Wheeled attachment for pressure washer

Method and apparatus for a wheeled attachment for use with a conventional pressure washer wherein the attachment comprises a wheeled platform having an inlet to receive fluid, i.e., water or cleaning fluid, from the pressure washer along with a plurality of outlets for spraying water directly onto a relatively wide area of the surface to be cleaned. The attachment is expected to be most effective for cleaning horizontal surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways, decks, docks and other horizontal surfaces. The attachment further comprises first and second height-adjustable wheels for attachment to the sides of the platform along with a splash guard disposed on the rear of the platform for protecting the user from overspray. A manifold connects the single inlet to the plurality of outlets in order to transfer fluid from the inlet to the outlets so that fluid is uniformly applied to the surface to be cleaned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to pressure washers and, more particularly, is concerned with a wheeled attachment for a conventional pressure washer.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Pressure washers and attachments have been described in the prior art, however, none of the prior art devices disclose the unique features of the present invention.

In U.S. Patent Application Publication 2008/0000501 dated Jan. 3, 2008, Sprecher disclosed a pressure cleaner accessory. In U.S. Patent Application Publication 2006/0265820 dated Nov. 30, 2006, Erlich, et al., disclosed an adaptable nozzle attachment for a pool cleaner. In U.S. Patent Application Publication 2005/0081899 dated Apr. 21, 2005, Shannon disclosed an adjustable spacer attachment for a pressure washer. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,776,363 dated Aug. 17, 2004, Falletta, et al., disclosed a carriage attachment for a power washer. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,678 dated Dec. 12, 2000, Lange disclosed an apparatus for applying fluids to various types and locations of surfaces. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,412 dated Oct. 10, 1995, Agee disclosed a high pressure surface washing device. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,330 dated Dec. 19, 1989, Woodhall, et al., disclosed a washer attachment for a suction cleaner. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,832,069 dated Aug. 27, 1974, Petsch disclosed a cleaning apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for a wheeled attachment for use with a conventional pressure washer wherein the attachment comprises a wheeled platform having an inlet to receive fluid from the pressure washer along with a plurality of outlet nozzles for spraying water and/or cleaning fluid directly onto a relatively wide area of the surface to be cleaned. The present invention is expected to be most effective for cleaning horizontal surfaces such as concrete sidewalks and driveways. The present invention further comprises first and second height-adjustable wheels for attachment to the sides of the platform along with a splash guard disposed on the rear of the platform for protecting the user from overspray. A manifold connects the single inlet to the plurality of outlets in order to transfer fluid from the inlet to the outlets so that fluid is uniformly applied to the surface to be cleaned.

An object of the present invention is to allow for faster, more efficient cleaning of horizontal surfaces such as walks and driveways by allowing a relatively large area to be cleaned at any one time. A further object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning attachment which can be easily operated by the user utilizing one hand during operation. A further object of the present invention is to provide an attachment for a pressure washer that minimizes body, i.e., arm, back and leg, fatigue to the user. A further object of the present invention is to provide an attachment for a pressure washer which allows for applying fluid at different angles by simply changing hand heights on the present invention. A further object of the present invention is to provide an attachment for a pressure washer which uses standard available connections in addition to having easily interchangeable spray nozzles and related appurtenances and/or components. An additional object of the present invention is to allow a combination of cleaning properties due to the ability to make changes in the wheel height, number of spray nozzles and orifices, spray angle of individual nozzles, as well as the overall angle of the platform of the present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

With regard to reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the drawings.10present invention12conventional pressure washer14hose15spray16handle17extension wand18platform20quick connect fitting22user24hand25surface26top27bottom28front30rear32first side wheel34second side wheel36height adjustment mechanism38splash guard40inlet42cap44manifold46outlet nozzle47water spray nozzle48quick connect fitting50aperture52axle54aperture55nut58apertures59grommet60manifold inlet62manifold outlet64trigger

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following discussion describes in detail at least one embodiment of the present invention. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the present invention to the particular embodiments described herein since practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For a definition of the complete scope of the invention the reader is directed to the appended claims.FIGS. 1 through 4illustrate the present invention wherein a wheeled attachment for a pressure washer is disclosed.

Turning toFIG. 1, therein is shown the present invention10for use as a wheeled attachment to a conventional pressure washer12being connected to the conventional pressure washer12through the use of a hose14and a gripping handle16having a trigger64thereon for controlling fluid flow wherein the distal end of the handle is attached to the upper surface of platform18of the present invention using an extension wand17having on its distal end a quick connect fitting20. The wheels are shown at32,34with height adjustment mechanism36. A user22is controlling the handle16of the present invention10in his hand24. The present invention10is expected to be particularly useful for cleaning horizontal surfaces25such as sidewalks, walkways, driveways, decks, docks, and other horizontal surfaces by applying a wide path of cleaning fluid spray15to surface being cleaned. Note that the spray15from the outlets overlaps so as to provide a wide cleaning path and eliminate streaking caused by the cleaning fluid. Also shown is splash guard38which may be made of many materials including rubber or like material and may be flexible.

Turning toFIG. 2, therein is shown the present invention10showing the upper surface portion26of the platform18having a front28and a rear30showing a pair of wheels32,34connected to the first and second sides of the platform18. Note that each of the wheels32,34is height adjustable using a conventional height adjustment mechanism36as would be done in the standard manner by one skilled in the art. Also shown is a flexible flap38disposed on the rear30of platform18extending from the platform down to the horizontal surface24(not shown seeFIG. 1) which has the purpose of protecting the user from overspray of cleaning fluids from the present invention10. Also shown is the male portion of inlet/coupling40for receiving quick connect fitting20(not shown seeFIG. 1) which serves as the fluid inlet for the present invention10along with a plurality of apertures50which serve as a storage receptacle for spare spray nozzles and/or plugs. Also shown is axle52of wheel32,34.

Turning toFIG. 3, therein is shown the lower surface or underside27of platform18showing the front28and the plurality of storage apertures50which serve as a storage location for various quick disconnect fittings. Also shown are the wheels32,34along with the height adjustment mechanisms36, axle52and flexible flap38. Also shown is a manifold44which receives water from inlet40(not shown, seeFIG. 2) along with a plurality of spaced apart outlet spray nozzles46each being attached to manifold44through a quick connect fitting48which spaced apart outlet spray nozzles allow for application of a wide path of spray to the surface being cleaned. A water spray nozzle is shown at47. Caps/plugs42(shown exploded for clarity) may be installed on the two outer outlet spray nozzles46so that only spray from the central nozzle46would be permitted. Any of the outlets46could be capped using caps/plugs42to suit the operational requirements of the user.

Turning toFIG. 4, therein is shown the present invention10comprising flexible flap38, platform18, a plurality of apertures58with rubber grommets59for receiving various fittings along with the inlet nozzle40having a pair of wheels32,34thereon and wherein each wheel comprises a height adjustment mechanism36wherein each height adjustment mechanism has an axle52with nuts55thereon for insertion into the apertures54of wheels32,34. Also shown is the manifold44with threaded inlet aperture60having a plurality of threaded outlets apertures62for receiving outlet fittings48, each having quick connect fittings thereon for receiving a plurality of outlet nozzles46,47and caps/plugs42.