CLEANING APPARATUS

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area, such as fins, evaporation coils, and condenser coils. The apparatus comprises a container having a first compartment and a second compartment, a first pump accommodated in the first compartment and a second pump accommodated in the second compartment. The apparatus further comprises a first hose detachably coupled to the first compartment, a second hose detachably coupled to the second pump, and a cleaning attachment detachably coupled to the first hose and the second hose. The cleaning attachment comprises a housing, a cleaning member, and a fluid dispensing pipe. The housing comprises a front end portion mounting the cleaning member thereon, a rear end portion coupled to the first hose, and a passage extending between the front end portion and the rear end portion. Further, the fluid dispensing pipe is coupled to the housing and the second hose.

Description

OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to cleaning apparatuses, and, more particularly, to an apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area, such as fins, evaporation coils, and condenser coils, of an air conditioner, a heat exchanger, and a refrigerator, respectively.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Periodic cleaning of fins, evaporation coils, and condenser coils of devices, such as refrigerators, heat exchangers, and air conditioners, respectively, is desirable for maintaining a better efficiency of such devices. Specifically, a cleaning activity may include removing dirt, such as dust, oil, and insects, trapped between the fins, the evaporation coils, and the condenser coils. Generally, cleaning the fins, the evaporation coils, and the condenser coils is time consuming and cumbersome due to inconspicuous gaps between adjacent fins, between adjacent evaporation coils, and between adjacent condenser coils.

Further, the cleaning of the fins, the evaporation coils, and the condenser coils typically involves the removal of the fins, evaporation coils, and the condenser coils from their respective positions on the devices. In such an instance, the removed fins, the evaporation coils, and condenser coils need to be handled carefully for avoiding any damage being caused thereto. For example, the condenser coils need to be handled carefully for avoiding a leakage of a refrigerant filled in the condenser coils. As such, service of a skilled professional is required for the removal of the fins, the evaporation coils, and the condenser coils, which in turn increases labor costs. Moreover, the cleaning activity of the removed fins, the evaporation coils, and the condenser coils is generally performed by application of water, and thereafter drying of water from the removed fins, the evaporation coils, and the condenser coils is required before reinstallation thereof. Accordingly, time required for the drying of water from the fins, the evaporation coils, and the condenser coils increase an overall time of the cleaning activity.

Accordingly, there exists a need for an apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area, such as fins, evaporation coils and condenser coils, of an air conditioner, a heat exchanger, and a refrigerator, respectively, to facilitate cleaning of the dirt from the work area in an easy, convenient, and time-efficient manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area that is configured to include all the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area, such as fins, evaporation coils and condenser coils, of an air conditioner, a heat exchanger, and a refrigerator, respectively, in an easy, convenient and time-efficient manner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for cleaning dirt from fins, evaporation coils and condenser coils, which precludes a need for dismantling the fins, the evaporation coils and the condenser coils for cleaning thereof.

In light of the above objects, in one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area, such as fins and condenser coils of an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a heat exchanger and the like is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a container, a first pump, a second pump, a first hose, a second hose, and a cleaning attachment. The container comprises a first compartment and a second compartment. The second compartment stores a fluid therein. The first pump is accommodated in the first compartment for creating vacuum within the first compartment. Further, the second pump is accommodated in the second compartment. Specifically, the second pump is submerged in the fluid stored in the second compartment and is adapted to pump the fluid. Furthermore, the first hose is detachably coupled to the first compartment from a first end portion thereof and the second hose is detachably coupled to the second pump from a proximal end portion thereof. Particularly, the second hose is adapted to receive the fluid pumped by the second pump. Moreover, the cleaning attachment is detachably coupled to the first hose and the second hose.

The cleaning attachment comprises a housing, a cleaning member, and a fluid dispensing pipe. The housing comprises a front end portion, a rear end portion, and a passage extending between the front end portion and the rear end portion. The rear end portion of the housing is adapted to be detachably coupled to a second end portion of the first hose. Further, the cleaning member is mounted at the front end portion of the housing and is adapted to displace the dirt from the work area upon being placed in vicinity thereof. The fluid dispensing pipe is coupled to the housing and is adapted to be detachably coupled to a distal end portion of the second hose for dispensing the fluid received by the second hose on the work area. The vacuum created within the first compartment enables in drawing the displaced dirt and a remnant dispensed fluid from the work area into the first compartment through the passage of the housing and the first hose, thereby cleaning the work area.

This together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, is pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cleaning attachment of the apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic circuit diagram of the apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in implementation thereof. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to an apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area, as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

The present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area, such as fins, evaporation coils, and condenser coils of an air conditioner, a heat exchanger, and a refrigerator, respectively. Specifically, the apparatus enables in cleaning dirt, such as dust, oil, and insects, trapped between the fins and the condenser coils. The apparatus of the present invention is capable of cleaning the dirt from the work area by performing at least one of removing the dirt by scrubbing action, dispensing fluid on the dirt, and drawing the dirt and a remnant dispensed fluid from the work area. Further, the apparatus of the present invention may be conveniently utilized in homes, and commercial establishments, such as offices, and public places like hotels, hospitals and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an apparatus 100 for cleaning dirt from a work area is illustrated, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 100 includes a container 102 having a first compartment 104 and a second compartment 106, a first pump 108 accommodated in the first compartment 104, and a second pump 110 accommodated in the second compartment 106. The apparatus 100 further includes a first hose 112 detachably coupled to the first compartment 104, a second hose 114 detachably coupled to the second pump 110, and a cleaning attachment 116 detachably coupled to the first hose 112 and the second hose 114. In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100 may further include a wheel mechanism having a plurality of wheels, such as wheels 118a, and 118b, configured at a bottom portion (not shown) of the container 102 for enabling mobility of the apparatus 100.

As shown in FIG. 1, the container 102 of the apparatus 100 is configured to assume an elongated hollow cylindrical structure. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the container 102 may be configured to assume other shape, such as an elliptical elongated structure, or a polygonal elongated structure. Further, as explained herein, the container 102 includes the first compartment 104 and the second compartment 106. More specifically, the container 102 includes a partition member 120 configured within the container 102 in a manner such that the partition member 120 configures the first compartment 104 and the second compartment 106 within the container 102. In one embodiment of the present invention, the partition member 120 may be configured to form an integral member of the container 102 by a manufacturing process, such as molding. The partition member 120 divides an interior space of the container 102 into the first compartment 104 and the second compartment 106.

The first compartment 104 of the container 102 accommodates the first pump 108 therein that is adapted to create vacuum within the first compartment 104. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the first pump 108 is accommodated within a sub compartment 122 configured on a top surface 124 of the first compartment 104. The sub compartment 122 extends upwardly from the top surface 124 of the first compartment 104 for configuring a cavity to accommodate the first pump 108 therein. Further, the first pump 108 may be mounted within the sub compartment 122 using a suitable fasting mechanism, such brackets and screws (not shown). In the present embodiment, the first pump 108 is a wet vacuum pump capable of creating vacuum within the first compartment 104. The vacuum created in the first compartment 104 enables in drawing dirt from a work area (not shown) by utilizing the first hose 112 detachably coupled to the first compartment 104, which will be explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2. Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100 may includes a filter member 126 configured on the first compartment 104. More specifically, the first compartment 104 may include an opening configured with the filter member 126 thereon. The filter members 126 enables in allowing air to pass from the first compartment 104 upon drawing the dirt into the first compartment 104 by the vacuum created in the first compartment 104.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first hose 112 includes a first end portion 128 and a second end portion 130. The first end portion 128 of the first hose 112 is detachably coupled to the first compartment 104. More specifically, the first end portion 128 of the first hose 112 is detachably coupled to the top surface 124 of the first compartment 104. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first end portion 128 of the first hose 112 may include a threaded portion (not shown) capable of engaging with a complementary threaded portion of an opening (not shown) configured on the top surface 124 of the first compartment 104, thereby enabling the detachable coupling between the first hose 112 and the first compartment 104. The first hose 112 is further adapted to be detachably coupled to the cleaning attachment 116 from the second end portion 130 of the first hose 112. The coupling between the first hose 112 and the cleaning attachment 116 is further explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2.

Further, in the present embodiment, the second compartment 106 of the container 102 stores a fluid 132 therein. The second pump 110 accommodated in the second compartment 106 in a manner such that the second pump 110 is submerged in the fluid 132. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fluid 132 may be a cleaning agent, such as water, and the second pump 110 may be a sump pump. The second pump 110 may include an inlet port (not shown) and an outlet port 134. The outlet port 134 may be detachably coupled to the second hose 114. Specifically, a proximal end portion 136 of the second hose 114 is detachably coupled to the outlet port 134 of the second pump 110. Further, a distal end portion 138 of the second hose 114 is adapted to be detachably coupled to the cleaning attachment 116. The coupling between the second hose 114 and the cleaning attachment 116 is further explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2. In operation, the second pump 110 is adapted to pump the fluid 132. Specifically, the fluid 132 pumped by the second pump 110 may be received by the second hose 114 for cleaning of the work area.

It may be evident to a person skilled in the art that the first pump 108 and the second pump 110 require electrical power for the operation thereof. In the present embodiment, the first pump 108 and the second pump 110 may operate on electrical power from an Alternating Current (AC) power source (not shown). Specifically, the apparatus 100 includes a relay box 140, an electrical cord 142, and a plug 144 for receiving the electrical power from the AC power source, such as a wall socket. In the present embodiment, the relay box 140 is mounted an outer surface of the first compartment 104, the electrical cord 142 is electrically coupled to the relay box 140, and the plug 144 is configured at an end portion of the electrical cord 142. Further, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the apparatus 100 may include an electrical circuit for distributing the electrical power to the first pump 108 and the second pump 110 for the operation thereof. The electrical circuit of the present invention is further explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 3. Moreover, in one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100 may include an internal power source, such as battery, capable of providing the required electrical power to the first pump 108 and the second pump 110 for the operation thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an exploded perspective view of the cleaning attachment 116 of the apparatus 100 is illustrated, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The cleaning attachment 116 includes a housing 146, a cleaning member 148 adapted to be mounted within the housing 146, and a fluid dispensing pipe 150 coupled to the housing 146. The cleaning attachment 116 further includes a motor 152 operatively coupled to the cleaning member 148, and a gear train 154 for operatively coupling the cleaning member 148 and the motor 152.

The housing 146 is a hollow elongated structure having a front end portion 156, a rear end portion 158 and a passage 160 extending between the front end portion 156 and the rear end portion 158. The rear end portion 158 of the housing 146 is detachably coupled to the second end portion 130 of the first hose 112, thereby fluidically coupling the passage 160 with the first compartment 104 through the first hose 112. Further, in the present embodiment, the front end portion 156 is configured to assume a substantially cuboidal structure and the rear end portion 158 is configured to assume a substantially cylindrical structure. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the front end portion 156 and the rear end portion 158 of the housing 146 may be configured to assume any other shape, such as an elongated polygonal structure.

Further, the cleaning member 148 is adapted to be detachably mounted on the front end portion 156 of the housing 146. The cleaning member 148 includes a shaft member 162 adapted to be mounted on the front end portion 156 and brush member 164, adapted to be removably received on the shaft member 162. More specifically, the shaft member 162 is adapted to be mounted between side walls, such as side walls 166a and 166b, of the front end portion 156. In one embodiment of the present invention, the side walls 166a and 166b may include mounting flanges, such as mounting flanges 168a and 168b, configured on the side walls 166a 166b, respectively. The mounting flanges 168a and 168b are adapted to receive end portions of the shaft member 162 through holes configured on the mounting flanges 168a and 168b. Further, a suitable fastening mechanism, such as nuts, may be coupled to the end portions of the shaft member 162 for rigidly securing the shaft member 162 on the mounting flanges 168a and 168b.

Further, as explained herein the brush member 164 is adapted to be removably received on the shaft member 162. In the present embodiment, the brush member 164 includes a body member 170 and a plurality of bristles 172 configured on a peripheral surface (not shown) of the body member 170. The body member 170 includes a cut portion 174 configured along a length of the body member 170. The cut portion 174 of the body member 170 enables in removably receiving the brush member 164 on the shaft member 162. Accordingly, the brush member 164 is removably mounted on the front end portion 156 of the housing 146.

The cleaning attachment 116 includes the motor 152 operatively coupled to the cleaning member 148. In the present embodiment, the motor 152 is mounted on the side wall 166a of the front end portion 156 of the housing 146. For example, the motor 152 may be mounted on the side wall 166a by using a suitable fastening mechanism, such as brackets and screws (not shown). Further, as explained herein, the motor 152 is operatively coupled to the cleaning member 148 for rotating the cleaning member 148. More specifically, the gear train 154 enables in operatively coupling the motor 152 and the shaft member 162 of the cleaning member 148. The gear train 154 is adapted to rotate the shaft member 162 thereby rotating the brush member 164 for enabling the plurality of bristles 172 to brush against the work area for removing the dirt therefrom. In the present embodiment, the gear train 154 includes a first gear 176 operatively coupled to a shaft of the motor 152, and a second gear 178 operatively coupled to an end portion of the shaft member 162 of the cleaning member 148. The first gear 176 meshes with the second gear 178, accordingly, a rotational movement of the shaft of the motor 152 is transferred to the shaft member 162 of the cleaning member 148 by the first gear 176 and the second gear 178.

As described herein, the fluid dispensing pipe 150 is coupled to the housing 146 of the cleaning attachment 116. More specifically, the fluid dispensing pipe 150 is adapted to be coupled to a bottom surface 180 of the housing 146. In the present embodiment, the fluid dispensing pipe 150 extends along a contour of the bottom surface 180 of the housing 146 from the front end portion 156 to the rear end portion 158 of the housing 146. The fluid dispensing pipe 150 includes a primary pipe 182, and a plurality of secondary pipes, such as secondary pipes 184a and 184b, extending from the primary pipe 182. The fluid dispensing pipe 150 is detachably coupled to the distal end portion 138 of the second hose 114 (shown in FIG. 1). More specifically, an end portion 186 of the primary pipe 182 of the fluid dispensing pipe 150 is detachably coupled to the distal end portion 138 of the second hose 114. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the end portion 186 of the primary pipe 182 of the fluid dispensing pipe 150 may be detachably coupled to the distal end portion 138 of the second hose 114 by utilizing a suitable coupling arrangement, such as threadable arrangement, and a pipe connector and the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning attachment 116 further includes an operating switch 188 configured on the housing 146. The operating switch 188 is adapted to control operation of the first pump 108, the second pump 110, and the motor 152. More specifically, the operating switch 188 is a three position switch that is operatively coupled to the electrical circuit of the apparatus 100 for controlling the electrical power from the AC power source being supplied to the first pump 108, the second pump 110, and the motor 152, which is further explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 3. In the present embodiment, the operating switch 188 enables in selectively operating the first pump 108, the second pump 110, and the motor 152, thereby controlling operations of the first pump 108, the second pump 110, and the motor 152.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a schematic circuit diagram of the apparatus 100 is illustrated, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the schematic circuit diagram illustrates the operating switch 188 (shown with dotted lines) that is electrically coupled to the first pump 108, the second pump 110, and the motor 152 for selective operation thereof. Further, the schematic circuit diagram illustrates the relay box 140 (shown with dotted lines) that is electrically coupling the a power source 200 (shown with dotted lines) and the operating switch 188 for distributing an electrical power form the power source 200 to the first pump 108, the second pump 110, and the motor 152 for the operation thereof. It will be evident to a person skilled in the art that, the power source 200 illustrated in FIG. 3 may be a wall socket which is electrically coupled to the relay box 140 by means of an electrical cord and a plug, such as the electrical cord 142 and the plug 144 (shown in FIG. 1). Specifically, the lines emerging from the power source 200 may be assumed to represent the electrical cord and the plug connecting the power source 200 and the relay box 140. In present embodiment, the power source 200 provides an electrical power of 110 volts (V) to the first pump 108, the second pump 110, and the motor 152 for the operation thereof.

In the present embodiment, the relay box 140 includes three relay switches, such as relay switches 190a, 190b and 190c, for electrically coupling the first pump 108, the second pump 110, and the motor 152, respectively, with the power source 200. More specifically, the relay switch 190a electrically couples the first pump 108 to the power source 200 through the operating switch 188. Similarly, the relay switches 190b and 190c electrically couples the second pump 110 and the motor 152, respectively, to the power source 200 through the operating switch 188. The relay switches 190a, 190b, and 190c are shown in an open condition in FIG. 3. Further, the operating switch 188 may be operated to enable the relay switches 190a, 190b, and 190c to attain a closed position thereby enabling the power source 200 to provide the electrical power of 110 V to the first pump 108, the second pump 110, and the motor 152.

Further, as explained herein, the operating switch 188 is the three position switch. More specifically, the operating switch 188 may have three regulating buttons, such as regulating buttons 192a, 192b and 192c, configured on the operating switch 188. The regulating buttons 192a, 192b and 192c may be selectively operated for enabling the relay switches 190a, 190b, and 190, respectively, to attain the closed positions thereby enabling the power source 200 to provide the electrical power to the first pump 108, the second pump 110, and the motor 152, respectively. For example, the regulating button 192a may be operated for enabling the relay switch 190a to attain the closed position thereby enabling the power source 200 to provide the electrical power of 110 V to the first pump 108 for the operation thereof. Similarly, the regulating buttons 192b and 192c may be operated for enabling the relay switches 190b and 190c to attain the closed positions thereby enabling the power source 200 to provide the electrical power of 110 V to the second pump 110 and the motor 152, respectively, for the operation thereof.

In use, the apparatus 100 may be easily configured by detachably coupling the cleaning attachment 116 with the first hose 112 and the second hose 114. More specifically, the rear end portion 158 of the housing 146 is detachably coupled to the second end portion 130 of the first hose 112, and the end portion 186 of the primary pipe 182 of the fluid dispensing pipe 150 is detachably coupled to the distal end portion 138 of the second hose 114, as shown in FIG. 1. The second compartment 106 is filled with the fluid 132 to be used for cleaning the dirt from the work area. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fluid 132 may be at least one of hot water, chlorinated water, and caustic base solution. Further, the plug 144 is coupled to the AC power source, such as the wall socket, for providing the electrical power to the apparatus 100.

Thereafter, the cleaning attachment 116 may be held by a user in the vicinity of the work area to be cleaned, thereafter the operating switch 188 may be selectively operated to activate the motor 152 by operating the regulating button 192a for rotating the shaft member 162 of the cleaning member 148. The rotation of the shaft member 162 rotates the brush member 164 which caused the plurality of bristles 172 to brush against the dirt on the work area, thereby displacing the dirt from the work area. It will be evident to a person skilled in the art that each bristle of the plurality of bristles 172 may be sufficiently long for conveniently brushing off the dirt. In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of bristles 172 may be composed of a plastic material. In another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of bristles 172 may be composed of a steel material or a brass material. More specifically, different brush members, such as the brush member 164, may have different types of bristles, such as the plurality of bristles 172, to be used for cleaning different types of work areas. For example, plastic bristles may be used for light duty aluminium fins, steel bristles may be used for heavy duty steel fins, and brass bristles may be used for copper fins. Accordingly, by detachably coupling different types of brush members, such as the brush member 164, to the cleaning attachment 116 of the apparatus 100, different types of fins may be cleaned.

After displacing the dirt from the work area by using the brush member 164, the operating switch 188 may be selectively operated to activate the second pump 110 by operating the regulating button 192b for dispensing the fluid 132 stored in the second compartment 106. Upon activating, the second pump 110 pumps the fluid 132 in the second hose 114. The fluid 132, pumped in the second hose 114, is received by the primary pipe 182 of the fluid dispensing pipe 150, which in turn dispenses the fluid 132 on the work area. More specifically, the secondary pipes 184a and 184b of the fluid dispensing pipe 150 receives the fluid 132 from the primary pipe 182 and dispenses a jet of the fluid 132 on the dirt of the work area. The sequence of cleaning operation, as described herein, is for purpose of description only and should not be considered as limiting to the scope of the present invention. Specifically, a user may utilize the brush member 164 and the second pump 110 in any sequence based on his/her desires.

After utilizing the brush member 164 and the jet of the fluid 132 on the work area. The operating switch 188 may be selectively operated to activate the first pump 108 by operating the regulating button 192c for cleaning the displaced dirt from the work area and any remaining fluid (hereinafter referred to as “remnant dispensed fluid”) dispensed on the work area. Specifically, the first pump 108 creates the vacuum in the first compartment 104 due to which a sucking force is developed in the first hose 112 and the cleaning attachment 116 attached thereto. The sucking force draws the displaced dirt and the remnant dispensed fluid from the work area into the first compartment 104 through the passage 160 of the housing 146 and the first hose 112 thereby cleaning the dirt from the work area. Accordingly, the first compartment 104 collects the dirt and the remnant dispensed fluid from the work area, thereby cleaning the work area completely. The dirt and the remnant dispensed fluid collected in the first compartment 104 may be removed therefrom for subsequent use of the apparatus 100.

The apparatus 100, as described herein, is subject to many variations. The filter member 126 may be made of aluminum. In another embodiment of the present embodiment, the rear end portion 158 of the housing 146 of the cleaning attachment 116 may be configured with a grip portion (not shown) for enabling a user to properly hold the cleaning attachment 116 while cleaning the work area therewith.

The apparatus, as described herein, enables in effectively cleaning the work area such as fins and condenser coils, by brushing the work area, dispensing fluid on the work area, and drawing the dirt and any remnant dispensed fluid from the work area. Further, the apparatus enables in cleaning the work area in a time-efficient and a cost effective manner. More specifically, the apparatus of the present invention may be used for cleaning dirt from the fins and the condenser coils, without requiring dismantling of the fins and the condenser coils. Accordingly, labor costs and time involvement associated with dismantling of the fins and condenser coils may be avoided. Moreover, the apparatus is capable of drawing the remnant dispensed fluid from the fins and the condenser coils, which enables in drying the fins and the condenser coils quickly, thereby further reducing the time required for cleaning the same. Additionally, the apparatus of the present invention is portable and capable of being easily moved from one place to another.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area, the apparatus comprising:

a container having a first compartment and a second compartment, the second compartment storing a fluid therein;

a first pump accommodated in the first compartment for creating vacuum within the first compartment;

a second pump accommodated in the second compartment, the second pump being submerged in the fluid stored in the second compartment and adapted to pump the fluid;

a first hose detachably coupled to the first compartment from a first end portion thereof;

a second hose detachably coupled to the second pump from a proximal end portion thereof, the second hose adapted to receive the fluid pumped by the second pump; and

a cleaning attachment detachably coupled to the first hose and the second hose, the cleaning attachment comprising a housing having a front end portion, a rear end portion, and a passage extending between the front end portion and the rear end portion, the rear end portion of the housing being adapted to be detachably coupled to a second end portion of the first hose, a cleaning member mounted at the front end portion of the housing, and a fluid dispensing pipe coupled to the housing, the fluid dispensing pipe adapted to be detachably coupled to a distal end portion of the second hose for dispensing the fluid received by the second hose on the work area,

wherein the cleaning member is adapted to displace the dirt from the work area upon being placed in vicinity thereof, and

wherein the vacuum created within the first compartment enables in drawing the displaced dirt and a remnant dispensed fluid from the work area into the first compartment through the passage of the housing and the first hose, thereby cleaning the dirt from the work area.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first pump is a wet vacuum pump.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second pump is a sump pump.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cleaning attachment further comprises a motor operatively coupled to the cleaning member for rotating the cleaning member.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the cleaning member comprises a shaft member mounted on the front end portion of the housing, and a brush member removably received on the shaft member.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the brush member comprises a body member and a plurality of bristles configured on a peripheral surface of the body member.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the cleaning attachment further comprises a gear train for operatively coupling the motor and the shaft member of the cleaning member, the gear train adapted to rotate the shaft member thereby rotating the brush member for enabling the plurality of bristles to brush against the work area for removing the dirt therefrom.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the plurality of bristles is composed of a plastic material.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the plurality of bristles is composed of a steel material.

10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the plurality of bristles is composed of a brass material.

11. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising an operating switch configured on the housing of the cleaning attachment, wherein the operating switch is adapted to selectively operate the first pump, the second pump, and the motor.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a wheel mechanism configured at a bottom portion of the container for enabling the apparatus to move from one place to another.