FLOOR CLEANING MACHINE

Abstract

Implementations of a floor cleaning machine are provided. The floor cleaning machine is adapted to mop floors (e.g., tile, linoleum, concrete, and like floors) and comprises: a wheeled carriage assembly having a push handle; and a mop assembly that includes an endless mop belt, moistened with a cleaning solution, that can be driven through a cleaning circuit during which the underlying floor is mopped. The floor cleaning machine is configured so that rotation of at least one wheel of the wheeled carriage assembly drives the endless mop belt through the cleaning circuit. In some implementations, the mop assembly is configured to wring out the endless mop belt as it is driven through its cleaning circuit and the floor cleaning machine further comprises a filtration and recirculation system configured to moisten the endless mop belt and collect cleaning solution wrung from the endless mop belt by the mop assembly.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to implementations of a floor cleaning machine. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to implementations of a floor cleaning machine that is adapted to mop floors.

BACKGROUND

The commercial cleaning industry has two methods of mopping floors, the floor mop and the auto scrubber. The floor mop is used in conjunction with a bucket, and the auto scrubber can be a walk-behind, or a ride-on, floor cleaning device. A floor mop, and bucket, allows a typical person to mop approximately 1500 sq. feet per hour. While an auto scrubber allows a person to mop approximately 15,000 to 20,000 sq. feet per hour.

However, auto scrubbers have several disadvantages due to their size, weight, and cost. For example, commercial janitorial closets are often too small to house an auto scrubber. Also, due to their size and weight, a van, or trailer, having a ramp is required to transport most, if not all, auto scrubbers. Further, many companies find the cost of procurement and maintenance too high to justify the purchase of one.

Due to the disadvantages inherent to auto scrubbers, most companies rely on workers using floor mops to clean all hard surface floors. But the use of a floor mop and bucket has its own disadvantages. In particular, the use of a floor mop and bucket is labor intensive and can result in repetitive motion injuries (RMIs). RMIs are caused by repeatedly performing a physical task. Common RMIs include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and bursitis, and these RMIs put worker productivity at risk. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RMIs lead to an average of 18 lost workdays per injury. Also, once a worker suffers an RMI the likelihood that they'll be reinjured is high. One of the most common causes of RMIs in the commercial cleaning industry is mopping. Even still, approximately 70% of all hard surface floors are manually mopped.

Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for the floor cleaning machine disclosed herein. It is to the provision of a floor cleaning machine configured to address these needs, and others, that the present invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Implementations of a floor cleaning machine are provided. The floor cleaning machine is adapted to mop floors, thereby replacing the use of a conventional mop and mop bucket. In this way, labor cost is reduced and/or repetitive motion injuries (RMIs) minimized or eliminated.

The manually propelled floor cleaning machine is adapted to mop floors (e.g., tile, linoleum, concrete, and like floors) and comprises: a wheeled carriage assembly having a push handle; and a mop assembly that includes an endless mop belt, moistened with a cleaning solution, that can be driven through a cleaning circuit during which the underlying floor is mopped. The floor cleaning machine is configured so that rotation of at least one wheel of the wheeled carriage assembly drives the endless mop belt through the cleaning circuit.

In some implementations, the mop assembly is configured to wring out the endless mop belt as it is driven through the cleaning circuit; and the floor cleaning machine further comprises a filtration and recirculation system configured to moisten the endless mop belt, collect and recirculate cleaning solution wrung from the endless mop belt by the mop assembly, and filter cleaning solution used to moisten the endless mop belt.

In some implementations, the wheeled carriage assembly is configured to be height adjustable and thereby facilitate selectively placing the endless mop belt into contact with the underlying floor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top, left, rear isometric view of an exemplary implementation of a floor cleaning machine according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a left side view of the flooring cleaning machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom, left, front isometric view of the floor cleaning machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the floor cleaning machine shown in FIGS. 1-3; wherein fasteners have been omitted for the purpose of clarity.

FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of the wheeled carriage assembly, the mop head assembly, and portions of the filtration and recirculation system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 illustrates a left side view of the wheeled carriage assembly, the mop head assembly, and the portions of the filtration and recirculation system shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates a right side view of the wheeled carriage assembly, the mop head assembly, portions of the filtration and recirculation system, and the drive belt assembly of the floor cleaning machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded isometric view of the wheeled carriage assembly, the mop head assembly, and the recovery pan; wherein the top cover, height adjustment handle, pivots, and connecting rods have been omitted.

FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric view of the mop assembly shown in FIG. 8; wherein the left frame portion of the mop assembly has been omitted.

FIG. 10 illustrates a left side view of the mop assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the floor cleaning machine shown in FIG. 1; wherein the push handle has been folded and the floor cleaning machine rested on its backside.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an example floor cleaning machine 100 according to the principles of the present disclosure. The floor cleaning machine 100 is adapted to mop floors, thereby replacing the use of a conventional mop and mop bucket. In this way, labor cost is reduced and/or repetitive motion injuries (RMIs) minimized or eliminated. In some implementations, the floor cleaning machine 100 may be configured to rest on a backside thereof when not in use (see, e.g., FIG. 11). In this way, the floor cleaning machine 100 may be stored, the mop belt 132 allowed to dry, and maintenance performed (e.g., replacement of the mop belt).

Referring now to the drawings, the floor cleaning machine 100 is adapted to mop floors (e.g., tile, linoleum, concrete, and like floors) and comprises: a wheeled carriage assembly 110 having a push handle 112; and a mop assembly 130 that includes an endless mop belt 132, moistened with a cleaning solution, that can be driven through a circuit during which the underlying floor is mopped. The floor cleaning machine 100 may be configured so that rotation of the rear wheels 120 of the wheeled carriage assembly 110 drives the endless mop belt 132 through its cleaning circuit. The floor cleaning machine 100 further comprises a filtration and recirculation system that may include a cleaning solution tank 150, one or more filter elements 152, a battery powered pump 156, a battery powered solenoid valve 160, a sprinkler 158, and a recovery pan 154, or a suitable combination thereof. In this way, the endless mop belt 132 can be moistened with cleaning solution by the sprinkler 158 and cleaning solution wrung from the endless mop belt 132 can be recovered and filtered before reuse. This reduces the amount of time wasted going back-and-forth between a janitorial closet to replace the cleaning solution and saves water.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 7, the wheeled carriage assembly 110 comprises a frame 114 having a rear wheel assembly 116 and a pair of front casters 122, and a push handle 112 that can be used to propel and steer the floor cleaning machine 100. Together, the rear wheel assembly 116 and the front casters 122 are capable of bearing and carrying the weight of the floor cleaning machine 100, the front casters 122 are also capable of directionally swiveling.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 8, in some implementations, the rear wheel assembly 116 comprises an elongated cylindrically shaped axle 118, a first wheel 120a, and a second wheel 120b. When secured to the frame 114 of the wheeled carriage assembly 110, the axle 118 rotatably extends through a hole in each of a pair of height adjustable rear mounting brackets (164a, 164b), the first wheel 120a is connected adjacent a first end of the axle 118 and the second wheel 120b is connected to a second end of the axle 118. The cylindrical shaft 169 of each rear mounting bracket 164a, 164b is configured to slide through a tubular coupling 178 (of the frame 114) that defines an opening which extends through the top surface of the frame 114. The cylindrical shaft 169 of each rear mounting bracket 164a, 164b has a spring 179 positioned thereabout that is sandwiched between the rear mounting bracket 164a, 164b and the lower end of the tubular coupling 178. In this way, the rear mounting brackets 164 to which the rear wheels 120 are mounted is kept under tension.

As shown in FIG. 3, in some implementations, each of the front casters 122a, 122b is configured to rotate and swivel. When secured to the frame 114 of the wheeled carriage assembly 110, both casters 122 are secured to a height adjustable front strut 166. The cylindrical shafts 167 of the front strut 166 are configured to slide through openings in the carriage bar 126 and the top surface of the frame 114 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3 and 5). The carriage bar 126 is supported by, and extends between, opposing portions of the wheeled carriage assembly's frame 114. Each cylindrical shaft 167 of the front strut 166 has a spring 176 positioned thereabout that is sandwiched between the front strut 166 and the underside of the carriage bar 126. In this way, the front strut 166 to which the casters 122 are mounted is kept under tension.

In some implementations, the push handle 112 may be removably secured to the frame 114 of the wheeled carriage assembly 110 by suitable fasteners (e.g., nuts and bolts). In some implementations, the push handle 112 of the wheeled carriage assembly 110 may be configured to fold over, thereby allowing the floor cleaning machine 100 to rest on a backside thereof (see, e.g., FIG. 11).

In some implementations, the wheeled carriage assembly 110 is height adjustable and further comprises an adjustment handle 162 that is operably connected to the rear mounting brackets 164a, 164b and the front strut 166. In this way, the height of the wheeled carriage assembly 110 relative to the floor can be adjusted, thereby allowing the user to selectively place the mop belt 132 (of the mop assembly 130) into contact with the underlying floor.

As shown in FIG. 5, the height adjustment handle 162 may be operably connected to the rear mounting brackets 164 and the front strut 166 by a series of pivots 168 and connecting rods 170. In some implementations, the height adjustment handle 162 can move between, at least, two positions. In a first position, the wheeled chassis assembly 110 is lowered so that the endless mop belt 132 is positioned to make contact with the underlying floor (see, e.g., FIGS. 1-3). In a second position, the wheeled chassis assembly 110 is raised so that the endless mop belt 132 does not make contact with the underlying floor. In this way, the floor cleaning machine 100 can travel over carpet, and other surfaces, without the endless mop belt 132 coming into contact therewith.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the wheeled carriage assembly 110 may also include a top cover 124 that is positioned and configured to cover the pivots 168 and connecting rods 170 that operably connect the height adjustment handle 162 to the rear mounting brackets 164 and the front strut 166 of the floor cleaning machine 100.

As shown in FIG. 8, the mop assembly 130 is removably secured to the frame 114 of the wheeled carriage assembly 110. The mop assembly 130 is configured to facilitate movement of the endless mop belt 132 through its cleaning circuit and/or to wring out the endless mop belt 132 as it moves through its cleaning circuit. In some implementations, the mop assembly 130 comprises a frame 131, two squeegee rollers 134, two drum rollers 136, and the endless mop belt 132. The mop assembly 130 is also configured to removably support and position the recovery pan 154 of the filtration and recirculation system so that it captures water wrung from the endless mop belt 132 as it passes between the two squeegee rollers 134.

As shown in FIGS. 8-10, in some implementations, the mop assembly frame 131 comprises a right frame portion 131a, a left frame portion 131b, and a joiner plate 131c connected together by fasteners (e.g., screws). The mop assembly frame 131 is configured to support and position the two drum rollers 136 and the two squeegee rollers 134 to define the cleaning circuit and thereby guide the endless mop belt 132 across the underlying floor, under the sprinkler 158 of the filtration and recirculation system to be moistened, and between the squeegee rollers 134 to be wrung out prior to being guided across the underlying floor again (see, e.g., FIG. 10).

As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the two drum rollers 136 are rotatably suspending between the right frame portion 131a and the left frame portion 131b of the mop assembly 130. The body of each drum roller 136a, 136b is an elongate cylinder that spins on bearings. Each drum roller 136a, 136b is configured to engage with the interior side of the endless mop belt 132 and thereby drive it through the cleaning circuit during operation of the floor cleaning machine 100. For example, in some implementations, frictional engagement between the components (i.e., the mop belt 132 and the drum rollers 136) may result from a rubber material placed on the exterior of each drum roller 136a, 136b. In some implementations, each drum roller 136a, 136b includes a spring-loaded release button 138 that extends through an opening in an arm of the left frame portion 131b. In this way, when the release button 138 is depressed, one end of a drum roller 136a, 136b can be angled out of position and removed from between the two frame portions 131a, 131b.

As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the two squeegee rollers 134 are rotatably suspending between the right frame portion 131a and the left frame portion 131b of the mop assembly 130. The body of each squeegee roller 136a, 136b is an elongate cylinder. The two squeegee rollers 134 are positioned so that the endless mop belt 132 is wrung out as it passes therebetween. In some implementations, each end of the upper squeegee roller 134a is suspending by a spring-loaded support 140. In this way, the upper squeegee roller 134a presses the endless mop belt 132 against the lower squeegee roller 134b as it passes therethrough. In some implementations, the lower squeegee roller 134b includes a spring-loaded release button 142 that extends through an opening in a depending extension of the left frame portion 131b. In this way, when the release button 142 is depressed, one end of the lower squeegee roller 134b can be angled out of position and removed from between the two frame portions 131a, 131b.

The squeegee rollers 134 and the drummer rollers 136 of the mop assembly 130 are made of plastic, rubber, or metal, or a suitable combination thereof.

As shown throughout the drawings, the endless mop belt 132 is a single piece of material joined end to end. The endless mop belt 132 is preferably comprised of an absorbent micro fiber material, but could be made of other monofilament or multifilament strands formed into a continuous loop that would be suitable for mopping wood, tile, stone, etc. In some implementations, the endless mop belt 132 may have a first end and a second end that are joined together by hook-and-loop fasteners (not shown). In this way, without removing the drum rollers 136 from the mop assembly frame 131, the endless mop belt 132 could be removed from the cleaning circuit of the floor cleaning machine 100.

As shown in FIG. 7, in some implementations, the endless mop belt 132 is operably connected to the rear wheels 120 of the carriage assembly 110 by a drive belt assembly 180. In this way, rotation of the rear wheels 120 can be used to drive the endless mop belt 132 through the cleaning circuit. In some implementations, the drive belt assembly 180 comprises two cogs 182 and a drive belt 184. The first cog 182a is secured to the first end of the axle 118, adjacent the first rear wheel 120a; and the second cog 182b is secured to a first end of the upper squeegee roller 134a. The drive belt 184 is configured to loop around and drivingly engage with both cogs 182. In this way, rotation of the second cog 182b, and thereby the rotation of the upper squeegee roller 134a, is linked to the rotation of the first cog 182a, and thereby the rotation of the rear wheel assembly 116. It should be noted that rotational movement of the upper squeegee roller 134a, as it presses the endless mop belt 132 against the lower squeegee roller 134b, drives the endless mop belt 132 through the cleaning circuit (or loop) defined by the mop assembly 130.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the floor cleaning machine 100 is being pushed forward (i.e., to the left as shown in the referenced illustration), the endless mop belt 132 moves across the underlying floor in the direction of the arrow.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the battery powered pump 156 of the filtration and recirculation system is configured to drive liquid through the system so that it moistens the endless mop belt 132, filters the liquid wrung from the endless mop belt 132 by the squeegee rollers 134, and recirculates the filtered liquid. The flow of liquid through the filtration and recirculation system is regulated by the battery powered solenoid valve 160.

In some implementations, while the solenoid valve 160 is open, the battery powered pump 156 pushes cleaning solution from the cleaning solution tank 150 into the sprinkler 158 so that it can be dispersed onto the endless mop belt 132. Excess cleaning solution from the sprinkler 158, and cleaning solution wrung from the endless mop belt 132 by the squeegee rollers 134, is collected by the recovery pan 154 positioned thereunder. The battery powered pump 156, and thereby the cleaning solution tank 150, is operably connected to the recovery pan 154 by a hose 155. In some implementations, a first filter element 152a may be positioned within the recovery pan 154. In this way, cleaning solution is filtered before being withdrawn from the recovery pan 154 by the battery powered pump 156. In some implementations, a second filter element 152b may be positioned within the cleaning solution tank 150. In this way, cleaning solution is filtered before passing through the open solenoid valve 160 and being expelled by the sprinkler 158 onto the endless mop belt 132. In some implementations, the battery powered pump 156 is turned ON/OFF using a provided switch. In some implementations, the battery powered solenoid valve 160 is opened/closed using a switch 159, positioned on the push handle 122, that is operably (i.e., conductively) connected thereto (see, e.g., FIG. 1).

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, in some implementations, the cleaning solution tank 150 and the battery powered pump 156 of the filtration and recirculation system are mounted to the top cover 124 of the wheeled carriage assembly 110. In some implementations, the battery powered pump 156 and/or the cleaning solution tank 150 are secured in position by one or more brackets and/or fasteners. The cleaning solution tank 150 is made of plastic, includes a removable lid 150a, and is configured to contain 6.28 gallons of liquid. But it should be understood that the cleaning solution tank 150 could be configured (i.e., sized) to contain more, or less, liquid. In some implementations, the battery powered pump 156 may be a DC powered water pump. But one of ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of the present disclosure, would be able to select an appropriate battery powered pump 156 for use as part of the filtration and recirculation system.

One of ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of the present disclosure, would be able to select a suitable DC powered solenoid valve 160 for use as part of the filtration and recirculation system.

In some implementations, each of the one or more filter elements 152 of the filtration and recirculation system is a baleen filter cartridge. But one of ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of the present disclosure, would be able to select an appropriate filter element 152 for use as part of the filtration and recirculation system.

As shown in FIG. 4, in some implementations, the sprinkler 158 comprises a tube 158a and an elongated cylindrical nozzle 158b with holes therein. The tube 158a extends from the cleaning solution tank 150 into the elongated cylindrical nozzle 158b. The elongated cylindrical nozzle 158b extends from the right frame portion 131a of the mop assembly frame 131 and is positioned over the endless mop belt 132.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, in some implementations, the recovery pan 154 is supported by a pair of support beams 144 extending from the right frame portion 131a and may include a screen lid 172 with a paper filter element 174 positioned over the top opening 154a thereof. The filter element 174 is replaceable and configured to filter dirt and debris from any cleaning solution passing therethrough.

In some implementations, the cleaning solution may be water, a combination of water and a suitable floor cleaner, water and a suitable disinfectant, or any other aqueous cleaning solution suitable for cleaning wood, tile, stone, etc.

The frame 114, push handle 112, and top cover 124 of the wheeled carriage assembly 110 and the mop assembly frame 131 are made of metal (e.g., an aluminum alloy). The other components of the floor cleaning machine 100 are made of plastic, rubber, or metal, or a suitable combination thereof.

In some implementations, the following steps may be taken to remove the recovery pan 154 and the mop assembly 130 from the wheeled carriage assembly 110. Initially, turn the battery powered pump 156 OFF and disconnect the hose 155 therefrom. Then, remove the drive belt 184 from engagement with the second cog 182b. Next, lift the recovery pan 154 up and pull it from the left side of the mop assembly 130 (see, e.g., FIG. 8). Then, slide the mop assembly 130 out from the left side of the wheeled carriage assembly 110 (see, e.g., FIG. 8). Now the endless mop belt 132 may be removed from the mop assembly 130 and replaced.

In some implementations, the following steps may be taken to remove and replace the endless mop belt 132 of the mop assembly 130. Initially, press the release buttons 138, 142 on the drum rollers 136 and the lower squeegee roller 134b to disengage them from the left frame portion 131b of the mop assembly 130. Then, remove the left frame portion 131b from the mop assembly 130 (see, e.g., FIG. 10). Next, slide the endless mop belt 132 off of the drum rollers 136 and the lower squeegee roller 134b. Then, slide a new endless mop belt 132 onto the drum rollers 136 and the lower squeegee roller 134b from left to right. Next, reattach the left frame portion 131b to the mop assembly 130. Then, position the drum rollers 136 and the lower squeegee roller 134b so that the release buttons 138, 142 thereof can reengage with their respective openings in the left frame portion 131b of the mop assembly 130.

As shown throughout the illustrations, the endless mop belt 132 is 20″ wide. It should be understood that the endless mop belt 132 could be more than, or less than, 20″ wide without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Although not shown, in some implementations, the floor cleaning machine 100 may include an electric motor configured to assist with propelling the rear wheels 120 thereof. In this way, the floor cleaning machine 100 is configured to be self-propelled.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “implementation” or words of similar import means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrase “in some implementations” or a phrase of similar import in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.

The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the above description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail.

While operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.

Claims

1. A manually propelled floor cleaning machine adapted to mop floors, the floor cleaning machine comprising:

a wheeled carriage assembly having a push handle; and

a mop assembly that includes an endless mop belt, moistened with a cleaning solution, that can be driven through a cleaning circuit during which the underlying floor is mopped;

wherein the floor cleaning machine is configured so that rotation of at least one wheel of the wheeled carriage assembly drives the endless mop belt through the cleaning circuit.

2. The floor cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the endless mop belt is a comprised of an absorbent micro fiber material that has been formed into a continuous loop.

3. The floor cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the push handle of the wheeled carriage assembly is configured to fold over, thereby allowing the floor cleaning machine to rest on a backside thereof.

4. The floor cleaning machine of claim 1, wherein the wheeled carriage assembly comprises a rear wheel assembly and a pair of front casters, the rear wheel assembly and the front casters are capable of bearing and carrying the weight of the floor cleaning machine, the front casters are also capable of directionally swiveling.

5. The floor cleaning machine of claim 1, further comprising a drive belt assembly configured to operably connect the at least one wheel of the wheeled carriage assembly to the endless mop belt.

6. A manually propelled floor cleaning machine adapted to mop floors, the floor cleaning machine comprising:

a wheeled carriage assembly having a push handle;

a mop assembly that includes an endless mop belt, moistened with a cleaning solution, that can be driven through a cleaning circuit during which the underlying floor is mopped, the mop assembly is configured to wring out the endless mop belt as it is driven through the cleaning circuit; and

a filtration and recirculation system configured to moisten the endless mop belt, collect and recirculate cleaning solution wrung from the endless mop belt by the mop assembly, and filter cleaning solution used to moisten the endless mop belt;

wherein the floor cleaning machine is configured so that rotation of at least one wheel of the wheeled carriage assembly drives the endless mop belt through the cleaning circuit.

7. The floor cleaning machine of claim 6, wherein the endless mop belt is a comprised of an absorbent micro fiber material that has been formed into a continuous loop.

8. The floor cleaning machine of claim 6, wherein the push handle of the wheeled carriage assembly is configured to fold over, thereby allowing the floor cleaning machine to rest on a backside thereof.

9. The floor cleaning machine of claim 6, wherein the mop assembly further comprises a pair of squeegee rollers configured to wring out the endless mop belt; wherein the filtration and recirculation system comprises a recovery pan positioned to catch liquid wrung from the endless mop belt by the squeegee rollers.

10. The floor cleaning machine of claim 6, wherein the filtration and recirculation system includes a sprinkler that is suspended over the endless mop belt, the sprinkler is configured to moisten the endless mop belt with cleaning solution.

11. The floor cleaning machine of claim 6, wherein the filtration and recirculation system includes: a cleaning solution tank configured to contain cleaning solution; one or more filter elements configured to filter cleaning solution circulating through the filtration and recirculation system; a battery powered pump configured to drive liquid cleaning solution through the filtration and recirculation system; a sprinkler positioned and configured to moisten the endless mop belt with cleaning solution; and a recovery pan positioned to catch liquid wrung from the endless mop belt by the mop assembly.

12. The floor cleaning machine of claim 6, wherein the wheeled carriage assembly comprises a rear wheel assembly and a pair of front casters, the rear wheel assembly and the front casters are capable of bearing and carrying the weight of the floor cleaning machine, the front casters are also capable of directionally swiveling.

13. The floor cleaning machine of claim 6, further comprising a drive belt assembly configured to operably connect the at least one wheel of the wheeled carriage assembly to the endless mop belt.

14. A manually propelled floor cleaning machine adapted to mop floors, the floor cleaning machine comprising:

a wheeled carriage assembly having a push handle;

a mop assembly that includes an endless mop belt, moistened with a cleaning solution, that can be driven through a cleaning circuit during which the underlying floor is mopped, the mop assembly is configured to wring out the endless mop belt as it is driven through the cleaning circuit; and

a filtration and recirculation system configured to moisten the endless mop belt, collect and recirculate cleaning solution wrung from the endless mop belt by the mop assembly, and filter cleaning solution used to moisten the endless mop belt;

wherein the floor cleaning machine is configured so that rotation of at least one wheel of the wheeled carriage assembly drives the endless mop belt through the cleaning circuit;

wherein the wheeled carriage assembly is configured to be height adjustable and thereby facilitate selectively placing the endless mop belt into contact with the underlying floor.

15. The floor cleaning machine of claim 14, wherein the endless mop belt is a comprised of an absorbent micro fiber material that has been formed into a continuous loop.

16. The floor cleaning machine of claim 14, wherein the push handle of the wheeled carriage assembly is configured to fold over, thereby allowing the floor cleaning machine to rest on a backside thereof.

17. The floor cleaning machine of claim 14, wherein the mop assembly further comprises a pair of squeegee rollers configured to wring out the endless mop belt; wherein the filtration and recirculation system comprises a recovery pan positioned to catch liquid wrung from the endless mop belt by the squeegee rollers.

18. The floor cleaning machine of claim 14, wherein the filtration and recirculation system includes a sprinkler that is suspended over the endless mop belt, the sprinkler is configured to moisten the endless mop belt with cleaning solution.

19. The floor cleaning machine of claim 14, wherein the wheeled carriage assembly comprises a rear wheel assembly and a pair of front casters, the rear wheel assembly and the front casters are capable of bearing and carrying the weight of the floor cleaning machine, the front casters are also capable of directionally swiveling.

20. The floor cleaning machine of claim 14, further comprising a drive belt assembly configured to operably connect the at least one wheel of the wheeled carriage assembly to the endless mop belt.