apparatus 10 and rotatable to a position in which the platform 66 is not in contact with the ground or floor surface.

A dispensing outlet (not shown) is located at a low point of the solution tank 18-preferably at the lowest point of gravitational potential energy of the solution tank 18. The dispensing outlet is removably connected to and in fluid communication with the solution inlet conduit 34. The cleaning solution in the solution distribution tank 18 is released directly onto the floor in some embodiments, or onto the pad 62 of the platform assembly 66 in other embodiments, including the one shown in FIG. 4. Pad 62 is preferably an abrasive pad or brush. In certain embodiments, the cleaning solution is not pumped out of the solution tank 18, but flows out of the solution tank 18 due to gravity. In some embodiments, a dispensing valve located in the dispensing outlet or elsewhere in the cleaning solution flow path is used to start and stop the flow of cleaning solution out of the solution tank 18.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the platform 66 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Platform assembly 66, which may be provided in combination with the various embodiments and features provided herein, includes pad 62. A squeegee 70 is provided at a lower portion of the platform assembly 66 that includes a trailing portion to remove any debris and/or water that is not picked up by the remaining system components. One or more quick release latches are provided to facilitate removal and application of the scraper 70. In certain embodiments, one or more hinged debris pads are provided, the hinged debris being provided for additional cleaning. In the depicted embodiment, a single debris pad is provided that includes multiple portions formed with lattice-type structures in which one or more empty spaces 63 are disposed. A picker valve assembly 68 including a pick-up aperture is disposed on a lower portion of the platform assembly 66 and adjacent a rear portion thereof. In various embodiments, the assembly 68 is disposed sufficiently close to the ground surface such that the suction force can remove fluid(s) from the ground surface by, for example, a vacuum force applied by a pump. As previously described, one or more one-way valves may be provided in combination with the assembly 68 to prevent backflow of fluid, particularly when the apparatus 10 is at rest and/or the pump is inactive.

Embodiments of the present invention contemplate an assembly 68 that includes an aperture to enable fluid to be delivered therethrough, the aperture being provided with a filter or similar device to prevent large particles and debris from being drawn into the device. In various embodiments, the assembly 68 is positioned such that the planar area of the aperture is substantially parallel to the surface of the floor or ground being cleaned. The planar inlet area of the aperture is disposed between about 0.01 inches and 4.00 inches above the ground surface. Preferably, the planar inlet area of the aperture is disposed between about 0.05 inches and 0.075 inches above the ground surface.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the platform assembly 66 is supported on a pair of wheels 94, which in some embodiments may be raised and lowered by a lift mechanism of one of a variety of types well known in the art. The platform assembly 66 supports a squeegee 70 that contacts the floor or surface being cleaned. In some embodiments, two or more flights may be attached to the platform assembly 66. The pick-up valve assembly 68 is centrally located and toward the rear of the platform assembly 66 and includes an aperture located adjacent the floor directly in front of the squeegee 70 as a fluid pick-up point. In embodiments having two or more squeegees attached to the platform assembly 66, a recovery pick-up point may be located between the two squeegees to increase suction.

In certain embodiments, platform assembly 66 includes a quick connect feature for one or more pads 62. The pad 62 of the present invention includes, for example, commercially availableEasy dust-trapping mat for securing to a platformThe lower region of the assembly 66. Quick connect features provided on the lower surface of the platform assembly 66 include, but are not limited to, hook and loop pads, clips, and various fasteners useful for securing the pad 62 to the assembly 66.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a floor cleaning device 10 of one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the apparatus 10 includes a control device 2, such as a handle, in operable communication with a base 14. The base 14 is provided on wheels 30a, 30 b. The recovery platform 66 is provided as a tailing member and is in fluid communication with the pump drive assembly inside the apparatus 10. The recovery tank 28 includes a basin to collect and store dirty liquid recovered by the pump from the floor or surface. The recovery tank 28 includes a movable feature so that it can be manually lifted from the base 14 and removed for emptying, cleaning, replacement, etc. In certain embodiments, the recovery bucket 28 includes a mop tray or wringer 74. A mop wringer 74 is provided for use with a mop 76 which is selectively secured to the base 14 of the embodiment of figure 5. Mops and similar devices are contemplated for use with pelts in cleaning operations, and may be particularly useful for surfaces and locations that may not be accessible by the cleaning device 10 (e.g., corners and areas under certain objects). The upper portion of the recycling bin 28 includes a tray and/or wringer feature for receiving the mop head and further allowing the contents to drain into the recycling bin. In the depicted embodiment, the recovery tank 28 is disposed in a central void of the base 14. Various embodiments of the present invention contemplate such a base 14 provided with an interior portion 71, the interior portion 71 being empty or partially empty to accommodate various equipment and features, including the recovery tank 28 and/or the storage element 12 (see fig. 1).

As shown, the apparatus 10 is capable of receiving a known or already existing mop apparatus 72 on the base 14. The device 72 includes receiving means, such as notches, slots, clips, etc., for receiving a mop. Such features are provided in addition to or in place of the fluid dispensing devices shown and described herein. In one embodiment, a mop is provided for additional cleaning functions and is useful where cleaning is necessary, for example, when the apparatus 10 may have missed a portion of the floor to be cleaned in a location with the mop. In addition, a wringer or mop tray is provided for supplying fluid to the mop and/or cleaning the mop after or during use.

As shown in fig. 5, one feature of the present invention includes a novel connecting member 100. The connection member 100 can use at least two modes. The first mode is set in which the columnar portion of the connecting member is disposed in the recess and the hook portion extends outward therefrom. In this first mode, various features, such as a "wet floor" tag 78, may be suspended from the connecting member 100. In the second mode, the connecting member 100 is connected to an attachment device, such as the mop 76. The post portion of the connecting member 100 includes a removable clip that can be selectively secured to various features of the elongate shaft, such as the mop 76. Once secured, the hook portion thus extends outwardly and can be placed or inserted into the base 14 such that the mop 76 is supported thereon. Thus, it will be appreciated that the connecting member 100 comprises a single device capable of two different modes of use for storage and/or transport of items.

Referring now to fig. 6, a mechanically driven pump 300 according to one embodiment is provided in fluid communication with a recovery tank (not shown). In the depicted embodiment, the pump 300 is a diaphragm pump, but in other embodiments other types of pumps are provided, such as piston pumps or centrifugal pumps. A pump housing 302 is provided and the pump within the housing 302 is driven by a drive wheel 31 arranged to be in rolling contact with a floor surface. The drive wheel 31 includes an eccentric hub 306 with the axle 26 supported on a frame or base. The hub 306 is connected to a wheel yoke 312, which is connected to the pump yoke 308 via a shaft 314. The pump is actuated by the movement of the wheel 31 and associated eccentric hub 306 which causes reciprocating vertical movement of the crossbar 316 which provides power to the pump. The vertical movement of the cross-bar 316 is assisted by vertical guide slots 310 extending upwardly from the pump housing 302. One or more coil springs 304 are disposed on the pump yoke 308 to bias the pump and associated components.

The floor cleaning tool of the present invention is primarily intended to deliver and collect a controlled volume of cleaning solution from the floor during normal floor cleaning operations, and those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the pump and recovery tank should be appropriately sized. However, other uses for the floor cleaning tool will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the floor cleaning tool of the present invention can be used to collect standing water and spills. To ensure that the floor cleaning tool is useful for such applications, the pump and recovery tank preferably have additional capabilities so that they can collect a larger volume of liquid at a higher rate than is required for normal floor cleaning operations.

In some embodiments, the cleaning solution tank is positioned above the pump and/or recovery tank, thereby raising the lowest point of the solution tank and enhancing gravity-driven flow of cleaning solution from the cleaning solution tank. Other arrangements are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, the cleaning solution tank and the recovery tank occupy horizontally adjacent positions, i.e., the cleaning solution tank may be located on the base in front of the recovery tank, or the cleaning solution tank may be located on the base to one side of the recovery tank. This facilitates access to both containers and reduces the overall height of the floor cleaning tool. Removal of the canister for replacement, cleaning, emptying, and/or refilling is also simplified in such embodiments

In various embodiments of the present invention, the size of the cleaning solution tank, recovery tank, pump, and squeegee are selected based on the target market for the floor cleaning tool. For example, because commercial applications are likely to have significantly larger surface areas to be cleaned, floor cleaning tools intended for commercial use preferably include larger components than floor cleaning tools intended for domestic use.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and adaptations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. It is to be expressly understood, however, that such modifications and adaptations are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, as set forth in the following claims. In addition, the invention(s) described herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "adding" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

Claims (21)

1. A portable, human-powered floor cleaning apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

a base, the base comprising: a clean fluid storage tank and a waste fluid collection tank;

a plurality of wheels for supporting and moving the device;

a platform assembly comprising a fluid pick-up aperture and a wiper;

a mechanically driven pump housed within the base having an inlet and an outlet, the pump being operatively connected to the single drive wheel;

a drive wheel disposed adjacent a midpoint of the base and including an eccentric hub connected to a drive shaft extending in a vertical direction such that rotational movement of the drive wheel results in reciprocating movement of the shaft and actuation of the pump;

a fluid pick-up orifice connected to the pump by a conduit for conveying fluid from the fluid pick-up orifice to the pump;

wherein the conduit comprises at least one valve for preventing fluid flow in a first direction; and

wherein the device is completely free of power generating units such that translation of the device and actuation of the pump is achieved by a user applying a force to the device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pump comprises at least one of a peristaltic pump, a tube pump, a gear pump, a vane pump, a lobe pump, and a centrifugal pump.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the tubing pump is a hose pump.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve allows fluid flow in a second direction, the second direction being substantially opposite the first direction.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid pickup aperture is disposed between 0.05 inches and 0.075 inches above a surface to be cleaned.

6. An unpowered floor washing machine, the machine comprising:

a base comprising a clean fluid storage tank and a waste fluid collection tank;

at least two wheels for supporting and moving the machine;

a trailing platform assembly comprising a fluid pick-up port and a squeegee;

a mechanically driven pump housed within the base having an inlet and an outlet, the pump being operatively connected to a drive wheel disposed adjacent a lateral midpoint of the base and including an eccentric hub connected to a drive shaft extending in a vertical direction such that rotational movement of the drive wheel causes reciprocal movement of the shaft and provides power to the pump;

a fluid pick-up orifice connected to a pump by a conduit for conveying fluid from the fluid pick-up orifice to the pump;

wherein the pump is positioned above the fluid pick-up aperture and the conduit comprises at least one valve for preventing fluid flow in a direction away from the pump.

7. The unpowered floor washing machine of claim 6, wherein the conduit includes a first valve disposed adjacent the fluid pickup aperture and a second valve disposed adjacent the pump inlet.

8. The unpowered floor washing machine of claim 6, wherein the drive wheel includes an eccentric hub connected to a shaft such that rotation of the drive wheel causes a reciprocating motion for driving the pump.

9. The unpowered floor washing machine of claim 6 wherein the waste fluid collection tank includes a removable container.

10. The unpowered floor washing machine of claim 6 wherein the valve comprises a check valve selected from the group consisting of: ball check valves, diaphragm check valves, swing check valves, stop check valves, lift check valves, straight-through check valves, duckbill valves, and tilt-pan check valves.

11. The unpowered floor washing machine according to claim 6 further including a drop hose for dispensing fluid from a clean fluid storage tank to a surface beneath the machine.

12. The unpowered floor washing machine of claim 6, wherein the trailing deck is rotatable about at least one axis.

13. The unpowered floor washing machine of claim 6, wherein the trailing deck assembly includes an abrasive pad for contacting and cleaning a surface beneath the deck assembly.

14. A floor cleaning tool for cleaning a surface, the floor cleaning tool comprising:

a base, comprising:

a first tank for containing a cleaning solution, said first tank having an outflow opening configured to effect dispensing of the cleaning solution therefrom;

a second tank for receiving a cleaning solution that is subsequently dispensed to the surface; and

a mechanically driven pump for removing cleaning solution from the surface and draining collected cleaning solution to a second tank;

a conduit for conveying the cleaning solution from the collection point to the second tank, the conduit including at least one check valve preventing fluid flow from the second tank;

a rotatable trailing platform assembly including a squeegee, the platform assembly being selectively removable from the base;

a main wheel assembly including at least two wheels for supporting and moving the base;

at least one of the wheels comprises a drive wheel having a rotary motion mechanism for converting rotary motion of the drive wheel to reciprocating motion; and

the drive wheel is disposed directly beneath the pump and is operatively connected to the pump by a substantially vertical drive shaft.

15. The floor cleaning tool of claim 14, wherein the conduit includes a first valve disposed adjacent the collection point and a second valve disposed adjacent the pump inlet.

16. The floor cleaning tool of claim 14, wherein the drive wheel comprises an eccentric hub connected to a substantially vertical drive shaft such that rotation of the drive wheel generates a reciprocating motion for driving the pump.

17. The floor cleaning tool of claim 14, wherein the second canister constitutes a removable portion of the base.

18. The floor cleaning tool of claim 14, wherein the valve comprises a check valve selected from the group consisting of: ball check valves, diaphragm check valves, swing check valves, stop check valves, lift check valves, straight-through check valves, duckbill valves, and tilt-pan check valves.

19. The floor cleaning tool of claim 14, further comprising a drop hose for dispensing fluid from the first tank to a surface beneath the floor cleaning tool.

20. The floor cleaning tool of claim 14, wherein the trailing deck is rotatable about at least one axis.

21. The floor cleaning tool of claim 14, wherein the trailing deck assembly comprises an abrasive pad for contacting and cleaning a surface beneath the deck assembly.