Riding floor polishing machine
A riding floor polishing machine with dust and exhaust filtering apparatus is disclosed. The riding floor polishing machine provides a vehicle-driven surface processing apparatus capable of performing a large scale surface polishing operation in an indoor setting with reduced dust accumulation and reduced exhaust emission to the working environment. The riding floor polishing machine includes generally a grinder assembly, an exhaust control device, and a dust collection device, each carried by a vehicle. The grinder assembly includes a plurality of planetary polishing heads carried by a frame. The frame is movably attached to the vehicle such that the planetary polishing heads can be moved in either lateral or vertical directions proximate the vehicle. The vehicle provides mobility to the riding floor polishing machine and includes a power source to provide power for operating the various functions of the grinder assembly, the exhaust control device, and the dust collection device.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of Invention
This invention pertains to surface polishing machines. More particularly, this invention pertains to a riding surface polishing vehicle for conducting various surface polishing operations such as scrubbing, buffing, grinding, or other polishing of floor surfaces or similar, essentially continuous surfaces.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is often necessary to grind, polish, or otherwise refinish large areas of flooring surface, such as basketball gyms, warehouses, or other such structures. The conventional tool used in performing this type of surface polishing is a hand operated polishing machine. This type of machine typically utilizes surface processing apparatus including at least one planetary frictional surface rotated by an electric motor, a combustion engine, or similar power means. Conventionally, the machine includes a handle, and a user operates the machine by walking behind the machine, pushing the handle and manually directing the surface processing apparatus across the flooring surface.
A large scale surface polishing operation is often time consuming, labor intensive, and tiresome. In order to make such a surface processing job easier and less time consuming, the use of riding vehicles has been employed. Thus, a traditional surface processing apparatus is coupled to a vehicle. A user, sitting atop the vehicle, controls both the vehicle and the surface processing apparatus and, overall, gets the job done faster than if the user had to walk behind a traditional surface processing machine.
However, use of a conventional combustion engine vehicle results in the emission of exhaust fumes. When working indoors, this exhaust typically accumulates within the room housing the working surface, often resulting in significantly increased concentrations of toxins immediately surrounding the working surface. The excessive presence of combustion-engine exhaust leads to an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous work environment for the user of the surface polishing machine. Therefore, such use of a vehicle in assisting with large scale surface polishing has been previously limited to outdoor operations or other significantly well ventilated environments.
Furthermore, there has been a perennial problem associated with most surface polishing operations, and even more so with surface polishing operations that are conducted using high speed mechanical equipment. The material that is removed from the finished surface is given off in the form of dust. Frequently, this dust is so light that it hangs in the air for a period of time before settling. In large scale surface polishing operations, using high speed mechanical equipment, a large quantity of dust is generated which creates uncomfortable working conditions for the user. The dust floats in the air for a considerable amount of time and is breathed in by the user. Furthermore, the dust settles on the user's clothing, as well as all exposed surfaces surrounding the surface polishing operation.
Many attempts have been made to reduce the dusting problem associated with high speed, large scale surface polishing operations. One method of reducing the dusting problem is to continuously bathe the working surface with a moving film of liquid that carries away the dust. However, this system, while it keeps dust to a minimum, often necessitates that the user wear waterproof clothing to ensure that the user remains dry. This often creates an uncomfortable working environment for the user.
Other devices have been developed to overcome these and similar problems associated with surface polishing machines. Typical of the art are those devices disclosed in the following U.S. patents:
Of these patents, U.S. Pat. No. 3,701,221, issued to Vinella, discloses a machine for the dry grinding of terrazzo floors which utilizes a vaccum cleaner attachment for the collection of dust raised during the grinding operation. The machine includes a chamber which houses multiple grinding stones. This chamber has a vacuum pick-up head and the chamber is formed in part by a loose fitting skirt assembly. The skirt assembly is resiliently biased in a downwardly direction. A wear shroud forming the lower part of the skirt assembly is biased into firm engagement with the floor and adjustable vent plates are provided for controlling the flow of air through the chamber. The vacuum unit comprises a drum mounted on a wheeled cart which is closely coupled to the machine so that the drum is within the lateral confines of the handle of the machine.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,936,212 ('212), issued to Holz, discloses a vehicle used for troweling large areas of concrete. The '212 patent includes a frame supported by a plurality of troweling rotors. Each troweling rotor has three or four troweling blades, the pitch of which is controlled by the user. The pitch control is extended from all rotors to be separately accessible to the user in the user's seat. The user can steer the vehicle by applying a tilting pressure to one or more rotors with selectivity as to the points along the rotor paths at which the increased downward pressure is applied.
Marton, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,058,936, discloses a vacuum sanding device that has one or more vacuum openings in the central area of the sanding disc, or, one or more vacuum openings about the periphery of the sanding disc. As the sanding disc is rotated, a vacuum pump applies suction through the vacuum openings. Sanding dust is therefore collected by the vacuum system as the rotating sanding disc makes contact with the sanding surface.
An electric buffing machine and method of buffing waxed floors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,253,384, issued to Joines, et. al. The buffing machine comprises a molded plastic housing, a foldable handle and a DC drive motor directly driving a buffing pad holder. The pad is movable into and out of engagement with the floor by a pad lifter mechanism which raises and lowers the pad holder along a splined drive shaft of the drive motor. The pad lifter mechanism comprises a reversible motor mounted to the housing and connected to the pad holder. Rotation of the threaded shaft in one direction or the other moves the lifter arm into which the shaft is threaded together with the pad holder and pad up or down relative to the floor. By observing the current draw of the drive motor, control of pad pressure is achieved. The pad holder design provides a directed air flow into the housing to collect dust, dirt and debris generated by the buffing operation.
U.S. Pat. No. Re. 34,822, issued to Mattson, discloses a power riding trailer for an implement. The power riding trailer includes a vehicle having two driven wheels disposed at or near the vehicle rear end and positioned to rotate parallel to the length of the vehicle. A power system provides power to rotate the two driven wheels. At least one non-steered wheel is located at or near the front end, the non-steered wheel being rotatable about an axis, which axis is at least partially rotatable. A seat is affixed to the trailer to provide access for a user to sit on the vehicle and control the vehicle. The power riding trailer is capable of being attached to a standard walk-behind implement, such as a drum sander. The user steers the vehicle by applying lateral pressure to the handle of the walk-behind implement, upon which the power riding trailer follows behind the implement.
Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,540,305 ('305), issued to Phillips, discloses an electric floor covering removal apparatus. The '305 invention includes an electric motor fitted in a frame for driving a fan, a pair of hydrostatic pumps hydraulically connected to independent, hydraulically-operated wheel motors and a hydraulic gear pump. The hydraulic gear pump raises and lowers a landing gear with respect to the frame, deploys the floor covering engaging-implements of the apparatus, and drives the apparatus to remove the floor covering. A pair of control-arm levers is spring-loaded to neutral and serves to independently operate the hydrostatic pumps and the wheel motors in infinitely variable fashion, in both the forward and reverse directions. The driver's seat is mounted on an insulated cover or shroud that covers the electric motor, hydrostatic pumps and the hydraulic gear pump, as well as electrical gear and a hydraulic fluid reservoir located beneath these operating components. An electric cord handling system, pneumatic rear tires and accessory equipment complete the electric floor covering removal apparatus.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA riding floor polishing machine with dust and exhaust filtering apparatus is disclosed. The riding floor polishing machine provides a vehicle-driven surface processing apparatus capable of performing a large scale surface polishing operation in an indoor setting with reduced dust accumulation and reduced exhaust emission to the working environment. The riding floor polishing machine includes generally a grinder assembly, an exhaust control device, and a dust collection device, each carried by a vehicle. The vehicle includes a chassis, a combustion engine mounted on the chassis, and an exhaust port for releasing exhaust from the combustion engine. The vehicle provides mobility to the riding floor polishing machine and includes an electric generator to provide power for operating the various functions of the grinder assembly, the exhaust control device, and the dust collection device. The exhaust control device has a catalytic converter which receives exhaust from the exhaust port and subjects the exhaust to at least one chemical reaction to reduce the hydrocarbon content of the exhaust from the combustion engine. The grinder assembly includes a plurality of planetary polishing heads carried by a frame. The frame is movably attached to the vehicle such that the planetary polishing heads can be moved in either lateral or vertical directions proximate the vehicle. The dust collection device includes a dust shroud substantially covering the planetary polishing heads and a vacuum cleaner configured to draw dust and air from beneath the dust shroud. The vacuum cleaner then directs the dust and air into a filter apparatus, which separates the dust from the air and direct the dust to a storage vessel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGSThe above-mentioned features of the invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention read together with the drawings in which:
A riding floor polishing machine with dust and exhaust filtering apparatus is disclosed. The riding floor polishing machine, illustrated at 10 in the figures, provides a vehicle-driven surface processing apparatus capable of performing a large scale surface polishing operation in an indoor setting with reduced dust accumulation and reduced exhaust emission to the working environment.
In the present embodiment, the power source 13 includes a combustion engine 40 and an electric generator 66. The combustion engine 40 and the electric generator 66 are each mounted to the vehicle 16 beneath the housing 54. The combustion engine 40 includes a drive shaft 38, and an exhaust system 39 for discharging exhaust from the combustion engine 40. The combustion engine 40 turns the drive shaft 38, and the drive shaft 38 mechanically engages the electric generator 66 to allow the combustion engine 40 to power the electric generator 66. The electric generator 66 includes an output 68 to provide electricity for powering various other functions of the riding floor polishing machine 10. In addition, the electric generator 66 provides electricity to an electric motor 15 to power the electric motor 15. The electric motor 15 is configured to engage a sprocket 17, which in turn mechanically engages at least one of the wheels 44, 46 to propel the vehicle 16.
Additionally, a fuel tank 41 is disposed on the vehicle 16. The fuel tank 41 supplies a conventional combustible fuel such as natural gas or gasoline to the combustion engine 40. The fuel tank 41 includes a fuel line 37 to provide fuel to the combustion engine 40, and a throttle control 11 is provided to regulate the intake of fuel to the combustion engine 40, thereby regulating the speed of the combustion engine 40. At least one brake 45 is disposed proximate the driver's seat 48. The brake 45 communicates mechanically with at least one wheel 44, 46 to selectively decelerate the vehicle 16. A safety pedal 43 is provided to enable driving the riding floor polishing machine 10 and to enable the planetary polishing heads 18. If the safety pedal 43 is released, the vehicle travel ceases and the planetary polishing heads 18 cease to rotate. This override feature automatically turns the riding floor polishing machine 10 off in the event the driver falls off or otherwise leaves the riding floor polishing machine 10. From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a typical combustion-engine vehicle has been provided.
In the present embodiment, the vehicle 16 includes an exhaust control device 14.
Referring to
A further embodiment of the grinder assembly 12 is illustrated in
The support structure 22 is adapted to receive a plurality of planetary polishing heads 18.
In one embodiment, each planetary polishing head 18 includes a series of grinding plates 28 constructed from diamond-based grinding stone. As each motor 32 selectively rotates each grinding plate 28 about its cooperating central shaft 30, the grinding plates 28 make contact with the working surface 70 to grind and abrade a superficial layer of material from the working surface 70. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that grinding is merely one application of the present invention. To this extent, it is appreciated that each grinding plate 28 may be constructed from numerous other materials to accomplish a wide variety of polishing functions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Referring to
The vacuum cleaner 52 includes an electrical box 84 mounted behind a vacuum motor 86 for receiving power from the power source 13. In the illustrated embodiment, a vacuum cable 88 extends from the electrical box 84 and attaches to the output 68 of the electric generator 66 to provide electricity to the vacuum motor 86. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize other suitable means for providing power to the vacuum motor 86 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The vacuum motor 86 turns a regenerative blower 90 to draw air and dust from beneath the dust shroud 56 through the intake conduit 76 and into a filter apparatus 58. The filter apparatus 58 is designed such as to separate the dust from the air and direct the dust to a storage vessel 72. The filter apparatus 58 includes an air output 82 through which clean air from the filter apparatus 58 is discharged and returned to the work environment.
Referring to
In the present embodiment, a hydraulic system 107 is used to mechanically position the planetary polishing heads 18 of the riding floor polishing machine 10. As shown in
Another embodiment of the power source 13′ is schematically illustrated in
While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.
Claims
1-6. (canceled)
7. A self-contained riding floor polishing machine comprising:
- a vehicle having: a chassis; and a power source mounted on said chassis;
- a grinder assembly adapted to be engaged by said power source, said grinder assembly having: a frame carried by said vehicle; and a polishing head mounted on said frame;
- an imaging device mounted on said vehicle; and
- a monitor in electrical communication with said imaging device, said monitor being configured to produce a series of optical images depicting the periphery of said riding floor polishing machine to assist an operator in guiding said riding floor polishing machine.
8. A self-contained riding floor polishing machine comprising:
- a vehicle having: a chassis; and a power source mounted on said chassis;
- a grinder assembly adapted to be engaged by said power source, said grinder assembly having: a frame carried by said vehicle, said frame comprising: a hinged member pivotally secured to said vehicle, said hinged member having an axial dimension; a support structure fixed to said hinged member, said support structure being adapted to receive said planetary polishing heads; and, a mechanical piston having a first end and a second end, said mechanical piston first end being pivotally secured to said vehicle and said mechanical piston second end being pivotally secured to said hinged member, said mechanical piston being configured in a direction biased to said axial dimension of said hinged member, whereby upon the extension and retraction of said mechanical piston, said hinged member rotates proximate said vehicle to facilitate selective repositioning of said planetary polishing heads proximate said vehicle; and a polishing head mounted on said frame.
9-16. (canceled)
17. A self-contained riding floor polishing machine comprising:
- a vehicle having: a chassis; and a power source mounted on said chassis, said power source comprising a combustion engine having at least one exhaust port; a driver's seat mounted on said vehicle; a plurality of coaxial wheels rotatably mounted to said chassis; a plurality of steering wheels rotatably and pivotally mounted to said chassis; and a steering control projecting upwardly from said chassis forwardly of said driver's seat, said steering control engaging said plurality of steering wheels to allow a user to steer said vehicle;
- a grinder assembly adapted to be engaged by said power source, said grinder assembly having: a frame carried by said vehicle; and a polishing head mounted on said frame;
- an exhaust control device having a catalytic converter in communication with said exhaust port, said catalytic converter being adapted to allow exhaust to enter said catalytic converter and to subject the exhaust to at least one chemical reaction;
- a first imaging device mounted on said vehicle rearward of said driver's seat, said first imaging device being configured to observe rearward of said vehicle;
- a second imaging device mounted on said grinder assembly, said second imaging device being configured to observe forward of said grinder assembly; and
- a monitor in electrical communication with said first and second imaging devices, said monitor being configured to produce a series of optical images depicting the periphery forward and rearward of said riding floor polishing machine.
18. A riding floor polishing machine comprising:
- a vehicle comprising: a chassis; a power source mounted on said chassis, said power source comprising: a combustion engine having at least one exhaust port, said combustion engine being configured to rotate a drive shaft; a driver's seat mounted on said vehicle; a plurality of coaxial wheels rotatably mounted to said chassis; a plurality of steering wheels rotatably and pivotally mounted to said chassis; and, a steering control projecting upwardly from said chassis forwardly of said driver's seat, said steering control engaging said plurality of steering wheels to allow a user to steer said vehicle;
- a first imaging device mounted on said vehicle rearward of said driver's seat, said first imaging device being configured to observe rearward of said vehicle;
- a second imaging device mounted on said grinder assembly, said second imaging device being configured to observe forward of said grinder assembly; and,
- a monitor in electrical communication with said first and second imaging devices, said monitor being configured to produce a series of optical images depicting the periphery forward and rearward of said riding floor polishing machine to assist an operator in guiding said riding floor polishing machine;
- a grinder assembly adapted to be engaged by said power source, said grinder assembly comprising: a frame carried by said vehicle; and, a polishing head mounted on said frame, said polishing head comprising: a central shaft; a motor configured to rotate said central shaft; and
- a polishing plate mounted to said central shaft, whereby said polishing plate is adapted to contact and apply frictional force to a working surface;
- a dust collection device in communication with said power source, said dust collection device comprising: a shroud substantially covering said polishing plate, said shroud defining an intake opening; a storage vessel; and, a vacuum cleaner comprising: a conduit having a first end and a second end, said conduit first end being adapted to be received by said intake opening; a regenerative blower disposed proximate said conduit second end; a motor configured to rotate said regenerative blower; and, a filter apparatus; whereby said regenerative blower is configured to draw dust from beneath said shroud and into said filter apparatus, said filter apparatus being configured to direct dust into said storage vessel;
- an exhaust control device comprising:
- a catalytic converter in communication with said exhaust port, said catalytic converter being adapted to allow exhaust to enter said catalytic converter and to subject the exhaust to at least one chemical reaction;
- an oxygen sensor fixed proximate said exhaust port, said oxygen sensor being configured to sample the composition of the exhaust produced by said combustion engine;
- a regulator in communication with said combustion engine for limiting fuel flow to said combustion engine; and,
- a programmable controller in electrical communication with said oxygen sensor and said regulator.
19. The riding floor polishing machine of claim 18, said power source further comprising:
- a combustion engine mounted on said chassis, said combustion engine having at least one exhaust port, said combustion engine being configured to rotate a drive shaft; and,
- a hydraulic system comprising: a hydraulic reservoir configured to hold a supply of hydraulic fluid; a hydraulic pump, said hydraulic pump being adapted to move said hydraulic fluid into and out of the hydraulic fluid reservoir to provide power to
- operate various functions of said riding floor polishing machine; said frame comprising: a hinged member pivotally secured to said vehicle, said hinged member having an axial dimension; a support structure fixed to said hinged member; and, a mechanical piston having a first end and a second end, said mechanical piston first end being pivotally secured to said vehicle and said mechanical piston second end being pivotally secured to said hinged member, said mechanical piston being configured in a direction biased to said axial dimension of said hinged member.
20. A riding floor polishing machine comprising:
- a vehicle comprising: a chassis; a combustion engine mounted on said chassis, said combustion engine being configured to rotate a drive shaft; and, an exhaust port; a driver's seat mounted on said vehicle; a plurality of coaxial wheels rotatably mounted to said chassis; a plurality of steering wheels rotatably and pivotally mounted to said chassis; and, a steering control projecting upwardly from said chassis forwardly of said driver's seat, said steering control engaging said plurality of steering wheels to allow a user to steer said vehicle;
- a first imaging device mounted on said vehicle rearward of said driver's seat, said first imaging device being configured to observe rearward of said vehicle;
- a second imaging device mounted on said grinder assembly, said second imaging device being configured to observe forward of said grinder assembly; and,
- a monitor in electrical communication with said first and second imaging devices, said monitor being configured to produce a series of optical images depicting the periphery forward and rearward of said riding floor polishing machine to assist an operator in guiding said riding floor polishing machine;
- an electric generator in mechanical communication with said combustion engine, said electric generator being carried by said vehicle, said electric generator having at least one output to provide a source of electricity;
- a grinder assembly in electrical communication with said electric generator, said grinder assembly comprising: a frame carried by said vehicle, said frame comprising: a mast pivotally connected to said vehicle, said mast protruding substantially upwards from said vehicle; a boom configured substantially perpendicular to said mast, said boom being slidably attached to said mast, whereby said vehicle communicates with said boom to raise and lower said boom along said mast; and, a support structure slidably attached to said boom, whereby said vehicle mechanically communicates with said support structure to slide said support structure along said boom; a polishing head mounted on said frame, said polishing head comprising: a central shaft; a motor configured to rotate said central shaft; and,
- a polishing plate mounted to said central shaft, whereby said polishing plate is adapted to contact and apply frictional force to a working surface;
- a dust collection device in electrical communication with said electric generator, said dust collection device comprising: a shroud substantially covering said polishing plate, said shroud defining an intake opening; a storeage vessel; and, a vacuum cleaner comprising: a conduit having a first end and a second end, said conduit first end being adapted to be received by said intake opening; a regenerative blower disposed proximate said conduit second end; a motor configured to rotate said regenerative blower; and, a filter apparatus; whereby said regenerative blower is configured to draw dust from beneath said shroud and into said filter apparatus, said filter apparatus being configured to direct dust into said storage vessel;
- an exhaust control device comprising:
- a catalytic converter in communication with said exhaust port, said catalytic converter being adapted to allow exhaust to enter said catalytic converter and to subject the exhaust to at least one chemical reaction;
- an oxygen sensor fixed proximate said exhaust port, said oxygen sensor being configured to sample the composition of the exhaust produced by said combustion engine;
- a regulator in communication with said combustion engine for limiting fuel flow to said combustion engine; and,
- a programmable controller in electrical communication with said oxygen sensor and said regulator.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 5, 2006
Publication Date: Jul 5, 2007
Applicant: CPT, Inc. (Norris, TN)
Inventors: Stephen Padgett (Powell, TN), Thomas Lively (Andersonville, TN)
Application Number: 11/325,710
International Classification: B24B 51/00 (20060101); B24B 49/00 (20060101); B24B 23/00 (20060101);