Abstract: A coupling mechanism for removably coupling a storage cart to a surface maintenance machine includes a cart-side connector connectable to the storage cart and a machine-side connector connectable to the surface maintenance machine. The coupling mechanism includes a connecting rod engageable with the machine-side connector. The coupling mechanism includes a bracket assembly positioned between the cart-side connector and the machine-side connector. The bracket assembly can receive the connecting rod to engage therewith to facilitate a first relative movement between the connecting rod and a portion of the bracket assembly in a direction perpendicular to a floor surface on which the surface maintenance machine is traveling, and a pivoting of the bracket assembly about a pivot axis passing through the connecting rod.

Abstract: A surface maintenance machine comprising a body having a forward section, a middle section and a rearward section, wherein the forward section is positioned to the front of a transverse centerline of the machine, the middle section is generally centered on the transverse centerline and a rearward section positioned to the rear of the transverse centerline. A storage chamber can be defined in the middle section and enclosed by a front wall, a rear wall, lateral walls, a generally planar top surface, and a generally planar lower surface, such that the storage chamber is generally isolated from components of the surface maintenance machine. The storage chamber can have a storage chamber bottom surface with or below a top surface of at least one battery positioned in the forward section.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism for removably coupling a storage cart to a surface maintenance machine includes a cart-side connector connectable to the storage cart and a machine-side connector connectable to the surface maintenance machine. The coupling mechanism includes a connecting rod engageable with the machine-side connector. The coupling mechanism includes a bracket assembly positioned between the cart-side connector and the machine-side connector. The bracket assembly can receive the connecting rod to engage therewith to facilitate a first relative movement between the connecting rod and a portion of the bracket assembly in a direction perpendicular to a floor surface on which the surface maintenance machine is traveling, and a pivoting of the bracket assembly about a pivot axis passing through the connecting rod.

Abstract: A surface maintenance machine comprising a body having a forward section, a middle section and a rearward section, wherein the forward section is positioned to the front of a transverse centerline of the machine, the middle section is generally centered on the transverse centerline and a rearward section positioned to the rear of the transverse centerline. A storage chamber can be defined in the middle section and enclosed by a front wall, a rear wall, lateral walls, a generally planar top surface, and a generally planar lower surface, such that the storage chamber is generally isolated from components of the surface maintenance machine. The storage chamber can have a storage chamber bottom surface with or below a top surface of at least one battery positioned in the forward section.

Abstract: A releasable squeegee assembly for coupling to a surface maintenance machine and including a compliant bushing and an over-center lever attached to a pull rod and compliant spring. The compliant bushing is compressed via said over-center lever with said compliant spring providing a spring force. A bushing sleeve is provided to limit the degree of compression of said compliant bushing by the over-center lever. A method of coupling a squeegee assembly to a surface maintenance machine is also provided.

Abstract: A portable vacuum wand for use with a surface maintenance machine, for collection of debris remote from the machine. The vacuum wand is detachable from a rear squeegee assembly of the surface maintenance machine, and includes a handle and a wand head. A vacuum conduit of the vacuum wand is adapted to be coupled to the rear squeegee assembly when not in use so as to provide vacuum to the rear squeegee assembly. A method of cleaning a floor surface with a surface maintenance machine and a portable vacuum wand is also provided.

Abstract: A releasable squeegee assembly for coupling to a surface maintenance machine and including a compliant bushing and an over-center lever attached to a pull rod and compliant spring. The compliant bushing is compressed via said over-center lever with said compliant spring providing a spring force. A bushing sleeve is provided to limit the degree of compression of said compliant bushing by the over-center lever. A method of coupling a squeegee assembly to a surface maintenance machine is also provided.

Abstract: A portable vacuum wand for use with a surface maintenance machine, for collection of debris remote from the machine. The vacuum wand is detachable from a rear squeegee assembly of the surface maintenance machine, and includes a handle and a wand head. A vacuum conduit of the vacuum wand is adapted to be coupled to the rear squeegee assembly when not in use so as to provide vacuum to the rear squeegee assembly. A method of cleaning a floor surface with a surface maintenance machine and a portable vacuum wand is also provided.

Abstract: A console system which may translate longitudinally in a vehicle includes a forward end which is capable of being at least partially nested with a vehicle instrument panel. The range of movement may extend to the front seats or further toward the rear of the vehicle to provide functionality for occupants of second or even third row seats. The translation mechanism preferably includes a track similar to those employed in the vehicle art for manual seat adjustment. In the most preferred embodiment, a storage drawer is included in the instrument panel which may be used when the console is in any position, including its nested position.

Abstract: A console system which may translate longitudinally in a vehicle includes a forward end which is capable of being at least partially nested with a vehicle instrument panel. The range of movement may extend to the front seats or further toward the rear of the vehicle to provide functionality for occupants of second or even third row seats. The translation mechanism preferably includes a track similar to those employed in the vehicle art for manual seat adjustment. In the most preferred embodiment, a storage drawer is included in the instrument panel which may be used when the console is in any position, including its nested position.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooperation with an associated flue having a first axis extending away from a point proximate to an associated combustion chamber which includes a funnel shaped member having first and second ends. The second end is larger than the first end. A damper is disposed in the associated flue which has a generally central bore. The damper is mounted in the associated flue for rotation about a second axis which is generally perpendicular to the first axis and the funnel shaped member is mounted with the first end higher than the second end and with the second end extending into the damper. The mounting for the damper may comprise at least one rod shaped member extending through at least one wall of the associated flue. The mounting for the funnel shaped member may comprise a plurality of elongated members extending radially from the funnel shaped member to the associated flue.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooperation with an associated flue having a first axis extending away from a point proximate to an associated combustion chamber which includes a funnel shaped member having first and second ends. The second end is larger than the first end. A damper is disposed in the associated flue which has a generally central bore. The damper is mounted in the associated flue for rotation about a second axis which is generally perpendicular to the first axis and the funnel shaped member is mounted with the first end higher than the second end and with the second end extending into the damper. The mounting for the damper may comprise at least one rod shaped member extending through at least one wall of the associated flue. The mounting for the funnel shaped member may comprise a plurality of elongated members extending radially from the funnel shaped member to the associated flue.

Abstract: A fireplace form comprising a firebox having an open front, a back wall, and a pair of side walls extending from the back toward the open front. The back and side walls which at least partially converge in upward direction form a main flue outlet generally at the top of the firebox for communication with a chimney flue. The firebox has at least one aperture therein in its back wall intermediate the bottom of the firebox and the main flue outlet. The fireplace form has ducts on the back side of the firebox in communication with these apertures and the chimney flue, these apertures and ducts constituting auxiliary flues for at least partially ducting away smoke and other products of combustion from the firebox. An outer housing surrounds the firebox and defines a chamber between the firebox and the housing for circulating fresh air over the back side of the firebox and over the ducts so as to be heated for discharge of heated air into a room.