Water-soluble package for floor cleaner

Abstract

A floor cleaner includes a handle, a body, a base movable over a surface to be cleaned, and a supply tank coupled to the body. The supply tank has an inlet opening defining an inlet opening width, and a liquid disposed therein. The water-soluble package includes a cleaning agent disposed therein and is embedded within the supply tank to form a cleaning liquid in combination with a liquid disposed in the supply tank. The distribution nozzle communicates with the supply tank and sprays the cleaning liquid toward the ground. The package has a spread dimension defined by a first width to be greater than the inlet width, a height defined orthogonal to the first width, and a thickness defined orthogonal to the first width and the height. The package is folded from an unfolded size to a compact size having a folded size defined by a second width that is less than the width of the inlet opening.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This utility model relates to water-soluble packaging for floor cleaners. Utility Model Content

[0002] In one specific embodiment, the present invention provides a floor cleaner, comprising a handle, a body coupled to the handle, a base coupled to the handle and movable on the surface to be cleaned, a supply box having an inlet opening, a water-soluble package containing a cleaning agent, and a dispensing nozzle communicating with the supply box. The inlet opening defines an inlet opening width. The supply box is configured to store liquid. The water-soluble package is configured to be embedded within the supply box and combine with the liquid stored in the supply box to form a cleaning solution. The dispensing nozzle is configured to spray the cleaning solution onto the surface. The water-soluble package has an unfolded dimension defined by a first width, a height, and a thickness, wherein the first width is greater than the width of the inlet opening, the height is defined to be orthogonal to the first width, and the thickness is defined to be orthogonal to both the first width and the height. The water-soluble package can be folded from its unfolded dimension to a compact dimension, the compact dimension having a folded dimension defined by a second width smaller than the width of the inlet opening.

[0003] In another specific embodiment, the present invention provides a method for using a water-soluble package in a floor cleaner, wherein the floor cleaner includes a supply box having an inlet opening defining an inlet opening width, and the supply box is configured to store liquid. The method includes: providing a water-soluble package containing a cleaning agent, the water-soluble package having an unfolded dimension defined by a first width, a height, and a thickness, wherein the first width is greater than the width of the inlet opening, the height is defined to be orthogonal to the first width, and the thickness is defined to be orthogonal to the first width and height; folding the water-soluble package from the unfolded dimension to a compact dimension, the compact dimension having a folded dimension defined by a second width smaller than the width of the inlet opening; and inserting the water-soluble package through the inlet opening to combine the water-soluble package with the liquid stored in the supply box to form a cleaning solution.

[0004] Other aspects of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a floor cleaner according to a specific embodiment.

[0006] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of a floor cleaner.

[0007] Figure 3 This is a front view of a water-soluble package according to one specific embodiment.

[0008] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a water-soluble package according to another specific embodiment.

[0009] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the supply box of a floor cleaner, showing the inlet opening embedded in the supply box. Figure 4 Water-soluble packaging.

[0010] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of a supply box according to another specific embodiment, showing the supply box embedded in its inlet opening. Figure 4 Water-soluble packaging.

[0011] Before any specific embodiment of this utility model is discussed in detail, it should be understood that this utility model is not limited to its application in the construction details and component arrangements described below or shown in the accompanying drawings. This utility model can have other specific embodiments and can be implemented or realized in various ways. Detailed Implementation

[0012] Figure 1 A floor cleaner 10 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the floor cleaner 10 includes a base 12 and a body 14 pivotally coupled to the base 12. The body 14 pivots relative to the base 12 between an upright storage position and an inclined operating position. The floor cleaner 10 further includes a supply tank 16, a recovery tank 18, and a vacuum source 20. The supply tank 16 is configured to store cleaning fluid, and the floor cleaner 10 is operable to dispense the cleaning fluid onto the surface 22 to be cleaned.

[0013] Reference Figure 2 The vacuum source 20 includes a motor 24 and a fan 26. The motor 24 and fan 26 are operable to draw cleaning fluid from the surface 22 into a collection tank 18. A base 12 is movable on the surface 22 to be cleaned. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 12 includes wheels 28 to facilitate movement of the base 12 on the surface 22. The base 12 includes a suction inlet 30 in fluid communication with the vacuum source 20 and the collection tank 18. Cleaning fluid is drawn from the surface 22 into the collection tank 18 through the suction inlet 30. The base 12 further includes a dispensing nozzle 32 in fluid communication with a supply tank 16. The dispensing nozzle 32 dispenses cleaning fluid onto the surface 22.

[0014] The floor cleaner 10 further includes a handle 34. The handle 34 includes a grip 36 and an actuator 38 adjacent to the grip 36. A user grasps the grip 36 to move the floor cleaner 10 along the surface 22 and to pivot the body 14 relative to the base 12. The actuator 38 controls the flow of cleaning fluid from the supply tank 16 through the dispensing nozzle 32. The handle 34 further includes an extension 40 extending from the body 14. The extension 40 includes a first end 42, a second end 44, and a... Figure 2 A handle axis 46 extends centrally through the first end 42 and the second end 44. The first end 42 is coupled to and adjacent to the body 14. The second end 44 is adjacent to the grip 36. The floor cleaner 10 further includes a battery 48 that powers the vacuum source 20. Figure 2 In one specific embodiment, battery 48 is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

[0015] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The floor cleaner 10 further includes an upper end 50 and a lower end 52 opposite to the upper end 50. A handle 34 is adjacent to the upper end 50, while a base 12 is adjacent to the lower end 52. The floor cleaner 10 further includes a front side 54 and a rear side 56 opposite to the front side 54. A suction inlet 30 is adjacent to the front side 54. In the illustrated embodiment, a supply tank 16 is coupled to the rear side 56, while a collection tank 18 is coupled to the front side 54 of the body 14. In other embodiments, the supply tank 16 and the collection tank 18 may be coupled to either the base 22 or the handle 34.

[0016] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 5 The supply box 16 includes a defined inlet opening width W. L The inlet opening 60, and a cover 64 removably coupled (e.g., threaded) to the supply box 16 to selectively close the inlet opening 60. Figure 5 In the specific embodiment shown, the inlet opening 60 is circular, and the inlet opening width W L This refers to the diameter of the inlet opening (60). The inlet opening width is W. L It can be in the range of 20mm to 50mm. In some specific embodiments, the inlet opening width W L It can be greater than 50mm. In other embodiments, the inlet opening 60 can have an alternative geometry (rectangular, triangular, etc.).

[0017] Figure 3A water-soluble packaging 110 according to a specific embodiment is shown. The water-soluble packaging 110 includes a film 114 defining compartments 118, 122, 126, which contain cleaning agents 130, 134, 138. The film 114 defines a first compartment 118 containing a first cleaning agent 130, a second compartment 122 containing a second cleaning agent 134, and a third compartment 126 containing a third cleaning agent 138. In other embodiments, the film 114 may define more (e.g., four, five, etc.) or fewer (e.g., two) compartments.

[0018] In one embodiment, the second cleaning agent 134 is different from the first cleaning agent 130, while the third cleaning agent 138 is the same as the first cleaning agent 130. In other embodiments, the third cleaning agent may be different from the first and second cleaning agents 130 and 134. Furthermore, the first cleaning agent 130 comprises liquid ingredients, while the second cleaning agent 134 comprises powder ingredients. The powder ingredients include one or more of a surfactant, a pH adjuster, and a preservative. The liquid ingredients include one or more of a surfactant and a fragrance. In the illustrated embodiment, the ratio of liquid ingredients to powder ingredients is 1:1. In other embodiments, the ratio may be 2:1, 1:2, 3:1, or 1:3. In some embodiments, the water-soluble package 110 may weigh 10 grams.

[0019] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The first compartment 118 and the third compartment 126 have a first geometric shape, while the second compartment 122 has a second geometric shape different from the first geometric shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the first geometric shape is generally triangular, while the second geometric shape is a forked shape. In other embodiments, the first and second geometric shapes may have alternative constructions (e.g., cylindrical, rectangular, etc.).

[0020] The water-soluble package 110 has a first width W1, a height H, and a thickness (e.g., see reference). Figure 3 The unfolded size is defined by the thickness within the page, where the first width W1 is greater than the width of the entrance opening W. L The height H is defined as orthogonal to the first width W1, and the thickness is defined as orthogonal to both the first width W1 and the height H. The film 114 of the water-soluble packaging 110 further includes a first fold line 142 positioned between the first compartment 118 and the second compartment 122, and a second fold line 146 positioned between the second compartment 122 and the third compartment 126. As described in detail below, the water-soluble packaging 110, from its unfolded dimensions (… Figure 3 Folded into a compact size, the compact size having a width W smaller than the inlet opening width LThe second width defines the folding size. For example, the first compartment 118 can be folded relative to the second compartment 122 around the first fold line 142, and the third compartment 126 can be folded relative to the second compartment 122 around the second fold line 146. In the folded size, the water-soluble package 110 can be nested within the supply box 16 and combine with the liquid stored in the supply box 16 to form a cleaning solution.

[0021] Figure 4 A water-soluble packaging 210 according to another specific embodiment of the present invention is shown. The water-soluble packaging 210 and... Figure 3 The water-soluble packaging 210 shown and described above is similar. Therefore, similar features are identified by similar reference numerals plus "100", and only the differences between the two will be discussed below. It should also be understood that the water-soluble packaging 210 can be embedded in the supply box 16 in a similar manner to the water-soluble packaging 110.

[0022] The water-soluble packaging 210 includes a film 214 defining a first compartment 218, a second compartment 222, and a third compartment 226, wherein the first compartment 218 has a first cleaning agent 230, the second compartment 222 has a second cleaning agent 234, and the third compartment 226 has a third cleaning agent 238. In the illustrated embodiment, each compartment 218, 222, 226 has a cylindrical structure. Specifically, the first compartment 218 and the third compartment 226 have a first diameter, while the second compartment has a second diameter larger than the first diameter. Thus, the first compartment 218 and the third compartment 226 have a first geometry, while the second compartment 222 has a second geometry different from the first geometry.

[0023] Water-soluble packaging 210 has a first width W1, a height H, and a thickness (e.g., see reference). Figure 4 The unfolded size is defined by the thickness within the page, where the first width W1 is greater than the width of the entrance opening W. L The height H is defined as orthogonal to the first width W1, and the thickness is defined as orthogonal to both the first width W1 and the height H. The film 214 of the water-soluble packaging 210 further includes a first fold line 242 positioned between the first compartment 218 and the second compartment 222, and a second fold line 246 positioned between the second compartment 222 and the third compartment.

[0024] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 Water-soluble packaging 210 from unfolded size ( Figure 4 Fold into a compact size ( Figure 5 The compact size has a width W smaller than the inlet opening width. L The second width W2 defines the folded size. For example, the first compartment 218 can be folded around the first fold line 242 ( Figure 4The third compartment 226 can be folded around the second fold line 4 relative to the second compartment 222. Figure 4 The first and third compartments 218 and 226 are folded relative to the second compartment 222. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and third compartments 218 and 226 are folded onto the second compartment 222 in the same direction. At the folded size, the water-soluble package 210 is embedded within the supply tank 16 and combines with the liquid stored in the supply tank 16 to form a cleaning solution.

[0025] Figure 6 A supply box 316 according to another specific embodiment is shown. Supply box 316 can be coupled to a floor cleaner, such as an extractor. Similar to supply box 16, supply box 316 includes an inlet opening 360 and a lid removably coupled to the supply box to selectively close the inlet opening 360. In its folded size, water-soluble packaging 110 or water-soluble packaging 210 can be fitted within the inlet opening 360.

[0026] The various features and advantages of this utility model are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A floor cleaner, characterized in that, The floor cleaner includes: handle; The main body is coupled to the handle; A base, which is coupled to the handle and is movable on the surface to be cleaned; A supply tank having an inlet opening defining an inlet opening width, the supply tank being configured to store liquid; A water-soluble package containing a cleaning agent, the package being configured to be embedded within the supply tank and to combine with the liquid stored in the supply tank to form a cleaning solution; and A dispensing nozzle, which is connected to the supply tank, is configured to dispense the cleaning liquid onto the surface; The water-soluble packaging has an unfolded dimension defined by a first width, a height, and a thickness. The first width is greater than the width of the inlet opening. The height is defined to be orthogonal to the first width, and the thickness is defined to be orthogonal to both the first width and the height. The water-soluble packaging is folded from the unfolded size to a compact size, the compact size having a folded size defined by a second width smaller than the width of the inlet opening.

2. The floor cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the inlet opening is in the range of 20mm to 50mm.

3. The floor cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the inlet opening is greater than 50mm.

4. The floor cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet opening is circular, and the width of the inlet opening is the diameter of the inlet opening.

5. The floor cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water-soluble packaging includes a film defining a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment having a first cleaning agent and the second compartment having a second cleaning agent different from the first cleaning agent.

6. The floor cleaner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The water-soluble packaging includes a first fold line positioned between the first compartment and the second compartment.

7. The floor cleaner according to claim 5, characterized in that, The water-soluble packaging includes a third compartment containing a third cleaning agent.

8. The floor cleaner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first compartment and the third compartment have a first geometric shape, and the second compartment has a second geometric shape that is different from the first geometric shape.

9. The floor cleaner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The third cleaning agent is the same as the first cleaning agent or the second cleaning agent.

10. The floor cleaner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The water-soluble packaging includes a first zigzag line positioned between the first compartment and the second compartment, and a second zigzag line positioned between the second compartment and the third compartment.

11. The floor cleaner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second compartment is located between the first compartment and the third compartment.

12. The floor cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further including The vacuum source within the main body, A suction inlet, formed in the base and in fluid communication with the vacuum source, and A recycling bin, coupled to the main body, is configured to store the cleaning agent drawn from the surface by the vacuum source through the suction inlet.

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