Base board cleaning apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for cleaning low lying areas, such as base boards, includes a rollable base, a rotatable brush carried on the base for cleaning the low lying area, a pressurized tank carried by the base for containing a cleaning fluid, and a nozzle in communication with the tank for dispensing the cleaning fluid from the tank. The brush can be releasably connected to a shaft that is rotatably mounted on the base and extends outwardly from the base. The nozzle can be positioned proximate the brush, such that cleaning fluid sprayed from the nozzle contacts the brush. The brush is positioned against the base board and rotated. A trigger release can be in communication with the tank, so that engagement of the trigger release sprays cleaning fluid from the nozzle.

Description

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/605,023, filed Aug. 27, 2004. The invention of the present application relates to a cleaning apparatus. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus that enables the user to quickly and easily clean low lying areas, such as vinyl base boards. The apparatus can be motorized or self propelled to provide for fast and easy cleaning. The invention is particularly suited for assisting professional cleaning staff in cleaning vinyl base boards in large commercial buildings.

Technical Field and Background of the Invention

Base boards, the molding mounted at the junction of a floor and a wall, are a common fixture in buildings of all types. Because of their position adjacent and perpendicular to the floor, they are difficult to clean. Base boards in commercial buildings are often made of material, such as vinyl, requiring regular cleaning. Sufficiently cleaning such base boards often requires a person to get on his hands and knees and manually scrub the base boards. Such labor intensive work is physically demanding and time consuming, particularly for professional cleaning staffs that are responsible for cleaning a large commercial building.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that efficiently cleans low lying areas, such as base boards.

It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus that enables the user to clean base boards without requiring the user to bend over or kneel to manually scrub the base boards.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing an apparatus for cleaning low lying areas comprising a base, means for moving the base on a floor surface, a brush carried by the base for cleaning a low lying area, a container carried by the base for containing a cleaning fluid, and a means for dispensing the cleaning fluid from the container.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, a first shaft is rotatably mounted on the base and extends outwardly from the base. The brush is connected to the first shaft, and the first shaft can be rotated so that the brush rotates to clean the low lying area.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the container is a pressurized tank.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a nozzle is in communication with the container and positioned proximate the brush, such that cleaning fluid sprayed from the nozzle contacts the brush.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a trigger release is in communication with the container, such that engagement of the trigger release sprays cleaning fluid from the nozzle.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the base is rectangular and includes a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first shaft and the nozzle are positioned proximate and substantially parallel to the front side of the base.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first shaft is positioned substantially perpendicular to the front side of the base.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a motor is operably connected to the first shaft for rotating the first shaft.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a second shaft is carried by the base, and a first drive belt operably connects the first shaft and the second shaft to impart rotational motion therebetween. A second drive belt operably connects a motor to the second shaft, so that the motor drives rotation of the second shaft and the second shaft drives rotation of the first shaft.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of wheels are mounted on the base, and an axle is connected to at least one of the wheels. A third drive belt operably connects the motor and the axle, so that the motor drives rotation of the axle and rotation of the second shaft.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first shaft is mounted within a first pair of ball bearing pillow blocks connected to an underside of the base, and is operably connected to a first sheave so that rotational movement is imparted therebetween.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a second shaft is mounted within a second pair of ball bearing pillow blocks connected to the underside of the base, and is operably connected to a second sheave and a third sheave. A first drive belt operably connects the first shaft and the second shaft by connecting the first sheave and the second sheave. A second drive belt connects the third sheave to a fourth sheave. A motor is mounted on an upper side of the base and is operatively connected to the fourth sheave, so that the motor drives rotation of the first shaft.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the brush is releasably connected to the first shaft.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the brush includes a rod positioned within a bore defined by the first shaft, and the rod is releasably maintained within the bore by a set screw.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of wheels mounted on the base, and a handlebar is mounted on the base, so that a user can push the base along the floor surface.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the motor is operably connected to the first shaft, and a bail lever is operably connected to the motor and positioned on the handle bar, such that a user must maintain the bail lever in an engaged position to keep the motor running.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a trigger release is in communication with the container, such that engagement of the trigger release sprays cleaning fluid from the nozzle. The trigger release is positioned on the handlebar.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the brush is adapted to clean base boards.

A method for cleaning base boards according to a preferred embodiment of the invention includes the steps of providing a cleaning apparatus having a base and a plurality of wheels mounted thereon for movement on a floor surface, a brush rotatably mounted on the base, a container carried by the base for containing a cleaning fluid, and a dispenser positioned proximate the brush for dispensing cleaning fluid from the container. The cleaning apparatus is positioned such that the brush contacts a base board to be cleaned, and the cleaning fluid is dispensed from the container. The brush is rotated and the base is moved along the floor surface to clean the base board.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the invention proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a base board cleaning apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial environmental view of the base board cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the top side of the base board cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is another partial perspective view of the base board cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the bottom side of the base board cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is yet another perspective view of the base board cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is yet another partial perspective view of the base board cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a partial schematic view of the main shaft and brush of the base board cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a partial schematic view of the base board cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a base board cleaning apparatus according to another preferred embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE

Referring now specifically to the drawings, an apparatus for cleaning low lying areas, such as base boards, is illustrated in FIG. 1, and shown generally at reference numeral 10. The apparatus 10 generally comprises a platform base 11, with a center axis main shaft 12 rotatably connected to the base 11 and having a brush 13 mounted at the end of the shaft 12 for cleaning a base board.

The base 11 is preferably rectangular, but can be any variety of shapes. The base 11 is preferably made of ¼ inch thick steel, however, the base 11 can be made of any suitable material. As shown in FIG. 5, the main shaft 12 is preferably connected to the underside of the base 11 proximate the front side of the base 11 by positioning the shaft 12 within a first pair of ball bearing pillow blocks 14, 15. The shaft 12 is also positioned within a first sheave 16 between the pillow blocks 14, 15. A first drive belt 17 is run around the first sheave 16 connected to the main shaft 12 and a second sheave 26 connected to an intermediate shaft 22. As shown in FIG. 5, the intermediate shaft 22 is preferably positioned proximate the center of the underside of the base 11. Preferably, the intermediate shaft 22 is rotatably connected to the base 11 by positioning the shaft 22 within a second pair of ball bearing pillow blocks 24, 25 positioned on the underside of the base 11. Adjacent to the second sheave 26 on the intermediate shaft 22 is a third sheave 36 that carries a second belt 27. The second belt 27 extends upward through an opening in the base 11 and is run around a fourth sheave 46 that is connected to a right angle gear motor 40 mounted on the upper side of the base 11, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. As such, the motor 40 drives the fourth sheave 46, which rotates the intermediate shaft 22, which rotates the main shaft 12. Preferably, the motor runs at 175 rpm. A capacitor 45 is used to get the motor 40 up to its operating rpm.

It should be noted that the main shaft 12, intermediate shaft 22 and motor 30 can be operably connected in a variety of ways that imparts rotational motion from the motor 30 to the main shaft 12. As used in this application, the phrases “operably connected” and “operably connecting” refer to any arrangement in which one part imparts motion on another, and does not require physical contact between the belts 17, 27 and the shafts 12, 22. Nor does it require the use of sheaves 16, 26, 36, 46.

As shown in FIG. 5, the main shaft 12 extends laterally from the base 11. The main shaft 12 preferably has a diameter of ⅝ inch and the intermediate shaft 22 preferably has a diameter of ½ inch, however, the shafts 12, 22 can be of any suitable diameter. The brush 13 is mounted at one end of the shaft 12, as shown in FIG. 6. Preferably, the brush 13 has a pin 58 extending from one side that is sized for positioning within a bore 18 formed at the end of the shaft, as shown in FIG. 8. The pin 58 is held in place within the bore by a set screw 19. Preferably, the bore has a diameter of 5/16 inch and is one inch long, however, the bore 18 can be of any suitable size consistent with the size of the shaft 12.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the brush 13 preferably comprises a plurality of bristles for contacting and cleaning a base board. Preferably, the brush bristles are made of black crimped nylon fibers having a diameter of 0.028 inches, however the bristles can be of any material or size suitable for cleaning base boards. Standard vinyl base boards are generally four inches high. Accordingly, the brush 13 preferably has a diameter of four inches, and the center axis main shaft 12 is preferably positioned two inches above the floor surface.

Engagement of the motor 40 rotates the main shaft 12 and the brush 13 to facilitate cleaning of a base board when the brush 13 contacts the base board. A drum switch 47, positioned on the base 11, has a forward and reverse switch 48 to enable the motor 40 to rotate the shaft 12 in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

While the Figures show the main shaft 12 extending perpendicularly from the lateral sides of the base 11, the main shaft 12 can be positioned at any variety of angles. In one alternative embodiment, the main shaft 12 extends from the front side of the base 11, such that the main shaft 12 is approximately parallel to the lateral sides of the base 11, and the base boards are cleaned primarily by the lateral bristles of the brush 13.

The apparatus 10 preferably has means for rolling movement on a surface. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the apparatus 10 preferably includes four wheels 41, 42, 43, 44 connected at the four corners of the base 11 by attachment to wheel mounts 51, 52, 53, 54, respectively. The wheels 41-44 preferably have a diameter of eight inches, however, they can have any suitable diameter.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, a handle bar 55 is preferably mounted on the base 11 proximate the rear side of the base 11 to provide a means for the user to push the apparatus 10. A bail lever 59 can be mounted on the handle bar 55 and is operatively connected to the motor 40 by a linkage 49, shown in FIG. 4, so that the user must maintain the lever 59 engaged in order to keep the motor 40 running.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a container 30 is positioned at the rear of the base 11 and proximate the handle bar 55. Preferably, the container 30 is a pressurized tank and contains a cleaning fluid suitable for cleaning the vinyl base board. A hose 32 is connected to the container 30, extends along one of the lateral sides and the front side of the base 11, and terminates with a nozzle 33 proximate the brush 13, as shown in FIG. 1. A trigger release 34 is connected to the container and positioned on the handle bar 55. By engaging the trigger release 34, fluid in the container 30 is sprayed out of the nozzle 33. Due to the proximity of the nozzle 33 to the brush 13, the sprayed cleaning fluid is applied by the brush to the base board to clean the base board.

The user positions the apparatus 10 such that the brush 13 is in contact with the base board “B” to be cleaned. The user starts the motor 40 and engages the bail lever 59 to keep the motor 40 running and the brush 13 rotating. The user pulls the trigger release 34 to spray a desired amount of cleaning fluid “F” from the container 30. The brush 13 applies the cleaning fluid “F” to the base board “B” and the spinning of the bristles of the brush 13 cleans the base board, as shown in FIG. 2. The user moves the apparatus 10 along the base board by gripping the handle bar 55 and pushing.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 10 and shown generally at reference numeral 10′, the motor 40 is used to propel the apparatus 10′ as well as rotate the cleaning brush 13. In this embodiment, the fourth sheave 46 is operatively connected by a belt 57 to the rear wheel axle 56 so that rotation of the rear wheel axle 56 imparts rotation of the intermediate shaft 22 and the main shaft 12. As such, the motor 40 rotates the brush 13 and propels the apparatus 10′ along the floor surface by rotating the rear wheel axle 56.

An apparatus for cleaning base boards, and a method of using same are described above. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from its scope. While the invention is described above as preferably being used to clean base boards, it is contemplated that the invention can be useful in other applications. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for cleaning low lying areas comprising:

(a) a base;

(b) means for moving the base on a floor surface;

(c) a brush carried by the base for cleaning a low lying area, the brush being adapted for rotational movement;

(d) a container carried by the base for containing a cleaning fluid; and

(e) means for dispensing the cleaning fluid from the container.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

(a) a first shaft rotatably mounted on the base and extending outwardly from the base, the brush being connected to the first shaft; and

(b) means for rotating the first shaft whereby the brush rotates to clean the low lying area.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the container comprises a pressurized tank.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the means for dispensing the cleaning fluid comprises a nozzle in communication with the container and positioned proximate the brush, wherein cleaning fluid sprayed from the nozzle contacts the brush.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the means for dispensing the cleaning fluid further comprises a trigger release in communication with the container, whereby engagement of the trigger release sprays cleaning fluid from the nozzle.

6. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the base is rectangular and includes a front side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first shaft and the nozzle are positioned proximate and substantially parallel to the front side of the base.

8. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first shaft is positioned substantially perpendicular to the front side of the base.

9. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the means for rotating the first shaft comprises a motor operably connected to the first shaft.

10. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the means for rotating the first shaft comprises:

(a) a second shaft carried by the base;

(b) a first drive belt operably connecting the first shaft and the second shaft for imparting rotational motion therebetween;

(c) a motor; and

(d) a second drive belt operably connecting the motor and the second shaft; whereby the motor drives rotation of the second shaft and the second shaft drives rotation of the first shaft.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the means for moving the base on a floor surface comprises:

(a) a plurality of wheels mounted on the base;

(b) an axle connected to at least one of the wheels; and

(c) a third drive belt operably connecting the motor and the axle, whereby the motor drives rotation of the axle and rotation of the second shaft.

12. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first shaft is mounted within a first pair of ball bearing pillow blocks connected to an underside of the base, and is operably connected to a first sheave whereby rotational movement is imparted therebetween.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the means for rotating the first shaft comprises:

(a) a second shaft mounted within a second pair of ball bearing pillow blocks connected to the underside of the base, and operably connected to a second sheave and a third sheave;

(b) a first drive belt operably connecting the first shaft and the second shaft by connecting the first sheave and the second sheave;

(c) a second drive belt connecting the third sheave to a fourth sheave; and

(d) a motor mounted on an upper side of the base and connected to the fourth sheave, whereby the motor drives rotation of the first shaft.

14. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the brush is releasably connected to the first shaft.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the brush includes a rod positioned within a bore defined by the first shaft, and the rod is releasably maintained within the bore by a set screw.

16. An apparatus according claim 2, wherein the means for moving the base on a floor surface comprises:

(a) a plurality of wheels mounted on the base; and

(b) a handlebar mounted on the base, whereby a user can push the base along the floor surface.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the means for rotating the first shaft comprises:

(a) a motor operably connected to the first shaft; and

(b) a bail lever operably connected to the motor and positioned on the handle bar, whereby a user must maintain the bail lever in an engaged position to keep the motor running.

18. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the means for dispensing the cleaning fluid comprises a trigger release in communication with the container, whereby engagement of the trigger release sprays cleaning fluid from the nozzle, and further wherein the trigger release is positioned on the handlebar.

19. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the brush is adapted to clean base boards.

20. A method for cleaning base boards comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a cleaning apparatus comprising: (i) a base and a plurality of wheels mounted thereon for movement on a floor surface, (ii) a brush rotatably mounted on the base, (iii) a container carried by the base for containing a cleaning fluid, and (iv) a dispenser positioned proximate the brush for dispensing cleaning fluid from the container; and

(b) positioning the cleaning apparatus such that the brush contacts a base board to be cleaned;

(c) dispensing cleaning fluid from the container;

(d) rotating the brush; and

(e) moving the base on the floor surface whereby the cleaning apparatus cleans the base board.