Scuff mark removal tool for floors

Abstract

A manual scuff mark removal tool for removing random scuff marks from floor surfaces has an angulated head with a pad support block which has a bottom surface and a front edge surface and defines toe and heel corners and edges. A handle projection is defined by the head and is oriented in obtuse angular relation with the pad support block and defines a handle receptacle receiving a handle with a hand grip. A weight is preferably encapsulated within the head for continuously applying a weight induced downward force to a floor during scuff mark removal. A replaceable pad is secured to and covers the bottom surface, front edge surface and the toe and heel corners of the pad support block and by selectively positioning the head of the tool, selected portions of the pad engages the floor surface being cleaned.

Description

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention[0002] The present invention relates generally to manually utilized cleaning devices particularly for cleaning floors, especially floors that are present in commercial buildings and establishments such as schools, hospitals and retail department stores. More particularly, the present invention concerns a manually utilized device for removing small, random scuff marks from floor surfaces to thus restore the floor surface to a pleasing aesthetic appearance.[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art[0004] Floor scrubbing and buffing devices for cleaning and waxing floors are well known in the art. Most floor scrubbing and buffing devices that are in wide use at the present time are powered devices, using motor powered rotary or oscillatory mechanisms for moving a floor cleaning or polishing brush head. Such floor scrubbing and buffing devices are typically quite heavy to move from place to place and thus are only practical and efficient for cleaning large fl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] It is another feature of the present invention to provide a novel manual scuff mark removal device which includes a weighted head, thus effectively reducing the amount of downward manual force required by a user for removing scuff marks from floor surfaces.

[0008] It is also a feature of the present invention to provide a novel manual scuff mark removal device having a scuff mark removal pad that may be simply and efficiently removed when the pad of the device becomes dirty or contaminated.

[0009] It is an even further feature of the present invention to provide a novel manual scuff mark removal device having a rather small, weighted eraser head and a handle for manual actuation, thus permitting the typically small scuff marks on a floor surface to be efficiently lifted from the floor surface by the user in a standing position and with minimum application of manual energy of the worker using the device.

[0010] Briefly, the various objects and features of the present invention are realized by a rather small, manually operated device having an elongate handle which is manipulated by a worker and having a rather small weighed head that applies concentrated downward force to the floor surface and the scuff mark for accomplishing efficient removal of the scuff mark from the floor surface. The weighted head is typically composed of a polymer material, within which is encapsulated a weight member being strategically located for application of desired downward force to the head structure. If desired, the weight may be located on a receptacle of the head structure, thus permitting additional weight to be added if desired. The handle structure of the scuff mark removal device has a gripping end, thus permitting a worker to efficiently use one hand for comfortable manual use of the device.

[0012] For efficient scuff mark removal, the weighted head structure of the device is used with the scuff mark removing pad on its planar lower surface oriented in face-to-face relation with the floor surface. The worker will simply grasp the handle of the scuff mark removal device and apply only that force that is necessary to move the head back and forth on the floor surface. During this back and forth movement, the weight of the device will continuously apply a downward force that is sufficient for efficient scuff mark removing activity. When exceptionally difficult scuff marks are encountered, the head of the scuff mark removal tool can be angulated or rested on its front edge during back and forth movement for optimum concentration of the scuff mark removal force on the floor surface for efficient removal of scuff marks.

Problems solved by technology

Such floor scrubbing and buffing devices are typically quite heavy to move from place to place and thus are only practical and efficient for cleaning large floor surfaces.

After a floor surface has been cleaned and waxed or otherwise prepared, persons simply walking on the floor and slightly dragging their feet can cause scuff marks on the floor surface, which are small, but nevertheless are of unpleasing appearance.

Typical manual brushes and scrubbing pads have been found largely ineffective for removing scuff marks, because they are of lightweight nature, thus requiring the user to apply significant downward force on a small manual brush head or scrubbing pad under one's foot with a kicking motion or by hand with user on hands and knees to remove the scuff marks and restore the appearance of the floor surface.

Also, since powered floor cleaning equipment is typically quite large and the brushes and pads of such powered floor cleaning and polishing equipment are much larger than the scuff marks that are being removed, it is not practical to consider their use for removal of scuff marks.

Also, it has been found that small scuff marks are not readily removed by large floor brushes and pads whether or not they are power energized.

The power device operator would most often need to exert strenuous effort to `heel` the power device in attempts to remove a scuff mark.

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