Floor and Mat Surface Cleaning Apparatus

Abstract

A mat surface cleaner of the walk-behind type, comprising a wheeled housing having a forward roller brush cleaner, a rear squeegee device, user hand controls and an internal cavity for housing the device power means and cleaning elements. The cavity is accessed through flip-open hatch along the housing upper surface, which provides access to a cleaning solution reservoir attached thereto. Along the base of the cavity is a gel cell battery, electric motor and a pulley system for powering the device. Rear hand controls provide the user control over the cleaning spray application and vehicle speed, while a rearward A / C power plug is provided for recharging the battery. The forward roller brush is adapted to provide soft-contact bristles for the particular goal of sanitizing and cleaning athletic and wrestling mats after their use without causing damage thereto, while the lightweight design of the device allows improved handling and everyday use.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent Ser. No. 13 / 326,748 filed on Dec. 15, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 423,868 filed on Dec. 16, 2010.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to floor surface and mat cleaning devices. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a powered, walk-behind floor surface cleaner comprising a wheeled housing having deployable cleaning solution, scrub brushes and rearward drying means that is adapted to clean and sanitize a surface by traveling thereover. The present cleaning device is specifically adapted to clean wrestling mats and other athletic mats, wherein the device sanitizes the mat after its use and eliminates infectious organisms and parasites.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]Athletic mats and wrestling mats are support surfaces comprising a thick layer of rubberized material or c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]Another object of the present invention to provide a surface cleaning device having lightweight and simple construction for use specifically with athletic and wrestling mats.

[0019]Another object of the present invention is to provide a surface cleaning device that utilizes a soft cleaning roller that does not damage an athletic mat surface, while removing dirt, debris and contaminants therefrom.

[0021]A final object of the present invention is to provide a surface cleaning device of simple and lightweight construction that is easily assembled and manufactured.

Problems solved by technology

These surfaces quickly become dirty and contaminated after each use, as they are placed on a floor surface and come into contact with the athletes engaging in activity thereon.

This can be particularly time consuming when utilizing a plurality of mats, or for those gyms and athletic events wherein a large surface area mat is utilized (i.e. a wrestling mat or continuous gym rubber mat).

Sanitization in these situations can be difficult and cumbersome, and sometimes overlooked in favor of expediency.

These devices are generally very large, and in some cases even ride-on devices, wherein their use with mats is limited.

These devices are not adapted to clean smaller mats, and further are not adapted to work well with the softer vinyl coverings of some mats, which may tear or becoming worn if cleaned using a larger floor scrubber assembly.

These devices are generally too large or cumbersome to accomplish the given task of the present invention.

Their common drawback is their sheer size and lack of utility with regard to floor mats and athletic mats, which are more susceptible to damage than a tile or linoleum floor surface.

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