Abstract:
A device for coupling a cleaning implement to a floor cleaning machine. The coupling device includes a channel to slidably receive a portion of the cleaning implement to install and remove the cleaning implement, and one of a projection and a recess to releasably couple with the other of a recess and a projection on the cleaning implement when the portion of the cleaning implement is received within the channel. The portion of the cleaning implement is slidable within the channel free of engagement between the projection and the recess, and the cleaning implement is slidable to and from a position along the channel in which the projection and the recess are substantially aligned with one another. The cleaning implement is further movable while in the position to and from a state in which the projection and the recess are engaged with each other.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/346,365 filed Jan. 9, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,387,199, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/162,407 filed Jul. 28, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,091,171, which is a U.S. National Stage entry of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2007/061439 filed Feb. 1, 2007, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/764,316 filed Feb. 1, 2006, the entire contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a device and method for coupling a floor cleaning implement to a floor cleaning machine. The floor cleaning machine can be one of many types of floor cleaning and treating machines, such as scrubbers, sweepers, and the like. These types of machines can be used for the cleaning of hard surfaces of large floor areas in hotels, factories, office buildings, shopping centers and the like. 
         [0003]    In general such machines comprise a movable body supported by a pair of drive wheels and one or more caster wheels. With a scrubber, the body carries a scrubbing device, reservoirs for storing fresh and spent cleaning liquid, a device for dosing fresh cleaning liquid onto the floor, and a squeegee/vacuum pickup system for recovering spent cleaning liquid from the floor. 
         [0004]    The scrubbing device normally comprises one or more cleaning implements, such as brushes or scrubbing pads and a motor for driving the implements. 
         [0005]    Since the pads of a floor cleaning machine are replaced frequently due to wear or the need to use a pad with different abrasive characteristics, it is important that the retainer portion of the coupling device be easily released. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention relates to a device and method for coupling a floor cleaning implement to a floor cleaning machine. The device and method selectively couple a floor cleaning implement, such as a pad or brush, in manner that can be easily released and connected. 
         [0007]    One embodiment of the present invention provides a device for coupling a cleaning implement to a floor cleaning machine. The coupling device comprises a plate having a first edge, a second edge, and a main body portion extending between the first edge and the second edge. A first channel is coupled to the first edge of the plate. The first channel is dimensioned and configured to receive a first edge of the cleaning implement. A second channel is coupled to the second edge of the plate. The second channel is dimensioned and configured to receive a second edge of the cleaning implement. The second channel has a first end for initially receiving the edge of the cleaning implement during insertion and a second end positioned adjacent a projecting member that prevents the cleaning implement from leaving the second channel via the second end. The first end of the second channel has a selectively moveable projecting member that selectively prevents the cleaning implement from leaving the second channel via the first end. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, the main body portion has a plurality of concave recesses dimensioned and configured to selectively receive convex projections extending from the cleaning implement. The projections of the cleaning implement only fully engage the recesses of the coupling device when the actuator presses the cleaning implement against a floor. 
         [0009]    In other embodiments, the main body portion has a plurality of substantially convex projections extending toward the cleaning implement. The projections are dimensioned and configured to be selectively received within substantially concave recesses on the cleaning implement. The recesses of the cleaning implement only fully engage the projections of the coupling device when the actuator presses the cleaning implement against a floor. 
         [0010]    Another embodiment is directed toward a device for driving a cleaning implement coupled to a floor cleaning machine. The cleaning implement includes a plurality of projections or recesses extending toward the device. The device includes a plate having a plurality of substantially complimentary recesses or projections dimensioned and configured to selectively receive the projections or recesses extending from the cleaning implement. These recesses and projections only fully engage each other when an actuator presses the cleaning implement against a floor. 
         [0011]    Another embodiment is directed toward a floor cleaning machine. The floor cleaning machine includes a frame, an actuator coupled to the frame, a coupling device coupled to the actuator, and a cleaning implement coupled to the coupling device. The cleaning implement comprises a first surface adapted to contact and clean a floor surface and a second surface positioned substantially opposite the first surface and adapted to contact the coupling device. The second surface has a plurality of projecting members that extend from the second surface. The cleaning implement also has substantially opposite first and second edges extending from the second surface toward the first surface. The coupling device includes a plate having a first edge, a second edge, and a main body portion extending between the first edge and the second edge. The main body portion has a plurality of concave recesses dimensioned and configured to selectively receive the projections extending from the cleaning implement. A first channel is coupled to the first edge of the plate. The first channel is dimensioned and configured to receive a first edge of the cleaning implement. A second channel is coupled to the second edge of the plate. The second channel is dimensioned and configured to receive a second edge of the cleaning implement. The second channel has a first end for initially receiving the edge of the cleaning implement during insertion and a second end positioned adjacent a projecting member that prevents the cleaning implement from leaving the second channel via the second end. The first end of the second channel has a selectively moveable projecting member that selectively prevents the cleaning implement from leaving the second channel via the first end. The projections of the cleaning implement only engage the recesses of the coupling device when the actuator presses the cleaning implement against a floor. 
         [0012]    Further aspects of the present invention, together with the organization and operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is bottom view of an exemplary floor cleaning machine having a coupling device embodying aspects of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a coupling device embodying aspects of the present invention, wherein the coupling device is coupled to a floor cleaning implement. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the coupling device shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the coupling device shown in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 4A  shows a first position of the cleaning implement coupled to the coupling device.  FIG. 4B  shows a second position of the cleaning implement coupled to the coupling device. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a side cross-sectional view of the coupling device shown in  FIG. 3  with the cross-section taken along line A-A.  FIG. 5A  corresponds to the position shown in  FIG. 4A .  FIG. 5B  corresponds to the position shown in  FIG. 4B . 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a front cross-sectional view of the coupling device shown in  FIG. 3  with the cross-section taken along line B-B.  FIG. 6A  shows the cleaning implement coupled to the coupling device corresponding to the position shown in  FIG. 4A .  FIG. 6B  shows the cleaning implement coupled to the coupling device corresponding to the position shown in  FIG. 4B . 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a perspective top view of a brush type cleaning implement embodying aspects of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective top view of a pad type cleaning implement embodying aspects of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limited. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms “mounted,” “connected,” and “coupled” are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mounting, connecting and coupling. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, and can include electrical connections or couplings, whether direct or indirect. Finally, as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanical configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, other alternative mechanical configurations are possible, and fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0022]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a floor cleaning machine  10  is shown, comprising a device  12  used to couple cleaning implements  14 , such as scrubbing pads and brushes, to the cleaning machine  10 . Although one particular embodiment of the invention will be described in connection with a scrubber, it should be clear that the invention has application to other types of floor maintenance vehicles, such as sweepers and the like. Accordingly, the present invention should not be limited to a scrubber. 
         [0023]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2-6 , one particular embodiment of the coupling device  12  is shown. As will be described in greater detail below, this illustrated coupling device  12  is adapted to move the cleaning implement  14  in an orbital or reciprocating motion. However, the principles shown herein can be adapted for rotary motion as well. 
         [0024]    As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the cleaning implement  14  and coupling device  12  are generally elongated due to the orbital motion of this cleaning device. However, in other embodiments, the cleaning implement  14  can have a variety of other configurations, such as square, rectangular, circular, other polygonal shapes, and the like. 
         [0025]    Two particular embodiments of the cleaning implement  14  are shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 .  FIG. 7  illustrates a brush type cleaning implement  14 , while  FIG. 8  illustrates a cleaning pad type cleaning implement  14 . As shown in these figures, both cleaning implements  14  have substantially similar fixation portions  16  that are used to couple the brush or pad to the coupling device  12 . The fixation portion  16  and the cleaning portion  18  of the illustrated embodiments are generally trapezoidal shaped, but other configurations are possible. The fixation portions  16  have a main body  20  having a first longitudinal edge  22  and a second longitudinal edge  24  positioned opposite the first longitudinal edge  22 . The first and second longitudinal edges  22 ,  24  are slightly cantilevered over the cleaning element  18 . 
         [0026]    A plurality of locating members  26  are coupled to the top side of the fixation portion  16 . These locating members  26  can be made from a variety of materials and can be configured many different ways. In the illustrated embodiment, the locating members  26  are rubber projections that have a generally convex shape. Specifically, the rubber projections have a dome-like or truncated cone configuration. As will be discussed below, this type of shape can help to locate or direct the locating members into receiving recesses  28  on the coupling device  12 . The projections  26  of this embodiment are formed of rubber to help dampen noise between the cleaning implement  14  and the coupling device  12 . Other materials, however, can be used for this same purpose. 
         [0027]    Although the illustrated embodiment places the projecting locating members  26  on the fixation portion  16  of the cleaning implement  14  and the receiving recesses  28  on the coupling device  12 , other embodiments can modify this configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the projections  26  can be placed on the coupling device  12 , while the recesses  28  can be placed on the fixation portion  16  of the cleaning implement  14 . Additionally, some embodiments can utilize a combination of projections  26  and recesses  28  on both the fixation portion  16  of the cleaning implement and the coupling device  12 . 
         [0028]    As shown in  FIG. 2  and described in greater detail below, the cleaning implement  14 , or more specifically, the fixation portion  16  of the cleaning implement  14  is received within the coupling device  12  to connect the cleaning implement  14  to the floor cleaning machine  10 . 
         [0029]    The coupling device  12  includes a main body  30  having a pair of slots or channels  32  for receiving the edges  22 ,  24  of the fixation portion  16  of the cleaning implement  14 . The channels  32  are dimensioned and configured to receive the edges  22 ,  24  of the fixation portion  16 . More specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the channels  32  are dimensioned to allow the fixation portion  16  to easily slide into the coupling device  12 , without significant interference or engagement between the locating members  26  and the body  30  of the coupling device  12 . 
         [0030]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , one of the channels  32  has a retainer  34  to selectively prevent the cleaning implement  14  from disengaging the coupling device  12 . The retainer  34  includes a projection  36  positioned adjacent one end of the channel  32  and intersecting the path defined by the channel  32 . The retainer  34  also includes another projection  38  positioned adjacent the other end of the channel  32  and intersecting the path defined by the channel  32 . At least one of the projections  36 ,  38  is selectively moveable to a non-intersecting position to allow the cleaning implement  14  to be removed from the coupling device  12 . In the illustrated embodiment, only one projection  38  is selectively moveable. This projection  38  is provided with a lever  40  to provide leverage for an operator to elastically deform the retainer  34  or otherwise move the projection  38 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the projection  38  located at this end is angled to allow a cleaning implement  14  to be inserted without manually moving the projection  38  with the lever  40 . Rather, due to the angled configuration of the projection  38 , the projection  38  will naturally be forced outward when engaged by the edge  22  of the fixation portion  16  of the cleaning implement  14  during insertion. 
         [0031]    In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer  34  is formed separate from the channel  32  and is attached to the channel  32  in a secondary operation, such as welding. However, in other embodiments, the retainer  34  can be integrally formed into the channel  32  or the main body portion  30 . 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIGS. 2-6 , the main body portion  30  of the coupling device  12  is provided with a plurality of recesses  28 . These recesses  28  are dimensioned and configured to selectively house or receive portions of the projections  26  extending from the top of the cleaning implement  14 . The recesses  28  have a generally concave configuration to receive the projections  26 . The generally concave recesses  28  have a dome-like configuration or some what conical configuration, much like the configuration of the projections  26  on the cleaning implement  14 . Further, the recesses  28  are generally positioned and spaced apart in substantially the same configuration as the projections  26  on the cleaning implement  14 . 
         [0033]    In operation, a cleaning implement  14 , such as the brush shown in  FIG. 7  can be coupled to the floor cleaning machine  10  via the coupling device  12  shown in  FIGS. 2-6  as follows. First, the cleaning implement  14  is aligned with the coupling device  12 . Specifically, the cantilevered edges  22 ,  24  of the fixation portion  16  of the cleaning implement  14  are aligned with the channels  32  of the coupling device  12 . Once this alignment is substantially complete, the cleaning implement  14  can be inserted, pushed, driven, or otherwise forced into the channels  32  of the coupling device  12 . 
         [0034]    As the brush  14  enters the coupling device  12 , one of the edges of the brush engages the angled projection  38  of the retainer  34  and forces the retainer to a position that allows the brush  14  to enter the channel  32 . During the insertion process, the bottom surface of the cantilevered edges  22 ,  24  (i.e., the surface facing the floor during operation) preferably slides along the upward facing surface of the channel  32 . With this type of engagement during the insertion process, the brush  14  should be easily inserted without the projections  26  on the brush interfering or substantially engaging the main body portion  30  of the coupling device  12 . Once the brush  14  is inserted fully into the channel  32 , the angled projection  38  can elastically return to its original position. In this position, the brush  14  is prevented from disengaging the coupling device  12 , and more specifically, the cantilevered edge is prevented from backing out of the channel  32 . 
         [0035]    Once the brush  14  is fully inserted in the coupling device  12 , it will rest within the coupling device  12  as shown in  FIGS. 4A ,  5 A, and  6 A. Specifically, the lower surface of the cantilevered edges  22 ,  24  will rest on the lower portion of the channel  32 . Further, as shown in these figures, the projections  26  on top of the cleaning implement  14  will not be engaged with the recesses  28  of the coupling device  12 . However, the projections  26  may be substantially aligned with the recesses  28  in this position. 
         [0036]    When an operator chooses to utilize the brushes  14 , the brush  14  and coupling device  12  will be lowered into contact with a floor. An actuator, such as a motor or motor and transmission assembly, can be used to lower the brush  14  and coupling device  12  to the floor. The actuator can be used to force the brush  14  against the floor with a desired pressure or force. This will cause the brush  14  to engage the coupling device  12  as shown in  FIGS. 4A ,  5 A, and  6 A. Specifically, the projections  26  extending from the top of the brush  14  engage the recesses  28  on the main body portion  30  of the coupling device  12 . This engagement prevents the brush  14  from moving relative to the coupling device  12  when the brushes  14  are caused to actuate relative to the floor. Assuming that the projections  26  are not perfectly aligned with the recesses  28  prior to the brush  14  being placed in contact with the floor, the shape of the projections  26  and recesses  28  should encourage proper alignment and engagement. Specifically, the generally convex shape of the projections  26  combined with the concave shape of the recesses  28  can funnel or otherwise move the brush into proper alignment with the coupling device  12 . 
         [0037]    Once scrubbing operations are complete, the actuator can be actuated to lift the brush  14  and coupling device  12  off of the floor. Once the brush  14  is lifted off of the floor, the brush will rest within the coupling device  12  as shown in  FIG. 4A . 
         [0038]    To remove the brush  14  from the coupling device  12 , the following steps can be used. A force can be applied to the lever  40  adjacent the angled projection  38  to move the projection  38  to a position in which it does not substantially intersect the path defined by the channel  32 . Once the projection  38  is moved to a position where it does not hinder the removal the brush  14 , the brush  14  can be removed from the coupling device  12  by pulling it in the opposite direction that it was inserted. 
         [0039]    The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, various alternatives to the certain features and elements of the present invention are described with reference to specific embodiments of the present invention. With the exception of features, elements, and manners of operation that are mutually exclusive of or are inconsistent with each embodiment described above, it should be noted that the alternative features, elements, and manners of operation described with reference to one particular embodiment are applicable to the other embodiments. 
         [0040]    Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.