Patent ID: 7461525
Filing Date: 2008-12-09
Classification: A47L,B08B

Abstract:
1. A tile sponge washing and conditioning apparatus for washing in water a sponge used during a ceramic tile grouting operation, said apparatus comprising: a frame for disposition thereof within the water, said frame including: a first wall; a second wall disposed spaced from said first wall; a first roller having an axis of rotation which extends through said walls; a second roller having a rotational axis which extends through said walls; said rollers cooperating with each other to define therebetween a pathway for the passage therethrough of the sponge to be washed and conditioned such that when said rollers are counter rotated relative to each other, the sponge is squeezed and driven through said passageway so that the sponge is washed and conditioned by the water during passage of the sponge through said passageway; said rollers cooperating with each other to define therebetween a downstream end of said passageway for the passage therethrough of the sponge, the apparatus being structured such that when said rollers are counter rotated relative to each other, the sponge is squeezed and driven through said downstream end of said passageway; a plurality of agitators rotatably supported between said walls for further defining said passageway so that the sponge is progressively driven by said agitators along said passageway from an upstream end of said passageway towards said downstream end of said passageway so that the sponge is progressively washed and conditioned by said agitators and so that subsequently, the sponge is squeezed between said rollers; said frame being fabricated from stainless steel; a first ear which extends from said first edge; a second ear which extends from said second edge; said second wall includes: a first extension which extends from said first side; a second extension which extends from said second side; a container for containing the water, said container defining a rim for supporting said ears and said extensions such that when said ears and extensions are being supported by said rim, said rollers are disposed within the water contained within said container; said frame including: a first reinforcing member which extends between said first ear and said first extension; and a second reinforcing member which extends between said second ear and said second extension such that said reinforcing members maintain said first and second walls in a spaced parallel disposition relative to each other.