Patent ID: 12222161

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, and use of the apparatuses, systems, methods, and processes disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that systems and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments. The features illustrated or described in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with the features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and base100reference numerals are used to indicate similar elements in alternative embodiments.

Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with any embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.1-9, in an embodiment, a liquid removal device100may be used for removing liquids from a surface10. A liquid removal device may be used to remove water, for example, but may also be used to remove other liquids, such as hazardous liquids (e.g., fuel, oil, liquid chemicals). For instance, the liquid removal device100may be used to remove water from athletic courts, such as tennis, pickleball and/or basketball courts, race tracks, construction sites, warehouses, or pool decks and the like. It will be appreciated that the liquid removal device100may be useful in other applications.

The liquid removal device100shown inFIG.1illustratively includes an absorber drum102to roll over the surface10and absorb liquids from the surface10. The absorber drum102can include a circular cross-section and comprises a tubular frame104, a liquid absorbing layer106carried by an outer radial surface of the tubular frame104, and an axle108(FIG.2) extending longitudinally and carrying the tubular frame104. Suitable materials for the tubular frame104include, without limitation, a polymer plastic, metal, PVC, or a phenolic tube. Any fluid absorbing material can be used for the liquid absorbing layer appropriate for the particular liquid to be absorbed and the surface on which the liquid exists. In various embodiments, the liquid absorbing layer comprises a foam material, a synthetic fiber material, such as polyester and nylon materials, a microfiber material, a wool material, a wool-poly blend material, or a combination thereof. The absorber drum102may have a uniform outer diameter or a variable or patterned surface as appropriate for various applications. The liquid absorbing layer106may have uniform layering or may have a variable layering as appropriate for a particular application.

The liquid removal device100shown inFIG.1includes an extractor drum110abutting the absorber drum102. In the illustrated embodiment, the extractor drum110has a circle-shaped cross-section and is hollow. In other embodiments, the extractor drum110can have other shapes and abut the absorber drum at any appropriate radial position. The extractor drum110may have a circular sidewall112and an axle114(FIG.2). In an embodiment, the sidewall112may extend between end walls115, which may have the same or a larger cross-sectional area than the sidewall112. The end walls115could be removable to permit cleaning of the hollow interior, which can collect small debris (e.g., dirt) during use. Suitable materials for the extractor drum110may include, without limitation, a polymer plastic material, such as polyvinyl chloride, aluminum, or another material with sufficient rigidness and water, chemical, anti-static, or fuel resistance. The extractor drum110can define an interior comprising an extractor drum fluid reservoir116. The extractor drum fluid reservoir116can be liquid tight or otherwise can prevent leakage of accumulated water below a first set of apertures118and a second set of apertures120. The first set of apertures118are in alignment and communication with the fluid reservoir116of the extractor drum110such that fluid can flow through the apertures118into the fluid reservoir116for storage.

In some embodiments, a second set of apertures120may be configured to release the liquid from the interior extractor drum fluid reservoir116of the extractor drum110. While the illustrated embodiment includes two sets of apertures118,120, the technology is not so limited. The shape, size, and/or number of the apertures118,120may vary. For example, the shape, size, and/or number of apertures may vary between the sets of apertures. In an embodiment, the apertures may be arranged linearly (as shown inFIG.4) or in adjacent staggered lines. For example, each set of the plurality of apertures may include a linear orientation of apertures, spaced apart apertures, offset apertures, or any other configuration. Each of the apertures may be circular, hemispherical, polygonal, or any other suitable shape. Apertures may be openings of any shape, size, or dimension within the extractor drum and can be suitably positioned in reference to the absorber drum102. In an embodiment, each of the sets of apertures118,120may be in a different radial quadrant of the extractor drum, such as in opposite radial quadrants.

As shown inFIGS.1and2, the liquid removal device100illustratively comprises a chassis122retaining the axle108of the absorber drum102and the axle114of the extractor drum110. The chassis122may include a housing124, which may include for example two side supports126,128bracketing the ends of the axles. The axles may be rotationally coupled to the side supports126,128in any suitable manner. For example, the side supports126,128may include openings130,132for the axle108of the absorber drum102and the axle114of the extractor drum110. The opening132for the extractor drum axle114can allow for relative movement between the axle114and the chassis122. For example, the opening132may be oval shaped to allow displacement of the extractor drum110in the event of debris encountering the abutted drums for passing purposes to prevent absorber drum102from rotationally locking. In an embodiment, the chassis122includes a plurality of support beams134coupling the side supports126,128. The outer diameter of the absorber drum102can extend a distance below the chassis122such that the liquid absorbing layer106of the absorber drum102contacts and can roll along the ground or other surface. The absorber drum102can function as a cylindrical wheel allowing repositioning of the liquid removal device100on desirable surfaces. It should be appreciated that the housing124may further enclose the device components for aesthetic or protection reasons. For example, the housing124may also include a cover (not shown) that encloses the absorber drum102and extractor drums110, as well as other components, for aesthetic and protection from natural elements, such as sun exposure damage. The housing or cover can be modified to hold additional tools, such as a broom or squeegee, can include signage such as digital signage, and can be used to support solar panels for a motorized unit.

The liquid removal device100illustratively comprises a handle136coupled to the chassis122for manipulation by a user. As will be appreciated, the user pushes the liquid removal device100along the surface using the handle136keeping the absorber drum102in contact with the liquid-covered surface to remove liquid from the surface. Other forms of operation, such as motorized or autonomous operation, are contemplated.

An outer surface of the sidewall112may function as a wheel to rotate the extractor drum110where operationally beneficial but not for transport or repositioning. The outer surface of the sidewalls may have, for example, a urethane coating or another coating with a higher coefficient of friction than the material of the sidewalls. In some embodiments, the extractor drum110may include wheels138. The liquid removal device100illustratively comprises four wheels138coupled to a lowermost portion of the chassis122at diagonal ends thereof for permitting the liquid removal device100to be transported over surfaces not requiring drying and to overcome obstacles such as curbs or sidewalks. In an embodiment, the liquid removal device100will operate on the absorber drum102when liquid pickup is desired, where rear wheels138can be engaged to turn 180 degrees to begin the next swath of drying. Front wheels138can be provided to overcome an obstacle such as a curb when transporting the device. It will be appreciated that the wheels138or other stabilization features can contact the ground or surface while the device is being used to absorb fluid from the surface. When removing liquid from a surface, the wheels138may be held apart from the surface during the extraction phase. To engage the wheels138, the handle136may be lifted or tilted such that the wheels138contact the surface or ground. Moving the liquid removal device100while in this lifted, wheel-engaged position will rotate the wheels138and, thus, the extractor drum110from a first, onboarding position to a second, draining position. In the first onboarding position, the first set of apertures118(FIGS.4and6) are adjacent to the absorber drum102, and the second set of apertures120are opposite the first set of apertures118and parallel to the ground. In this configuration, liquid in the extractor drum fluid reservoir116will not drain out of the second set of apertures120. In the second, draining position, the second set of apertures120can be rotated such that they are facing generally downward towards the surface or ground. In this configuration, liquid may automatically drain out of the extractor drum fluid reservoir116through the second set of apertures120due to gravity. Additionally, the user may lift or lower the handle136to engage either the front or rear transport wheels138to transport the device over surfaces not in need of drying. It may be of use to allow “feeler” wheels to be affixed to the liquid removal device100to assist with handle136stability during operation.

In some embodiments, the extractor drum110will not include wheels, and the outer surface of the sidewalls112will not extend beyond the diameter of the extractor drum110body itself. After liquid is onboarded and draining is required, the handle136can be pulled backwards toward the user to cause the absorber drum102to rotate opposite its typical onboarding rotation. By causing the absorber drum102to rotate in the opposite direction, by virtue of the coefficient of friction between the absorber drum102liquid absorbing layer106and the extractor drum110, the extractor drum110will be rotated from the onboarding position to the drain position until extractor rotation limiter pin140(FIG.2), engages the extractor rotation limiter drain stop142(FIG.2). In an embodiment, both ends of the drum110may include a pin140and stop142. As the extractor drum110is rotated to the drain position, liquid is then allowed to escape out of the second set of apertures120which have been rotated to face downward towards the surface or ground.

To ensure proper placement of the extractor drum110, the liquid removal device100illustratively comprises at least one elastic device144(e.g., a coil spring, rubber bands, a bungie cord, or any suitable tension creating implement) coupled between the extractor drum110and the chassis122. The elastic device144can be configured to urge the absorber drum102and the extractor drum110into contact with one another with enough of a coefficient of friction to pull water from the absorber drum102into the extractor drum110. Additionally, if the absorber drum102picks up debris larger than the first set of apertures118from the surface10, such as rocks, twigs, tanbark, leaves, debris and the like, the elastic device144may permit the extractor drum110to be displaced slightly such that the debris falls away from the device or for easy manual access and removal by the user. In some embodiments it can be envisioned to institute a cleaning apparatus that would assist with an automated removal and capture of debris as the embodiment is rolled across the surface to keep the liquid absorbing material clean. The elastic device, in one version, can be connected to a slip bushing of low coefficient of friction material which surrounds the extractor drum axle or absorber drum axle, which is also made of a material with low coefficient of friction material. This configuration can function as a bearing and allows high elastic tension force to be applied to the extractor drum axle or absorber drum axle, and yet still let the extractor drum rotate to and from onboarding and draining positions.

In various embodiments, the extractor drum110may be movable between a first, onboarding position (FIG.5) and a second, draining position (FIG.6). In the first, onboarding position, the first set of apertures118(axis a1) is adjacent to the absorber drum102, and the second set of apertures120(axis a2) are facing away from the surface. In other words, liquid in the extractor drum fluid reservoir116will not drain out of the second set of apertures120due to gravity in the first, onboarding position (unless the level of the liquid rises above the apertures118or120). For example, liquid in the lower half of the reservoir116will not drain out of the reservoir through the apertures120. In the second, draining position, the second set of apertures120are lower towards the surface relative to the first position, and liquid may automatically drain out of the extractor drum fluid reservoir116through the second set of apertures120(e.g., due to gravity). In an embodiment, the liquid removal device100may be configured to move the extractor drum110to the draining position by moving the liquid removal device100backwards on the surface. The rotation of the extractor drum110to and from onboarding and draining positions occurs easily and naturally due to the rotational direction of the absorber drum102. When the liquid removal device100is pushed forward by the handle, the extractor drum110is rotated to the onboarding position by the coefficient of friction between the absorber drum liquid absorbing layer106and the extractor drum110because of the force imparted by the elastic devices pressing the extractor drum into the liquid absorbing layer106, and until the extractor rotation limiter pin reaches the extractor rotation limiter onboarding stop block.

When the liquid removal device is pulled backwards by the handle, the extractor drum110rotates to the drain position due to the coefficient of friction between the absorber drum liquid absorbing layer106and the extractor drum110because of the force imparted by the elastic devices pressing the extractor drum into the liquid absorbing layer106, and until the extractor rotation limiter pin reaches the extractor rotation limiter drain stop block. For example, when moving the liquid removal device100backwards, the extractor drum110may be rotated by the friction between it and the absorber drum102such that the liquid drains out of the extractor drum fluid reservoir116. The distance the liquid removal device100travels backwards to move the extractor drum110to the draining position may vary. In various embodiments, the distance may be in a range of 0.1 to 20 inches, 1 to 10 inches, 1 to 5 inches, or 5 to 10 inches. In some embodiments, the liquid removal device100may include a selectively engageable safety mechanism to prevent unintentionally moving the extractor drum110to the draining position. For example, a trigger for the safety mechanism may be positioned on the handle. When engaged, the safety mechanism may prevent backward movement of the liquid removal device100from rotating the extractor drum110. When disengaged, the safety mechanism may allow backward movement of the liquid removal device100to rotate the extractor drum110. The user may disengage the safety mechanism when ready to drain the liquid from the extractor drum110.

In use, when pushing the liquid removal device100along a surface to remove liquid, the absorber drum102rotates to pick up fluid from the surface. In one embodiment, the extractor drum fluid reservoir116remains rotationally stationary and accepts the fluid from the absorber drum102via the first set of apertures118. The extractor drum fluid reservoir116can be prevented from rotating by the extractor rotation limiter pin140engaged with the stop142. At least a portion or all of the first set of apertures118can abut or otherwise engage the rotating absorber drum102at the tangent or point of engagement between the absorber drum and the extractor drum. As the absorber drum102rotates, the liquid absorbing layer106can be urged against the outer surface of the extractor drum110by force exerted by the elastic device144. The force exerted by the elastic device144presses or squeezes the liquid absorbing layer106coaxing the liquid out of the liquid absorbing layer106and into the properly aligned first set of apertures118such that the liquid then collects in the extractor drum fluid reservoir116. The location of the interface between the absorber drum102and the extractor drum110may vary. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the extractor drum110abuts the absorber drum102at a front radial position. It may be appreciated that the location of the interface may be adjusted by use case where operationally beneficial.

To drain liquid from the extractor drum fluid reservoir116, the user pulls the handle136backward to rotate the absorber drum102clockwise and opposite that of the typical onboarding rotation direction. The action of rotating the absorber drum102backwards can correspondingly rotate the extractor drum110in a counterclockwise direction until it reaches a rotational stop caused by the extractor rotation limiter pin140engaging extractor rotation limiter drain stop142. The extractor drum110, rotating opposite of the absorber drum102, can also move the second set of apertures120such that they are rotated to point towards the ground. When the second set of apertures120are so situated, the liquid stored in the extractor drum fluid reservoir116is allowed to escape and to be drained by way of gravity and liquid momentum. After draining is complete, the handle136is then pushed in the forward direction away from the user, and the system will return to the water onboarding configuration as described herein. It will be appreciated that a safety mechanism, as described herein, may be associated with the extractor drum110or liquid removal device100to prevent the draining of fluid in the reverse direction until desired by the operator.

Depending on the application and material used for the liquid absorbing layer, the liquid absorbing layer may stretch during use. For example, the extractor drum pressing against the absorber drum may cause the liquid absorbing layer to stretch and become loose in places. In some embodiments, the liquid removal device may be configured to maintain tension on the liquid absorbing layer during use. Referring toFIGS.3and7, the liquid absorbing layer106may be wound on the absorber drum102. The absorber drum102may include including a dynamic tensioning mechanism for maintaining tension on and preventing loosening of the liquid absorbing layer106.

As shown inFIG.7, the dynamic tensioning mechanism may include a spring or other tensioning device, as described further below. In the illustrated embodiment, a first end106aof the liquid absorbing layer106may be anchored to a first end102aof the absorber drum102, and a second end106bof the liquid absorbing layer106may be coupled to a second end102bof the absorber drum102under tension. The absorber drum102may be configured so that the connections of the first and second ends106a,106bof the liquid absorbing layer106are radially inward of the outer radial surface. In such a configuration, the first and second ends106a,106band the components connecting them to the absorber drum102do not contact the surface (e.g., a court) during operation of the liquid removal device100. For example, the sidewall112of the absorber drum102may include cutouts146a,146b. The first and second end walls115a,115bof the extractor drum110may include corresponding cutouts148a,148bthat open to the cutouts146a,146b(FIGS.3and7). The first end106aof the liquid absorbing layer106and the first end102aof the absorber drum102may include corresponding connectors. For example, the first end106aof the liquid absorbing layer106may include a grommet that may be removable coupled to a pin positioned in the cutout148a. The first end106aof the liquid absorbing layer106may extend through the cutout146aand into the cutout148ato be coupled to the pin.

Referring toFIG.7, in an embodiment, the second end106bof the liquid absorbing layer106may be removably coupled to the second end102bof the absorber drum102using a spring150. The spring150dynamically tensions the liquid absorbing layer106. The spring150may be removably coupled to at least one of the second end106bof the liquid absorbing layer106and the absorber drum102. In an example, the second end106bof the liquid absorbing layer106may include a connector, such as a grommet, which may be selectively coupled to a first end150aof the spring150. The second end150bof the spring150may be coupled to the absorber drum102. For example, the end wall115bof the absorber drum102may include a connection point, such as a hook152that may be selectively coupled to a second end150bof the spring150. The liquid absorbing layer106is wound or wrapped on the absorber drum102such that pressure applied by the extractor drum110is distributed towards the second end106bof the liquid absorbing layer106. In other words, if the material stretches, it stretches in a direction towards the spring150. The spring150, which applies tension to the second end106bof the liquid absorbing layer106, is able to compensate if the material stretches.

In use, when rolling the liquid removal device100along a surface to remove liquid, the absorber drum102rotates while the extractor drum110is rotationally stationary. As the absorber drum102rotates, the liquid absorbing layer106is pressed against the extractor drum110. If the liquid absorbing layer106stretches, the rotary motion “pushes” the material in a corkscrew motion from the anchored end to the tensioned end. Because the second end of the material is under dynamic tension, the stretching of the material does not result in a loosening of the material.

In some embodiments, the tension or strain of the coil spring144, or other elastic device, may be adjustable. Having an adjustable tension may allow for separating the absorber drum102and the extractor drum110without uncoupling the coil spring144. With reference toFIGS.8and9, in another embodiment, the liquid removal device100includes an adjustable bracket154for adjusting tension on the coil spring144. The bracket154is movably coupled to the chassis122and defines a handle156. The bracket154may be coupled to the coil spring144. For example, the coil spring144may be removably coupled to the bracket154using an eyelet hook158. The bracket154may have a cutout160. The cutout160may define a channel162opening to one or more indentations or notches164configured to receive a pin or fastener, such as bolt166. In an embodiment, the bolt166may couple the chassis122and the bracket154. The bracket154may have at least two locked positions relative to the chassis122. Each indentation or notch164defines a position for the bracket154. For example, when the bracket154is in a first locked position, the coil spring144may be tensioned such that the extractor drum110is in contact with the absorber drum102. When the bracket154is in a second locked position, the coil spring144may have a lower tension such that the extractor drum110is spaced apart from the absorber drum102. To move between the locked positions, the bracket154may be moved such that the bolt166slides out of one of the notches164, moves forward or backward in the channel162, and moves into another of the notches164. The channel162may extend beyond the notches164and may allow for the bracket154to be moved to a configuration in which the coil spring144is not under tension. There may be more than two locked positions. For example, multiple locked positions may allow for the extractor drum110to be pressed against the absorber drum102at different tensions. Adjusting the force that the extractor drum110exerts on the absorber drum102results in a different amount of force required to operate the liquid removal device100. Thus, the force required to operate the liquid removal device100may be adjusted based on the application or user preferences

In some embodiments, the user may move one or both of the extractor drum110and the absorber drum102to be in a spaced apart configuration to allow a user to remove the liquid absorbing layer106(e.g., to replace old material). For example, the user may use the adjustable bracket154to move the extractor drum110away from the absorber drum102. The liquid absorbing layer106may then be detached and unspooled from the absorber drum102. A new liquid absorbing layer106may then be installed on the absorber drum102.

Advantageously, the liquid removal devices disclosed herein provide an effective and robust approach to liquid removal. It will be appreciated that the width of the liquid removal devices described herein may vary. In some embodiments, the width of the liquid removal device may be in a range from 1 ft. to 10 ft., from 2 ft. to 4 ft., from 6 in. to 12 in., or have any other suitable dimensions.

It is contemplated that liquid removal devices described herein may be used to apply or deliver a fluid or material in addition to, or separate from, a fluid absorbing function. For example, devices can be modified to deliver a surface coating such as a top coat, sealer, or varnish. Liquid removal devices may be manually pushed, motorized, remote controlled, autonomous, or can be capable of operating in any modes.

In various embodiments disclosed herein, a single component can be replaced by multiple components and multiple components can be replaced by a single component to perform a given function or functions. Except where such substitution would not be operative, such substitution is within the intended scope of the embodiments.

The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the forms described. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above teachings. Some of those modifications have been discussed, and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best illustrate principles of various embodiments as are suited to particular uses contemplated. The scope is, of course, not limited to the examples set forth herein, but can be employed in any number of applications and equivalent devices by those of ordinary skill in the art. Rather, it is hereby intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.