Brushing – scrubbing – and general cleaning – Machines – Combined
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-13
2001-08-14
Chin, Randall E. (Department: 1744)
Brushing, scrubbing, and general cleaning
Machines
Combined
C015S021100, C015S022300
Reexamination Certificate
active
06272711
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to surface engaging apparatus and more particularly to surface engaging apparatus for brushing, scraping, scrubbing, wiping, cleaning, engaging and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Removal of snow and ice from vehicles with conventional ice scrapers and brushes is a particularly arduous task that is often accomplished under cold uncomfortable conditions. Scraping ice requires one to exert a downward force on a scraper while sliding the scraper across the windshield. Brushing snow requires one to reciprocate a brush back and forth to remove the snow from the hood and windshield. Due to the size of vehicles and reach of typical persons, there are often places that cannot be reached or that are difficult to reach while applying the force and motion necessary for removing snow and ice. Moreover, the manual manipulation of conventional scrapers and brushes often results in snow and ice ending up on the person's clothing, which provides a disincentive for removing snow and ice from large areas and hard to reach areas. These factors often result in a less than satisfactory removal of snow and ice from vehicles which presents a potential operational hazard.
In other related applications, motorized surface engaging apparatus for scrubbing, sweeping, cleaning and engaging are generally known such as those shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,495,632, 5,221,229, 5,309,597, 5,809,602. These patents generally disclose that a surface engaging head mounted on a carrier can be motorized to reduce manual labor necessary for engaging a surface. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,495,632, different cleaning heads can be interchangeably attached to the end of the motorized apparatus. However, changing heads takes time and often tools to change the heads. Moreover, idle heads can often be misplaced or lost when not attached to the motorized apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one of the aspects of the present invention, the present invention provides a multifunction motorized apparatus for engaging a surface that has particular application to removal of snow and ice from vehicles but may also be used in other surface engaging applications. The apparatus includes a support frame having two pulleys mounted thereon and a handle for manipulating the apparatus. An endless conveyor is entrained on the pulleys for movement along a continuous path. A motor is supported by the frame and is drivingly connected to the endless belt for driving the endless belt along the continuous path. A plurality of surface engaging device assemblies have an inner end connected to the endless belt and an outer end extending outward from the endless belt for engaging a surface such as a windshield of a vehicle for example. Each surface engaging device assembly includes a movable body having first and second surface engaging heads which can be alternatively located at the outer end for engaging the surface. It is an advantage that each head provides a different operating mode for the surface engaging apparatus. For example, one head can be a brush while the other head may be a scraper such that the scraper heads are located at the outer end for scraping ice and the brush heads are located at the outer end for brushing snow.
According to one of the aspects of the present invention, a multifunction apparatus for engaging a surface comprises a support frame having two pulleys and a handle for manipulating the apparatus. An endless belt is entrained on the pulleys for movement along a continuous path. A bi-directional electrical motor supported by the support frame has reverse and forward modes for driving the endless belt along the continuous path. A plurality of surface engaging device assemblies have an inner end connected to the endless belt and an outer end extending outward from the endless belt for engaging the surface. Each surface engaging device assembly includes first and second surface engaging heads. A trip mechanism carried on the support frame cooperates with the electric motor. The trip mechanism includes a movable body having first and second contact surfaces for engaging the movable body in the forward and reverse modes to selectively locate the first and second heads at the outer end for engaging a surface.
According to yet one other aspect of the present invention, a surface engaging device assembly for use with a surface engaging apparatus that includes a movable carrier comprises a movable body having first and second surfacing engaging heads for engaging a surface. The movable body includes a pivot axis. The surface engaging device assembly further includes a mounting bracket that is connectable to the movable carrier. The movable body is pivotably connected to the mounting bracket. The movable body is pivotable between a first position in which the first head projects outward from the bracket for engaging a surface and a second position in which the second head projects outward from the bracket for engaging a surface.
These and other aims, objectives, and features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 286737 (1986-11-01), House, II et al.
patent: 3146475 (1964-09-01), Balitsky
patent: 3252175 (1966-05-01), Pedersen
patent: 5221229 (1993-06-01), Brophy
patent: 5251351 (1993-10-01), Klotz
patent: 5309597 (1994-05-01), Wymore
patent: 5495632 (1996-03-01), Baker
patent: 5809602 (1998-09-01), Kitchens
patent: 5834154 (1998-10-01), Yamazaki et al.
Chin Randall E.
Leydig , Voit & Mayer, Ltd.
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