LIQUID ELIMINATION DEVICE WITH ABSORBING DRUM AND RELATED METHODS

Abstract

A liquid removal device (100) is for removing a liquid from a surface (10). The liquid removal device (100) includes a frame (122) rotatably coupled with an absorbent drum (102) and an extractor drum (110). An absorbent layer (106) is placed on an outer drum surface of the absorbent drum (102). The extractor drum (110) includes a reservoir (116) configured to retain the liquid absorbed from the surface (10) and a plurality of openings (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 openings is in contact with the absorbent layer (106). In the second position, the first portion (118) of the plurality of openings is not in contact with the absorbent layer (106).

Description

This application claims the benefit of priority of 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 incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD This description relates to the field of liquid removal devices and, more particularly, to a liquid removal device for a surface and related methods. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There is a need for improved devices and methods for drying a surface, such as an athletics track. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Generally, a liquid removal device is for removing liquids from a surface. The liquid removal device may include an absorbent drum for rolling over the surface and absorbing liquid from it. The liquid removal device may also include an extractor drum comprising a plurality of openings or slots that abut the absorbent drum, such that the smooth surface of the extractor drum and / or the plurality of openings or slots press against the absorbent drum and expel the liquid from the absorbent material, allowing the absorbed liquids to drain into the extractor drum or a holding tank through the plurality of openings or slots. In one embodiment, a liquid removal device includes a frame, the frame comprising a handle, an absorbent drum rotatably coupled to the frame, and an extractor drum rotatably coupled to the frame. The absorbent drum comprises a cylinder having an outer drum surface, wherein an absorbent layer is placed on the absorbent drum surface, the absorbent drum being configured to absorb a liquid from a surface. The extractor drum comprises a reservoir configured to retain the liquid absorbed from the surface, an outer extractor surface, and a plurality of openings defined by the outer extractor surface in fluid communication with the reservoir. The extractor drum is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, at least a first portion of the plurality of openings is in contact with the absorbent layer.In the second position, the first portion of the plurality of openings is not in contact with the absorbent layer. In one embodiment, a method for removing liquid from a surface comprises moving a liquid removal device over the surface. The liquid removal device comprises an absorbent drum and an extractor drum, the extractor drum comprising a reservoir and a plurality of fluid-communicating openings to the reservoir, wherein the absorbent drum absorbs the liquid from the surface. The method also includes extracting the liquid from the absorbent drum to the reservoir of the extractor drum through at least a first portion of the plurality of openings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The present description will be more easily understood from a detailed description of some example modalities taken together with the following figures: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative modality of a liquid removal device. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the liquid removal device from Figure 1. Figure 3 is a top view of the liquid removal device from Figure 1. Figure 4 is a front view of the liquid removal device from Figure 1. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid removal device of Figure 1 in the drain position with the handle removed. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid removal device of Figure 1 in an upright position with the handle removed. Figure 7 is a bottom view of the automatic tensioning mechanism of the liquid removal device in Figure 1. Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of the adjustable liquid removal device bracket of Figure 1 with the handle removed. iviA / a / ¿u¿ó / uuuooo Figure 9 is a perspective view of the adjustable support of the liquid removal device of Figure 1 with the handle removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Several non-limiting embodiments of this description will now be described to provide a general understanding of the principles of structure, function, and use of the apparatus, systems, methods, and processes described herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying figures are non-limiting embodiments. The features illustrated or described in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with the features of other non-limiting embodiments. Modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this description.Similar numbers refer to similar items at all times, and base 100 reference numbers are used to indicate similar items in alternative modalities. References throughout the description to several modalities, some modalities, one modality, some example modalities, one example modality, or one modality mean that a particular element, structure, or feature described in relation to any modality is included in at least one modality. Therefore, the occurrences of the phrases "in several modalities," "in some modalities," "in one modality," "some example modalities," "one example modality," or "in one modality" in various places throughout the description do not necessarily refer to the same modality. Furthermore, particular elements, structures, or features may be combined in any appropriate way within one or more modalities. With reference to Figures 1-9, in one embodiment, a liquid removal device 100 can be used to remove liquids from a surface 10. A liquid removal device can be used to remove water, for example, but it can also be used to remove other liquids, such as hazardous liquids (e.g., fuel, oil, liquid chemicals). For example, the liquid removal device 100 can be used to remove water from athletic surfaces such as tennis, pickleball, and / or basketball courts, running tracks, construction sites, warehouses, or swimming pool decks, and the like. It will be appreciated that the liquid removal device 100 can be useful in other applications as well. iviA / a / ¿u¿ó / uuuooo The liquid removal device 100 shown in Figure 1 includes, for illustrative purposes, an absorbent drum 102 for rolling on the surface 10 and absorbing liquids from the surface 10. The absorbent drum 102 may have a circular cross-section and comprises a tubular frame 104, a liquid-absorbing layer 106 carried by an outer radial surface of the tubular frame 104, and a longitudinally extending shaft 108 (Figure 2) that carries the tubular frame 104. Suitable materials for the tubular frame 104 include, without limitation, a polymeric plastic, metal, PVC, or a phenolic tube. Any fluid-absorbing material appropriate for the particular liquid to be absorbed and the surface on which the liquid exists may be used for the liquid-absorbing layer.In various embodiments, the liquid-absorbing layer comprises a foam material, a synthetic fiber material such as polyester and nylon, a microfiber material, a wool material, a wool-polyester blend material, or a combination thereof. The absorbent drum 102 may have a uniform outside diameter or a variable or patterned surface as appropriate for various applications. The liquid-absorbing layer 106 may have uniform stratification or variable stratification as appropriate for a particular application. The liquid disposal device 100 shown in Figure 6 includes an extractor drum 110 adjacent to the absorbent drum 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the extractor drum 110 has a circular cross-section and is hollow. In other embodiments, the extractor drum 110 may have other shapes and be adjacent to the absorbent drum at any appropriate radial position. The extractor drum 110 may have a circular side wall 112 having an outer surface and a shaft 114 (Figure 2). In one embodiment, the side wall 112 may extend between end walls 115, which may have the same cross-sectional area or a different cross-sectional area relative to the side wall 112. The end walls 115 may be removable to allow cleaning of the hollow interior, which may accumulate small debris (e.g., dirt) during use.Suitable materials for the extractor drum 110 may include, without limitation, a polymer plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride, aluminum, or other material with sufficient rigidity and resistance to water, chemicals, static electricity, or fuel. The extractor drum 110 may define an interior comprising an extractor drum fluid reservoir 116. The extractor drum fluid reservoir 116 may be liquid-tight or, if necessary, may prevent leakage of accumulated water beneath a first set of openings 118 and a second set of openings 120. The first set of openings 118 is aligned with and communicates with the extractor drum fluid reservoir 116 such that fluid may flow through the openings 118 into the fluid reservoir 116 for storage. In some embodiments, a second set of openings 120 can be configured to release fluid from the fluid reservoir of the inner extractor drum 116 of the extractor drum 110. Although the illustrated embodiment includes two sets of openings 118, 120, the technology is not so limited. The shape, size, and / or number of openings 118, 120 can vary. For example, the shape, size, and / or number of openings can vary between the sets of openings. In one embodiment, the openings can be arranged linearly (as shown in Figure 4) or in staggered, adjacent lines. For example, each set of the plurality of openings can include a linear orientation of openings, spaced openings, offset openings, or any other configuration. Each of the openings can be circular, hemispherical, polygonal, or any other suitable shape.The openings can be openings of any shape, size, or dimension within the extractor drum and can be appropriately positioned with reference to the absorbent drum 102. In one embodiment, each of the sets of openings 118, 120 can be in a different radial quadrant of the extractor drum, such as in opposite radial quadrants. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the liquid removal device 100 illustratively comprises a frame 122 that retains the shaft 108 of the absorbent drum 102 and the shaft 114 of the extractor drum 110. The frame 122 may include a housing 124, which may include, for example, two side supports 126, 128 that secure the ends of the shafts. The shafts may be rotatably coupled to the side supports 126, 128 in any suitable manner. For example, the side supports 126, 128 may include openings 130, 132 for the shaft 108 of the absorbent drum 102 and the shaft 114 of the extractor drum 110. The opening 132 for the shaft of the extractor drum 114 may allow relative movement between the shaft 114 and the frame 122.For example, the opening 132 may be oval-shaped to allow the extractor drum 110 to move if the waste encounters adjacent drums, thus preventing the absorbent drum 102 from becoming rotatably blocked. In one embodiment, the frame 122 includes a plurality of support beams 134 that connect the side supports 126, 128. The outer diameter of the absorbent drum 102 may extend a distance below the frame 122 so that the liquid-absorbing layer 106 of the absorbent drum 102 makes contact and can roll on the floor or other surface. The absorbent drum 102 may function as a cylindrical wheel, allowing the liquid disposal device 100 to be repositioned on desired surfaces. It should be noted that the housing 124 may also enclose the device components for aesthetic or protective reasons.For example, the housing 124 may also include a cover (not shown) that encloses the absorber drum 102 and the extractor drums 110, as well as other components, for aesthetic purposes and protection against the elements, such as sun damage. The housing or cover may be modified to hold additional tools, such as a broom or squeegee, may include signage, such as digital signage, and may be used to support solar panels for a motorized unit. The liquid removal device 100 illustratively comprises a handle 136 attached to the frame 122 for user operation. As can be seen, the user pushes the liquid removal device 100 along the surface using the handle 136, keeping the absorbent drum 102 in contact with the liquid-covered surface to remove the liquid. Other operating modes, such as motorized or autonomous operation, are contemplated. An outer surface of the side wall 112 may act as a wheel for rotating the extractor drum 110 when operationally advantageous, but not for transport or repositioning. The outer surface of the sides may have, for example, a urethane coating or another coating with a higher coefficient of friction than the side material. In some embodiments, the extractor drum 110 may include wheels 138. The liquid disposal device 100 illustratively comprises four wheels 138 attached to the lower portion of the frame 122 at its diagonal ends to allow the liquid disposal device 100 to be transported over surfaces that do not require drying and to overcome obstacles such as curbs or sidewalks.In one embodiment, the liquid removal device 100 operates on the absorbent drum 102 when liquid collection is desired, where the rear wheels 138 can be engaged to rotate 180 degrees to begin the next drying strip. Front wheels 138 can be provided to overcome an obstacle such as a curb when transporting the device. It is appreciated that the wheels 138 or other stabilizing features can make contact with the ground or surface while the device is being used to absorb fluid from the surface. When removing liquid from a surface, the wheels 138 can be kept away from the surface during the extraction phase. To engage the wheels 138, the handle 136 can be lifted or tilted so that the wheels 138 make contact with the surface or ground.Moving the liquid removal device 100 while in this raised position with the geared wheels will rotate the wheels 138 and thus the extractor drum 110 from a first engagement position to a second drainage position. In the first engagement position, the first set of openings 118 (Figures 4 and 6) 6) is adjacent to the absorbent drum 102, and the second set of openings 120 is opposite the first set of openings 118 and parallel to the ground. In this configuration, the liquid in the fluid reservoir of the extractor drum 116 will not drain through the second set of openings 120. In the second drainage position, the second set of openings 120 can be rotated so that they generally face downwards, towards the surface or ground. In this configuration, the liquid can automatically drain from the fluid reservoir of the extractor drum 116 through the second set of openings 120 due to gravity. Additionally, the user can raise or lower the handle 136 to engage the front or rear transport wheels 138 to move the device over surfaces that do not require drying.It may be useful to allow sensor wheels to be attached to the liquid removal device 100 to help with the stability of the handle 136 during operation. In some embodiments, the extractor drum 110 will not include wheels, and the outer surface of the side walls 112 will not extend beyond the diameter of the extractor drum 110 body itself. Once the liquid has been added and drainage is required, the handle 136 can be pulled back, toward the user, to cause the absorbent drum 102 to rotate in the opposite direction to its typical addition rotation. By causing the absorbent drum 102 to rotate in the opposite direction, by virtue of the coefficient of friction between the liquid absorbent layer 106 of the absorbent drum 102 and the extractor drum 110, the extractor drum 110 will rotate from the addition position to the drainage position until the pin of the extractor rotation limiter 140 (Figure 2) engages the drainage stop of the extractor rotation limiter 142 (Figure 2). In one embodiment, both ends of the drum 110 may include a pin 140 and a stop 142.As the extractor drum 110 is rotated to the drain position, liquid is allowed to escape from the second set of openings 120 which have been rotated to face downwards, towards the surface or the ground. To ensure proper positioning of the extractor drum 102, the liquid removal device 100 comprises, for example, at least one elastic device 144 (e.g., a helical spring, rubber bands, an elastic cord, or any suitable implement that generates tension) coupled between the extractor drum 102 and the frame 122. The elastic device 144 can be configured to drive the absorbent drum 102 and the extractor drum 110 into contact with each other with a coefficient of friction sufficient to draw water from the absorbent drum 102 into the extractor drum 110.Furthermore, if the absorbent drum 102 collects debris larger than the first set of openings 118 in the surface 10, such as rocks, twigs, bark, leaves, rubble, and the like, the elastic device 144 may allow the extractor drum 110 to be displaced slightly so that the debris falls out of the device or so that the user can access and easily remove it manually. In some embodiments, a cleaning apparatus may be considered that would assist with automated debris removal and capture as the device is rolled across the surface to keep the liquid-absorbent material clean. The elastic device, in one version, may be connected to a sliding bushing made of a low-friction material surrounding the shaft of the extractor drum or the shaft of the absorbent drum, which is also made of a low-friction material.This configuration can function as a bearing and allows a high elastic tensile force to be applied to the shaft of the extractor drum or the shaft of the absorbent drum and still allow the extractor drum to rotate to and from the incorporation and drainage positions. In several configurations, the extractor drum 110 can be moved between a first incorporation position (Figure 5) and a second drainage position (Figure 6). In the first incorporation position, the first set of openings 118 (axis a) is adjacent to the absorbent drum 102, and the second set of openings 120 (axis a2) faces away from the surface. In other words, the liquid in the fluid reservoir of the extractor drum 116 will not drain from the second set of openings 120 due to gravity in the first incorporation position (unless the liquid level rises above openings 118 or 120). For example, the liquid in the lower half of reservoir 116 will not drain from the reservoir through openings 120.In the second drainage position, the second set of openings 120 is lower towards the surface relative to the first position, and the liquid can drain automatically from the fluid reservoir of the extractor drum 116 through the second set of openings 120 (e.g., due to gravity). In one embodiment, the liquid removal device 100 can be configured to move the extractor drum 110 to the drainage position by moving the liquid removal device 100 backward along the surface. The rotation of the extractor drum 110 to and from the intake and drainage positions occurs easily and naturally due to the direction of rotation of the absorbent drum 102.When the liquid removal device 100 is pushed forward by the handle, the extractor drum 110 rotates to the incorporation position by the coefficient of friction between the liquid absorbent layer of the absorbent drum 106 and the extractor drum 110 due to the force imparted by the elastic devices pressing the extractor drum into the liquid absorbent layer 106, and until the extractor rotation limiter pin reaches the incorporation stop block of the extractor rotation limiter. iviA / a / ¿u¿ó / uuuooo When the liquid removal device is pushed back by the handle, the extractor drum 110 rotates to the drain position due to the coefficient of friction between the liquid absorbent layer of the absorbent drum 106 and the extractor drum 110. This friction is caused by the force exerted by the elastic devices that press the extractor drum against the liquid absorbent layer 106, and the rotation limiter pin reaches the drain stop block of the extractor rotation limiter. For example, when the liquid removal device 100 is moved back, the extractor drum 110 can rotate due to friction between it and the absorbent drum 102, allowing the liquid to drain from the fluid reservoir of the extractor drum 116. The distance the liquid removal device 100 travels backward to move the extractor drum 110 to the drain position can vary.In several models, the distance may range from 0.25 cm (0.1 in.) to 50.8 cm (20 in.), 2.5 cm (1 in.) to 25.4 cm (10 in.), 2.5 cm (1 in.) to 12.7 cm (5 in.), or 12.7 cm (5 in.) to 25.4 cm (10 in.). In some models, the liquid removal device 100 may include a selectively engageable safety mechanism to prevent the extractor drum 110 from being unintentionally moved to the drain position. For example, a trigger for the safety mechanism may be located on the handle. When engaged, the safety mechanism prevents the reverse movement of the liquid removal device 100 from rotating the extractor drum 110. When disengaged, the safety mechanism allows the reverse movement of the liquid removal device 100 to rotate the extractor drum 110. The user can deactivate the safety mechanism when ready to drain the liquid from the extractor drum 110.In use, when the liquid removal device 100 is pushed along a surface to remove liquid, the absorbent drum 102 rotates to collect fluid from the surface. In one embodiment, the fluid reservoir of the extractor drum 116 remains rotationally stationary and accepts fluid from the absorbent drum 102 through the first set of openings 118. Rotation of the fluid reservoir of the extractor drum 116 can be prevented by the extractor rotation limiter pin 140 engaging with the stop 142. At least a portion or all of the first set of openings 118 may abut or otherwise engage with the rotating absorbent drum 102 at the tangent or point of engagement between the absorbent drum and the extractor drum. As the absorbent drum 102 rotates, the liquid absorbent layer 106 can be pressed against the outer surface of the extractor drum 110 by the force exerted by the elastic device 144.The force exerted by the elastic device 144 presses or squeezes the liquid absorbent layer 106, drawing the liquid from the absorbent layer 106 and into the first set of correctly aligned openings 118, so that the liquid accumulates in the fluid reservoir of the extractor drum 116. The location of the interface between the absorbent drum 102 and the extractor drum 110 may vary. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the extractor drum 110 abuts the absorbent drum 102 in a radial, front-facing position. It may be appreciated that the location of the interface can be adjusted according to the use case when operationally advantageous. To drain the liquid from the fluid reservoir of the extractor drum 116, the user pulls back the handle 136 to rotate the absorbent drum 102 clockwise, in the opposite direction to the typical incorporation rotation. Rotating the absorbent drum 102 backward may correspondingly rotate the extractor drum 110 counterclockwise until it reaches a rotation stop caused by the extractor rotation limiter pin 140, which is engaged with the drain stop of the extractor rotation limiter 142. The extractor drum 110, rotating in the opposite direction to the absorbent drum 102, may also move the second set of openings 120 so that they rotate to point downward. When the second set of openings 120 is in this position, the liquid stored in the fluid reservoir of the extractor drum 116 can escape and drain by gravity and the momentum of the liquid.Once drainage is complete, handle 136 is pushed forward away from the user, and the system returns to the water addition configuration as described herein. It is appreciated that a safety mechanism, as described herein, may be associated with the extractor drum 110 or the liquid removal device 100 to prevent fluid drainage in the reverse direction until desired by the operator. Depending on the application and the material used for the liquid absorbent layer, the liquid absorbent layer may stretch during use. For example, the pressure of the extractor drum against the absorbent drum may cause the liquid absorbent layer to stretch and loosen in some areas. In some embodiments, the liquid removal device may be configured to maintain tension on the liquid absorbent layer during use. With reference to Figures 3 and 7, the liquid absorbent layer 106 may be wound onto the absorbent drum 102. The absorbent drum 102 may include a dynamic tensioning mechanism to maintain tension and prevent the liquid absorbent layer 106 from loosening. As shown in Figure 7, the dynamic tensioning mechanism may include a spring or other tensioning device, as described below. In the illustrated embodiment, a first end 106a of the liquid absorbent layer 106 can be anchored to a first end 102a of the absorbent drum 102, and a second end 106b of the liquid absorbent layer 106 can be coupled to a second end 102b of the absorbent drum 102 under tension. The absorbent drum 102 can be configured so that the connections of the first and second ends 106a, 106b of the liquid absorbent layer 106 are radially inward toward the outer radial surface. In such a configuration, the first and second ends 106a, 106b and the components connecting them to the absorbent drum 102 do not make contact with the surface (e.g., a court) during operation of the liquid removal device 100.For example, the side wall 112 of the absorbent drum 102 may include cutouts 146a, 146b. The first and second end walls 115a, 115b of the extractor drum 110 may include corresponding cutouts 148a, 148b opening into cutouts 146a, 146b (Figures 3 and 7). The first end 106a of the liquid absorbent layer 106 and the first end 102a of the absorbent drum 102 may include corresponding connectors. For example, the first end 106a of the liquid absorbent layer 106 may include a removable washer engaged with a pin located in cutout 148a. The first end 106a of the liquid absorbent layer 106 may extend through cutout 146a and into cutout 148a to engage with the pin. With reference to Figure 7, in one embodiment, the second end 106b of the liquid-absorbing layer 106 can be detachably coupled to the second end 102b of the absorbent drum 102 using a spring 150. The spring 150 dynamically tensions the liquid-absorbing layer 106. The spring 150 can be detachably coupled to at least one of the second end 106b of the liquid-absorbing layer 106 and the absorbent drum 102. In one example, the second end 106b of the liquid-absorbing layer 106 can include a connector, such as an eyelet, that can be selectively coupled to a first end 150a of the spring 150. The second end 150b of the spring 150 can be coupled to the absorbent drum 102. For example, the wall of the end 115b of the absorbent drum 102 can include a connection point, such as a hook 152, that can be selectively coupled to a second end 150b of spring 150.The liquid-absorbent layer 106 is wound or wrapped around the absorbent drum 102 so that the pressure applied by the extractor drum 110 is distributed towards the second end 106b of the liquid-absorbent layer 106. In other words, if the material is stretched, it stretches in a direction towards the spring 150. The spring 150, which applies tension to the second end 106b of the liquid-absorbent layer 106, can compensate if the material is stretched. In use, when the liquid removal device 100 is rolled along a surface to remove liquid, the absorbent drum 102 rotates while the extraction drum 110 is rotationally stationary. As the absorbent drum 102 rotates, the liquid absorbent layer 106 is pressed against the extraction drum 110. If the liquid absorbent layer 106 is stretched, the rotary motion pushes the material with a corkscrew motion from the anchored end to the stretched end. Because the second end of the material is under dynamic tension, stretching the material does not result in loosening of the material. In some models, the tension or deformation of the helical spring 144, or other elastic device, can be adjustable. Having adjustable tension allows the absorbent drum 102 and the extractor drum 110 to be separated without disengaging the coil spring 144. With reference to Figures 8 and 9, in another embodiment, the liquid removal device 100 includes an adjustable bracket 154 for adjusting the tension on the coil spring 144. The bracket 154 is movably coupled to the frame 122 and defines a handle 156. The bracket 154 can be coupled to the coil spring 144. For example, the coil spring 144 can be detachably coupled to the bracket 154 using an eye hook 158. The bracket 154 can have a cutout 160. The cutout 160 can define a channel 162 that opens to one or more marks or notches 164 configured to receive a pin or fastener, such as a screw 166.In one embodiment, screw 166 can couple frame 122 and support 154. Support 154 can have at least two locking positions with respect to frame 122. Each mark or notch 164 defines a position for support 154. For example, when support 154 is in a first locked position, coil spring 144 can be tensioned so that the extractor drum 110 is in contact with the absorber drum 102. When support 154 is in a second locked position, coil spring 144 can have a lower tension so that the extractor drum 110 is separated from the absorber drum 102. To move between the locked positions, support 154 can be moved so that screw 166 slides out of one of the notches 164, moves forward or backward in channel 162, and moves into another notch. 164.The channel 162 can extend beyond the notches 164 and allows the support 154 to be moved 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 allow the extractor drum 110 to be pressed against the absorbent drum 102 at different tensions. Adjusting the force exerted by the extractor drum 110 on the absorbent drum 102 results in a different amount of force required to operate the liquid removal device 100. Therefore, the force required to operate the liquid removal device 100 can be adjusted according to the application or user preferences. In some embodiments, the user can move one or both of the extractor drum 110 and the absorbent drum 102 into a separate configuration to allow the user to remove the liquid absorbent layer 106 (for example, to replace the old material). For instance, the user can use the adjustable bracket 154 to move the extractor drum 110 away from the absorbent drum 102. The liquid absorbent layer 106 can then be separated and unwound from the absorbent drum 102. A new liquid absorbent layer 106 can then be installed on the absorbent drum 102. Advantageously, the liquid disposal devices described herein provide an effective and robust approach to liquid disposal. It should be noted that the width of the liquid disposal devices described herein may vary. In some embodiments, the width of the liquid disposal device may range from 30.5 cm (1 ft) to 304.8 cm (10 ft), from 61 cm (2 ft) to 122 cm (4 ft), from 15.2 cm (6 in) to 30.5 cm (12 in), or have any other suitable dimension. The liquid removal devices described herein are intended to be used to apply or supply a fluid or material in addition to, or separate from, a fluid absorption function. For example, the devices can be modified to apply a surface coating, such as a topcoat, sealant, or varnish. The liquid removal devices may be manually pushed, motorized, remotely controlled, self-contained, or operate in any other mode. In several of the configurations described herein, a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to perform a specific function or functions. Except where such substitution would not be operational, such substitution is within the intended scope of the configurations. The foregoing description of the embodiments and examples has been presented for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the forms described. In light of prior teachings, numerous modifications are possible. Some of these modifications have been described, and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described to best illustrate the principles of various embodiments suitable for their intended uses. The scope, of course, is not limited to the examples set forth herein, but may be applied to any number of equivalent applications and devices by those skilled in the art. On the contrary, it is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A liquid removal device, the liquid removal device comprising: a frame, the frame comprising a handle; an absorbent drum rotatably coupled to the frame, the absorbent drum comprising a cylinder having an outer drum surface, wherein an absorbent layer is placed on the outer drum surface of the absorbent drum, the absorbent drum configured to absorb a liquid from a surface;and an extractor drum rotatably coupled to the frame, the extractor drum comprising a reservoir configured to retain the liquid absorbed from the surface, an outer extractor surface, and a plurality of openings defined by the outer extractor surface in fluid communication with the reservoir, the extractor drum being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position at least a first portion of the plurality of openings is in contact with the absorbent layer and in the second position the first portion of the plurality of openings is not in contact with the absorbent layer.

2. The liquid removal device according to claim 1, wherein, when the extractor drum is in the first position, the liquid from the lower portion of the tank will not be drained from the tank.

3. The liquid removal device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the extractor drum further comprises end walls, and the end walls and the outer extractor surface cooperate to define the reservoir.

4. The liquid removal device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in the first position a first height of a second portion of the plurality of openings is higher than a second height of the second portion when the extractor drum is in the second position.

5. The liquid removal device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, when the extractor drum moves from the first position to the second position, a second portion of the plurality of openings rotates toward the surface so that the liquid is gravitationally pushed down and out of the extractor drum.

6. The liquid removal device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the extractor drum rotates from the first position to the second position when the liquid removal device is pushed back so that the liquid is released from the reservoir.

7. The liquid removal device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the frame further comprises a housing defining an interior, wherein the extractor drum and the absorbent drum are located inside the housing.

8. The liquid removal device according to claim 7, wherein the housing can be selectively removed.

9. The liquid removal device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an elastic device that couples the extractor drum to the frame, wherein the elastic device deflects the extractor drum towards the absorbent drum.

10. The liquid removal device according to claim 9, wherein the extractor drum comprises an extractor drum shaft coupled to the frame, and the elastic device is coupled to the extractor drum shaft.

11. The liquid disposal device according to claim 9, wherein the elastic device allows the extractor drum to move away from the absorbent drum to allow the waste to pass between the extractor drum and the absorbent drum.

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

13. The liquid removal device according to claim 9, wherein the elastic device can be selected between a first tension and a second tension.

14. The liquid removal device according to claim 9, further comprising an adjustable support that couples the elastic device to the frame, wherein the adjustable support can be moved to select between a first tension and a second tension for the elastic device.

15. The liquid disposal device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent layer is wound on the absorbent drum in a helical configuration, the absorbent layer comprising a first end and a second end, the first end of the absorbent layer coupled to a first end of the absorbent drum, and the second end of the absorbent layer coupled to a second end of the absorbent drum.

16. The liquid removal device according to claim 15, wherein the second end of the absorbent layer is movably coupled to the second end of the absorbent drum.

17. The liquid removal device according to claim 15, further comprising a tensioning mechanism that couples the second end of the absorbent layer to the absorbent drum, wherein the tensioning mechanism is configured to compensate for the elongation of the absorbent layer.

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

19. The liquid removal device according to claim 17, wherein the tensioning mechanism is a helical spring.

20. The liquid removal device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion of the plurality of openings is arranged in a first line and a second portion of the plurality of openings is arranged in a second line separate from the first line.

21. The liquid removal device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion of the plurality of openings is in a first radial quadrant of the extractor drum and a second portion of the plurality of openings is in an opposite radial quadrant of the extractor drum.

22. The liquid removal device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the surface is an athletics field.

23. A method for using the liquid removal device according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising: absorbing the liquid from the surface by moving the absorbent drum over the surface in a first direction; and extracting the liquid from the absorbent layer to the extractor drum reservoir through at least the first portion of the plurality of openings.

24. The method according to claim 23, further comprising draining the liquid from the extractor drum by moving the absorbent drum in a second direction.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein draining the liquid from the extractor drum comprises moving the extractor drum from the first position to the second position to rotate the second portion of the plurality of openings toward the surface so that the liquid will be gravitationally pushed down and out of the extractor drum.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein moving the extractor drum from the first position to the second position comprises moving the liquid removal device backwards.

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

28. The method of any of claims 23-27, further comprising adjusting the tension of the elastic device to change the distance between the absorbent drum and the extractor drum.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein adjusting a tension of the elastic device comprises moving the adjustable support between the first position and the 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: moving a liquid removal device over the surface, the liquid removal device comprising an absorbent drum and an extractor drum, the extractor drum comprising a reservoir and a plurality of fluid-communicating openings with the reservoir, wherein the absorbent drum absorbs the liquid from the surface; and extracting the liquid from the absorbent drum to the reservoir of the extractor drum through at least a first portion of the plurality of openings.

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