Ergonomic multi-functional cleaning machine

The ergonomic multi-functional cleaning machine includes a fresh liquid tank, a waste recovery tank positioned atop the fresh liquid tank, and a vacuum source for enabling a soil-containing fluid to be vacuumed into the waste recovery tank. The machine further includes: (1) a fresh liquid pump positioned above the fresh liquid tank, with the fresh liquid pump enabling a liquid or solution to be pumped from the fresh liquid tank; and/or (2) a spigot operatively connected to the fresh liquid tank, whereby a user may regulate the flow of a liquid or solution from the fresh liquid tank. Also, the machine may include an inline wetting apparatus, thereby providing for vacuuming of dry dirt, dust, and other soils.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to multi-functional cleaning machines, and in particular, to multi-functional cleaning machines for use in commercial, industrial, institutional, and public buildings.

2. Description of the Related Art

Maintaining the cleanliness of commercial, industrial, institutional, and public buildings is an ongoing effort, and at times, an effort which seems more like a losing battle. This is particularly true for areas such as restrooms, locker rooms, stairwells, cafeterias, and food service kitchens, where the volume of traffic in the particular area may make it difficult to maintain the cleanliness of the facility.

Building maintenance staff typically clean such areas on a routine basis using traditional mop-and-bucket assemblies, in which the bucket includes a detachable mop wringer, and is positioned on caster wheels, thereby enabling a building maintenance person to move the mop bucket from place to place, typically by pushing on the mop handle. Depending on the cleanliness of the mop, a worker may be able to make a good start in cleaning a floor using the mop bucket system. However, as soon as the worker makes a first pass and wrings the mop out, the entire mop bucket system is contaminated. From that point on, each time the worker plunges the mop into the bucket and rings the mop out, both the mop and “cleaning water” become more and more dirty.

One way to attempt to solve this problem is to make frequent water and mop changes. However, this adds time to an already laborious process, and therefore, there is little worker incentive to make frequent water and mop changes. Moreover, because a slop sink, source of clean water, or custodial supply room may be far away, a worker is even less inclined to make water and mop changes.

The end result is that a dirty floor gets cleaned by pushing dirty water around with a dirty mop. At best, the surface may have the appearance of being cleaned if concentrated spots of highly visible soil have been removed or spread around. In reality, however, given the limitations of these tools, the worker still is simply pushing dirt around the floor, as evidenced by the “five o'clock shadow” of dirt seen frequently along the surface of walls adjacent the floor, as well as the finger-painting-like streaks left by the mop when the water on the floor dries.

The cleanliness problem may be especially severe in the restrooms of these various buildings, and in fact, the number-one building maintenance complaint is dirty restrooms. Given the frequency with which these facilities are used, as well as the tools available for cleaning restrooms, the dirty restroom complaint is not particularly surprising. Building maintenance workers typically use the mop-and-bucket system described above to clean restroom floors. And, as noted above, while this system may pick up some dirt, it tends more typically to spread dirty water around on the floor. In addition, restrooms have many surfaces, such as urinals, toilets, dividers, walls, mirrors, sinks, and counter tops, which simply cannot be cleaned using the mop-and-bucket approach. The tools for cleaning these surfaces, such as brushes, sponges, spray-bottle chemical disinfectants, cloth wipes, and the like, are extremely hands-on, and therefore, are less desirable to use. And, when chemical disinfectants solutions are used, generally a worker will spray the solution onto a surface, and wipe the solution off, either right away or within a few minutes. However, a chemical disinfectant typically must remain in contact with a surface for about ten minutes in order to kill bacteria. Accordingly, little, if any, chemical disinfecting actually is being done. Because these cleaning tools and methods are relatively unpalatable, building maintenance workers tend to clean these kinds of surfaces less frequently, and when they are cleaned, they are not cleaned thoroughly. The janitorial/sanitation (“Jan/San”) industry offers other pieces of cleaning equipment, such as pressure washers, wet vacs, auto scrubbers, carpet extractors, pump-up sprayers, and janitor's carts. However, because of the limitations of several of these tools, as well as their single-task focus, sanitary maintenance professionals tend to use them in actual cleaning either infrequently, or not at all.

Most pressure washers operate at a pressure of 1000 PSI and above, a pressure which is far too high for many cleaning applications. For example, if such a pressure washer were use to mechanically clean a painted wall, it would blast the paint off of the wall surface. On the other end of the pressure spectrum are pressure washers having a pressure of about 100 PSI or less. And because of the type of pump used in these low pressure sprayers, the liquid exiting the sprayer actually has a far, far lower pressure, for example, about 40 PSI. Although such a low-pressure washer may be beneficial in applying a cleaning solution, it lacks the mechanical power required to actually clean a particular surface once the solution has been applied. Because pressure washers generally include a single clean-liquid water tank or container, both cleaning chemicals and water are loaded into this same container, which may be damaging to the device, particularly if a harsh cleaning chemical passes through a mechanical component, such as a pump. Because most pressure washers do not have there own water source, an operator must use a garden-type hose, and must have ongoing access to a corresponding faucet throughout the pressure washing process. Moreover, these pressure washers generally lack a convenient on-board storage system for storing the garden hose and power cord during transport.

Conventional wet-vacs provide a user with the ability to vacuum soiled cleaning solution from a floor. However, movement of these devices from place to place can be difficult because the vac hose, wand, and various tools typically must be carried independently of the wet-vac device. Furthermore, the drain outlet on such devices is designed for draining into a custodial slop sink, thereby requiring the user to take the wet-vac to a particular location in order to drain the device.

Pump-up sprayers also are available, which enable a sanitation maintenance worker to sprinkle a cleaning solution under low-pressure onto a particular surface. In addition, the Jan/San Industry provides various mobile janitorial carts, which may include storage shelves for various supplies, as well as a frame for a trash bag.

As is apparent from the discussion of the various cleaning tools presented above, janitorial/sanitation professionals have a variety of tools from which to choose. However, these tools are either inadequate to do a proper cleaning job, or are so task-specific that they become user-unfriendly, given the many aspects involved in proper building maintenance. Accordingly, given the relative ineffectiveness and/or inefficiency of the various tools available, particular facilities are not cleaned as well or as frequently as they should be, and morale and job satisfaction among many building maintenance professionals are relatively low.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks by providing an integrated ergonomic multi-functional cleaning machine which is suitable for use in any of a number of different building maintenance applications.

To this end and in accordance with the principles of the invention, one aspect of the invention is an ergonomic multi-functional cleaning machine having a fresh liquid tank, a waste recovery tank positioned atop the fresh liquid tank, a vacuum source for enabling a soil-containing fluid to be vacuumed into the waste recovery tank, and a fresh liquid pump positioned above the fresh liquid tank, with the fresh liquid pump enabling a liquid or solution to be pumped from the fresh liquid tank. If desired, this machine optionally may include a fresh liquid pump positioned above the fresh liquid tank, as discussed in further detail below.

Another aspect of the invention is an ergonomic multi-functional cleaning machine having a fresh liquid tank, a waste recovery tank positioned atop the fresh liquid tank, a vacuum source for enabling a soil containing fluid to be vacuumed into the waste recovery tank, and a spigot operatively connected to the fresh liquid tank, thereby enabling a user to regulate the flow of a liquid or solution from the fresh liquid tank. If desired, this machine optionally may include a fresh liquid pump positioned above the fresh liquid tank, as discussed in further detail below.

A further aspect of the invention is an inline wetting apparatus fluidly connectable to the waste recovery tank of an ergonomic multi-functional cleaning machine. The inline wetting apparatus includes tubing having a first end, a second end, a circumferential sidewall defining an interior, and a rim defining an opening in the circumferential sidewall. The first end of the tubing is fluidly connectable to a cleaning tool, and the second end of the tubing is fluidly connectable to the waste recovery tank. The inline wetting apparatus also includes a spray assembly which is fluidly connectable to the rim of the tubing and to a source of pressurized liquid. The spray assembly includes a spray nozzle and mounting structure, with the spray assembly being operable to direct a liquid through the spray nozzle into the interior of the tubing from a source of pressurized liquid. The mounting structure is releasably connectable to the rim of the tubing, thereby providing a user with access to the interior of the tubing via the opening defined by the rim when the mounting structure is disconnected from the rim. Given the structure of the inline wetting apparatus, a liquid from the spray nozzle and soil particles which are passing through the tubing may come into contact with one another.

Each of the machines offers several benefits and advantages to a user. For example, because the waste recovery tank is positioned atop the fresh liquid tank, and the fresh liquid pump is positioned above the fresh liquid tank, the machine occupies only a relatively small amount of floor space, while providing a large amount of cleaning capacity. Also, the inline wetting apparatus is of tremendous benefit to a user. In particular, when the wetting apparatus is hooked up, a user may perform dry vacuuming without a dirt collection bag, thereby further extending the range of the ergonomic multi-functional cleaning machine into yet another realm of cleaning.

If desired, the machine may include pump priming structure fluidly connected to the fresh liquid pump. The pump priming structure may include a manually operated primer bulb and/or a user activated valve. If desired, the machine may further include a motor housing connected to the waste recovery tank, with the motor housing defining a motor housing interior space. Typically, the vacuum source includes a vacuum motor, in which case the vacuum motor may be positioned in the motor housing interior space and mounted to the motor housing. Also, if a fresh liquid pump is included, the pump may be positioned in the interior space and mounted to the motor housing, as well. In addition, if desired, the motor housing may include a generally upwardly extending projection, and the fresh liquid tank may include a generally downwardly extending projection, with the projections constructed and arranged to serve as upper and lower hose wraps, respectively.

As mentioned briefly above, the cleaning machine may include a spigot operatively connected to the fresh liquid tank, thereby enabling a user to regulate the flow of a liquid or solution from the fresh liquid tank. If desired, the spigot may have a selectively adjustable valve which is operable between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The cleaning machine, itself, includes a back, and if desired, the spigot may be positioned at the back of the machine. In another aspect, the machine may include an extension handle operatively connected to the spigot, with the handle being elongated and extending upwardly from the spigot. The handle is particularly beneficial to a user, in that it allows a user to control the spigot valve from a point which is further up from a floor or other horizontal surface on which the machine rests. Also, the extension handle makes it quite easy for a user to simultaneously steer the machine and adjust the spigot valve. This feature comes in handy when a user wants to apply a liquid, cleaning solution, floor finish, or the like, in a controlled manner from the spigot to a floor surface.

In another aspect, the cleaning machine includes waste recovery intake structure, with the waste recovery intake structure being fluidly connected to, and extending generally upwardly from, the waste recovery tank. If desired, the waste recovery intake structure may be integrally connected to the waste recovery tank. The intake structure further may include an upper portion fluidly connected to a lower portion, with the upper portion extending generally outwardly from the waste recovery tank. Also, the upper portion of the intake structure may include a waste recovery intake port, in which case the intake port may include a tube. In this manner, when the vacuum source is activated, a soil containing fluid may flow upwardly through the tube, across an interior space of the upper portion, downwardly through the lower portion, and into the waste recovery tank. If desired, the waste recovery intake structure may be generally positioned toward and at the front of the machine. In a further aspect, the machine may include a generally outwardly and downwardly extending projection positioned at the front, below the waste recovery intake structure, whereby the intake structure and the projection may serve as upper and lower hose wraps, respectively. In this fashion, a user easily may stow a length of vacuum hose on the machine, simply by looping the hose around the wrap projection and intake assembly. In another aspect, the waste recovery intake structure may include a circumferential sidewall defining an interior passage, and the cleaning machine may include a filter positioned in the interior passage.

In a further aspect, the waste recovery tank may include a discharge outlet. If desired, the discharge outlet may be from about 12 inches to about 18 inches above a floor or other horizontal support surface, as measured when the machine is positioned in an upright orientation on the particular horizontal support surface. This feature is particularly beneficial, in that, given the height of the discharge outlet above the ground, a user may drain the contents of the waste recovery tank directly into a toilet bowl, which oftentimes may be much more readily accessible than a slop sink or floor drain located in a remote janitor's closet.

In yet another aspect, the cleaning machine may include a forced air source distinct from the working-air discharge of the vacuum source. This forced air source may include a blower motor which, if desired, may be positioned in the motor housing interior space and mounted to the motor housing. When the machine includes a blower motor, a user quickly and easily may connect a blower tool assembly to an outlet of the forced air source, thereby providing a user with yet another source of forced air for blow drying or any other suitable purpose.

With regard to the inline wetting apparatus mentioned above, it too may have additional aspects and features. If desired, the mounting structure and the rim may be adapted to form a friction fit with one another. In this fashion, a user readily may connect and disconnect the mounting structure and the rim—a feature which is particularly advantageous. For example, depending on the specific positioning of the spray nozzle, the feature may allow a user to quickly and easily inspect the orifice and tubing interior, and if necessary, to clean off either or both of these components. In a further aspect, the tubing may include a releasably connectable tube section, with the tube section including the rim which defines the opening in the circumferential sidewall of the tubing. Also, at least a portion of the tubing may be flexible, and at least a portion of the tubing may be transparent or translucent. When the inline wetting apparatus is connected to the ergonomic multi-functional cleaning machine, the source of pressurized liquid for the apparatus may include the fresh liquid tank and the fresh liquid pump of the cleaning machine. The inline wetting apparatus provides an extended area or zone for contact between a liquid or solution from the spray nozzle and the many soil particles which are being drawn through the tubing due to the suction being provided from the vacuum source.

The various aspects of the invention discussed briefly above combine to provide an effective and efficient, ergonomic, multi-functional cleaning machine, one that is useful in cleaning numerous areas in and around commercial, industrial, institutional, and public buildings. Moreover, because the various aspects of the invention allow a building maintenance worker to clean a particular room or facility more effectively, and to do so without having to touch soiled surfaces directly with the hands, the invention actually provides an incentive for these workers to do a thorough cleaning job, and even assists in boosting worker morale. These and other benefits and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the accompanying drawings and description of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference toFIGS. 1-6, an ergonomic multi-functional cleaning machine10, in accordance with the principles of the invention, includes a fresh liquid tank12, a waste recovery tank14positioned atop the fresh liquid tank12, a vacuum source in the form of a vacuum assembly16for enabling a soil-containing fluid to be vacuumed into the waste recovery tank14, and a fresh liquid pump18positioned above the fresh liquid tank12, the fresh liquid pump18enabling a liquid or solution to be pumped from the fresh liquid tank12.

In further detail, the fresh liquid tank12has a top wall20, a portion of which is generally concave; and the waste recovery tank14has a bottom wall22, a portion of which is generally convex, corresponding substantially with the generally concave portion of the top wall20of the fresh liquid tank12. Accordingly, with this particular machine10, the waste recovery tank14not only is positioned “atop” the fresh liquid tank12, but more precisely, a significant portion of the waste recovery tank bottom wall22rests on, and is supported by, the corresponding portion of the fresh liquid tank top wall20.

A motor housing24is mounted to the waste recovery tank14. The motor housing24contains the vacuum assembly16, the fresh liquid pump18, a separate forced air source in the form of a blower assembly26, and several of the fluid and electrical lines. The motor housing24also has a control panel28for operating the various electromechanical components contained within the motor housing24, and is described in further detail below.

The fresh liquid tank12has a front wall30, back wall32, right sidewall34, left sidewall36, top wall20, and bottom wall (not shown). As seen inFIG. 4, the right sidewall34includes a fill port38through which a user may add a liquid or solution into the fresh liquid tank12. If desired, the liquid or solution may be easily and conveniently added using a Universal Fill Hose (not shown) available from Kaivac Inc. of Hamilton, Ohio. The Universal Fill Hose is described in further detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,217 entitled “Liquid Transport Device” and issued on Aug. 13, 2002. The right sidewall34further includes an auxiliary access port40adjacent the fill port38. The auxiliary access port40includes a transparent removable and resealable cover42. The fill port38and the access port40provide a user with multiple ways to view and determine the level of a liquid or solution in the fresh liquid tank12. In addition, because the transparent cover42of the access port40is removable, a user may use either the fill port38or the access port40as a point of entry into the interior of the fresh liquid tank12, in the event a user wants to rinse out the fresh liquid tank12.

As shown inFIG. 3, the machine10optionally includes a spigot assembly44(shown in phantom) extending outward from the back wall32of the fresh liquid tank12. The spigot assembly44includes a spigot46and a length of tubing (not shown). The tubing is connected at one end to the spigot46, and at the other end to the interior of the fresh liquid tank12, adjacent the bottom wall of the tank12. In addition, the machine includes an optional extension handle48(shown in phantom), with the lower end of the handle being connected to the spigot46. Note that, even if the extension handle48is omitted, the spigot assembly44may be included. For the sake of clarity, in the text below, the ergonomic multi-functional cleaning machine10without the extension handle48is designated10a; whereas the machine10with the extension handle48is designated10b.

For both machines10a,10b, the spigot46has an outlet which is oriented downward, in the direction of a horizontal support surface, for example, a floor. The spigot46has a selectively adjustable valve which is operable between a fully opened position and a fully closed position. In this fashion, a user may selectively adjust the spigot valve, thereby regulating the flow of a liquid or solution out of the fresh liquid tank12. The spigot assembly44offers a great deal of flexibility to a custodian or other user. For example, if a user simply wants to empty the contents of the fresh liquid tank12, the user may position the spigot outlet over a floor drain and open the spigot valve, thereby draining the contents of the fresh liquid tank12. Also, as shown inFIGS. 1-4and described in further detail below, the multi-functional cleaning machine10includes wheels, and therefore, is highly mobile. Accordingly, a user may push or pull the machine10, while simultaneously applying a liquid or solution from the fresh liquid tank12onto a floor or other horizontal support surface.

The extension handle48, which is connected to and extends upwardly from the spigot46, further enhances the overall ergonomic design of the multi-functional cleaning machine10b. The elongated stem of the handle48extends upward through an opening (not shown) in a storage compartment50at the back of the machine10b. A gripping portion is integrally connected to the stem at an angle, thereby allowing a user to selectively adjust the spigot valve from a far greater height than the location of the spigot46, itself. The gripping portion is particularly advantageous for a user who wants to apply a liquid or solution to a floor while simultaneously moving the machine10balong the floor. By way of non-limiting example, a custodian or other user may want to use the machine for routine floor cleaning, grout cleaning, floor degreasing, floor stripping, applying floor finish, or the like. In any of these situations, machine10amay be used. However, if a custodian or other worker wants to apply a liquid or solution directly from the fresh liquid tank12onto a particular floor surface while simultaneously moving the machine, the worker may find it easier to use machine10b, including the extension handle48, to assist in regulating flow from the spigot46, as the user guides the machine10balong a desired path across the particular floor.

Other aspects of the fresh liquid tank12include a hose wrap projection52extending out and down from the front wall30, a hose wrap projection54extending out and down from the right sidewall34, a hose wrap projection56extending out and down from the left sidewall36, a pair of caster wheels58mounted to the bottom wall toward the front of the machine, and a fixed-axle rear-wheel assembly60mounted in the right and left sidewalls34,36toward the back of the machine. Although each of the various wrap projections of the invention typically is referred to as a hose wrap projection, any given projection or pair of corresponding projections may be used to support and/or stow any suitable length of material, with non-limiting examples including a vacuum hose, a power cord, and a high pressure liquid hose.

The waste recovery tank14includes a front wall62, a back wall64, a top wall66, a bottom wall22, a right sidewall68, and a left sidewall70. Waste recovery intake structure in the form of a waste recovery intake assembly72extends upwardly and outwardly from the tank14, adjacent the front and top walls62,66. In further detail, the intake assembly72has an upper portion in the form of a head portion74fluidly connected to a lower portion in the form of a neck portion76, with the neck portion76fluidly connecting the head portion74to the waste recovery tank14. The head portion74has a top wall78, a bottom wall80, and a circumferential sidewall82, with the sidewall82integrally connected to a circumferential sidewall84of the neck portion76. With reference toFIG. 2, the circumferential sidewalls82,84define an interior passage, and a removable reusable filter85is releasably positioned in the interior passage. Advantageously, the filter may be sized so as to capture relatively large pieces of debris (for example, pencils and scraps of paper), while allowing air and soiled liquid or solution to pass through the filter85. The filter85, itself, may be formed of any suitable materials. For example, a mesh pouch may be connected to a circumferential band, with the band defining the opening of the particular filter. Depending on the size of the band, the band may form a releasable friction fit with the interior surface of one or both of the circumferential sidewalls82,84. Alternatively, one or more of the sidewalls82,84may include an inward projection, inward projections, flange, or the like, on which the band of the particular filter may be releasably seated.

The bottom wall80of the head portion74includes a waste recovery intake port in the form of a tube86which extends generally downward from the bottom wall80. The tube86is sized so as to form a secure yet releasable friction fit with one end of a length of a vacuum hose. At the same time, the tube86is fluidly connected to the interior of the waste recovery tank14via the interior of the waste recovery intake assembly72. The bottom wall80of the head portion74also has a generally downwardly extending post88which is adjacent the tube86. However, the post88is not fluidly connected to the interior of the waste recovery tank14. Instead, the post88is sized to form a secure yet releasable friction fit with an outlet end of a dumping hose (described in further detail below), when the dumping hose is in a stowed position.

The top wall78of the head portion74includes a viewing window in the form of an access port90and a transparent removable and resealable cover92. Because the cover92is transparent, a user may see materials as they enter into the waste recovery tank14, and also may see the level of the waste material in the recovery tank14. Also, with the cover92removed, a user may remove, rinse, and replace the filter85. In addition, if desired, a user may choose to rinse the interior of the recovery tank14by spraying water or the like through the access port90onto the interior surface of the tank14.

The circumferential sidewall82of the head portion74further has several projections extending outward. In further detail, a pair of posts94a,bextends outward in a substantially horizontal orientation from the circumferential sidewall82of the head portion74, adjacent the top wall78. One of the posts94aextends from the right side of the circumferential sidewall, while the other post94bextends from the left side. These posts94a,bmay be used in any of a number of different ways. For example, any item having a strap of a suitable length may be hung from the machine10, simply by positioning a portion of the strap behind each of these posts94a,b. The head portion74further has a tab96which extends upwardly from a back region of the head portion74. Depending on the length of vacuum hose used with the machine10, the tab96may assist in retaining the upper portion of coiled loops of the vacuum hose in a “pocket” formed by a back wall region of the head and neck portions74,76, the top wall66of the waste recovery tank14, and a front wall98of the motor housing24.

With reference toFIGS. 2,4, and6, the waste recovery tank14further has a suction outlet100which is fluidly connected both to the waste recovery intake port tube86and the vacuum assembly16. This suction outlet100is oriented along the top wall66of the waste recovery tank14, and is adapted to releasably and securely connect with a length of suction hose102(FIG. 6) which leads from the waste recovery tank14to the vacuum assembly16(discussed in further detail below). Also, the interior of the waste recovery tank14includes a float shutoff mechanism (not shown) mounted to the interior surface of the top wall66, adjacent the suction outlet100. In this fashion, once a soiled solution in the recovery tank14reaches a particular level, the shutoff mechanism closes the suction outlet100, thereby preventing any soil-containing solution from being drawn into the vacuum assembly16.

As seen inFIGS. 2 and 4, the suction outlet100and the waste recovery intake assembly72are oriented so that a soiled solution which is vacuumed into the recovery tank14via the recovery intake port tube86tends to be deflected downward toward the bottom of the interior space of the recovery tank14, and therefore, away from the suction outlet100. In addition, as may be seen inFIGS. 2,4, and6, the portion of the recovery tank top wall66in which the suction outlet100is formed is elevated relative to the surrounding region of the top wall66. Because this portion of the top wall66is elevated, the float shutoff mechanism in the waste recovery tank14also may be elevated, thereby increasing the useful capacity of the tank14.

As seen inFIG. 1, the waste recovery tank14also has a dumping outlet104formed in the front wall62adjacent the base. The inlet end of a dumping hose (not shown) is releasably connected to the dumping outlet104, with the outlet end releasably secured to the post88, as described above.

The motor housing24has a front wall98, back wall108, right sidewall110, left sidewall112, top wall114, and bottom wall116. As described briefly above, the motor housing24is mounted to the waste recovery tank14, and contains the various electromechanical components of the ergonomic multi-functional cleaning machine. In further detail, the motor housing24is releasably mounted to the recovery tank14, thereby providing qualified service personnel with ready access to the interior of the motor housing24.

The electromechanical components of the multi-functional cleaning machine may be any suitable commercially available components. For example, if desired, the fresh liquid pump18may be a Series 112V pump, a Model 205 pump, or a Model M33 pump, all of which are available from Pump Tech Inc., Minneapolis, Minn. Also, if desired, the vacuum assembly16may be a Model 116472-29 vacuum assembly and the blower assembly26may be a Model 116207-00 assembly, both of which are available from the Lamb Electric Division of Ametech Inc., Kent, Ohio. The Series 112V pump is rated at ⅔ gallons per minute (GPM) and 250 pounds per square inch (PSI), the Model 205 pump is rated at one GPM and 400 PSI, and the Model M33 pump is rated at ¼ GPM and 200 PSI. The Lamb Electric vacuum assembly is rated at 112 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and 107 inches water lift, and the Lamb electric blower assembly is rated at 65.3 CFM and 40.8 inches water lift.

For the particular multi-functional machine10shown inFIGS. 1-6, the pump18, vacuum assembly16, and blower assembly26are connected to other parts of the machine as described below. With reference toFIGS. 2,3, and6, a liquid feed line120extends from the fresh liquid tank12, through an opening in the liquid tank top wall20adjacent the left sidewall36, through an opening in the bottom wall116of the motor housing24, to an inlet122on the pump18. If desired, a length of metal tubing (not shown) may be positioned in the lumen of the liquid feed line120, adjacent the inlet end (not shown) of the line120. Such metal tubing may serve as a weight, and as a shape-retainer, thereby preventing the inlet end from curling. Both the weighting- and shape-retaining-aspects may assist in keeping the inlet end of the line120at or near the bottom of the tank. A length of the liquid feed line120which extends between the fresh liquid tank opening and the motor housing opening is readily accessible to a user. This length of line120includes pump priming structure in the form of an inline primer bulb124which contains a one-way check valve. In this fashion, if desired, a user may prime the pump18by squeezing the primer bulb124several times. The liquid feed line120includes an inline filter126in the section of the feed line120which extends from the primer bulb124to the pump assembly inlet122. As seen inFIGS. 3,5, and6, an opening is formed in the back wall108of the motor housing24, and a portion of the inline filter126, including a transparent removable and resealable filter window, extends through that opening. In this fashion, a user easily may remove the plastic window cap and metal mesh filter positioned beneath the cap, thereby enabling easy cleaning of the inline filter126. Once the metal mesh filter has been cleaned, a custodian or other user simply reinserts the filter and resecures the cap.

A fitting128having a primary outlet130and an unloader outlet132is connected to the pump outlet134. A liquid discharge line136is connected to the primary outlet130and securely mounted to a portion of the bottom wall116of the motor housing24, where it continues down from the exterior of the motor housing bottom wall116, for connection with a spray gun, an inline wetting apparatus, or other device (not shown) which may benefit from a pressurized liquid or cleaning solution.

An inline fitting138mounts the liquid discharge line136securely to the portion of the bottom wall116of the motor housing24, and includes a chemical injector140. With reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, a chemical draw line142runs from a container144which is positioned atop the motor housing24, through the top wall114of the motor housing24, to the injector140, thereby enabling a user to combine the contents of the container144with the liquid or solution being pumped from the fresh liquid tank12. The container144itself has a metering tip (not shown), and the chemical draw line142has complementary quick disconnect members (not shown) along the section of the line142leading from the container144to the motor housing24. The section of the chemical draw line142from the container144to the injector140has an inline on/off valve (not shown). As best seen inFIG. 5, this valve is operable by a handle146on the control panel28. These various features enable a user to selectively adjust the rate at which a particular chemical enters the liquid discharge line136from the container144. As also shown inFIG. 5, the control panel includes a first rocker switch148for turning the pump18on and off, and a second rocker switch150for selectively operating either the vacuum assembly16or the blower assembly26, or for turning off both assemblies16,26.

The length of the liquid discharge line136which extends from the primary outlet130to the fitting138advantageously may be formed of a length of pulse hose. In this fashion, the pulse hose absorbs much of the pressure fluctuations which otherwise would be absorbed by the pump18and other mechanical components.

A liquid return line152extends from the unloader outlet132, through an opening in the bottom wall116of the motor housing24, and downward to an opening in the top wall20of the fresh liquid tank12. At this point, the liquid return line152extends toward the bottom of the fresh liquid tank12.

With reference toFIG. 7, the pump priming structure described above in connection withFIGS. 2,3, and6is shown diagrammatically. This particular version of the pump priming structure includes the inline primer bulb124which is positioned outside the motor housing24. As shown inFIG. 7, the inline primer bulb124is connected to both the fresh liquid tank12and the pump18. A fitting128also is connected to the pump18, with the fitting128being operable to direct a liquid or solution to the liquid discharge line136and/or back to the fresh liquid tank12. In this configuration, the primer bulb124, in essence, pushes any residual air out of the pump18and liquid feed line (not shown) during the priming process.

With reference toFIG. 8, another version of the pump priming structure may include an assembly of components which, in effect, pull any residual air out of the pump18. In this version, a spring loaded lever activated valve125is connected to an outlet (not shown) of the pump18. As shown schematically inFIG. 8, an end portion of the valve125extends outside the motor housing24, for easy access and activation by a user. Within the motor housing24, the valve25is connected to a primer evacuation line127, and the line127is connected to an opening129in the motor housing upper wall. In order to create the priming pull action, a length of vac hose131may be releasably connected to the opening129and to the waste recovery intake port86. In this configuration, the pump18also is connected to the fresh liquid tank12and to the fitting128, with the fitting128being operable to deliver a liquid or solution to the liquid discharge line136and/or back to the fresh liquid tank12. In this fashion, a user may prime the pump18by releasably connecting the vac hose131to the opening129and intake port86, and also turning on the vacuum motor (not shown). Then, depending on the particular valve125being used, an operator simply pushes down or lifts up on the outer end of the valve lever, thereby creating an evacuating suction at the pump18which removes any residual air from the pump18and liquid feed line (not shown). If desired, the valve25may be the V4N valve from the Production Metal Forming Company of Klamath Falls, Oreg., although any suitable valve or valve assembly may be used. Also, if desired, the machine10may include the pump priming components of bothFIG. 7andFIG. 8.

As seen inFIG. 6, the vacuum assembly16is bolted directly to the front wall98of the motor housing24. An opening154is formed in the front wall98adjacent the motor of the vacuum assembly16. This opening154serves as an air intake, allowing cooling air to enter into, and thereby cool, the motor of the vacuum assembly16. The opening154may be covered with a porous filter material which prevents large particles from entering into the motor. The vacuum assembly16further includes a suction conduit (not shown) and an exhaust conduit156, with the suction hose102connected at one end to the suction conduit and adapted for secure yet releasable connection to the suction outlet100of the waste recovery tank14. A muffler assembly158is securely and releasably connected to the exhaust conduit156. If desired, the muffler assembly158may be detached from the exhaust conduit156and replaced with a blower assembly (not shown) such as, for example, a length of vacuum hose connected to a blower nozzle. In this fashion, the ergonomic multi-functional cleaning machine may be used to blow soil from a particular surface and/or to blow dry a particular surface.

Although the vacuum assembly16may serve as both a source of suction and a source of forced air, the multi-functional cleaning machine10shown inFIGS. 1-6also includes an independent blower assembly26. As with the vacuum assembly16, the blower assembly26is mounted to the front wall98of the motor housing24. An air intake opening160is formed in the front wall98, adjacent the motor of the blower assembly26, thereby providing an air intake for cooling air to enter into the motor housing of the blower assembly26. This air intake likewise may be covered with a porous filter or screen in order to minimize the entry of particles into the motor housing. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 5, the exhaust conduit162of the blower assembly26extends outward through the left sidewall112of the motor housing24, thereby making it extremely easy for a user to attach a length of hose and a blower nozzle (not shown) to the blower assembly26.

Although a particular configuration of the vacuum assembly16, pump assembly18, and blower assembly26within the motor housing24has been described above in connection withFIG. 6, any suitable configuration may be used. For example, although not shown, the vacuum assembly may be mounted to the pump assembly, and the pump assembly may be mounted to a mounting plate. If desired, the mounting plate may be releasably secured to the interior surface of the back wall of the motor housing, and may include a vibration-reducing pad or the like positioned between the mounting plate and the interior surface. In addition, the vacuum assembly may be provided with a sound-reducing cover, with one example being a cover made of a thermally-resistant plastic using a vacuum-forming process.

As best seen inFIG. 5, the motor housing24includes several other structural features which are particularly advantageous to a custodian or other user. For example, integrally molded right and left side handles164a,bproject outward from the right and left sidewalls110,112respectively. These handles164a,bare positioned at a height which is comfortable for most users, and enable a user to push, pull, turn, and otherwise steer the machine10with great ease. The top wall114of the motor housing24has several recesses166and upwardly extending projections168, each of which is quite beneficial. For example, the recesses166provide storage space for any of a number of different kinds of containers and/or cleaning tools. Also, forward of the control panel28, and adjacent each of the right and left sidewalls110,112, respectively, is an upwardly extending projection168which serves as a hose wrap or a cord wrap. In further detail, if desired, the left projection168amay be used in connection with the wrap projection56on the left sidewall36of the fresh liquid tank12, for storing a length of high pressure hose (not shown). At the same time, the right projection168bmay be used in combination with the projection54which extends outward from the right sidewall34of the fresh liquid tank12, thereby forming upper and lower cord wraps for use in securely stowing a length of power cord (not shown). In addition, as best seen inFIG. 5, the top wall114of the motor housing24includes a pair of upwardly extending nubs170adjacent the back wall108of the housing24. If desired, a user may take any suitable container or tool having a strap or cord of sufficient length, and releasably attach the particular piece to the machine simply by placing the cord over each of the upwardly projecting nubs170.

Another version of the ergonomic multi-functional cleaning machine in accordance with the principles of the invention is shown inFIGS. 9-12. This cleaning machine300includes a fresh liquid tank12, a waste recovery tank14positioned atop the fresh liquid tank12, a vacuum source in the form of a vacuum assembly16for enabling a soil containing fluid to be vacuumed into the waste recovery tank14, and a spigot assembly44, with the spigot assembly44being operatively connected to the fresh liquid tank12, whereby a user may regulate the flow of a liquid or solution from the fresh liquid tank12.

The spigot assembly44includes a spigot46and a length of tubing (not shown), with the length of tubing fluidly connecting the spigot46to the interior of the fresh liquid tank12. In addition, the machine300includes an extension handle48, with the lower end of the handle48being connected to the spigot46. Also, a motor housing24is mounted to the waste recovery tank14. The motor housing24contains a vacuum assembly16(FIG. 12), and has a control panel28(FIG. 11) having a rocker switch151for turning the vacuum assembly16on and off.

With reference toFIGS. 9-12, the ergonomic multi-functional cleaning machine300includes many of the same structural elements, and therefore benefits, as those found in the cleaning machine10described above and illustrated inFIGS. 1-6. Therefore, the machine300will not be described in such extensive detail. However, for the benefit of the reader, it may be helpful to note a few examples of items which are included as a part of the machine10, but which are not a part of the machine300. Such examples include the pump assembly18and corresponding liquid lines and fittings, as well as the blower assembly26.

With reference toFIGS. 13 and 14, an inline wetting apparatus172of the present invention is shown alone, and in combination with an ergonomic multi-functional cleaning machine400made in the accordance with the principles of the present invention. When the inline wetting apparatus172is connected to the machine400, the apparatus172is capable of moistening or “wetting” dry soils, dirt, or other dry particles with a liquid- or solution-spray, aerosol, and/or vapor introduced from the machine400. In this fashion, a worker may use the machine400(or any other suitable wet/dry vacuum machine) to vacuum up dry soils, dirt, or other dry particles.

With reference toFIG. 13, the inline wetting apparatus172includes tubing in the form of a length of vacuum hose174and a T-connector176which is releasably connectable to the length of vacuum hose174. This tubing has a first end in the form of an inlet end178of the T-connector176, and a second end in the form of an outlet end180of the vacuum hose174. The tubing further includes a circumferential sidewall182defining an interior, and a rim in the form of the rim184of the radially extending tube extension186of the T-connector176. The tube extension186, including the rim184, defines an opening in the circumferential sidewall182, with the inlet end178being fluidly connectable to a cleaning tool, and the outlet end180being fluidly connectable to a waste recovery tank of a wet-dry vacuum machine. A spray assembly188is fluidly connectable to the tube extension186of the T-connector176, as well as to a source of pressurized liquid or solution. Advantageously, this source of pressurized liquid may come from an ergonomic multi-functional cleaning machine of the present invention. The tube extension186and the complementary mounting structure tube are constructed and arranged so as to form a releasable friction fit with one another, thereby enabling a user to readily connect or disconnect the tube extension and the complementary mounting structure tube.

The spray assembly188includes a mounting member in the form of a tube190which is sized to form a frictional, yet releasable, fit with the tube extension186of the T-connector176. The spray assembly tube190has a large opening (not shown) at its proximal end, and a small opening in an otherwise closed top wall at its distal end. The spray assembly188also includes a spray nozzle192which is connected to the tube190, with the spray nozzle orifice oriented in the direction of the proximal end of the tube190. If desired, the spray nozzle192may include a built-in filter (not shown). Both the tube190and nozzle192are sized so as to provide a suitable spray pattern in the soil-entrained fluid-flow-path of the T-connector176. The opposite end of the spray nozzle192is secured to an elbow fitting194(or other suitable connector) positioned on the opposite side of the top wall of the spray assembly tube190, with the elbow fitting194further being affixed to a male quick-disconnect member196. In this fashion, an end of a pressure hose which is connected to a pressurized source of a liquid or solution easily may be releasably connected to the male quick-disconnect member196, thereby providing the appropriate liquid or solution to the spray nozzle192, for spraying into the interior of the T-connector176. Both the fitting194and the member196are a part of the spray assembly188.

The frictional fit feature of the inline wetting apparatus172is particularly beneficial to a user for several reasons. For example, a user easily may inspect, and if necessary clean, the orifice of the spray nozzle192and/or the interior of the T-connector176simply by separating the tube190from the radially extending tube extension186of the T-connector176. Also, if desired, the particular spray nozzle192may have a fan-shaped spray pattern. In such a case, the spray assembly188may be constructed so that the fan pattern of the spray is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the T-connector176, when the spray assembly188is aligned so that the elbow fitting194and male quick-disconnect member196are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the T-connector176. This feature is of tremendous benefit to a user, in that it allows a user to know the orientation of the fan-shaped spray pattern within the T-connector176, simply by observing the orientation of the fittings194,196which are on the exterior of the top wall of the tube190, and if necessary, to rotate the spray assembly188in order to obtain the desired orientation of the spray pattern within the T-connector176. A transverse orientation of such a fan-shaped spray pattern is advantageous, in that it assists in increasing the contact of the liquid or solution with the soil and/or other dry particles moving through the T-connector176.

With regard to the length of vacuum hose174, any suitable length may be used. This length of hose174provides an extended contact zone “downstream” from the T-connector176and spray assembly188. The downstream contact zone is particularly beneficial, in that it enhances the process of bringing dry soils and/or other dry particles into solution with the liquid or solution being sprayed through the spray nozzle192. The contact zone provides additional time for liquid- or solution-droplets, aerosol, and/or vapor to contact, and thereby “wet”, the dry particles, thereby minimizing the chance that dry particles might enter the waste recovery tank14in an unwetted state. If desired, the length of the hose174may be at least about two feet. Also, if desired, the hose174may be about seven feet in length. Also, if desired, the hose174may be transparent or translucent.

FIG. 14shows the ergonomic multi-functional cleaning machine400in dry vacuuming mode, with the inline wetting apparatus172in position, in the flow path from a dry vacuuming tool198to the waste recovery intake port tube86. In further detail, the inlet end178of the T-connector176is connected to an outlet end200of a vacuum hose202, with the inlet end204of the vacuum hose202being connected to a wand206and the dry vacuuming tool198. The outlet end180of the vacuum hose174is fastened to the waste recovery intake port tube86. The spray assembly188is secured to the T-connector176, and an outlet end208of a length of liquid discharge line210is securely and releasably connected to the male quick-disconnect member196of the spray assembly188. Although not shown in the Figure, the other end of the line210is fluidly connected to the liquid or solution in the fresh liquid tank12, via the various components and connections described in detail above.

Also, as may be seen from the Figure, the vacuum hose202and the inline wetting apparatus172are oriented so that a portion of the vacuum hose202extends upward from the ground, along the surface of the waste recovery tank14, where it connects to the apparatus172. The apparatus vacuum hose174extends downward, passes beneath and around the wrap projection52extending from the front wall30of the fresh liquid tank12, and then rises upward to the waste recovery intake port tube86. This orientation is beneficial for several reasons. For example, the length of vacuum hose174is maintained in close proximity to the fresh liquid tank12and the waste recovery tank14, and therefore, does not interfere with the movements of a user. Also, if a transparent or translucent hose is used, a user easily may see that the dry particles have been wetted and brought into solution prior to entering into the interior of the waste recovery tank14. In addition, with this orientation, the vacuum hose202/wetting apparatus172“tubing system” has, in essence, three centrifugal turns. These turns assist in the wetting process, in that the dirt particles and liquid or solution are forced against the interior sidewalls of the tubing system at these turns, due to centrifugal force. In doing so, the particles and liquid/solution are further mixed, thereby enhancing the process of bringing the dry soil particles into solution before such soils enter the waste recovery tank14.

With the inline wetting apparatus172, the machine400provides yet additional advantages. By bringing the dry particles into solution before they enter the waste recovery tank14, the machine400enables a worker to perform bagless dry vacuuming; and because a filter bag is not used, the machine400avoids the suction power dropoff typical of traditional dry vacuuming systems. Moreover, the cost of filter bags is eliminated. Also, the dry vacuuming exhaust from the machine400has little to no dust, thereby maintaining ambient air quality for a custodian or other user.

The ergonomic multi-functional cleaning machines of the present invention may be made using any suitable commercially available materials and manufacturing techniques. For example, if desired, the fresh liquid tank12, waste recovery tank14, and motor housing24may be made of plastic, using rotational molding. Also, the inline wetting apparatus likewise may be made using suitable commercially available materials and techniques.