Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus (1) includes a cleaning unit (50) and a motor assembly (53). The cleaning unit (50) includes a left cleaning disc (51) and a right cleaning disc (52). Each one of the left and right cleaning discs (51, 52) have a respective lower side (51a, 52a) configured to clean the floor and a respective upper side (51b, 52b) opposite the lower side. The motor assembly (53) is configured to operate in rotation the left cleaning disc and the right cleaning disc (51, 52) around a respective axis of rotation (51x, 52x). The cleaning unit (50) includes at least one presser device (54) active on a peripheral portion of the upper side (51b) of the left cleaning disc (51) and on a peripheral portion of the upper side (52b) of the right cleaning disc (52).

Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus (1) includes at least one cleaning unit (50). The cleaning unit (50) includes a support frame (63), at least one cleaner roller (110), and a first and a second connector (111, 112). The first and a second connector (111, 112) are interposed between the support frame (63) and opposite ends of the cleaner roller (110), in order to rotatably engage the cleaner roller (110) itself with the support frame (63) around a substantially horizontal axis of rotation (X). At least one of the first or the second connector (111, 112) comprises a male component (113) and a female component (114) coupled together in a removable manner.

Abstract: A device and method for regulating the pressure between a floor cleaning implement (22) and a floor, wherein the floor cleaning implement (22) is coupled to a floor cleaning machine (10). The device of one embodiment comprises a cantilevered arm (28) coupled to the floor cleaning machine (10) and a sensor (30) coupled to the cantilevered arm (28) and positioned to sense deflection or other deformation of the cantilevered arm (28). An actuator (26) is coupled between the cantilevered arm (28) and cleaning implements (22). The actuator (26) is also coupled to the sensor (30) and adapted to receive signals from the sensor (30) to cause actuation of the actuator (26). When pressure other than a predetermined amount causes the cantilevered arm (28) to deform, the sensor (30) senses this deformation and cause the actuator (26) to actuate in a direction that allows the cantilevered arm (28) to return to a position in which the pressure is within the predetermined amount.

Abstract: A squeegee assembly for removing liquids from a floor. The squeegee assembly includes a frame that is movable in a direction of travel and that includes a base and opposed walls defining a channel extending along the width of the frame, and a squeegee blade partially disposed in the frame within the channel adjacent one of the walls. The squeegee blade has a first longitudinal edge positioned adjacent the base of the channel and a second longitudinal edge extending outward from the channel. The squeegee assembly also includes a jam member that is engageable with the frame within the channel so that the squeegee blade is positioned between the frame and the jam member to couple the squeegee blade to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved squeegee assembly. Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to a uniquely shaped squeegee configuration that has been found to remove liquids from a floor in an efficient manner. One particular embodiment utilizes a W-shaped squeegee. Other embodiments are directed to a squeegee fixation device. Yet other embodiments are directed toward a squeegee orientation device. Some embodiments are also directed toward a lifting mechanism and the connection between the squeegee assembly and the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: A device and method for coupling a cleaning implement to a floor cleaning machine. The device includes a plate that has a first edge, a second edge, and a main body portion extending between the first edge and the second edge. The device also includes projections and recesses positioned to releasably engage with each other to releasably couple the plate with the cleaning implement, and a channel that is coupled to one of the first edge and the second edge of the plate to receive an edge of the cleaning implement. The channel has a first end for initially receiving the edge of the cleaning implement during insertion, and a second end positioned opposite the first end. A retainer is in communication with the channel to selectively prevent the cleaning implement from disengaging relative to the coupling device.

Abstract: A squeegee assembly for removing liquids from a floor. The squeegee assembly includes a frame that is movable in a direction of travel and that includes a base and opposed walls defining a channel extending along the width of the frame, and a squeegee blade partially disposed in the frame within the channel adjacent one of the walls. The squeegee blade has a first longitudinal edge positioned adjacent the base of the channel and a second longitudinal edge extending outward from the channel. The squeegee assembly also includes a jam member that is engageable with the frame within the channel so that the squeegee blade is positioned between the frame and the jam member to couple the squeegee blade to the frame.

Abstract: A squeegee assembly for removing liquids from a floor. The squeegee assembly includes a frame that has a first and second suction ports separated from each other in a lateral direction, and a squeegee blade coupled to the frame and positioned adjacent the suction ports. The squeegee blade has a first portion adjacent the first suction port, and a second portion adjacent the second suction port. The first portion extends in lateral directions away from the first suction port at an angle to channel fluid encountered by the first portion toward the first suction port. The second portion extends in lateral directions away from the second suction port at an angle to channel fluid encountered by the second portion toward the second suction port such that the squeegee blade acts as a separate funnel for each of the first suction port and the second suction port.

Abstract: 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. In one embodiment the coupling device comprises a plate having a first and second channel coupled to opposite edges of the plate. The channels are dimensioned and configured to receive edges of the cleaning implement. At least one channel has projecting members that selectively prevent the cleaning implement from leaving the channel. In some embodiments, the plate has a plurality of recesses dimensioned and configured to selectively receive projections extending from the cleaning implement. The projections of the cleaning implement only fully engage the recesses of the coupling device when an actuator presses the cleaning implement against a floor.

Abstract: 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. In one embodiment the coupling device comprises a plate having a first and second channel coupled to opposite edges of the plate. The channels are dimensioned and configured to receive edges of the cleaning implement. At least one channel has projecting members that selectively prevent the cleaning implement from leaving the channel. In some embodiments, the plate has a plurality of recesses dimensioned and configured to selectively receive projections extending from the cleaning implement. The projections of the cleaning implement only fully engage the recesses of the coupling device when an actuator presses the cleaning implement against a floor.

Abstract: A squeegee assembly for removing liquids from a floor. The squeegee assembly includes a frame that has a first and second suction ports separated from each other in a lateral direction, and a squeegee blade coupled to the frame and positioned adjacent the suction ports. The squeegee blade has a first portion adjacent the first suction port, and a second portion adjacent the second suction port. The first portion extends in lateral directions away from the first suction port at an angle to channel fluid encountered by the first portion toward the first suction port. The second portion extends in lateral directions away from the second suction port at an angle to channel fluid encountered by the second portion toward the second suction port such that the squeegee blade acts as a separate funnel for each of the first suction port and the second suction port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved squeegee assembly. Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to a uniquely shaped squeegee configuration that has been found to remove liquids from a floor in an efficient manner. One particular embodiment utilizes a W-shaped squeegee. Other embodiments are directed to a squeegee fixation device. Yet other embodiments are directed toward a squeegee orientation device. Some embodiments are also directed toward a lifting mechanism and the connection between the squeegee assembly and the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved squeegee assembly. Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to a uniquely shaped squeegee configuration that has been found to remove liquids from a floor in an efficient manner. One particular embodiment utilizes a W-shaped squeegee. Other embodiments are directed to a squeegee fixation device. Yet other embodiments are directed toward a squeegee orientation device. Some embodiments are also directed toward a lifting mechanism and the connection between the squeegee assembly and the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine having a speed control and steering member which operates under operator-applied deformation thereof. The invention provides improved consumer convenience at steering and/or speed control.

Abstract: 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. In one embodiment the coupling device comprises a plate having a first and second channel coupled to opposite edges of the plate. The channels are dimensioned and configured to receive edges of the cleaning implement. At least one channel has projecting members that selectively prevent the cleaning implement from leaving the channel. In some embodiments, the plate has a plurality of recesses dimensioned and configured to selectively receive projections extending from the cleaning implement. The projections of the cleaning implement only fully engage the recesses of the coupling device when an actuator presses the cleaning implement against a floor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved squeegee assembly. Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to a uniquely shaped squeegee configuration that has been found to remove liquids from a floor in an efficient manner. One particular embodiment utilizes a W-shaped squeegee. Other embodiments are directed to a squeegee fixation device. Yet other embodiments are directed toward a squeegee orientation device. Some embodiments are also directed toward a lifting mechanism and the connection between the squeegee assembly and the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: A device and method for regulating the pressure between a floor cleaning implement (22) and a floor, wherein the floor cleaning implement (22) is coupled to a floor cleaning machine (10). The device of one embodiment comprises a cantilevered arm (28) coupled to the floor cleaning machine (10) and a sensor (30) coupled to the cantilevered arm (28) and positioned to sense deflection or other deformation of the cantilevered arm (28). An actuator (26) is coupled between the cantilevered arm (28) and cleaning implements (22). The actuator (26) is also coupled to the sensor (30) and adapted to receive signals from the sensor (30) to cause actuation of the actuator (26). When pressure other than a predetermined amount causes the cantilevered arm (28) to deform, the sensor (30) senses this deformation and cause the actuator (26) to actuate in a direction that allows the cantilevered arm (28) to return to a position in which the pressure is within the predetermined amount.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine having a speed control and steering member which operates under operator-applied deformation thereof. The invention provides improved consumer convenience at steering and/or speed control.