Abstract:
A dryer ( 10 ) is disclosed for drying hard floor surfaces. The fan ( 18 ) is integrated with a bucket ( 32 ) and wringer ( 30 ) forming a unitary structure. The unit contains an onboard power supply and charging system. The unit further incorporates a platform ( 15 ) to secure bucket ( 30 ). Still further the device is fitted with a brake ( 20 ) to secure the unit in place during operation and wheels ( 12 ) for easy transportation.

Description:
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH  
       [0001]     Not Applicable  
       SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM  
       [0002]     Not Applicable  
       BACKGROUND—FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     This invention relates generally to air dryers, and more particularly to a motor driven centrifugal fan used to dry hard floor surfaces.  
       BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART  
       [0004]     Public buildings such as grocery stores, supermarkets, airports, hospitals, nursing homes, and all other establishments that possess hard surface floors, must on numerous occasions contend with liquid spills. Such spills must be removed as quickly as possible to maintain safe conditions for employees, customers, and visitors.  
         [0005]     To date, the most widely used methods of addressing unsafe and unsightly spills have been to remove the spills with a mop used in conjunction with a bucket and ringer, or to use machines of various types to vacuum up spills; all of which will leave the surface, of the then cleaned area, with a film of moisture that still results in a slippery area. Through the years many attempts have been made to implement traffic control devices that will protect pedestrians from slippery floor conditions. These devices include, but are not limited to, barricades, caution tape, and wet floor signs of many types. All have been employed at and around affected areas in an effort to warn of unsafe conditions as well as to impede the progress of pedestrians that could injure themselves by falling due to the slippery condition of a floor.  
         [0006]     One of the surest ways to defeat the problem of a liquid film being left behind is to force high velocity streams of air over the surface of the floor in order to quickly evaporate any residue. One major issue surrounding the use of an air moving device capable of delivering the air capacity needed to dry an area in a timely fashion, is the need for a power cord that in turn provides an additional hazard. This is due to the fact, that a person&#39;s feet can easily become entangled, causing that person to trip and possibly injure him or herself. A second problem associated with most air movers, is that they are only slightly larger than the diameter of the fan assembly itself. This causes the apparatus to carry a low silhouette that is easy to overlook and therefore stumble over.  
       OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES  
       [0007]     Accordingly several objects and advantages of the present invention are: 
        (a) to provide a floor drying apparatus that will facilitate the evaporation of water on hard surface floors by using high velocity air;     (b) to provide a floor drying apparatus that is easily transportable to affected areas;     (c) to provide a floor drying apparatus that contains its own power supply and power recovery system;     (d) to provide a floor drying apparatus that integrates the advantages of a centrifugal fan, and a bucket-ringer combination;     (e) to provide a floor drying apparatus that can be brightly colored to serve as a safety icon;     (f) to provide a floor drying apparatus that carries a high silhouette that can be readily seen;     (g) to provide a floor drying apparatus that allows for a rack upon which to hang additional warning signs or barriers;     (h) to provide a floor drying apparatus that can be fitted with recording hardware to announce verbal warnings;     (i) to provide a floor drying apparatus that can be fitted with a motion detector to activate a horn and or, audio warnings;     (j) to provide a floor drying apparatus that can be fitted with a warning light to provide additional visual warning;     (k) to provide a floor drying apparatus that has a braking mechanism to secure its position;        
 
         [0019]     Further objects and advantages are to provide a floor drying apparatus that allows an individual to transport an air mover, a bucket and ringer, floor signs, cleaning solution, and power supply to an affected area in one trip. This helps to facilitate a more rapid clean up of spills and subsequently, less danger to pedestrians.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0020]     In accordance with the present invention, the portable battery operated floor drying apparatus comprises a bucket and ringer, an air mover, an on board power supply with recovery system, various audio and visual warning devices, and a braking mechanism accommodated by or incorporated into a moveable platform. 
     
    
     DRAWINGS  
     Drawing Figures  
       [0021]     In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes. Alphabetic suffixes of drawing figures are demonstrated in upper case while individual parts are demonstrated in lower case.  
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the present invention&#39;s exterior components.  
         [0023]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the present invention from the rear perspective.  
         [0024]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the present invention&#39;s component parts.  
         [0025]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the present invention with battery, charger and low volt dc motor shown.  
         [0026]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of the hood with audible warning device, light and motion detector attached.  
         [0027]      FIG. 6  is a cut-away view of the present invention with the power inverter, an AC motor, and a battery charger shown.  
         [0028]      FIG. 6A  is an isometric view of the present invention illustrating an alternative, wheel and bracket mounting method; illustrated as a sub-carriage.  
         [0029]      FIG. 6B  is an isometric view of the present invention illustrating an alternative compartment, manufactured to accommodate an interchangeable battery.  
         [0030]      FIG. 6C  is an isometric view of the present invention showing the dryer with an extended platform to accommodate the addition of a janitorial cart.  
         [0031]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view illustrating the operation of the dryer described in the preferred embodiment.  
         [0032]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment illustrating the dryer as a closed end unit with the air stream directed downward over the spill.  
       REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS  
       [0033]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 12 
                 casters 
               
               
                   
                 13 
                 locator pins 
               
               
                   
                 14 
                 fence 
               
               
                   
                 15 
                 platform 
               
               
                   
                 16 
                 vented covers 
               
               
                   
                 17 
                 open end 
               
               
                   
                 18 
                 fan housing 
               
               
                   
                 18a 
                 cylindrical portion 
               
               
                   
                 19 
                 open end 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 brake 
               
               
                   
                 21 
                 safety switch 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 horn 
               
               
                   
                 22a 
                 recording hardware 
               
               
                   
                 23 
                 timing mechanism 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 motion detector 
               
               
                   
                 25 
                 battery hooks 
               
               
                   
                 26 
                 light 
               
               
                   
                 27 
                 power station 
               
               
                   
                 28 
                 hood 
               
               
                   
                 29 
                 handle 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 mop ringer 
               
               
                   
                 31 
                 switch 
               
               
                   
                 32 
                 mop bucket 
               
               
                   
                 33 
                 cart 
               
               
                   
                 34 
                 outlet portion 
               
               
                   
                 34a 
                 outlet 
               
               
                   
                 34b 
                 louver 
               
               
                   
                 34c 
                 underside outlet 
               
               
                   
                 35 
                 grate 
               
               
                   
                 35a 
                 directional vent 
               
               
                   
                 36 
                 cooling vents 
               
               
                   
                 36a 
                 cooling fan 
               
               
                   
                 37 
                 external AC plug 
               
               
                   
                 38 
                 cord winding 
               
               
                   
                 39 
                 power cord 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 battery 
               
               
                   
                 40a 
                 interchangeable battery 
               
               
                   
                 40b 
                 tie down 
               
               
                   
                 41 
                 component rack 
               
               
                   
                 41a 
                 battery cradle 
               
               
                   
                 42 
                 battery charger 
               
               
                   
                 43 
                 air movement arrows 
               
               
                   
                 44 
                 DC motor 
               
               
                   
                 45 
                 blower apparatus 
               
               
                   
                 46 
                 fan 
               
               
                   
                 47 
                 motor mount 
               
               
                   
                 47a 
                 circular flange 
               
               
                   
                 47b 
                 extending struts 
               
               
                   
                 48 
                 AC motor 
               
               
                   
                 49 
                 external DC plug 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 power inverter 
               
               
                   
                 50a 
                 floor surface 
               
               
                   
                 50b 
                 liquid spill 
               
               
                   
                 51 
                 carriage 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
     Description—FIGS.  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4  and  5 —Preferred Embodiment  
       [0034]     Referring to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention only, and not for the purposes of limiting the same, FIG. I illustrates the exterior components,  FIG. 2  illustrates the reverse view of  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded view,  FIG. 4  illustrates a cut away of the hood  28  to show components, and  FIG. 5  illustrates safety components.  
         [0035]     Referring now to the isometric view of the floor dryer  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , in known fashion the fan portion of the dryer  10  is generally comprised of a housing  18  which includes a cylindrical portion  18   a  and an air outlet portion  34 . Housing  18  is preferably molded or otherwise constructed from a suitable plastic or other lightweight material. Cylindrical portion  18   a  is constructed so as to include a hollow interior portion having a first open end  17  ( FIG. 3 ) and a second open end  19  ( FIG. 2 ) on each end thereof. First open end  17  and second open end  19  are axially aligned along axis A-A and are adjusted to receive air through vented covers  16  ( FIG. 3 ) and  16   a  ( FIG. 2 ) for the operation of the dryer  10 . Disposed within the interior of cylindrical portion  18   a  along axis A-A is an air blower apparatus  45 , which is shown in an exploded view in  FIG. 3 . Blower apparatus  45  primarily comprised of a motor  44  and a fan  46 . A motor mount  47  is used to attach motor  44  to cylindrical portion  18   a.  Motor mount  47  comprises a circular flange  47   a  used to secure the cylinder portion of the motor  44 , and outwardly extending struts  47   b  to fasten to housing  18   a  cylindrical portion in known fashion, illustrated in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0036]     In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the air is discharged from dryer  10  through outlet portion  34  of housing  18 . Outlet portion  34  defines a generally elongated opening, which extends in molded form, distally to create a platform  15  ( FIG. 3 ) designed to accommodate a bucket  32 . Outlet portion  34  then terminates in outlet  34   a.  Contained within outlet  34   a  is a grate  35  comprised of interconnected horizontally and vertically disposed members. Grate  35  functions as a support as well as aids in preventing large objects from entering outlet portion  34  shown in  FIG. 3 . Recessed within outlet  34   a  is a plurality of directional vents  35   a  that function as further support of platform  15  and direct air movement.  
         [0037]     Referring again to  FIG. 3 , platform  15  forms the top portion of outlet portion  34 , and is coupled with a raised fence  14  to retain spill over from bucket  32 . Mounted or molded on platform  15  and within the perimeter of fence  14  are locator pins  13 ; for use in positioning bucket  32 . In known fashion a conventional mop ringer  30  is nested atop bucket  32 .  FIG. 3  further illustrates the approximate position and number of wheels  12  as well as molded mounting brackets  12   a.  The number, size, type, and mounting method of wheels  12  and brackets  12   a  are such as to prevent the dryer from being easily overturned, as is generally understood by those skilled in the art.  
         [0038]     In the preferred embodiment of the present invention (seen in  FIG. 4 ) a power station  27  is required. Station  27  is comprised of a vertically or horizontally mounted component rack  41 , and a removable hood  28  that provides a shield for the electronic components contained therein. Disposed within station  27  is a power supply, comprised of a battery, or batteries  40  with the capacity to activate an assigned electric motor  44  being connected to fan  46 . As is known, a low voltage direct current motor is best suited for this purpose. The size and voltage rating of motor  44  is determined by those skilled in the art. Further disposed within station  27 ; is a timing mechanism  23 , verbal recording hardware  22   a,  electrically activated cooling fan  36   a  ( FIG. 3 ), and a battery charger  42  that possesses a power cord  39 ( FIG. 2 ) for attachment to a standard 110 volt outlet. As is understood to those skilled in the art, on-board electronics are wired in known fashion via electric conductors, to the proper components to facilitate recharge of the power supply (battery  40 ).  
         [0039]     Referring still to  FIG. 4  of the present invention, hood  28  of station  27 , is in known fashion, equipped with cooling vents  36 . Cooling vents  36  are illustrated and employed in various locations of hood  28  and fan housing  18   a,  to assist in cooling electronic components contained there in.  
         [0040]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , hood  28  allows for positions that facilitate the mounting of a maneuvering handle  29 , a cord winding assembly  38 , on/off switch  31 , auxiliary battery hooks  25 , external DC plug  49 , and an external AC plug  37 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention a conventional back-up battery, conventional back-up external charger, and supplementary extension cord are not shown, though it is understood that each component is mated to dryer  10  via the appropriate AC or DC connection points.  
         [0041]     Referring still to  FIG. 2 a  brake mechanism  20  is attached to floor dryer  10  in conjunction with a safety switch  21 .  
         [0042]     The preferred embodiment of the present invention contains various safety-related components.  FIG. 5  illustrates both audio and visual warning devices mounted to hood  28 . With appropriate switches known to those skilled in the art, a flashing light  26  can be activated alone, or in unison with motor  44  during the drying process. Referring further to  FIG. 5 , a motion detector  24  is wired so as to activate an auditory device  22  such as a horn, beeper or recorded message  22   a.  Such auditory devices are employed to supplement visual safety measures.  
         [0043]     Additional modifications and improvements of the invention may also be apparent to those skilled in the art, thus, the particular combination of parts described and illustrated herein is intended to represent one embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims which follow.  
       Operation of Preferred Embodiment—FIGS.  2 ,  3  and  7   
       [0044]     Next, an operation of the portable battery operated floor drying apparatus will be described below.  
         [0045]     As shown in  FIGS. 2, 3  and  7 , dryer  10  is moved by an operator who uses handle  29  to push the unit to the desired location upon wheels  12 . As seen in  FIG. 7 , dryer  10  is positioned near the edge of a spill  50   b.  The operator then engages brake  20  to secure dryer  10 . Engaging brake  20  ( FIG. 2 ) releases safety switch  21 , while simultaneously preventing blower  10  from recoiling due to directionally propelled air masses during operation. The operator then has the option of applying power to motor  44  by activating switch  31  in order to gain a head start on the evaporation process, or to begin mopping the spill with a conventional mop (not shown).  
         [0046]     Throughout the operating procedure of the preferred embodiment, the operator is understood to have removed the spilled material prior to dryer  10  operation. After the affected area has been cleared of spilled material in known fashion; the operator then has the option of repositioning dryer  10  to the center of the now cleaned area before applying power to dryer  10  by actuating switch  31 ( FIG. 2 ). As is understood, during operation of dryer  10 , air is drawn into fan housing  18  through vented covers  16  and  16   a.  Adequate volumes of air are pulled through blower apparatus  45  ( FIG. 3 ) as motor  44 , in known fashion, rotates fan  46  at high speed. Forced rotation of fan  46  propels large quantities of air through directional vents  35   a  located in outlet  34   a.  As air is forced past directional vents  35   a,  resultant horizontal wind columns are dispersed over the floor surface at varying degrees, as indicated by arrows  43 . Subsequently, the forced volumes of air movement over the residual liquids facilitates their rapid evaporation.  
         [0047]     In conjunction with the enabled motor  44 , safety light  26  commences flashing as a visual warning. Motion detector  24  is activated to act as a signal switch for horn  22  and recording hardware  22   a.  Also, with the activation of motor  44 ; a timing mechanism  23  begins a preset countdown that terminates the operation of dryer  10  and component parts; thus, promoting power conservation.  
         [0048]     With the termination of power to dryer  10  by timing mechanism  23 , or at any time earlier, the operator is free to move the unit to another location. At such time, that the operator deems necessary, or the power drain is sufficient to render the unit inoperable, dryer  10  is moved to a convenient location having a power outlet.  
         [0049]     Cord  39  being connected to charger  42 , is then removed from winding  38  and connected to the proper alternating current power source to begin the recharge process of battery  40 .  
       FIGS.  6 ,  6 A,  6 B and  6 C—Additional Embodiments  
       [0050]     Additional embodiments are shown in  FIGS. 6, 6A ,  6 B, and  6 C; in each case the components of the preferred embodiment are illustrated in conjunction with the modifications and additional components.  
       Embodiment—2—FIG.  6   
       [0051]      FIG. 6  floor dryer  10  is fitted with a power inverter  50  and an AC motor  48 .  
       Operation of Additional Embodiment—2  
       [0052]     Operation of dryer  10  illustrated in  FIG. 6  follows the identical procedures described in the operation of the preferred embodiment.  
       Embodiment—3—FIG.  6 A  
       [0053]      FIG. 6A , floor dryer  10  is fitted with an under carriage  51 , thus allowing for conventional brackets (not shown) to be welded or bolted on to accommodate various options.  
       Operation of Additional Embodiment—3  
       [0054]     Operation of dryer  10  illustrated in  FIG. 6A  follows the identical procedures described in the operation of the preferred embodiment.  
       Embodiment—4—FIG.  6 B  
       [0055]      FIG. 4A  power station  27  is no longer fitted with a integral battery and charger. Station  27  illustrated in  FIG. 4A  is manufactured to accept an interchangeable battery  40   a  that possesses the proper conventional quick disconnect hardware to allow for rapid battery removal and installation.  
       Operation of Additional Embodiment—4  
       [0056]     Operation of dryer  10 , illustrated in  FIG. 4A  follows the identical procedures described in the operation of the preferred embodiment with exception to, battery charging actions. Operational procedure for this embodiment requires the operator to remove battery  40   a  from a battery cradle  41   a,  with a pulling motion. Battery  40   a  is then connected to a conventional charger (not shown). The operator must then insert a charged, supplementary battery (not shown); or wait for the previously removed battery  40   a  to recharge in order to resume cordless operation of the unit.  
       Embodiment—5—FIG.  6 C  
       [0057]      FIG. 6C  outlet portion  34  of floor dryer  10  is extended and is fitted with an industry known janitorial cart  33 . Conventional janitorial supplies and instruments are not shown.  
       Operation of Additional Embodiment—5  
       [0058]     Operation of dryer  10 , illustrated in  FIG. 6C  follows the identical procedures described in the operation of the preferred embodiment.  
       FIG.  8 —Alternative Embodiment  
       [0059]     Referring now to the isometric view of dryer  10  shown in  FIG. 8 , all components are a duplication of the preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , with exception to the various possibilities for air movement, direction and expulsion.  
         [0060]      FIG. 8  shows outlet portion  34  to no longer be open at the most distal position, as previously illustrated in the preferred embodiment ( FIG. 1 ).  FIG. 8  shows outlet portion  34  of dryer  10  as opened on the bottom side to form underside outlet  34   c.  Contiguous with the vertical sides, and distal end of outlet portion  34 , is louver  34   b.  Louver  34   b  wraps the perimeter of outlet  34   c,  being set at an angle that forces air to move along the floor away form dryer  10 .  
         [0061]     Disposed on the under side of platform  15  is a plurality of conventional directional vents, not shown as design, placement, and number are understood to those skilled in the art.  
       Operation of an Alternative Embodiment—FIG.  8   
       [0062]     Next, a second operation of the portable battery operated floor drying apparatus will be described below.  
         [0063]     Operation of dryer  10 , illustrated in  FIG. 8  follows the identical procedures described in the operation of the preferred embodiment, with exception to placement of the unit. After mopping the spilled area, the operator maneuvers dryer  10  over the center of the now cleaned area, as illustrated in the drawing  FIG. 8 . Arrows  43  indicate the direction of the air streams.  
       ADVANTAGES  
       [0064]     From the description above, a number of advantages of my portable battery operated floor-drying apparatus become evident: 
        (a) Moving forced streams of air over areas that have been spilled upon will expedite the evaporation of liquid residue left behind after mopping.     (b) By mounting wheels to the underside of the dryer housing, one can move the dryer to various locations inside a building with relative ease.     (c) With the installation of an onboard power supply and power recovery system, one can eliminate the need for dangerous electrical cords that need to be laid out across the floor to be connected to a power source.     (d) By integrating a fan, and a bucket-ringer combination into one unit, time will be saved by only having to make a single trip to the affected area with the equipment need to remove a spill and then dry it quickly.     (e) The use of brightly colored plastics in the molding process will produce a floor dryer housing that will be highly visible, thus allowing the whole unit to serve as a safety icon.     (f) By providing an apparatus that carries a high silhouette that can be readily seen, instances of tripping over the unit can be eliminated.     (g) The hood of the power station can be fitted with mounting brackets for use in securing additional warning devices, such as wet floor signs, barricades, and caution reels.     (h) The presence of a horn or beeper, recording hardware, and motion detector will permit the unit to emit audible warnings to persons in the vicinity.     (i) The installation of a flashing light will complement all other safety measures surrounding the dryer by calling attention to the unit from a distance.     (j) With the use of the attached braking mechanism, the unit can be reasonably secured to the area determined by the operator.        
 
       CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE  
       [0075]     Accordingly, the reader will see that the portable battery operated floor-drying apparatus of this invention, provides a unit that can be used to speed the evaporation of residual liquids of a cleaned area. Furthermore, the floor drying apparatus has additional advantages in that 
        it provides mounting points for wheels, which enable the dryer to be transported to various locations inside a building with relative ease.     it provides a station for single or multiple batteries that can deliver power, thus eliminating dangerous electrical cords that need to be laid out across the floor to be connected to a power source;     it provides a position for a battery charger; that can be of various sizes while providing various charging options and components;     it provides a fan, and a bucket-ringer combination in one unit, and can save time by necessitating only a single trip to the affected area with the equipment needed to remove a spill and then dry it quickly.     it provides a housing that can be made of highly visible, brightly colored plastics, thus allowing the whole unit to serve as a safety icon.     it provides an apparatus that carries a high silhouette that can be readily identified, thus instances of tripping over the unit can be eliminated;     it provides a removable hood that can be fitted with mounting brackets for use in securing additional warning devices, such as wet floor signs, barricades, and caution reels.     it provides locations for various sizes and designs of recording devices, horns, beepers, which can be tied to motion detectors that will permit the unit to emit audible warnings to persons in the vicinity.     it provides a position for numerous types of flashing lights that can complement all other safety measures surrounding the dryer by calling attention to the unit from a distance.     it provides a dryer with an attached braking mechanism, thus allowing the unit to be reasonably secured to the area determined by the operator.        
 
         [0086]     While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, multi-directional fans can be employed to send air currents in all directions, mechanically or electrically oscillated air vents can be placed on board to swing air currents, a transmitter can be placed on board to signal flashing lights placed at the end of isles to offer further warnings of danger in that area.  
         [0087]     Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiment(s) illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.