Field Of The Invention

This invention relates to a floor cleaning apparatus, and to a method for cleaning a floor.

Background Of The Invention

Various powered floor cleaning machines are known in the art, including those in which the operator is standing on the floor and walking behind the machine ("walk-behind" machines), those in which the operator is sitting on the machine ("ride- on" machines), and those in which the operator is standing on the machine ("stand- on" machines). Each type has advantages and disadvantages.

Walk-behind machines tend to save space, and are flexible in handling, but cleaning speed is limited because the machine has to be moved by the operator, and operator fatigue can lead to reduced cleaning efficiency as the cleaning process progresses. Also, the operator walks behind the machine and thus has at best a limited view of the working area. As a consequence, the cleaning of edges and precise steering is difficult. Where rotating cleaning members are involved, the machine tends to deflect from the desired moving direction which makes manual steering more difficult.

Ride-on machines minimize the above mentioned drawbacks of "walk-behind" machines but present other considerations. In contrast to walk-behind machines, ride-on machines are relatively space-consuming because they have to be large enough for the operator to sit on them on a driver's seat. Furthermore, it is relatively inconvenient for the operator to get on and off the machine in order to get things out of the way or pick up debris etc.

Stand-on machines offer the advantage of an improved view of the working area, and in some cases a smaller machine footprint, but at the expense of operator comfort.

Ride-on and stand-on machines are common in the market for cleaning larger areas, and there has been a market trend toward smaller machines. Customer benefits are higher productivity and also operator comfort compared to walk-behind machines with similar dimensions. At the same time, there has been a demand for high water and battery capacities. One example is a smaller sized stand-on machine that reduces the space needs for the operator to the minimum, and provides a good overview over the working space. This unfortunately further restricts the mobility and comfort of the operator.

Other solutions are based on the traditional ride-on concept, but having the operator sit at the front of the machine. Due to limited machine dimensions and the space needs for a sitting human operator, a number of issues arise:

1 ) No overview over the already-worked area;

2) Limited space leads to an uncomfortable body position, and greater

difficulty in getting on and off the machine, while the operator's knees tend to move to the outside during operation of the machine and extend beyond the machine boundaries.

3) Parts of the body can be exposed to impacting into obstacles. Summary Of The Invention

In a first aspect, a floor cleaning apparatus for cleaning a floor comprises a housing comprising a forward component and a rearward component, a plurality of wheels by which the floor cleaning apparatus is adapted to move across the floor in a direction of travel, the direction of travel at least partially defining a front end, a back end, and first and second lateral sides of the floor cleaning apparatus, a motive device for moving the apparatus across the floor, a steering mechanism, an operator seat, situated between the forward component and the rearward component, and adapted to accommodate a human operator, and a mechanism for cleaning the floor. In embodiments, the floor cleaning apparatus is configured such that when the floor cleaning apparatus is in a navigational mode, the human operator is situated on the seat such that the operator is in a partially seated and partially standing position.

In a second aspect, a method for cleaning a floor comprises providing a floor cleaning apparatus comprising a housing comprising a forward component and a rearward component, a plurality of wheels by which the floor cleaning apparatus is adapted to move across the floor in a direction of travel, the direction of travel at least partially defining a front end, a back end, and first and second lateral sides of the floor cleaning apparatus, a motive device for moving the apparatus across the floor, a steering mechanism, an operator's seat, situated between the forward component and the rearward component, and adapted to accommodate a human operator, and a mechanism for cleaning the floor. In one or more embodiments, the floor cleaning apparatus is configured such that when the floor cleaning apparatus is in a navigational mode, the human operator is situated on the seat such that the operator is in a partially seated and partially standing position. A method for cleaning the floor may further comprise navigating the apparatus across the floor while cleaning the floor.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

The present invention is illustrated by reference to the following drawing figures wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front schematic elevational view of a prior art floor cleaning apparatus and method;

FIG. 2 is a side schematic elevational view of a prior art floor cleaning apparatus and method;

FIG. 3 is another front schematic elevational view of a prior art floor cleaning apparatus and method;

FIG. 4 is a front schematic elevational view of a floor cleaning apparatus and method in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 5 is a side schematic elevational view of a floor cleaning apparatus and method in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 6 is another front schematic elevational view of a floor cleaning apparatus and method in accordance with the invention.

Definitions

"Cleaning" and the like herein refers to treating a floor; in one embodiment, this involves the use of a cleaning fluid and at least one brush, but alternatively or additionally refers to any of burnishing, polishing, vacuuming, sweeping, or brushing, with or without a cleaning fluid, or otherwise affecting the condition of, a floor.

Operative mode" and the like herein refers to a mode in which the

mechanism for cleaning the floor, of the floor cleaning apparatus, is activated.

"Navigational mode" and the like herein refers to a mode in which the floor cleaning apparatus is traversing a floor surface, with the mechanism for cleaning the floor either activated or deactivated.

"Seat height" and the like herein refers to the vertical distance measurement between a seat where an operator sits on the cleaning apparatus and a foot surface on which the operator places their feet when the cleaning apparatus is in

Navigational mode. Detailed Description Of The Invention

FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate the configuration and operation of a floor cleaning apparatus 10 according to the prior art. Apparatus 10 typically includes a housing including a rearward component 14, an intermediate component 17, and a forward component 15, a plurality of wheels 1 1 by which the floor cleaning apparatus 10 is adapted to move across the floor in a direction of travel, the direction of travel at least partially defining a front end, a back end, and first and second lateral sides of the floor cleaning apparatus, a motive device (such as a motor, not visible) for moving the apparatus across the floor, a steering mechanism 13, an operator seat 18, situated between the forward component 15 and the rearward component 14, and adapted to accommodate a human operator 12, and a mechanism (such as a powered brush, not shown) for cleaning the floor.

It can be seen in Figs. 1 to 3 that the prior art floor cleaning apparatus 10 is so configured that when the floor cleaning apparatus 10 is in a navigational mode, and the human operator 12 is situated on the operator seat 18, the operator 12 is in a fully seated position. The operator's back is typically substantially curved and non- vertical, the upper legs are substantially horizontal, and the lower legs are

substantially non-vertical, and sloped downward toward the back end of the floor cleaning apparatus 10. Also, in the illustrated example of a prior art device, the human operator 12 is situated at a height (see Fig. 3) significantly lower than if the human operator 12 were standing adjacent the floor cleaning apparatus 10. Also, the overall position of the human operator 12 is significantly closer to the front end of the apparatus 10 than to the back end of the apparatus.

Figure 2 also portrays an anthropometric dimension PH known as the popliteal height for the operator 12. Popliteal height is the vertical height between the bottom of the feet to the back of the knee. As Figure 2 shows, the upper legs, between the knee and the hip, of the operator are substantially horizontal, in large part, because the operator seat 18 is situated at a height that is the same as or similar to the operator's popliteal height. Naturally, the popliteal height varies in adults of varying height. Also, the popliteal height may be different between males and females. The popliteal height for adult males typically falls within the range between about 350mm and 500mm. The popliteal height for adult females typically falls within the range between about 325mm and 450mm. In the prior art floor cleaning apparatus 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3, the operator seat 18 may be slightly adjustable to accommodate different operators 12, but seat height typically falls within the range of typical popliteal heights provided above. It can be seen in Figures 1 and 3 that the operator's knees tend to drift outside the footprint of the apparatus. This raises the possibility that when e.g.

cleaning the edge of a floor, adjacent a wall 16 (see Fig. 1 ), the operator's knee can make contact with the wall.

FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate the configuration and operation of a floor cleaning apparatus 20 in accordance with the invention. Apparatus 20 includes a housing 24 including a rearward component 21 and a forward component 28, and in one embodiment an intermediate component 29, a plurality of wheels 23 by which the floor cleaning apparatus is adapted to move across the floor in a direction of travel T, the direction of travel T at least partially defining a front end 30, a back end 31 , and first and second lateral sides 34, 36 of the floor cleaning apparatus, a motive device 38 (such as a motor, not explicitly shown) for moving the apparatus across the floor, a steering mechanism 25, an operator seat 27, situated between the forward component 28 and the rearward component 21 , and adapted to accommodate a human operator 22, and a mechanism 40 (such as a powered brush, not explicitly shown) for cleaning the floor, such mechanism may be located at the underside of the apparatus 20.

It can be seen in Figs. 4 to 6 that the floor cleaning apparatus 20 is so configured that when the floor cleaning apparatus 20 is in a navigational mode, and the human operator 22 is situated on the operator seat 27, the operator is in a partially seated and partially standing position, and in various embodiments alone or in combination:

the back of the operator is substantially vertical;

the upper legs of the human operator are sloped downward toward the front end 30 of the floor cleaning apparatus 20;

the lower legs of the human operator are either substantially vertical, or slightly sloped downward toward the front end 30 of the floor cleaning apparatus 20 (i.e., the operator's foot is positioned slightly forward or towards the front end 30 as compared to the operator's knee);

- the human operator is situated at substantially the same height as if the

human operator were standing adjacent the floor cleaning apparatus 20; the overall position of the human operator 22 is substantially equidistant between the front end 30 and the back end 31 of the apparatus 20; i.e. the operator is positioned close to or at the longitudinal center of the floor cleaning apparatus 20; and the operator seat 27 is sloped toward the front end 30 of the floor cleaning apparatus 20.

In one embodiment, having the lower legs of the human operator 22 substantially vertical, i.e. at about 90° with respect to the floor, helps ensure a natural position for the foot and good contact to the portion of the apparatus on which the feet rest, and a safer operating position. It can be seen in Figures 4 and 6 that the operator's knees tend to stay within the lateral boundaries 34, 36 or footprint of the apparatus, so that when e.g. cleaning the edge of a floor, adjacent a wall 26 (see Fig. 4), the operator's knee is less likely to make contact with the wall 26.

Figure 5 portrays a seat height SH dimension, which represents the height of the operator seat 27 above the intermediate portion 29 where the operator's feet are positioned. In one or more embodiments, the seat height SH is greater than a range of popliteal heights that are typical for adult humans. For example, the seat height SH may be larger than about 500mm or simply large enough to position the operator 22 in an ergonomic operating position where the upper legs of the operator 22 are sloped downward toward the front end 30 of the floor cleaning apparatus 20. In one or more embodiments, the seat height SH is large enough to position the operator 22 in an ergonomic operating position where the operator is partially seated and partially standing. The term "partially seated and partially standing" may be interpreted to mean that substantial portions of the operators total body weight are supported at both the seat and the feet. With the seat height SH at an elevated position relative to popliteal height, and the operator's upper leg sloped downward toward the front end 30 of the cleaning apparatus 20, a significant portion of the operator's weight is shifted from the seat to the feet. At very large seat heights SH, excessive amounts of the operator's weight may be supported by the feet instead of being shared between the seat and feet. In one embodiment, the seat height SH is adjustable between a range of about 550mm and 700mm in order to obtain an optimal balance of operator weight supported at the seat and the feet for a range of different operator heights.

It can also be seen in Figure 6 that the operator's height when seated is substantially the same height as if the human operator 32 were standing adjacent the floor cleaning apparatus 20. The invention thus provides an apparatus 20 that permits the operator to have a good view of the work area, but without being unduly exposed to overhead obstacles. Operation of the apparatus thus provides an operator with a working environment and field of view commensurate with a person walking the same cleaning path. By situating the human operator 22 substantially equidistant between the front end 30 and the back end 31 of the apparatus, and thus in the longitudinally intermediate portion 29 of the apparatus 20, the apparatus 20 is configured to automatically situate the operator 22 on the seat 27 into a body position with a good degree of comfort, while using less overall machine space compared to a fully sitting position. This configuration also provides an excellent overview of the intended cleaning route for the operator to navigate.

The floor cleaning apparatus of the invention can in various embodiments utilize and incorporate various features typical of powered floor cleaning machines.

The housing 24 has a rearward component 21 that in one embodiment can include e.g. reservoirs 42, 43 for storing fresh and spent cleaning liquid. The housing can also include any of a mechanism for dosing and dispensing fresh cleaning liquid onto the floor, and a squeegee/vacuum system for recovering spent cleaning liquid from the floor. In one embodiment, the mechanism for dosing and dispensing can be located in the lower portion of housing 24, near the floor. In one embodiment, the

squeegee/vacuum system is located rearward of the mechanism for dosing and dispensing a cleaning fluid, and rearward of any cleaning brushes if present. The housing 24 has a forward component 28 that can be used to house functional elements such as the steering mechanism, and to serve as protection for the operator.

The plurality of wheels 23 by which the floor cleaning apparatus is adapted to move across the floor in a direction of travel T, can include a motive device 38, including for example one or more power-operated drive wheels, such as a pair of driving wheels for moving the body, a motor, such as an electric motor, for directly or indirectly driving the wheel or wheels, and steering and speed control members for operating the driving motor. Steering may either be manual or by way of

differentiated control of the individual wheel speeds. In one embodiment, the apparatus can include two front wheels 23 connected with a front axle, and two rear wheels 23 connected with a rear axle. The two front wheels can be spaced apart a distance equal to the distance between the two rear wheels. Alternatively, the front wheels can be spaced apart a distance greater than, or less than, the distance between the two rear wheels. Alternatively, the apparatus 20 can have a single front wheel and a pair of rear wheels, or a pair of front wheels and a single rear wheel.

The apparatus includes at least one drive wheel. Any or all of the wheels can be drive wheels, and the apparatus can include one or more caster or free wheels. Drive wheels can be connected to and powered by electric motors indirectly by e.g. a belt or a chain, but other connections can also be used, e.g., the wheels can be individually powered by hub motors.

The steering mechanism 25 can be in the form of a conventional steering wheel. Instead of having the form of a steering wheel, mechanism 25 can have other configurations, for example, can comprise two hand gears or levers, one for each wheel, which are pulled forward or backward, etc. Steering mechanism 25 also includes the appropriate linkage to couple the steering wheel to the wheels used to guide the path of the floor cleaning apparatus. Steering mechanism 25 can also include a user interface or dashboard.

The operator seat 27 can be of any suitable configuration, size, and shape. In one embodiment, seat 27 is sloped or slightly inclined toward the front end 30 of the floor cleaning apparatus 20 such that when the floor cleaning apparatus is in a navigational mode, the human operator 22 is situated on the seat 27 such that the operator 22 is in a partially seated and partially standing position. Thus the operator seat 27 can be disposed toward the front end of the apparatus at an angle, from the horizontal, of e.g. between one degree and 30 degrees. In another embodiment, the seat 27 is substantially horizontal. A seat 27 that is either slightly sloped or inclined toward the front end of the apparatus, or else substantially horizontal, helps ensure that the operator's back is substantially vertical.

The mechanism 40 for cleaning the floor can comprise any device or assembly that affects or treats the floor surface. This can include a mechanism for the cleaning of carpets or hard surfaces of large floor areas, such as in hotels, factories, office buildings, shopping centers and the like. The mechanism 40 can include a movable body carrying at least one brush, a scrubber, sweeper, or the like. In one embodiment, the mechanism includes a scrubbing device such as a motor- driven circular or cylindrical scrubbing brush or brushes, reservoirs 42, 43 for storing fresh and spent cleaning liquid, a device for dosing fresh cleaning liquid onto the floor, and a squeegee/vacuum pickup system for recovering spent cleaning liquid from the floor. The mechanism 40 for cleaning in one embodiment comprises one or more cleaning implements, such as brushes or scrubbing pads and a motor for driving the implements.

In one embodiment, the operator seat 27 is adjustable to enable the operator to adjust the height of the seat to accommodate the height of the operator 22. In another embodiment, the steering mechanism 25 is adjustable to optimize its location for the benefit and comfort of the operator 22.

In one embodiment, the present invention can be utilized in conjunction with the invention disclosed in US provisional patent application serial no. 62/058,737 (Baertsch et aL), entitled "Floor Cleaning Apparatus With Offset Cleaning Unit", filed on October 2, 2014; that application incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. . Thus, the present invention can include a cleaning assembly for cleaning the floor, wherein the cleaning assembly includes a cleaning unit, an offset mechanism adapted to move the cleaning unit to or from an offset position, and/or a swing mechanism linking the cleaning unit to the steering mechanism such that when the floor cleaning apparatus is in an operative mode, the cleaning unit reorients its position in synchronization with the path of travel of the floor cleaning apparatus. The floor cleaning apparatus can also include in one embodiment a lifting device adapted to selectively raise and lower the cleaning assembly. In one embodiment, the cleaning unit has a fixed working width, i.e. the width of the portion of the unit that effects cleaning, remains constant whether the apparatus is in an offset mode or non- offset mode.

Statement of Embodiments of the Invention

The present application is directed in various embodiments to the subject matter described in the following paragraphs. These are optional embodiments of any of the apparatus or method aspects of the invention as described hereinabove and for each aspect, these features can be taken alone or in any suitable

combination of these features:

a) When the floor cleaning apparatus 20 is in a navigational mode, the back of the human operator 22 is substantially vertical.

b) When the floor cleaning apparatus 20 is in a navigational mode, the upper legs of the human operator 22 are sloped downward toward the front end 30 of the floor cleaning apparatus 20.

c) When the floor cleaning apparatus 20 is in a navigational mode, the lower legs of the human operator 22 are substantially vertical.

d) When the floor cleaning apparatus 20 is in a navigational mode, the lower legs of the human operator 22 are slightly sloped downward toward the front end 30 of the floor cleaning apparatus20. e) When the floor cleaning apparatus 20 is in a navigational mode, the human operator 22 is situated at substantially the same height as if the human operator 32 were standing adjacent the floor cleaning apparatus 20.

f) When the floor cleaning apparatus 20 is in a navigational mode, the overall position of human operator 22 is substantially equidistant between the front end 30 and the back end 31 of the apparatus 20.

g) When the floor cleaning apparatus 20 is in a navigational mode, the human operator 22 is close to or at the longitudinal center of the floor cleaning apparatus 20.

h) The operator seat 27 is sloped toward the front end 30 of the floor cleaning apparatus 20.

i) The mechanism 40 for cleaning the floor comprises any of a motor- driven scrubbing brush; a scrubbing pad; a polisher; a vacuum system; a spray extractor; a reservoir 42 for storing fresh cleaning liquid; a reservoir 43 for storing spent cleaning liquid; a device for dispensing fresh cleaning liquid onto the floor; and a squeegee/vacuum system for recovering spent cleaning liquid from the floor. j) The housing 24 includes a reservoir 42 adapted to hold a cleaning solution.

k) The mechanism 40 for cleaning the floor comprises a mechanism for vacuuming the floor.

I) The mechanism 40 for cleaning the floor comprises a cleaning assembly including a cleaning unit; and an offset mechanism adapted to move the cleaning unit to or from an offset position.

m) The mechanism 40 for cleaning the floor comprises a cleaning assembly comprising a swing mechanism linking a cleaning unit to the steering mechanism such that when the floor cleaning apparatus is in an operative mode, the cleaning unit reorients its position in synchronization with the path of travel of the floor cleaning apparatus.

n) The floor cleaning apparatus 20 comprises a lifting device adapted to selectively raise and lower the mechanism for cleaning the floor.

o) The mechanism 40 for cleaning the floor comprises a cleaning unit having a fixed working width.

p) The operator seat 27 is positioned at a seat height larger than a popliteal height of an operator (22). q) The operator seat 27 is positioned at a seat height larger than about 500mm.

r) The operator seat 27 is positioned at a seat height larger than about 550mm.

s) The operator seat 27 is positioned at a seat height smaller than about

700mm.

Embodiments above have been described in an illustrative manner, and the terminology used is intended to be descriptive rather than limiting. Modifications and variations of the illustrated embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, wherein reference numerals are provided merely for convenience and are not to be in any way limiting, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described in the illustrative embodiments.