Liquid removal device with absorber roll and related methods

Abstract

A liquid removal device (100) for removing liquid from a surface (10). The liquid removal device (100) includes a chassis (122) rotationally coupled with an absorber drum (102) and an extractor drum (110). An absorbent layer (106) is positioned on an outer drum surface of the absorber drum (102). The extractor drum (110) includes a reservoir (116) configured to retain liquid absorbed from the surface (10), and a plurality of apertures (118, 120) defined by an outer extractor surface in fluid communication with the reservoir (116). The extractor drum (110) is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a first portion (118) of the plurality of apertures is in contact with the absorbent layer (106). In the second position, the first portion (118) of the plurality of apertures is not in contact with the absorbent layer (106).

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 214,402, filed June 24, 2021; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 164,062, filed March 22, 2021; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 051,439, filed July 14, 2020, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of liquid removal apparatus, and more specifically to liquid removal apparatus and related methods for surfaces. Background Technology

[0004] There is a need for improved devices and methods for drying surfaces such as sports fields. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Generally, a liquid removal device is provided for removing liquid from a surface. The liquid removal device may include an absorber roller that rolls on the surface and absorbs liquid from it. The liquid removal device may also include an extractor roller that includes a plurality of openings or slots adjacent to the absorber roller, such that a smooth surface of the extractor roller and / or the plurality of openings or slots press against the absorber roller, squeezing liquid from the absorbent material and allowing the absorbed liquid to drain through the plurality of openings or slots into the extractor roller or a reservoir.

[0006] In one embodiment, a liquid removal device includes a chassis, an absorber roller, and an extractor roller; the chassis includes a handle; the absorber roller is rotatably connected to the chassis; and the extractor roller is rotatably connected to the chassis. The absorber roller includes a roller having an outer roller surface, wherein an absorbent layer is positioned on the outer roller surface of the absorber roller, and the absorber roller is configured to absorb liquid from the surface. The extractor roller includes a reservoir configured to retain liquid absorbed from the surface, an outer extractor surface, and a plurality of orifices defined by the outer extractor surface and in fluid communication with the reservoir. The extractor roller is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, at least a first portion of the plurality of orifices is in contact with the absorbent layer. In the second position, the first portion of the plurality of orifices is not in contact with the absorbent layer.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method for removing liquid from a surface includes moving a liquid removal device on the surface. The liquid removal device includes an absorber roller and an extractor roller, the extractor roller including a reservoir and a plurality of orifices in fluid communication with the reservoir, wherein the absorber roller absorbs the liquid from the surface. The method further includes extracting liquid from the absorber roller into the reservoir of the extractor roller through at least a first portion of the plurality of orifices. Attached Figure Description

[0008] This disclosure will be more readily understood through a detailed description of some exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the following accompanying drawings:

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the liquid removal apparatus.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of a liquid removal device.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top view of the liquid removal device.

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Front view of the liquid removal device.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The liquid removal device is located in a cross-sectional view at the discharge position, with the handle removed.

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The liquid removal device is located in the cross-sectional view in the onboarding position, where the handle is removed.

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Bottom view of the automatic tension mechanism of the liquid removal device.

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 Rear perspective view of the adjustable bracket of the liquid removal device, with the handle removed.

[0017] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the adjustable support of the liquid removal device, with the handle removed. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Various non-limiting embodiments of this disclosure will now be described to provide a general understanding of the principles of the structure, function, and use of the apparatuses, systems, methods, and processes disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the drawings are non-limiting embodiments. Features illustrated or described in conjunction with one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout, and the base reference numeral 100 is used to indicate similar elements in alternative embodiments.

[0019] Throughout this specification, references to "different embodiments," "some embodiments," "one embodiment," "some exemplary embodiments," "one exemplary embodiment," or "one embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with any embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in various embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in one embodiment," "some exemplary embodiments," "one exemplary embodiment," or "in an embodiment" appearing throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same implementation. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0020] refer to Figure 1-9 In this embodiment, the liquid removal device 100 can be used to remove liquids from the surface 10. For example, the liquid removal device can be used to remove water, but it can also be used to remove other liquids, such as hazardous liquids (e.g., fuels, oils, liquid chemicals). For example, the liquid removal device 100 can be used to remove water from sports fields (such as tennis courts, pickleball courts, and / or basketball courts), racetracks, construction sites, warehouses, or pool decks. It should be understood that the liquid removal device 100 can be used in other applications.

[0021] Figure 1 The liquid removal apparatus 100 shown illustratively includes an absorber roller 102 that rolls on and absorbs liquid from a surface 10. The absorber roller 102 may include a circular cross-section and includes a tubular frame 104, a liquid absorption layer 106 carried by the outer radial surface of the tubular frame 104, and a longitudinally extending axle 108 that carries the tubular frame 104. Figure 2Suitable materials for the tubular frame 104 include, but are not limited to, polymeric plastics, metals, PVC, or phenolic resin tubing. Any fluid-absorbing material can be used for the liquid-absorbing layer, adapted to the specific liquid to be absorbed and the surface on which the liquid is present. In various embodiments, the liquid-absorbing layer includes foam materials, synthetic fiber materials (such as polyester and nylon materials), microfiber materials, wool materials, wool-polyester blends, or combinations thereof. The absorber roller 102 may have a uniform outer diameter or a variable or patterned surface suitable for different applications. The liquid-absorbing layer 106 may have uniform layering or may have variable layering suitable for a specific application.

[0022] Figure 1 The illustrated liquid removal apparatus 100 includes an extractor roller 110 adjacent to the absorber roller 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the extractor roller 110 has a circular cross-section and is hollow. In other embodiments, the extractor roller 110 may have other shapes and abut the absorber roller at any suitable radial location. The extractor roller 110 may have a circular sidewall 112 having an outer surface and a shaft 114 (…). Figure 2 In an embodiment, sidewalls 112 may extend between endwalls 115, which may have the same or larger cross-sectional area as the sidewalls 112. Endwalls 115 may be removable to allow cleaning of the hollow interior, which can collect small debris (e.g., dirt) during use. Suitable materials for the extractor roller 110 may include, but are not limited to, polymeric plastic materials such as polyvinyl chloride, aluminum, or another material with sufficient rigidity and resistance to water, chemicals, static electricity, or fuel. The extractor roller 110 may define an interior including an extractor roller fluid reservoir 116. The extractor roller fluid reservoir 116 may be impermeable to liquids or otherwise designed to prevent leakage of water that may accumulate below the first set of orifices 118 and the second set of orifices 120. The first set of orifices 118 is aligned with and communicates with the fluid reservoir 116 of the extractor roller 110, allowing fluid to flow through the orifices 118 into the fluid reservoir 116 for storage.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second set of orifices 120 may be configured to release liquid from the internal extractor drum fluid reservoir 116 of the extractor drum 110. While the illustrated embodiment includes two sets of orifices 118 and 120, the technology is not limited thereto. The shape, size, and / or number of orifices 118 and 120 may vary. For example, the shape, size, and / or number of orifices may vary between sets of orifices. In one embodiment, the orifices may be arranged linearly (e.g., Figure 4(As shown) or arranged in adjacent staggered lines. For example, each group of holes may include linearly oriented holes, spaced-apart holes, offset holes, or any other configuration. Each hole may be circular, hemispherical, polygonal, or any other suitable shape. The holes may be openings of any shape, size, or dimensional within the extractor roller and may be suitably positioned relative to the absorber roller 102. In an embodiment, each hole in this group of holes 118, holes 120 may be in a different radial quadrant of the extractor roller, for example, in opposite radial quadrants.

[0024] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the liquid removal apparatus 100 illustratively includes a chassis 122 that holds the shaft 108 of the absorber drum 102 and the shaft 114 of the extractor drum 110. The chassis 122 may include a housing 124 that may include, for example, two side supports 126 and 128 that support the ends of the shafts. The shafts may be rotatably coupled to the side supports 126 and 128 in any suitable manner. For example, the side supports 126 and 128 may include openings 130 and 132 for the shaft 108 of the absorber drum 102 and the shaft 114 of the extractor drum 110. The opening 132 for the extractor drum shaft 114 allows relative movement between the shaft 114 and the chassis 122. For example, opening 132 may be elliptical to allow the extractor roller 110 to shift for passage when debris encounters the abutting roller, preventing the absorber roller 102 from being rotationally locked. In an embodiment, chassis 122 includes a plurality of support beams 134 connecting side supports 126 and 128. The outer diameter of absorber roller 102 may extend a distance below chassis 122 such that the liquid absorption layer 106 of absorber roller 102 contacts the ground or other surface and can roll along the ground or other surface. Absorber roller 102 may act as a cylindrical wheel, thereby allowing the liquid removal device 100 to be repositioned on the desired surface. It should be understood that housing 124 may also enclose device components for aesthetic or protective reasons. For example, housing 124 may also include a cover (not shown) that encloses absorber roller 102 and extractor roller 110, as well as other components, for aesthetic and protective purposes against exposure to natural elements such as sunlight. The housing or cover can be modified to hold additional tools, such as brooms or rubber rollers, may include signage (such as digital signage), and may be used to support solar panels for the motorized unit.

[0025] The liquid removal device 100 illustratively includes a handle 136 attached to a chassis 122 for user operation. As will be appreciated, the user uses the handle 136 to push the liquid removal device 100 along a surface, thereby keeping the absorber roller 102 in contact with the liquid-covered surface to remove the liquid from it. Other forms of operation, such as motorized or automated operation, are conceivable.

[0026] The outer surfaces of the sidewalls 112 can act as wheels to allow the extractor roller 110 to rotate in places that are operationally beneficial but not used for transport or repositioning. These outer surfaces of the sidewalls may have, for example, a polyurethane coating or an additional coating having a higher coefficient of friction than the material of these sidewalls. In some embodiments, the extractor roller 110 may include a plurality of wheels 138. The liquid removal device 100 schematically includes four wheels 138 coupled at diagonal ends of the chassis 122 to the lowermost part of the chassis to allow the liquid removal device 100 to be transported over surfaces where drying is not required and to overcome obstacles such as curbs or sidewalks. In an embodiment, when liquid absorption is desired, the liquid removal device 100 will operate on the absorber roller 102, where the rear wheels 138 can be engaged to rotate 180 degrees to begin drying the next sheet. Front wheels 138 may be provided to overcome obstacles such as curbs when transporting the device. It should be understood that the wheels 138 or other stabilizing features may contact the ground or surface when the device is used to absorb fluid from the ground or surface. When removing liquid from a surface, wheel 138 can be kept away from the surface during the extraction phase. To engage wheel 138, handle 136 can be raised or tilted so that wheel 138 contacts the surface or ground. Moving the liquid removal device 100 in this raised, wheel-engaged position will cause wheel 138 to rotate, and thus cause extractor roller 110 to rotate from a first onboarding position to a second discharge position. In the first onboarding position, the first set of holes 118 ( Figure 4 and Figure 6 The second set of holes 120 is adjacent to the absorber roller 102, and is opposite to and parallel to the ground, opposite to the first set of holes 118. In this configuration, liquid in the extractor roller fluid reservoir 116 will not drain from the second set of holes 120. In this second discharge position, the second set of holes 120 can be rotated so that they are generally facing downward toward the surface or ground. In this configuration, liquid can be automatically discharged from the extractor roller fluid reservoir 116 through the second set of holes 120 due to gravity. Furthermore, the user can raise or lower the handle 136 to engage the front or rear conveyor wheel 138 to convey the device on surfaces where drying is not required. A "feeler" wheel can be used to attach to the liquid removal device 100 to aid in the stability of the handle 136 during operation.

[0027] In some embodiments, the extractor roller 110 will not include a wheel, and the outer surface of the sidewall 112 will not extend beyond the diameter of the extractor roller 110 body itself. After the liquid has been onboarded and discharge is required, the handle 136 can be pulled back toward the user to rotate the absorber roller 102 in the opposite direction to its normal onboarding rotation. By causing the absorber roller 102 to rotate in the opposite direction, the extractor roller 110 will rotate from the onboard position to the discharge position by means of the coefficient of friction between the liquid absorption layer 106 of the absorber roller 102 and the extractor roller 110, until the extractor rotation limiting pin 140 ( Figure 2 ) Engagement extractor rotation limiter discharge stop 142 ( Figure 2 In one embodiment, the two ends of the roller 110 may include pins 140 and stops 142. As the extractor roller 110 rotates to the discharge position, liquid is then allowed to escape from a second set of holes 120 that have been rotated downward toward a surface or ground.

[0028] To ensure proper placement of the extractor roller 110, the liquid removal device 100 illustratively includes at least one elastic device 144 (e.g., a coil spring, rubber band, toilet rope, or any suitable tension-generating device) coupled between the extractor roller 110 and the chassis 122. The elastic device 144 can be configured to force the absorber roller 102 and the extractor roller 110 into contact with each other with a sufficient coefficient of friction to draw water from the absorber roller 102 into the extractor roller 110. Additionally, if the absorber roller 102 picks up debris (such as rocks, twigs, gravel, leaves, debris, etc.) larger than the first set of holes 118 from the surface 10, the elastic device 144 can allow the extractor roller 110 to shift slightly, causing the debris to fall off the device or be easily manually accessed and removed by a user. In some embodiments, a cleaning device is envisioned that facilitates the automatic removal and capture of debris as the embodiment rolls over the surface, thus maintaining the cleanliness of the liquid-absorbing material. In one embodiment, the elastic device may be attached to a sliding sleeve made of a low-friction material surrounding the extractor drum shaft or absorber drum shaft. This sliding sleeve is also made of a material with a low coefficient of friction. This configuration acts as a bearing and allows high elastic tension to be applied to the extractor drum shaft or absorber drum shaft while still allowing the extractor drum to rotate to and from the upturned and discharge positions.

[0029] In various embodiments, the extractor roller 110 can be in a first upward position ( Figure 5 ) and the second emission position ( Figure 6The two sets of holes 118 (axis a1) are movable. In the first upward position, the first set of holes 118 (axis a1) is adjacent to the absorber roller 102, and the second set of holes 120 (axis a2) faces away from the surface. In other words, liquid in the extractor roller fluid reservoir 116 will not be discharged from the second set of holes 120 due to gravity in the first upward position (unless the liquid level rises above holes 118 or 120). For example, liquid in the lower half of the reservoir 116 will not be discharged from the reservoir through holes 120. In the second discharge position, the second set of holes 120 faces lower towards the surface relative to the first position, and liquid can be automatically discharged from the extractor roller fluid reservoir 116 through the second set of holes 120 (e.g., due to gravity). In an embodiment, the liquid removal device 100 may be configured to move the extractor roller 110 to the discharge position by moving the liquid removal device 100 backward on the surface. Due to the rotation direction of the absorber roller 102, the rotation of the extractor roller 110 relative to the upward and discharge positions occurs easily and naturally. When the liquid removal device 100 is pushed forward by the handle, the extractor roller 110 rotates to the upward position due to the force applied by the elastic device pressing the extractor roller into the liquid absorption layer 106, through the coefficient of friction between the liquid absorption layer 106 and the extractor roller 110, until the extractor rotation limiting pin reaches the extractor rotation limiting upward stop block.

[0030] When the liquid removal device is pulled back by the handle, the extractor roller 110 rotates to the discharge position due to the coefficient of friction between the absorber roller liquid absorption layer 106 and the extractor roller 110. This is due to the force applied by the elastic device pressing the extractor roller into the liquid absorption layer 106, and continues until the extractor rotation limiting pin reaches the extractor rotation limiting discharge stop block. For example, when the liquid removal device 100 is moved back, the extractor roller 110 can rotate due to friction between it and the absorber roller 102, thereby causing liquid to be discharged from the extractor roller fluid reservoir 116. The distance by which the liquid removal device 100 travels back to move the extractor roller 110 to the discharge position can vary. In different embodiments, this distance can range from 0.1 to 20 inches, 1 to 10 inches, 1 to 5 inches, or 5 to 10 inches. In some embodiments, the liquid removal device 100 may include a selectively engageable safety mechanism to prevent unintentional movement of the extractor roller 110 to the discharge position. For example, a trigger for this safety mechanism may be positioned on the handle. When engaged, the safety mechanism prevents the rearward movement of the liquid removal device 100 from rotating the extractor drum 110. When disengaged, the safety mechanism allows the liquid removal device 100 to move rearward to rotate the extractor drum 110. The user can disengage the safety mechanism when ready to drain liquid from the extractor drum 110.

[0031] In use, when the liquid removal device 100 is pushed along a surface to remove liquid, the absorber roller 102 rotates to pick up fluid from the surface. In one embodiment, the extractor roller fluid reservoir 116 remains stationary and receives fluid from the absorber roller 102 via a first set of orifices 118. Rotation of the extractor roller fluid reservoir 116 can be prevented by an extractor rotation limiting pin 140 engaging with a stop 142. At least a portion or all of the first set of orifices 118 may abut or otherwise engage the rotating absorber roller 102 at a tangent or point of engagement between the absorber roller and the extractor roller. As the absorber roller 102 rotates, the liquid absorption layer 106 may be pressed against the outer surface of the extractor roller 110 by a force applied by an elastic device 144. The force applied by the elastic device 144 presses or squeezes the liquid absorption layer 106, thereby coating the liquid from the liquid absorption layer 106 and into the properly aligned first set of orifices 118, so that the liquid is then collected in the extractor roller fluid reservoir 116. The position of the interface between absorber roller 102 and extractor roller 110 can vary. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, extractor roller 110 is adjacent to absorber roller 102 at a front radial position. It will be clear that the position of this interface can be adjusted to suit operationally advantageous conditions.

[0032] To discharge liquid from the extractor drum fluid reservoir 116, the user pulls the handle 136 backward to rotate the absorber drum 102 clockwise, opposite to the normal upward rotation direction. This backward rotation of the absorber drum 102 correspondingly rotates the extractor drum 110 counterclockwise until it reaches a rotation stop caused by the extraction rotation limiter pin 140 engaging the extraction rotation limiter discharge stop 142. The extraction drum 110, rotating opposite to the absorber drum 102, also moves the second set of orifices 120, causing them to rotate towards the ground. When the second set of orifices 120 is thus positioned, liquid stored in the extractor drum fluid reservoir 116 is allowed to escape and be discharged by gravity and liquid momentum. After discharge is complete, the handle 136 is then pushed forward away from the user, and the system returns to the water-overturning configuration described herein. It should be understood that the safety mechanisms described herein may be associated with the extractor roller 110 or the liquid removal device 100 to prevent fluid from being discharged in the opposite direction until the operator desires it.

[0033] Depending on the application and material used for the liquid absorbent layer, the liquid absorbent layer can stretch during use. For example, squeezing the extractor roller of the absorber roller can cause the liquid absorbent layer to stretch and become loose in place. In some embodiments, the liquid removal device can be configured to maintain tension on the liquid absorbent layer during use. (See also...) Figure 3 and Figure 7The liquid absorbent layer 106 may be wound around the absorber roller 102. The absorber roller 102 may include a dynamic tension mechanism for maintaining tension on the liquid absorbent layer 106 and preventing the liquid absorbent layer 106 from loosening.

[0034] like Figure 7 As shown, the dynamic tension mechanism may include a spring or other tension device, as further described below. In the illustrated embodiment, a first end 106a of the liquid absorption layer 106 may be anchored to a first end 102a of the absorber roller 102, and a second end 106b of the liquid absorption layer 106 may be coupled to a second end 102b of the absorber roller 102 under tension. The absorber roller 102 may be configured such that the connection between the first end 106a and the second end 106b of the liquid absorption layer 106 is radially inward on the outer radial surface. In this configuration, the first end 106a and the second end 106b, as well as the components that connect them to the absorber roller 102, do not contact a surface (e.g., a field) during operation of the liquid removal apparatus 100. For example, the sidewall 112 of the absorber roller 102 may include cutouts 146a and 146b. The first end wall 115a and the second end wall 115b of the extractor roller 110 may include corresponding cuts 148a and 148b leading to the cuts 146a and 146b. Figure 3 and 7 The first end 106a of the liquid absorbent layer 106 and the first end 102a of the absorber roller 102 may include corresponding connectors. For example, the first end 106a of the liquid absorbent layer 106 may include a loop that can be removably coupled to a pin positioned in a notch 148a. The first end 106a of the liquid absorbent layer 106 may extend through the notch 146a and into the notch 148a to engage with the pin.

[0035] refer to Figure 7In one embodiment, the second end 106b of the liquid absorption layer 106 may be removably coupled to the second end 102b of the absorber roller 102 using a spring 150. The spring 150 dynamically tensions the liquid absorption layer 106. The spring 150 may be removably coupled to at least one of the second end 106b of the liquid absorption layer 106 and the absorber roller 102. In an example, the second end 106b of the liquid absorption layer 106 may include a connector (such as a grommets) that may be selectively coupled to the first end 150a of the spring 150. The second end 150b of the spring 150 may be coupled to the absorber roller 102. For example, the end wall 115b of the absorber roller 102 may include a connection point (such as a hook 152) that may be selectively coupled to the second end 150b of the spring 150. The liquid absorption layer 106 is wound or wrapped around the absorber roller 102, such that the pressure applied by the extractor roller 110 is distributed toward the second end 106b of the liquid absorption layer 106. In other words, if the material is stretched, it is stretched in the direction toward the spring 150. The spring 150, which applies tension to the second end 106b of the liquid absorption layer 106, can compensate for whether the material is stretched.

[0036] In use, when the liquid removal device 100 is rolled along its surface to remove liquid, the absorber roller 102 rotates while the extractor roller 110 remains stationary. As the absorber roller 102 rotates, the liquid absorption layer 106 is pressed against the extractor roller 110. If the liquid absorption layer 106 stretches, the rotational motion "pushes" the material from the anchoring end to the tension end in a helical motion. Because the second end of the material is under dynamic tension, the stretching of the material does not lead to loosening of the material.

[0037] In some embodiments, the tension or strain of the helical spring 144 or other elastic device may be adjustable. Adjustable tension allows the absorber roller 102 and extractor roller 110 to be separated without disengaging the helical spring 144. Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9In another embodiment, the liquid removal device 100 includes an adjustable bracket 154 for adjusting the tension on a helical spring 144. The bracket 154 is movably coupled to a chassis 122 and defines a handle 156. The bracket 154 can be coupled to the helical spring 144. For example, the helical spring 144 can be removably coupled to the bracket 154 using an eyelet hook 158. The bracket 154 may have a notch 160. The notch 160 may define a channel 162 leading to one or more notches or recesses 164, which are configured to receive pins or fasteners (such as bolts 166). In one embodiment, the bolt 166 may connect the chassis 122 to the bracket 154. The bracket 154 may have at least two locked positions relative to the chassis 122. Each notch or recess 164 defines the position of the bracket 154. For example, when the bracket 154 is in a first locked position, the helical spring 144 can be tensioned such that the extractor roller 110 contacts the absorber roller 102. When the support 154 is in the second locked position, the coil spring 144 can have a lower tension, spaced apart from the extractor roller 110 and the absorber roller 102. To move between the locked positions, the support 154 can be moved such that the bolt 166 slides out of one of the recesses 164, moves forward or backward in the channel 162, and moves into the other of the recesses 164. The channel 162 can extend beyond the recesses 164 and allow the support 154 to move to a configuration where the coil spring 144 is not under tension. There can be more than two locked positions. For example, multiple locked positions can allow the extractor roller 110 to be pressed against the absorber roller 102 under different tensions. Adjusting the force exerted by the extractor roller 110 on the absorber roller 102 results in different amounts of force required to operate the liquid removal device 100. Therefore, the force required to operate the liquid removal device 100 can be adjusted based on application or user preference.

[0038] In some embodiments, a user can move one or both of the extractor roller 110 and absorber roller 102 to a spaced-out configuration to allow the user to remove the liquid absorbent layer 106 (e.g., to replace old material). For example, the user can use an adjustable bracket 154 to move the extractor roller 110 away from the absorber roller 102. The liquid absorbent layer 106 can then be detached from and unspooled from the absorber roller 102. A new liquid absorbent layer 106 can then be installed on the absorber roller 102.

[0039] Advantageously, the liquid removal device disclosed herein provides an effective and robust method for liquid removal. It should be understood that the width of the liquid removal device described herein can vary. In some embodiments, the width of the liquid removal device may be in the range of 1 ft to 10 ft, 2 ft to 4 ft, 6 inches to 12 inches, or have any other suitable size.

[0040] The liquid removal device described herein is conceivable for use in applying or delivering fluids or materials in addition to or separately from its fluid absorption function. For example, the device can be modified to deliver surface coatings, such as topcoats, sealants, or varnishes. The liquid removal device can be manually actuated, motorized, remotely controlled, autonomous, or capable of operating in any mode.

[0041] In the various embodiments disclosed herein, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component to perform one or more given functions. Such substitution is within the scope of the embodiments unless it would not work.

[0042] The above description of embodiments and examples has been presented for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the described forms. Many modifications are possible in accordance with the above teachings. Some of these modifications have been discussed, and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. These embodiments were chosen and described to best demonstrate the principles of different embodiments suitable for the particular purpose considered. Of course, the scope is not limited to the examples set forth herein, but rather to those skilled in the art who may employ them in any number of applications and equivalent devices. Rather, the scope of the invention is thus defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A liquid removal device, the liquid removal device comprising: Chassis, the chassis including a handle; An absorber roller, rotatably connected to the chassis, the absorber roller comprising a cylinder having an outer roller surface, wherein an absorbent layer is positioned on the outer roller surface of the absorber roller, the absorber roller being configured to absorb liquid from the surface; and An extractor roller, rotatably connected to the chassis, includes a reservoir configured to retain liquid absorbed from the surface, an outer extractor surface, and a plurality of holes defined by the outer extractor surface in fluid communication with the reservoir. The extractor roller is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, at least a first portion of the plurality of holes is in contact with the absorbent layer, and in the second position, the first portion of the plurality of holes is not in contact with the absorbent layer.

2. The liquid removal device according to claim 1, wherein, When the extractor roller is in the first position, the liquid in the lower part of the reservoir does not drain from the reservoir.

3. The liquid removal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The extractor roller also includes an end wall, which engages with the outer extractor surface to define the reservoir.

4. The liquid removal device according to claim 3, wherein, The first height of the second portion of the plurality of holes when the extractor roller is in the first position is higher than the second height of the second portion when the extractor roller is in the second position.

5. The liquid removal device according to claim 4, wherein, When the extractor roller moves from the first position to the second position, the second portion of the plurality of holes rotates toward the surface, causing the liquid to be forced downward under the action of gravity and discharged from the extractor roller.

6. The liquid removal apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, When the liquid removal device is pushed in a rearward direction, the extractor roller rotates from the first position to the second position, causing the liquid to be released from the reservoir.

7. The liquid removal device according to claim 1, wherein, The chassis also includes a housing defining an interior, wherein the extractor roller and the absorber roller are positioned inside the housing.

8. The liquid removal apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The housing is selectively removable.

9. The liquid removal apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic device connecting the extractor roller to the chassis, wherein, The elastic device biases the extractor roller toward the absorber roller.

10. The liquid removal apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The extractor roller includes an extractor roller shaft connected to the chassis, and the elastic device is connected to the extractor roller shaft.

11. The liquid removal apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The elastic device allows the extractor roller to move away from the absorber roller, allowing debris to pass between the extractor roller and the absorber roller.

12. The liquid removal apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The elastic device is a helical spring.

13. The liquid removal apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The elastic device is selectable between a first tension and a second tension.

14. The liquid removal device according to claim 9, further comprising an adjustable bracket connecting the elastic device to the chassis, wherein, The adjustable bracket is movable to allow the elastic device to be selected between a first tension and a second tension.

15. The liquid removal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The absorbent layer is wound around the absorber roller in a spiral configuration. The absorbent layer includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the absorbent layer is connected to the first end of the absorber roller, and the second end of the absorbent layer is connected to the second end of the absorber roller.

16. The liquid removal apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The second end of the absorbent layer is movably connected to the second end of the absorber roller.

17. The liquid removal apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a tension mechanism connecting the second end of the absorbent layer to the absorber drum, wherein the tension mechanism is configured to compensate for the elongation of the absorbent layer.

18. The liquid removal apparatus according to claim 17, wherein, When the absorbent layer has a first length, the tension mechanism has a first tension, and when the absorbent layer has a second length longer than the first length, the tension mechanism has a second tension lower than the first tension.

19. The liquid removal apparatus according to claim 17, wherein, The tension mechanism is a helical spring.

20. The liquid removal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first portion of the plurality of holes is arranged in the first line, and the second portion of the plurality of holes is arranged in the second line spaced apart from the first line.

21. The liquid removal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first portion of the plurality of holes is in a first radial quadrant of the extractor drum, and the second portion of the plurality of holes is in a relative radial quadrant of the extractor drum.

22. The liquid removal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The surface in question is a sports field.

23. A method of using the liquid removal apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: Liquid is absorbed from the surface by moving the absorber roller along the first direction on the surface; as well as Liquid is extracted from the absorbent layer into the reservoir of the extractor roller through at least the first portion of the plurality of holes.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising discharging liquid from the extractor drum by moving the absorber drum in a second direction.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, The discharge of liquid from the extractor roller includes moving the extractor roller from the first position to the second position such that the second portion of the plurality of holes is rotated toward the surface, causing the liquid to be forced downward under gravity and discharged from the extractor roller.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The process of moving the extractor roller from the first position to the second position includes moving the liquid removal device backward.

27. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 26, further comprising compensating for the elongation of the absorbent layer by adjusting the tension of the tension mechanism.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising adjusting the tension of the elastic device to change the distance between the absorber roller and the extractor roller.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein, The adjustment of the tension of the elastic device includes moving the adjustable bracket between a first position and a second position, wherein the tension of the elastic device is different in the first position and the second position.

30. A method for removing liquid from a surface, the method comprising: A liquid removal device that moves on a surface includes an absorber roller and an extractor roller, the extractor roller including a reservoir and a plurality of holes in fluid communication with the reservoir, wherein the absorber roller absorbs liquid from the surface; as well as Liquid is extracted from the absorber drum into the reservoir of the extractor drum through at least a first portion of the plurality of holes.

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