Carpet cleaning apparatus and method with vibration, heat, and cleaning agent

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for cleaning carpets, upholstered surfaces, and other surfaces is disclosed, the apparatus and method utilizing a combination of vibratory motion, controllable heat, and cleaning agents, the apparatus comprising a base plate, heating elements with electrical connections, and means for moving the base plate to produce a scrubbing motion, the method comprising a replaceable cleaning implement in combination with a mechanical scrubber, a cleaning agent, and controllable heat.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10 / 234,690, from which applicant claims priority.TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to the cleaning of carpets, upholstered surfaces, and other surfaces utilizing a combination of vibratory motion, heat, and cleaning agents. More particularly, the present invention relates to a new apparatus and process for cleaning such surfaces utilizing vibratory or oscillatory “scrubbing” motions and heat, and generally also utilizing fluids, such as water or carbon compound cleaning fluids, whereby a user may remove materials and stains from such carpets or surfaces not otherwise removable. BACKGROUND ART OF THE INVENTION [0003] Methods for cleaning carpets, fabrics, or other similar items (“workpieces”), and the apparatus associated with such methods, are common in the prior art. Some such methods and apparatus involve the movement of air at or close to t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The apparatus effectively removes stubborn stains and dirt by maximizing the benefits of heat, agitation, and cleaning agents, reducing the amount of fluid needed and minimizing drying time, while allowing for precise control over the cleaning process.

Problems solved by technology

While the inventions disclosed in these prior patents fulfill their respective objectives, these prior patents do not describe or suggest an apparatus or method which simultaneously utilizes agitation or vibration, in combination with heat, applied directly to the area to be cleaned, along with a separately applied (and therefore controllable) fluid, to suspend and remove the material or particles to be removed.

However, neither the prior patents set forth above nor any other prior art combines all three of the above components as described herein, i.e., by the application of agitation, heat, and a cleaning fluid, each of which is individually controllable.

Put another way, each of the above-noted inventions fails altogether to employ one component, or fails to employ all components simultaneously, or fails to employ one or more components proximately to the material to be affected, or fails to employ each component to individually control their application, or fails to employ one or more components in a manner calculated to maximize its effect on the overall cleaning process when used with the remaining two components.

However, gravity, capillary action and the high pressure of the most successful of applicators combine to put much of the solution beyond the grasp of even the most powerful suction.

The result is overwet carpets which may take days to dry and is at least very inconvenient and, at its worst, destructive to the carpet.

Images