SURFACE CLEANING MACHINES AND METHODS OF USE

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to cleaning machines and methods of use to clean flooring and other surfaces. One configuration is directed to a cleaning machine that utilizes a motor to drive an interchangeable cleaning drum about a rotational axis parallel to the surface being cleaned. The cleaning machine can be operable to clean a surface, such as a flooring surface or other surface (e.g., walls, ceilings, etc.) without a vacuum, pump, solution tank, or recovery tank. The cleaning machine may contact the surface being cleaned at replaceable glides disposed at or near a distal end of a cleaning head of the cleaning machine.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/586,468, filed Jan. 13, 2012, and titled “CLEANING MACHINE,” and is a continuation in part of U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/410,856, filed Jan. 12, 2012, and titled “CLEANING MACHINE,” each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The field of the present disclosure relates generally to cleaning machines and methods of cleaning.

Cleaning carpets and other flooring surfaces is a perpetual chore. A variety of devices and machines have been developed to aid in cleaning flooring surfaces. For example, a vacuum cleaner is a familiar device to most people.

Another example of a machine for cleaning a flooring surface is a steamer or water extractor, which may be used for cleaning, for example, carpet and upholstery. A user fills the extractor with a cleaning solution and/or water. The cleaning solution and/or water may be heated to enhance the effectiveness of the cleaning. The extractor may include a pump and/or sprayer to spray cleaning solution and/or water/steam onto the flooring surface. A brush in the extractor may aid in loosening dirt and/or oils in the carpet. A powerful vacuum in the extractor may pick up liquid (including cleaning solution and/or water) and dirt and other debris from the flooring surface and deposit them into a recovery tank of the vacuum. The extractor is then emptied to remove dirt, debris, and/or liquid from the vacuum recovery tank.

The present inventors have recognized that the pump, the vacuum motor, and/or the brush motor of an extractor require ongoing maintenance. Emptying recovery tanks can be a toilsome and tedious process. Steamers and water extractors may be heavy, particularly when filled with cleaning liquid. Furthermore, steam and/or water extraction cleaning methods can leave carpets very wet, which results in extended drying periods, can damage the backing of the carpet, and may even lead to mildew and/or mold in the pad of the carpet.

Other available cleaning units, such as floor polishers and buffers, include a rotating component that rotates about an axis perpendicular or otherwise substantially transverse to the surface being cleaned. These cleaning units can be difficult to operate and control.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to cleaning machines and methods of cleaning flooring and other surfaces. One configuration is directed to a cleaning machine that utilizes a motor to drive cleaning drums about a rotational axis parallel to the surface being cleaned, the cleaning machine being operable to clean a surface, such as a flooring surface or other surface (e.g., walls, ceilings, etc.) without a vacuum, pump, solution tank, or recovery tank.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Understanding that drawings depict only certain preferred embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting in nature, non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the disclosure are described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a right front isometric view of a cleaning machine in an extended configuration, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a rear left isometric view of the cleaning machine of FIG. 1A in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 1C is a right elevation view of the cleaning machine of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a bottom plan view of the cleaning machine of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a right elevation view of a cleaning machine, according to another embodiment, in an operable orientation.

FIG. 2B is an enlarged right elevation view of a cleaning head of the cleaning machine of FIG. 2A with a dump tray in a catch configuration.

FIG. 2C is a right elevation view of the cleaning machine of FIG. 2A with the dump tray in a dump configuration.

FIG. 2D is an enlarged right elevation view of a cleaning head of the cleaning machine of FIG. 2A with a dump tray in a dump configuration.

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the cleaning machine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an upper handle assembly of a cleaning machine, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view of the upper handle assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a side elevation view of the upper handle assembly of FIG. 4A.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are an exploded view and a perspective view, respectively, of a carry handle assembly of a cleaning machine, according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are an exploded view and a perspective view, respectively, a cleaning head of a cleaning machine, according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are an exploded view and a perspective view, respectively, of a drive side arm assembly of the cleaning machine, according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are an exploded view and a perspective view, respectively, of an access side arm assembly of the cleaning machine, according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 9A-9L are various perspective views of a cleaning head of a cleaning machine, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating operation of an access side arm to replace a cleaning drum.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an electrical system of a cleaning machine, according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 11A-11D are various views of a dump tray assembly of a cleaning machine, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates various cleaning drums of a cleaning machine, according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 13A-13L are various perspective views of a cleaning head of a cleaning machine, according to one embodiment, illustrating operation of the access side arm to interchange a brush guard and dump tray and/or to replace a cleaning drum.

FIGS. 14A-14H are various views of a cleaning head of a cleaning machine, according to one embodiment, illustrating replacement of a glide of a side arm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to a cleaning machine that utilizes a motor to drive cleaning drums about an axis of rotation that is parallel to a surface being cleaned.

Although the following disclosure is described primarily in terms of cleaning carpet, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to cleaning carpet. The disclosed embodiments of a cleaning machine may be capable of cleaning almost any surface, using an appropriate cleaning compound, simply by attaching an appropriate cleaning drum.

FIGS. 1A-1D are various views of a cleaning machine 100, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 1A and 1C illustrate the cleaning machine 100 in an extended configuration and FIG. 1B illustrates the cleaning machine in a collapsed configuration. Referring generally and collectively to FIGS. 1A-1D, the cleaning machine 100 includes a handle assembly 102 and a cleaning head 104 (or power head). A user may grasp the handle assembly 102 to guide and direct or otherwise manipulate the cleaning head 104 during a cleaning operation to clean a given surface.

The handle assembly 102 may include an elongate shaft 110, one or more handles 112, 114, 116 and an activation switch 118. The elongate shaft 110 may include a handle tube 120 configured to support the one or more handles 112, 114, 116. The handle tube 120 may also be configured to receive an inner shaft 122 that is configured to telescope into the handle tube 120. The telescoping action of the inner shaft 122 into the handle tube 120 may enable telescopic length adjustment of a length of the elongate shaft 110. The telescoping of the inner shaft 122 may also allow the cleaning machine 100 to operate in an extended configuration (shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C) and a collapsed configuration (shown in FIG. 1B). The collapsible elongate shaft 110 allows the cleaning machine 100 to have a shorter length (e.g., a collapsed configuration) that may also provide for convenient storage and transport of the cleaning machine 100. In other words, the inner shaft 122 may be telescopically coupled into the handle tube 120 to enable telescopic length adjustment of the elongate shaft between the extended configuration and the collapsed configuration. A shaft adjustment mechanism 124 (e.g., a button) may enable securement of the inner shaft 122 relative to the handle tube 120 and allow releasing of engagement of the inner shaft 122 to adjust positioning (e.g., a length) of the inner shaft 122 relative to the handle tube 120. In some embodiments, the elongate shaft 110 is adjustable to a plurality of different height positions. For example, the shaft engagement mechanism 124 may engage one of a plurality of holes or detents along the inner shaft 122. The shaft engagement mechanism 124 may enable length adjustment of the elongate shaft at one of a plurality of intermediate positions between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration. The elongate shaft 110 may define a longitudinal axis of the cleaning machine 100.

The one or more handles 112, 114, 116 of the handle assembly 102 may enable a user to easily grasp the cleaning machine 100 during operation and for transport. The handle assembly 102 may include an upper handle assembly (e.g., see upper handle assembly 302 of FIGS. 3, and 4A-4C), including an upper trigger handle 112 and an upper carry handle 114, and a lower handle assembly (e.g., see lower handle assembly 304 of FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B), including a lower carry handle 116. A user may grasp one or two of these handles 112, 114, 116 at a time for various purposes, including transport and operation of the cleaning machine 100. The carry handles 114, 116 may be “U-shaped” handles. As can be appreciated, in other embodiments, the handle assembly 102 may comprise more or fewer handles. For example, in another embodiment, the handle assembly 102 may include only the upper handle assembly, including the upper trigger handle 112 and the upper carry handle 114. In another embodiment, the handle assembly 102 may include only the upper trigger handle 112 and the lower carry handle 116.

The upper trigger handle 112 and the upper carry handle 114 (e.g., collectively the upper handle assembly) may be disposed at a proximal end of the handle tube 120. The upper trigger handle 112 may extend rearward at an angle to the handle tube 120 toward a rear side of the handle tube 120. The activation switch 118 (e.g., a momentary power trigger) may be disposed on the upper trigger handle 112. For example, the activation switch 118 may be disposed on an underside of the upper trigger handle 112, such that a user can grasp the upper trigger handle 112 with a top side of the handle gripped in a palm of the hand and operate the activation switch 118 with one or more fingers while grasping the upper trigger handle 112. In other embodiments the activation switch 118 may be disposed on the cleaning head 104.

The upper carry handle 114 may extend forward at an angle to the handle tube 120, toward the cleaning head 104. The upper carry handle 114 may be positioned adjacent to a proximal end of the cleaning machine 100 and distal to the upper trigger handle 112. A user can grasp the upper carry handle 114 and use leverage to raise a distal end of the cleaning unit 100 off the surface being cleaned to thereby manipulate positioning of the cleaning head 104 during cleaning or otherwise carry the cleaning machine 100, such as for transport. In some embodiments the angle at which the upper carry handle 114 extends is permanently fixed. In other embodiments, the angle may be adjustable. During operation, the upper carry handle 114 may be configured to remain fixed or stationary relative to the handle tube 120.

The upper carry handle 114 may be U-shaped and can be used to carry the cleaning machine 100 during cleaning to stabilize the unit on uneven surfaces, and aid in moving the cleaning machine 100 laterally left and right during cleaning.

The upper handle assembly may also include a power cord 126 configured to couple the cleaning machine 100 to a power supply, such as an electrical receptacle outlet. In another embodiment, the upper handle assembly may include a compressed air port configured to couple the cleaning machine to a compressed air supply that powers the cleaning machine 100. Other power sources may be possible.

One embodiment of an upper handle assembly, including the upper trigger handle 112 and the upper carry handle 114, is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 4A-4C and described below with reference to the same.

Still referring to FIGS. 1A-1D, the lower handle assembly, including the lower carry handle 116, is disposed at a distal end of the handle tube 120. Accordingly, when the inner shaft 122 is extended out of the handle tube 120 in an extended configuration, for example as shown in the extended configuration of FIG. 1A, the lower carry handle 116 is positioned at an intermediate position (e.g., near a middle) of the elongate shaft 110 of the cleaning machine 100. When the inner shaft 122 is telescoped within the handle tube 120, for example in the collapsed configuration of FIG. 1B, the lower carry handle 116 is positioned substantially at the distal end of the elongate shaft and adjacent the cleaning head 104.

The lower carry handle 116 may extend upward and/or at an angle to the handle tube 120, toward the upper carry handle 114. The lower carry handle 112 may be U-shaped. In some embodiments the angle at which the lower carry handle 116 extends may be permanently fixed. In other embodiments, the angle may be adjustable. During operation, the lower carry handle 116 may be configured to remain fixed or stationary relative to the handle tube 120.

A user can grasp the lower carry handle 116 and, with better leverage than with the upper carry handle 114, raise a distal end of the cleaning unit 100 off the surface being cleaned to thereby manipulate positioning of the cleaning head 104 during cleaning or otherwise carry the cleaning machine 100, such as for transport. The lower carry handle 112 may be configured for convenient use when the cleaning machine 100 is used to clean vertical surfaces and/or when the elongate shaft 110 is collapsed, such as for cleaning stairs or during transport.

One embodiment of a lower handle assembly, including the lower carry handle 116, is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 5A and 5B and described below with reference to the same.

Still referring to FIGS. 1A-1D, the cleaning head 104 may be fixedly coupled to the handle assembly 102. In other words, the orientation of the cleaning head 104 relative to the carry handles 114, 116 may be fixed. The cleaning head may not rotate relative to the elongate shaft 110. The fixed orientation of the cleaning head 104 may allow a user to use the cleaning machine 100 on vertical and angled surfaces in addition to horizontal surfaces. In another embodiment, the cleaning head 104 may be configured to allow limited rotation about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cleaning machine 104.

The cleaning head 104 may include a cleaning drum 130 (e.g., a brush), a drive unit 132, a drive side arm assembly 140, an access side arm assembly 150, and a brush guard 160. The cleaning drum 130 may be configured to rotate during cleaning about an axis parallel to the surface being cleaned by the cleaning drum 130. The drive unit 132 may house a motor (e.g., motor 602 shown on FIGS. 6A and 7A) configured to generate power to rotate the cleaning drum 130. The motor may be operably connected to the cleaning drum 130 to rotate or drive the cleaning drum 130. The drive unit 132 may be configured to rotate the cleaning drum 130 about the axis parallel to the surface being cleaned by the cleaning drum 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive unit 132 may rotate the cleaning drum 130, such that the cleaning drum 130 rotates in a forward direction (e.g., a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 1C). The rotational direction of the cleaning drum 130 may tend to pull or otherwise propel the cleaning machine 100 forward during cleaning, while resisting movement of the cleaning machine backward toward a user. As can be appreciated, in another embodiment, the cleaning drum 130 may rotate in the opposite direction.

The drive side arm assembly 140 may include a drive side arm 142 that extends from the drive unit 132 distally and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cleaning machine 100 to engage a drive side of a cleaning drum 130. The drive side arm 142 mechanically couples the motor of the drive unit 132 to the cleaning drum 130 to rotate the cleaning drum 130. The drive side arm assembly 140 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 7A-7B and described below with reference to the same.

Still referring to FIGS. 1A-1D, the access side arm assembly 150 may include an access side arm 152 that extends from the drive unit 132 distally and in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cleaning machine 100 to engage an access side of the cleaning drum 130. The access side arm is configured to rotate about an axis, for example an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the cleaning drum 130, from a securement position engaging and securing the cleaning drum 130 (e.g., in an operational configuration) to a release position that allows the cleaning drum 130 to be removed from the cleaning machine 100. The access side arm assembly 150 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 8A-8B and described below with reference to the same. Operation of the access side arm assembly 150 to release and allow replacement of the cleaning drum 130 is illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9L and described below with reference to the same.

Still referring to FIGS. 1A-1D, the drive side arm 142 and access side arm 152 may together extend distally from the drive unit 132 (or from a motor housing of the drive unit 132) and in parallel. The arms 142, 152 may also extend from the drive unit within (or on) a plane through the longitudinal axis of the cleaning machine 100. In other words, the elongate shaft 110 and the cleaning arms 142, 152 may all lie longitudinally within, or substantially within, the same plane.

The cleaning machine 100 may be configured to contact the floor (or other surface being cleaned) via the cleaning drum 130 and glides 170 disposed at or near a distal end of the arms 142, 152. The cleaning machine 100 may be constructed without wheels, though a wheeled construction may be configured. The glides 170 may be molded plastic components attached to the arms 142, 152. Each glide 170 may be formed of a durable, low friction plastic, such as Delran, Teflon, Nylon. The glides 170 may contact the surface being cleaned and function to stabilize the cleaning machine 100, limiting it from rocking from side to side during a cleaning operation. The glides 170 may support some of the weight or load of the cleaning machine 100 when cleaning. The glides 170, by supporting some of the load, may decrease strain on the motor, decreasing likelihood of the motor overheating and increasing the motor life. The glides 170 may also make the cleaning machine 100 easier to push (or otherwise move) on surfaces such as carpet. The glides 170 may reduce distortion of the brush bristles during storage of the cleaning machine 100. The glides 170 may also reduce wear and damage to the arms 142, 152 that support the cleaning drum 130. The glides 170 may be inexpensive and easy to quickly replace. In one construction, the glides 170 may have a dovetail design that slides into an arm 142, 152 of the cleaning machine 100 for a durable connection to the arm 142, 152. If a glide 170 becomes worn or damaged, or if a different size glide may be useful for a different cleaning application and/or a different surface, the glides 170 can be easily and quickly replaced (as illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14H and described below with reference to the same).

The cleaning head 104 may also include an optional brush guard 160. The brush guard 160 may include one or more wipers 162 (shown in FIG. 1D) or rubber flaps configured to span along a length of the cleaning drum 130 and extend distally from the drive unit 132 at an angle toward the surface being cleaned and backward behind the cleaning drum 130 to shield a user of the cleaning machine 100. The one or more wipers may be configured, such that when the cleaning machine 100 is in an operational orientation (e.g., with the cleaning head 104 in contact with the surface, the handle assembly 102 extending at an angle upward from the surface and toward a user, and the carry handles 114, 116 extending generally upward) the wipers extend to a position substantially near the surface being cleaned to shield the operator of the machine from debris and liquid flung from the rotating cleaning drum 130.

The brush guard 160 may also include a fender 164 extending at an angle in front of the cleaning drum 130 to shield bystanders from debris and/or liquid that may be flung from the rotating cleaning drum 130. The brush guard 160 may limit errant discharge of debris and/or cleaning solution as the cleaning drum 130 scrubs the cleaning surface. The brush guard 160 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 6A and described below with reference to the same.

In another embodiment, the brush guard 160 may be replaced with other accessories, such as a dump tray, to facilitate cleaning and/or otherwise enhance the cleaning process.

The cleaning head 104, generally, is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 6A and 6B and described below with reference to the same.

FIGS. 2A-2D are various views of a cleaning machine 200 having a dump tray 260, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring generally and collectively to FIGS. 2A-2D, the cleaning machine 200 includes a handle assembly 202 and a cleaning head 204 (or power head). The handle assembly 202 may include an elongate shaft 210 and one or more handles 212, 214, 216. The elongate shaft 210 may include a handle tube 220 configured to support the one or more handles 212, 214, 216. The handle tube 220 may also be configured to receive an inner shaft 222 that is configured to telescope into the handle tube 220. The handle assembly 202 may be of similar construction to that of the cleaning machine 100 described above.

The cleaning head 204 may include a cleaning drum 230 (e.g., a brush) and a drive unit 232 to drive the cleaning drum 230, similar to the cleaning machine 100 described above. The cleaning drum 230 may be configured to rotate during cleaning about an axis parallel to the surface being cleaned by the cleaning drum 230. The drive unit 232 may house a motor (e.g., motor 602 shown in FIGS. 6A and 7A) configured to generate power to rotate the cleaning drum 230.

The dump tray 260 can be attached and configured to pick up dirt, debris, and/or cleaning powder. As the cleaning drum 230 rotates, it sweeps dirt and other debris back into the dump tray 260. The dump tray 260 can then be opened as shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D to remove dirt and debris from the dump tray 260 and otherwise empty and/or clean the dump tray 260. The dump tray 260 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 11A-11Q and described below with reference to the same.

In another embodiment, the brush guard 160 of the cleaning machine 100 can be replaced with a dump tray 260, as illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13L.

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the cleaning machine 100 of FIG. 1. An upper handle assembly 302, including an upper trigger handle 112 and an upper carry handle 114, is coupled to a proximal end of handle tube 120 of a lower handle assembly 304, including a lower carry handle, to form the handle assembly 102. The lower carry handle 116 is disposed at a distal end of the handle tube 120 of the lower handle assembly 304. The cleaning head 104 is fixedly coupled to a distal end of the inner shaft 122 of the lower handle assembly 304.

FIGS. 4A-4C are various views of an upper handle assembly 302 of a cleaning machine, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The upper handle assembly 302 may be configured to be disposed at a proximal end of a handle tube 120 of an elongate shaft 110 (FIG. 1A). As described above, the upper handle assembly 302 may include an upper trigger handle 112 and an upper carry handle 114. The upper trigger handle 112 may extend rearward at an angle to the handle tube 120 toward a rear side of the handle tube 120.

The upper handle assembly 302 may also include an activation switch. The activation switch 118 may be a momentary power trigger switch disposed on the upper trigger handle 112. For example, the activation switch 118 may be disposed on an underside of the upper trigger handle 112, such that a user can grasp the upper trigger handle 112 with a top side of the handle gripped in a palm of the hand and operate the activation switch 118 with one or more fingers while grasping the upper trigger handle 112.

The activation switch 118 may be a momentary power trigger switch that allows a user a high degree of control during cleaning. Typically, machines used for cleaning flooring and other surfaces have a continuous running motor with an on/off switch. The momentary power trigger activation switch 118 may allow control over operation of a cleaning machine (and control over operation of the motor specifically) to be as responsive as simply gripping a trigger of the momentary power trigger activation switch 118 with one or more fingers. The momentary power trigger activation switch 118 may activate responsive to being depressed (e.g., a user squeezing the trigger) and may automatically release when a depressive force is removed or released (e.g., a user releasing the trigger).

The upper carry handle 114 may extend forward (e.g., away from a user of the cleaning machine) at an angle to the handle tube 120. The upper carry handle 114 may be positioned adjacent to a proximal end of the cleaning machine 100, yet distal to the upper trigger handle 112. A user can grasp the upper carry handle 114 and upper trigger handle 112 and use leverage to raise a distal end of the cleaning unit 100 off the surface being cleaned to thereby manipulate positioning of a cleaning head 104 (FIG. 1A) during cleaning or to otherwise carry the cleaning machine 100, such as for transport. In some embodiments the angle at which the upper carry handle 114 extends relative to the handle tube 120 is permanently fixed. In other embodiments, the angle may be adjustable. During operation, the upper carry handle 114 may be configured to remain fixed or stationary relative to the handle tube 120.

The upper carry handle 114 may be U-shaped and can be used to carry the cleaning machine 100 during cleaning, to stabilize the unit on uneven surfaces, and to aid in moving the cleaning machine 100 laterally left and right during cleaning.

The upper handle assembly 302 may also include a power cord 126 configured to couple the cleaning machine 100 to a power supply, such as an electrical receptacle outlet. In another embodiment, the upper handle assembly may include a compressed air port configured to couple the cleaning machine to a compressed air supply that powers the cleaning machine 100. Other power sources may be possible.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are an exploded view and a perspective view, respectively, of a lower handle assembly 304 of a cleaning machine, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The lower handle assembly 304 may include a lower carry handle 116, disposed at a distal end of a handle tube 120, at or proximal to a point of coupling of the handle tube 120 and an inner shaft 122. Accordingly, when the inner shaft 122 is extended out of the handle tube 120 in an extended configuration, for example as shown in the extended configuration of FIG. 5A (or FIG. 1A), the lower carry handle 116 is positioned at an intermediate position (e.g., near a middle) of the elongate shaft 110 of the cleaning machine 100. When the inner shaft 122 is telescoped within the handle tube 120, for example in the collapsed configuration of FIG. 5B (or FIG. 1B), the lower carry handle 116 is positioned substantially at the distal end of the elongate shaft and adjacent the cleaning head 104.

The lower carry handle 116 may extend upward and/or at an angle to the handle tube 120, toward the upper carry handle 114 (FIGS. 4A and 4B). The lower carry handle 116 may be U-shaped. In some embodiments the angle at which the lower carry handle 116 extends may be permanently fixed. In other embodiments, the angle may be adjustable. During operation, the lower carry handle 116 may be configured to remain fixed or stationary relative to the handle tube 120.

A user can grasp the lower carry handle 116 and, with better leverage than with the upper carry handle 114 (FIGS. 4A-4C), raise a distal end of the cleaning unit 100 off the surface being cleaned to thereby manipulate positioning of the cleaning head 104 (FIG. 1A) during cleaning or otherwise carry the cleaning machine 100 (FIG. 1A), such as for transport. The lower carry handle 116 may be configured for convenient use when the cleaning machine 100 is used to clean vertical surfaces and/or when the elongate shaft 110 is collapsed, such as for cleaning stairs or during transport.

The handle assembly may further shaft adjustment mechanism 124. The shaft adjustment mechanism 124 may operate to fix the elongate shaft 110 in a collapsed configuration and/or an extended configuration. The shaft adjustment mechanism 124 may secure the inner shaft 122 relative to the handle tube 120.

The shaft adjustment mechanism 124 may also facilitate transition from between the collapsed configuration and the extended configuration (or vice verse). The shaft adjustment mechanism 124 may allow release of the engagement of the inner shaft 122 relative to the handle tube 120 for adjusting the positioning (e.g., a length) of the inner shaft 122 relative to the handle tube 120. The elongate shaft 110 may be adjustable to a plurality of different height positions. For example, the shaft engagement mechanism 124 may engage one of a plurality of holes 502 or detents along the inner shaft 122.

FIGS. 6A-6B are a partially exploded view and a perspective view, respectively, of a cleaning head 104 of a cleaning machine, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The cleaning head 104 includes a drive unit 132 and a cleaning drum 130 coupled to the drive unit 132 by a drive side arm assembly 140 (including a drive side arm 142) and an access side arm assembly 150 (including an access side arm 152). The drive side arm assembly 140 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 7A and 7B and described below with reference to the same. The access side arm assembly 150 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

The drive unit 132 comprises a motor 602 to drive the cleaning drum 130. The drive unit 132 and/or motor 602 are configured to rotate the cleaning drum 130 about a rotational axis parallel to the surface being cleaned. The rotational axis is also a longitudinal axis of the cleaning drum 130. The motor 602 may be an electric motor. In some embodiments the electric motor may be a brush motor. In other embodiments, the motor may be other than electrical (e.g., compressed air powered, fuel powered engine). The motor 602 may be any suitable motor configured to generate and/or transfer power from a power source to the cleaning drum 130. The motor 602 may have a single speed. In other embodiments, the motor 602 may be a multiple speed and/or a variable speed motor. For example, the motor 602 may have a regular speed for normal cleaning and may have a high speed for high speed applications, such as polishing, buffing, sanding, and the like, which may be improved or enhanced by a higher rotational speed.

The drive unit 132 may further comprise a motor housing 604 to enclose or partially enclose and protect the motor 602. The motor housing 604 may also include a handle mount 606 configured to couple to a handle assembly 102 (FIG. 1A).

The cleaning head 104 may further include a brush guard 160. The brush guard 160 may be configured to keep dirt, liquid and debris from being thrown into the air, at the user, or at another bystander, object, or surface (e.g., a wall). The brush guard 160 may also have one or more wipers 162 or rubber flaps at the back and/or sides to aid in keeping debris inside a cleaning chamber. The one or more wipers 162 may span along a length of the cleaning drum 130 and extend distally from the drive unit 132 and/or brush guard 160 at an angle toward the surface being cleaned and backward behind the cleaning drum 130. The one or more wipers may be configured, such that when the cleaning machine is in an operational orientation (e.g., with the cleaning head 104 in contact with the surface, the handle assembly 102 extending at an angle upward from the surface and toward a user, and the carry handles 114, 116 extending generally upward as shown in FIG. 1A) the wipers extend to a position substantially near the surface being cleaned to shield the operator of the machine from debris and liquid flung from the rotating cleaning drum 130.

The brush guard may include a fender 164 to shield nearby bystanders and/or objects. The fender 164 may extend at an angle in front of the cleaning drum 130 to shield bystanders and objects from debris and/or liquid that may be flung from the rotating cleaning drum 130. The brush guard 160 may limit errant discharge of debris and/or cleaning solution as the cleaning drum 130 scrubs the cleaning surface.

If desirable, the brush guard 160 can be replaced with the dump tray 260 (FIG. 2A). The brush guard 160 may be replaced with the dump tray 260 when the access side arm 152 is opened, and/or cleaning drum 130 is removed, by sliding out the brush guard 160 and sliding in the dump tray 260. Removal of the brush guard 160 and replacement with the dump tray 260 is illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13L and described below with reference to the same.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are an exploded view and a perspective view, respectively, of a drive side arm assembly 140 of a cleaning machine, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B shows the drive side arm assembly 140 coupled to a motor 602. The drive side arm assembly 140 may include a drive side arm 142 that extends distally from a drive side of the motor 602 to engage a drive side of a cleaning drum (FIG. 1A). The drive side arm 142 may mechanically couple the motor 602 to the cleaning drum 130 to rotate the cleaning drum 130. The drive side arm 142 may include a motor drive pulley 702, a drive belt 704, and a gear drive side bearing assembly 706. The motor drive pulley 702 may engage or couple to the motor 602 to be rotated by the motor 602. The motor drive pulley 702 may also engage and turn the drive belt 704. The drive belt 704 may engage and turn a brush drive pulley 708 of the bearing assembly 706, which engages and rotates the cleaning drum 130.

The drive side arm 142 may also include a glide 170. The glide 170 may be disposed at or near a distal end of the drive side arm 142 and configured to, during cleaning, contact the surface being cleaned. As described previously, the glide 170 may be formed of molded, durable, and/or low friction plastic, such as Delran, Teflon, Nylon. The glide 170 may be configured to contact the surface being cleaned to stabilize the cleaning machine during a cleaning operation. The glide 170 may support some of the weight or load of the cleaning machine to decrease strain on the motor, which may also decrease likelihood of the motor overheating and increase the motor life. The glide 170 may also make the cleaning machine easier to push (or otherwise move) on surfaces such as carpet. The glide 170 may be inexpensive and easy to quickly replace. A glide screw 172 may be unscrewed to release a glide plate 174 disposed on an outer surface of the drive side arm 142. Release of the glide plate 174 may allow the glide 170 to slide off the drive side arm 142. In one construction, the glides 170 may have a dovetail design that slides onto and off of the drive side arm 142. If the glide 170 becomes worn or damaged, it can be easily and quickly replaced (as illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14H and described below with reference to the same).

FIGS. 8A and 8B are an exploded view and a perspective view, respectively, of an access side arm assembly 150 of a cleaning machine, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The access side arm assembly 150 may include an access side arm 152 that extends from the motor 602 and/or drive unit 132 (FIG. 6A) to engage an access side of the cleaning drum 130 (FIG. 1A). The access side arm 152 may include an access side bearing assembly 802 configured to engage and enable rotation of the cleaning drum 130. The access side arm 152 may also include a releasable securement knob 804 that releasably secures the access side arm in a securement position, or operational configuration, engaging and securing the cleaning drum 130. Releasing the securement knob 804 may allow the access side arm 152 to disengage from the cleaning drum 130 to a disengaged position. A spring 806 may be positioned to spring-load the access side arm 152 to be biased toward the disengaged position when the securement knob 804 is released. The access side arm may be configured to rotate about an axis, for example an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the cleaning drum 130, from the securement position (e.g., the operational configuration) engaging and securing the cleaning drum 130 to a release position that allows the cleaning drum 130 to be removed from the cleaning machine 100.

To release the access side arm 152 a user manipulates the securement knob 804. In the illustrated embodiment, the knob 804 is manipulated using an appropriate tool or key, which limits operation of the access side arm assembly 150 to those with the appropriate tool or key. This locking feature may be useful in a rental scenario in which the cleaning machine may be loaned or rented to a user, and an owner of the machine (e.g., a rental company) may want to limit the cleaning drum 130 from being removed (e.g., stolen and/or replaced). In another embodiment, operation of the knob 804 to rotate the access side arm 152 of the access side arm assembly 150 may be accomplished by simply manually pulling on and/or rotating the knob 804 without the need for a special tool or key.

Operation of the access side arm assembly 150 to release and allow replacement of the cleaning drum 130 is illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 9A-9L and described below with reference to the same.

The access side arm 152 may also include a glide 170 disposed at or near a distal end of the access side arm 152. The glide 170 may be coupled to the side arm 152 by a glide screw 172 and/or glide plate 174, similar to the glide 170 of the drive side arm 142 described above. The glides 170 may enable a configuration of the cleaning machine that is without wheels. As mentioned above, the further discussion of replacement of a worn or otherwise inappropriate glide 170 is provided below with reference to FIGS. 14A-14H.

FIGS. 9A-9L are various perspective views of a cleaning head 104 of a cleaning machine, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating operation of the access side arm 152 to replace a cleaning drum 130. Specifically, FIG. 9A provides an isometric view of the cleaning head 104. To change the cleaning drum 130, a user may manipulate a knob 904. The knob 904 may be a pull-turn knob that allows quick and easy release of the access side arm 152 to quickly and easily change the cleaning drum. The knob 904 may be manipulated by pulling the knob 904 outward as shown in FIG. 9B and/or rotating the knob 904 as shown in FIG. 9C. In another embodiment, the knob 904 may require a tool for manipulation, such as the knob 804 shown FIGS. 8A and 8B. Manipulation of the knob 904 may allow a spring-loaded mechanism to extend the access side arm 152 out, away from the drive unit 132 and out of engagement with the cleaning drum 130, as shown by the arrow 910 in FIG. 9D.

The access side arm 152 is configured to rotate about an axis that is above (e.g., positioned proximally to) the rotational axis of the cleaning drum 130, as shown in FIG. 9E. For example, the access side arm 152 may rotate about an axis that may be approximately in line (or coaxial) with a rotational axis of a motor within the drive unit 132. With the access side arm 152 rotated away from engagement with the cleaning drum 130, for example to a release orientation, as shown in FIG. 9E, the cleaning drum 130 can be removed from the cleaning head 104. Once in the release position, the cleaning drum 130 may fall from, or can easily be pulled from, engagement with the drive side arm 142. The arrow 912 in FIG. 9F conveys the directional movement (sidewardly and then downwardly/outwardly) to disengage the cleaning drum 130 from the drive side arm 142.

A new cleaning drum 130a can replace the cleaning drum 130. The arrow 914 in FIG. 9G conveys the directional movement (inwardly/upwardly and then sidewardly) to engage the new cleaning drum 130a with the drive side arm 142. FIG. 9H shows the new cleaning drum 130a engaged with the driver side arm 142. The access side arm 152 can be rotated back to an engagement orientation, as shown in FIG. 9I, preparatory to engaging and securing the new cleaning drum 130a in place. The access side arm 152 is pushed toward the drive unit 132, as shown by the arrow 916 in FIG. 9J, to engage the access side arm 152 with the new cleaning drum 130a. The user may manipulate the knob 904, such as by pushing the knob 904 and/or rotating the knob 904 as shown in FIG. 9K. FIG. 9L illustrates the cleaning head 104 after completing the change from the cleaning drum 130 to the new cleaning drum 130a.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an electrical system 1000 of a cleaning machine. The electrical system couples the power cord 126 (connecting the cleaning machine to a power supply) to the motor 602 and enables the activation switch 118 to operate to control opening and closing of the circuit that delivers the power to the motor 602. A coiled wire harness 1002 may enable telescoping extension and collapse of the elongate shaft 110 (see FIG. 1A), and specifically the inner shaft 122 (see FIG. 1A) within the handle tube 120 (see FIG. 1A), in a manner that may avoid kinking and/or tangling of the wire(s) delivering power through the elongate shaft 110 to the motor 602. A length of the coiled wire harness 1002 may expand and contract as needed, for example, similar to a telephone cord. The coiled wire harness 1002 may be disposed within the elongate shaft. The coiled wire harness 1002 may be expandable and contractable and operable to deliver power to the motor both when the cleaning machine is in the extended configuration and the collapsed configuration.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are a partially exploded view and a perspective view, respectively, of a dump tray 260 of a cleaning machine, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The dump tray 260 may include a catcher 262 to receive dirt and debris swept back by a rotating cleaning drum 130 (see, e.g., FIG. 2A). A dump tray flap 266 is configured to pivot to allow receiving of dirt and debris into the catcher 262 and trapping the dirt and debris within the catcher. A dump tray pull handle 1102 can be pivoted downward to engage the dump tray flap 266 to close the opening to the catcher 262 of the dump tray 260 and maintain the dump tray flap 266 closed such that the cleaning machine operates without the dump tray 260 picking up, for example, debris or powder. By pushing down the dump tray pull handle 1102 the flap 266 may rotate and close an opening to the catch part of the dump tray 260. To again begin picking up debris, the dump tray pull handle 1102 can be pulled up and the flap 266 opens and the dump tray 260 will pick up debris.

FIG. 11C is a side view of the dump tray 260 in a catch configuration. FIG. 11D is a side view of the dump tray 260 in an open or dump configuration. The dump tray 260 can be opened as shown in FIG. 11D to remove dirt and debris from the dump tray 260 and otherwise empty and/or clean the dump tray 260. An over the center spring may be utilized to keep the dump tray 260 shut in the catch configuration and allow the catcher 262 to be pulled open and stay open for removal of dirt and debris. The dump tray 260 can be dumped while it is on the cleaning machine (see FIGS. 2C and 2D). Taking the dump tray 260 off the cleaning machine may not be necessary. Moreover, there may be no loose parts to be lost if the cleaning machine is rented.

The dump tray 260 may also include a fender 264 configured to extend at an angle in front of a cleaning drum 130 (see, e.g., FIG. 2A) to shield bystanders from debris and/or liquid that may be flung from the rotating cleaning drum 130.

FIG. 12 illustrates various cleaning drums 130 of a cleaning machine, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The disclosed embodiments are not limited to cleaning carpet. Rather the disclosed cleaning machines can clean almost any surface using any of a number of cleaning drums 130, including but not limited to a brush 131a (e.g., a nylon bristle brush), a micro fiber pad 131b, a rubber bristle brush 131c, and an abrasive pad 131d.

The brush 131a may be used, for example, for residential and/or commercial carpet, durable fabrics, and/or hard surfaces. Different brushes 131a may be available for different surface types.

The micro fiber pad 131b may be used for carpet and for hard and/or smooth surfaces such as tile, hardwood, sealed wood, concrete, and vinyl. The microfiber pad 131b not only loosens dirt and oils, it may also pick them up from the surface being cleaned.

The rubber bristle brush 131c may be used, for example, for hair extraction and other specialty applications. For example, the rubber bristle brush 131c may be useful for removing pet hair from carpet and other delicate cleaning applications.

The abrasive pad 131d may be used for heavy duty scrubbing of durable hard surfaces, tile, tile grout, concrete, stone, metal. Less abrasive pads 131d may also be used for cleaning vinyl and sealed wood and/or for polishing hard surfaces.

Any of a number of different interchangeable cleaning drums 130 may be used as appropriate for cleaning different surfaces. Other cleaning drums 130 may include sanding drums of various grit and polishing drums.

FIGS. 13A-13L are various perspective views of a cleaning head 104 of a cleaning machine, according to one embodiment, illustrating operation of the access side arm 152 to interchange a brush guard 160 and a dump tray 260 (see FIG. 11A) and/or to replace a cleaning drum 130. Specifically, FIG. 13A provides a perspective view of the cleaning head 104. To remove and replace the brush guard 160 with a dump tray 260 (see FIG. 11A), a user may manipulate a knob 904, such as by pulling and/or rotating the knob 904 as shown in FIG. 13B. Manipulation of the knob 904 may allow a spring-loaded mechanism to extend the access side arm 152 out, away from the drive unit 132 and out of engagement with the cleaning drum 130, as shown in FIG. 13C.

The access side arm 152 is configured to rotate about an axis that is above (e.g., positioned proximally to) the rotational axis of the cleaning drum 130, as shown in FIG. 13D. For example, the access side arm 152 may rotate about an axis that may be in line with (or the same as) a rotational axis of the motor 602 (see FIGS. 6A and 7A). With the access side arm 152 rotated away from engagement with the cleaning drum 130, for example, to a release orientation as shown in FIG. 13D, the cleaning drum 130 and brush guard 160 can be removed from the cleaning head 104. The cleaning drum 130 may fall from, or can easily be pulled from, engagement with the drive side arm 142. The first (or top) arrow 1302 in FIG. 13E conveys directional movement (sidewardly then downwardly/outwardly) to disengage the cleaning drum 130 from the drive side arm 142. The second (bottom) arrow 1304 in FIG. 13E also conveys directional movement (sidewardly then downwardly/outwardly) to disengage the brush guard 160 from the cleaning head 104.

The dump tray 260 can be coupled to the cleaning head 104 to replace the brush guard 160. The arrow 1306 in FIG. 13F conveys the directional movement (inwardly/upwardly and then sidewardly) to engage the dump tray 260 with the cleaning head 104. The arrow 1308 in FIG. 13G conveys the directional movement (inwardly/upwardly and then sidewardly) to again engage the cleaning drum 130 with the drive side arm 142. FIG. 13H shows the cleaning drum 130 engaged with the driver side arm 142. The access side arm 152 can be rotated back to an engagement orientation, as shown in FIG. 13I, preparatory to engaging and securing the cleaning drum 130 and dump tray 260 in place. The access side arm 152 is pushed toward the drive unit 132, as shown in FIG. 13J, to engage the access side arm 152 with the cleaning drum 130. The user may manipulate the knob 904, such as by pushing the knob 904 in and/or rotating the knob 904 as shown in FIG. 13K. FIG. 13L illustrates the cleaning head 104 after completing the change from the brush guard 160 to the dump tray 260.

FIGS. 14A-14H are various views of a cleaning head 104 of a cleaning machine, according to one embodiment, illustrating replacement of a glide 170 of a side arm 152. The cleaning machine may not have any wheels, but rather includes glides 170 to facilitate movement of the cleaning head 104 on the surface being cleaned by making the cleaning machine easier to push on surfaces to be cleaned, such as carpet, hardwood, etc. The glides 170 may also function to stabilize the cleaning machine, limiting it from rocking from side to side, during cleaning. The glides 170 may be formed of a durable, low friction plastic, such as Delran, Teflon, or Nylon.

FIG. 14A is a side view of a cleaning head 104, showing the access side arm 152 with a glide 170 disposed adjacent a distal end. The glide 170 may extend below a core of the cleaning drum 130 to support some of the weight of the cleaning machine. The bristles of the brush cleaning drum 130 may extend below the glide 170 as illustrated, such that contact with the surface being cleaned is primarily via the cleaning drum 130. Thus, the glides 170 may support some of the weight or load of the cleaning machine when cleaning, for example, non hard surfaces like carpet. By supporting some of the weight of the cleaning machine, the glides 170 may decrease strain on the motor, decrease likelihood of the motor overheating, and increase the motor life. The glides 170 may also reduce wear and damage to the arms 142, 152 that support the cleaning drum 130.

The glides 170 may be replaced, for example by a user, when worn or damaged and/or interchanged with glides of varying heights. Accordingly, when cleaning a hard flooring surface, a glide 170 may be used that extends so that a microfiber cleaning drum or a scouring pad cleaning drum are at substantially the same level as the glides 170 or slightly below. The level of the glides 170 may depend on the thickness of the cleaning surface on a core of the cleaning drum 130 (e.g., microfiber, scouring pad, bristles, etc.). Different cleaning drums 130 may have different depths. The glides 170 can be changed to achieve a desired glide level for a given cleaning drum depth.

FIG. 14B provides a right isometric view of the access side arm 152 of the cleaning head 104. FIG. 14B illustrates how the glides 170 may reduce distortion and/or deformation of, for example, brush bristles of a cleaning drum 130 during storage of the cleaning machine. The glides 170 may be inexpensive and easy to quickly replace. If a glide 170 becomes worn or damaged, or if different size glides are required for different cleaning applications, the glides 170 can be easily and quickly changed, as will be described. A user may be able to quickly change a glide 170 without disassembling other portions of the cleaning head 104.

FIG. 14C shows a glide screw 172 being loosened to release a guide plate 174 that secures the glide 170 to the arm 152. The glide plate 174 can rotate out of the way, as shown in FIG. 14D, or can be removed entirely (if the glide screw 172 is completely removed). With the glide plate 174 moved out of the way, the glide 170 can be removed from the arm 152, as shown in FIG. 14E. An arrow in FIG. 14E shows the direction of movement of the glide 170 to remove it from the arm 152. The glide 170 may slide off the arm 152.

FIG. 14F illustrates replacement of the glide 170. (As can be appreciated, a new glide 170 may replace an old or worn glide 170.) The glide 170 may have a dovetail design that may slide into the arm 152 of the cleaning machine for a durable connection to the arm 152. The glide 170 may slide into the arm 152 from the side, in a direction of the arrow of FIG. 14F, opposite the arrow in FIG. 14E, and/or parallel to the axis of rotation of the cleaning drum 130 and toward a center or middle of the cleaning head 104. The glide 170 and/or the arm 152 may be configured to prevent the glide 170 from sliding off an interior side of the arm 152. For example, the arm 152 and/or the glide 170 may include a stop surface.

FIG. 14G illustrates the guide plate 174 being rotated back into position to engage the glide 170 and prevent the glide 170 from sliding out of position and/or falling off. FIG. 14H illustrates the glide screw 172 being tightened to secure the glide plate in place. Replacement of the glide 170 is complete.

Although the cleaning machines disclosed herein may be used a variety of different ways, one method of cleaning carpet using a cleaning machine may be as now described. Prior to using the cleaning machine, a user may spray an appropriate cleaning solution onto a surface to be cleaned, for example, carpet cleaner for carpet. Compared to some traditional cleaning methods, very little liquid is put down onto the carpet or other surface to be cleaned. Because the cleaning solution is applied separately from operation of the cleaning machine, the dwell time, or time the cleaner is on the surface, is independent of the operation of the cleaning machine. The cleaning solution can work more effectively because it has time to sit on the carpet. Furthermore, the cleaner can be less diluted with water. On certain surfaces, such as carpet, a powder cleaner can be used on heavily soiled areas and spots to further enhance cleaning.

After about five to ten minutes of dwell time (i.e., with the cleaning solution on the carpet or surface to be cleaned) the user may use the cleaning machine over the carpet or other surface being cleaned to work the cleaning solution into the fibers of the carpet or to otherwise scrub the surface being cleaned. For example, for carpet cleaning, a brush cleaning drum may be attached to and driven by the cleaning machine to loosen dirt and oils from the carpet. The brush may be a reel brush, which is much easier for the user to use and control than traditional cleaning machines, such as a buffer. The direction of rotation may also be less likely to unwind carpet fibers than other rotational directions, such as about an axis transverse to the surface being cleaned. This brush may also be configured to be gentle on carpet fibers. The brush can rotate at a slower rotations per minute (RPM) than, for example, a buffer, which may also be gentler on carpet fibers.

Because very little liquid is used, a powerful vacuum is not needed to take up excess liquid. Also, carpet in the foregoing manner may dry faster than with traditional methods. The cleaning solution may trap dirt, debris, and oils and suspend them to prevent them from re-depositing in the fibers of the carpet or on the surface being cleaned. A powder carpet cleaner may work in much the same way, lifting dirt and oils from the carpet and bonding with them to prevent re-deposit on the carpet fibers or surface being cleaned.

Once the carpet is dry, the user can dry vacuum the carpet with a basic home vacuum cleaner. The vacuum lifts and carries away the dirt, debris, and dried cleaning compound (and powder if used), leaving the carpet fresher and cleaner and the carpet fibers are left lifted and smelling better.

A hard surface can be scrubbed by attaching a scouring pad cleaning drum or brush cleaning drum to the cleaning machine and using an appropriate cleaning solution. The scouring pad or brush can loosen dirt and or oils from the hard surface. Then the user can remove the scouring pad drum or brush drum, and replace it with a microfiber drum to pick up the loosened dirt, debris, and/or liquid cleaning solution. The microfiber has cleaning or scrubbing ability, but it is also very absorbent and can pick up dirt, debris, and moisture, such as oils and cleaning solution. A user could also use a mop to pick up the dirt, debris, oils, and/or cleaning solution.

Various modifications, changes, and variations apparent to those of skill in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and systems of the disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is to be understood that the embodiments described above have been presented by way of example, and not limitation.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the embodiments of the present invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges which may independently be included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the embodiments of the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the embodiments of the invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments of the invention belong. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the embodiments of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described. All patents and publications mentioned herein, including those cited in the Background of the application, are hereby incorporated by reference to disclose and described the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.

The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the embodiments of the present invention are not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.

Other embodiments of the invention are possible. Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above. The scope of the present invention should, therefore, be determined only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning machine for cleaning a surface, the cleaning machine comprising:

a handle assembly including an elongate shaft and a handle, the elongate shaft having a distal end and a proximal end and defining a longitudinal axis of the cleaning machine; and

a cleaning head attached to the distal end of the elongate shaft of the handle assembly, the cleaning head comprising: a cleaning drum configured to rotate to clean a given surface, wherein the cleaning drum is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation that, during cleaning, is parallel to the given surface; a motor operably connected to and configured to rotate the cleaning drum upon activation; a drive side arm extending between the motor and a drive side of the cleaning drum to engage the drive side of the cleaning drum to the motor; and an access side arm extending between a motor housing and an access side of the cleaning drum to engage an access side of the cleaning drum, wherein the access side arm is configured to rotate about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the cleaning drum between a securement position engaging and securing the cleaning drum in an operational configuration and a release position enabling the cleaning drum to be removed from the cleaning machine.

2. The cleaning machine of claim 1, further comprising a first glide disposed near a distal end of the drive side arm and a second glide disposed near the access side arm, each of the first and second glides formed of a low friction material and configured to contact the given surface to stabilize the cleaning machine during a cleaning operation.

3. The cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the elongate shaft of the handle assembly comprises:

a handle tube configured to support the handle; and

an inner shaft telescopically coupled into the handle tube to enable telescopic length adjustment of the elongate shaft between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration,

wherein the cleaning machine is operable to clean the given surface in each of the extended configuration and the collapsed configuration of the elongate shaft.

4. The cleaning machine of claim 3, further comprising a coiled wire disposed within the elongate shaft to deliver to the motor power from a power source coupled to the handle assembly,

wherein the coiled wire is expandable and contractable and operable to deliver power to the motor both when the cleaning machine is in the extended configuration and the collapsed configuration.

5. The cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the drive side arm extends from the motor to the drive side of the cleaning drum in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cleaning machine.

6. The cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the access side arm extends from the motor housing to the access side of the cleaning drum in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cleaning machine.

7. The cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the drive side arm and access side arm together extend from the motor housing in parallel and extend from the motor housing in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cleaning machine.

8. The cleaning machine of claim 7, wherein the drive side arm and access side arm together extend from the motor housing in parallel and extend from the motor housing in a plane of the longitudinal axis of the cleaning machine.

9. The cleaning machine of claim 1, further comprising an activation switch configured to activate the motor.

10. The cleaning machine of claim 9, wherein the activation switch comprises a momentary power trigger switch configured to activate the motor responsive to the momentary power trigger switch being depressed and configured to automatically release when a depressive force is removed,

wherein depressing the momentary power trigger switch provides power to the motor and releasing the momentary power trigger switch stops power to the motor.

11. The cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the cleaning drum comprises a cylinder defining an elongate axis, wherein the axis of rotation is the elongate axis of the cylinder.

12. A cleaning machine for cleaning a surface, the cleaning machine comprising:

a handle assembly configured to transition between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration, the handle assembly comprising: an elongate shaft including a handle tube and an inner shaft slidably disposed within the handle shaft, the inner shaft telescopically coupled into the handle tube to enable telescopic length adjustment of the elongate shaft between the extended configuration and the collapsed configuration, the elongate shaft having a distal end and a proximal end and defining a longitudinal axis of the cleaning machine; and a handle coupled to the handle tube; and

a cleaning head attached to the distal end of the elongate shaft of the handle assembly and configured to clean a given surface,

wherein the cleaning machine is operable to clean the given surface in each of the extended configuration and the collapsed configuration of the elongate shaft.

13. The cleaning machine of claim 12, further comprising:

a shaft adjustment mechanism configured to releasably secure the inner shaft relative to the handle tube such that releasing securement of the inner shaft relative to the handle tube enables position adjustment of the inner shaft relative to the handle tube at an intermediate position between the collapsed configuration and the extended configuration.

14. The cleaning machine of claim 12, wherein the cleaning head comprises:

a cleaning drum configured to rotate to clean the given surface, wherein the cleaning drum is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation that, during cleaning, is parallel to the given surface; and

a motor operably connected to and configured to rotate the cleaning drum upon activation of the motor.

15. The cleaning machine of claim 14, further comprising:

a coiled wire disposed within the elongate shaft to couple a power source to the motor, the power source coupled to the handle assembly,

wherein the coiled wire is expandable and contractable to enable telescoping extension and collapse of the elongate shaft while maintaining coupling of the activation switch to the motor and enabling operation of the motor in both the extended configuration and collapsed configuration of the handle assembly.

16. The cleaning machine of claim 14, wherein the cleaning head further comprises:

a drive side arm extending between the motor and a drive side of the cleaning drum to engage the drive side of the cleaning drum; and

an access side arm extending between a motor housing and an access side of the cleaning drum to engage an access side of the cleaning drum, wherein the access side arm is configured to rotate about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the cleaning drum between a securement position engaging and securing the cleaning drum and a release position enabling the cleaning drum to be removed from the cleaning machine.

17. The cleaning machine of claim 16, further comprising a first glide disposed near a distal end of the drive side arm and a second glide disposed near a distal end of the access side arm, each of the first and second glides formed of a low friction material and configured to engage the given surface to stabilize the cleaning machine during a cleaning operation.

18. The cleaning machine of claim 12, further comprising an activation switch configured to activate the motor.

19. The cleaning machine of claim 18, wherein the activation switch comprises a momentary power trigger switch configured to activate the motor responsive to the momentary power trigger being depressed and configured to automatically release when a depressive force is removed,

wherein depressing the activation switch provides power to the motor and releasing of the activation switch stops power to the motor.

20. A method of cleaning a surface, the method comprising:

grasping handle assembly of a cleaning machine, the handle assembly comprising an elongate shaft and a handle disposed on the elongate shaft;

manipulating an activation switch of the cleaning machine to activate a motor disposed in a cleaning head of the cleaning machine, the motor configured to rotate a cleaning drum about a longitudinal axis of the cleaning drum, wherein, during cleaning, the longitudinal axis of the cleaning drum is configured to be oriented parallel to the given surface being cleaned; and

positioning the cleaning head of the cleaning machine, including the cleaning drum, in contact with the given surface to be cleaned, wherein the cleaning head of the cleaning machine contacts the given surface at glides disposed near a distal end of side arms disposed at a drive side and an opposite side of the cleaning drum, each glide formed of a low friction material and configured to engage the given surface to stabilize the cleaning machine during a cleaning operation.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising:

extending the elongate shaft of the handle assembly from a collapsed configuration to an extended configuration.

22. The method of claim 20, further comprising:

collapsing the elongate shaft of the handle assembly from an extended configuration to a collapsed configuration.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein the activation switch of the cleaning machine comprises a momentary power trigger switch configured to activate the motor of the cleaning machine responsive to being depressed and to automatically release when a depressive force is removed,

wherein manipulation of the activation switch comprises squeezing a trigger of the momentary power trigger switch to provide power to the motor.

24. The method of claim 20, further comprising:

applying a cleaning solution to the given surface; and

working the cleaning solution over the surface using the rotating cleaning drum.