Device for cleaning a floor and transporting objects

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for cleaning floors and transporting objects comprising a lower central rotary element with a drum shape or structure that comes into contact with the floor with at least one of its parts and can be actuated by a user. The lower central rotary element is transversally connected to the lower part of a frame structure comprising two side members and at least one upper crossbar, being configured so that the user can move the device on a surface. The device is also equipped with means for driving the rotation of the rotary element by means of a transmission mechanism, and also having means for transporting objects and / or people.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] DEVICE FOR FLOOR CLEANING AND TRANSPORT OF OBJECTS

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention falls within the technical field of devices for cleaning floors by a user by pushing or pulling the device over a surface to be cleaned, either manually or with the assistance of a motor, as well as for the transport of objects.

[0005] Preferably, and without limitation, the device that is the subject of the invention is aimed at cleaning large areas of outdoor floors, such as gardens, patios, roads or sidewalks, which have a variety and quantity of elements and substances to be removed or swept away in said areas.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Various types of manual or assisted floor cleaning devices are widely used and known for hygiene in both indoor spaces such as homes, offices and various commercial spaces, as well as in outdoor spaces such as open public areas, roads, sidewalks, gardens, sports courts, etc.

[0008] Over the years, different models and designs have emerged, but they all share the same basic principle: to provide a tool that allows the cleaning of horizontal surfaces efficiently and with the greatest possible effectiveness in the shortest time and with the least possible physical effort on the part of a user.

[0009] However, as cleaning needs diversified to include larger and outdoor floors, the technique also had to evolve.

[0010] The first manual floor cleaning devices were mops, usually made of absorbent fibers that were soaked in water or detergent solutions. These mops needed to be submerged in a bucket, and the strength of the person cleaning was essential for the device to work properly. However, traditional mops had several disadvantages, especially when handling large amounts of dirt or on outdoor surfaces.

[0011] In an attempt to improve efficiency, models with disposable refills emerged, consisting of pads attached to a fixed base. Microfiber mops were an evolution, offering greater dirt-holding capacity without the need for chemicals. However, these devices remain primarily suitable for indoor domestic or commercial cleaning and lack the ability to work efficiently in outdoor areas, especially when dealing with larger debris, mud, or sticky residue.

[0012] As the need for cleaning outdoor spaces grew, devices specifically designed to address the challenges presented by surfaces such as streets, sidewalks, and gardens emerged. Among the most relevant devices for these tasks are:

[0013] • Motorized brooms and street sweepers: These devices are equipped with rotating brushes and suction mechanisms to sweep debris, leaves, dirt, and larger waste from streets and sidewalks. While effective at picking up large objects and loose particles, street sweepers often struggle with viscous substances or wet surfaces, as sticky residue tends to adhere to these surfaces and requires greater cleaning power and a different configuration of their components, since they rely on brushes with bristles of varying lengths and stiffness.

[0014] • Manual debris drag machines: In more rugged environments or when clearing more complex terrain, there are devices designed to drag debris, mud, and other heavy materials. These systems typically consist of a sturdy base and wheels, allowing the user to push, carry, or drag large objects more efficiently. However, despite their ability to move debris, these machines require considerable physical effort and are not optimized for the specific cleaning of large horizontal surfaces. • Drag brushes for uneven surfaces: In gardens and other uneven surfaces, manual drag brushes have been used to remove soil, leaves, and other small particles.These brushes, however, are less effective at cleaning stickier materials such as mud or viscous substances, as the pressure exerted on them is limited, which reduces their effectiveness in more demanding tasks.

[0015] • High-pressure cleaners (pressure washers): Although not strictly handheld devices, high-pressure washers have been widely used to clean outdoor surfaces, such as sidewalks, patios, and gardens. These machines use high-pressure water to remove mud, dirt, and debris. However, handling these devices can be inconvenient for the user, as they require connection to a water source and can be heavy and difficult to maneuver in more complex or hard-to-reach areas. Furthermore, pressure washers are not effective at moving large debris or solid waste.

[0016] All of the above represents a series of limitations that the present invention aims to overcome. Although, as previously stated, various devices exist for cleaning outdoor floors and handling debris, they still present several limitations. Many devices designed for outdoor use are not versatile enough to adapt to different types of waste, such as viscous substances or mud. Furthermore, manual drag systems and motorized sweepers require considerable physical effort or are not sufficiently effective on uneven or difficult-to-access surfaces, or when these substances are combined with debris. Existing devices can also present difficulties in terms of mobility, moisture control, and wear resistance in outdoor environments.

[0017] The present invention arises as a response to these limitations, with the aim of offering an innovative solution that allows not only the efficient cleaning of outdoor surfaces, but also the handling of debris, mud, and viscous residues, all without compromising the ease of use or durability of the device. The invention is designed to provide a more effective and accessible tool for cleaning tasks in various types of outdoor areas, from streets and sidewalks to gardens and more rustic terrain. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art by means of a device for cleaning floors and transporting objects that has a lower central rotating element with the shape or structure of a drum that makes contact with the floor by means of at least some of its parts and is actuated by a user, connected transversely to the lower part of a frame structure comprising two side rails and at least one upper crossbar, being configured so that the user can move the device across a surface by supporting the middle or upper part of their torso on the upper crossbar when the lower rotating element rests on a surface, and also so that the rotation of said element can be actuated both in the direction of forward movement of the device and in the opposite direction of movement, according to the type and quantity of material or substance to be cleaned,allowing the continuous and efficient transport and displacement of both viscous and more consistent substances.

[0019] Additionally, the device is designed to be able to load and transport objects and can be connected to an external propulsion vehicle or tractor instead of being moved by the direct physical action of a user, as well as considering incorporating motorized elements to drive its rotation mechanism of the element with drum structure.

[0020] According to what can be deduced from the above and the detailed embodiments defined in the following sections, the present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art referred to and provides an evolutionary alternative by means of a device configured in an advantageous way.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0022] The following describes aspects and embodiments of the invention based on schematic drawings, in which

[0023] Figure 1 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the device in ordinary use position;

[0024] Figure 2 is a plan view of an embodiment of the device in a horizontal position;

[0025] Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the device connected to others in parallel;

[0026] Figure 4 is a side elevation view of the device in its operating position on stairs.

[0027] These figures contain numerical references that identify the following elements:

[0028] 1 frame

[0029] 2, 2' crossbars

[0030] 3 crossbar

[0031] 3b additional crossbar

[0032] 4 element with drum structure

[0033] 5 means of actuation

[0034] 6 transmission mechanism

[0035] 7 crossbars

[0036] 8 extensions

[0037] 9th element shot him

[0038] 10.10' cylinder bases

[0039] Cylinder shaft

[0040] WAYS TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the floor cleaning device of the invention comprises a frame (1), with two lateral side rails (2,2'), and at least one upper crossbar (3), which can be fixed or adjustable by means of a variable position mechanism to adapt to different heights or preferences of a user, a drum-structured element (4), connected transversely to the side rails (2,2') at the bottom of the frame (1), which makes contact with the floor, drive means (5) for the drum-structured element (4) and / or its structural elements, which are arranged in the upper half of the frame (1),and a transmission mechanism (6) between the drive means (5) and the drum-structured element (4) and / or its structural elements, which are configured so that the drive means (5) can generate a rotary movement of the drum-structured element (4) and / or its structural elements about the axis (E) of its cylinder, where the rotary movement of the drum-structured element (4) enables the forward and / or backward movement of the device on the ground by the action of a user.

[0042] The variable positioning mechanism of the upper crossbar (3) may comprise pivots, pins, or springs that extend from the inner or outer faces of respective lower, substantially vertical extensions of the crossbar (3) and engage by tongue and groove in corresponding holes or recesses in the side rails (2, 2'), or vice versa. The lower extensions of the crossbar (3) may be configured to engage and guide, externally or internally, with the upper portion or upper ends of the side rails (2, 2').

[0043] The drum-structured element (4) comprises at least two cylindrical bases (10,10') and a plurality of longitudinal structural elements (7) arranged between them, which may be parallel or convergent, and in turn fixed or removable, and may have a cylindrical or tubular shape, a flat shape, a quadrangular or rectangular cross-section, or any other convenient shape, and comprise one or more materials in their composition or structure, being linked to the drive means (5) and the transmission mechanism (6), all configured to enable the drive of rotation or rotary movement in two directions of both the bases (10,10') of the drum-structured element (4) and its structural elements (7), both elements being able to rotate together or independently in opposite directions.

[0044] The configuration of element (4) with a drum structure allows the contact by support of this element on the surface to be cleaned to occur either through the bases (10,10') of the cylinder alone, through the structural elements (7) of the cylinder alone, or through both, which can be achieved depending on the size or diameter of each of these parts, which can be removable and interchangeable according to the type of work to be done and the specific cleaning need.

[0045] Furthermore, the crossbars (7) of the drum-structured element (4) can be locked in a fixed position about their axis, or they can rotate about their axis. These crossbars (7) are configured to selectably rotate together with the axis (E) of the cylinder in conjunction with the rotation of the cylinder's bases (10,10'), to not rotate when the cylinder's bases (10,10') rotate, and / or to rotate together with the axis (E) of the cylinder in the opposite direction to the rotation of the cylinder's bases (10,10').

[0046] The crossbars (7) are also configured in one of the planned embodiments of the device, to be adjustable and fixed in different positions with respect to the section of the drum-structured element (4), so that they can be inscribed in a diameter smaller than, equal to or greater than that defined by the bases (10,10') of the drum-structured element (4).

[0047] The means for adjusting and securing the crossbars (7) may be selected, without limitation, from rails, grooves, plates, axles, and locking and unlocking means at different positions along their travel, among others. These may be configured on the bases, on the crossbars, or on additional connection, guiding, and securing means for these elements, all or some of which may be connected, linked, or joined together.

[0048] This adjustment allows the device of the invention to be adapted to a variety of tasks, increasing its effectiveness and ease of use in each case, for example, in a position of the crossbars at a diameter greater than that defined by the bases of the drum, when it comes to transporting objects on the device when going up a staircase, so that the crossbars function as support and lever elements on the edge or nose of the step tread, or for example, in a position of the crossbars at a diameter less than that defined by the bases of the drum when the device is connected to a vehicle to transport loads, so that the bases of the drum function as a wheel on a horizontal surface.

[0049] Additionally, the device may incorporate a blade accessory, either annular in the bases, as a complete interchangeable base or as an element that is added to the base, and / or transverse or longitudinal blade(s) in the walls of the element with drum structure (4), which may be made up of elements interchangeable by the crossbeams themselves (7) or may be incorporated and removably fixed to them.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the device is sized so that a user can support the upper crossbar (3) of the frame against the front of their body, leaving their hands free to operate the drive means (5) or for other actions in the motorized variants of the device that are provided.Likewise, the upper crossbar (3) is provided and configured to be connected to a user restraint element located on the front of the torso, such as a harness with a gripping and fastening element corresponding to the shape of the upper crossbar (3), or to a strap or clamp located on a garment of the user or around their torso, which in turn can be attached to, or retain, said crossbar against the user's body, and thus connect the device to the user's torso to facilitate the forward or backward movement of the device with the help of the entire body strength, and not just the user's hands and arms.

[0051] In one embodiment of the device, it is provided that the frame (1) comprises an additional crossbar (3b) and a folding element (9), and may also incorporate a back support element, such as a net or a blind sheet, thus configured for the transport of people and / or objects.

[0052] The lower ends of the frame rails (2,2') (1) may comprise extensions (8) that are fixed, removable or have variable positions by means of mechanisms of the type described for adjusting the positions of the upper crossbar (3), said extensions being pointed or spear-shaped, dimensioned to determine a maximum angle of inclination of the device with respect to the ground for its use by displacement on it, and / or to enable locking in the ground and tilting of the device from the maximum angle of inclination from which it would lock in the ground and tilt the assembly forwards, to, for example, in the mode of use for transporting objects or people, facilitate unloading.

[0053] The device can be connected and joined in series or parallel, either rigidly or articulated, to other devices of the same type, and can also be adapted and / or connected to a towing vehicle or tractor. It is also planned that a motor and steering system can be incorporated.

[0054] In another planned embodiment, the device is configured to operate the drum-structured element as a pulley, having, or incorporating, ground anchoring means in reverse position, as well as in normal position by fixing it to an element at height.

[0055] According to other embodiment alternatives, the device, through adapters and / or combined with other devices of the same type, can also be used as a waterwheel system for liquids, as well as for possible temporary replacement of a damaged wheel of bicycles or motorcycles.

[0056] Considering that the nature of the present invention has been sufficiently described, as well as the way of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field understands its scope and the advantages that derive from it, it being noted that, within its essentiality, it may be put into practice in other forms of embodiment that differ in details from the one indicated as an example, and which will also achieve the protection sought provided that its fundamental principle is not altered or modified.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Floor cleaning device comprising A frame (1), with two lateral stringers (2.2'), and at least one upper crossbar (3), fixed or height adjustable characterized in that it comprises An element (4) with a drum structure, connected transversely to the stringers (2,2') at the bottom of the frame (1), which makes contact with the ground; Means of actuating (5) the element (4) with drum structure and / or its structural elements, arranged in the upper half of the frame (1); And a transmission mechanism (6) between the drive means (5) and the drum-structured element (4) and / or its structural elements, being configured so that the drive means (5) can generate a rotary movement of the drum-structured element (4) and / or its structural elements, about the axis (E) of its cylinder, where the rotary movement of the element (4) with drum structure enables the forward and / or backward movement of the device on the ground by the action of a user.

2. Floor cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive means (5) and the transmission mechanism (6) are configured to enable the reversal of the direction of rotation of the drum-structured element (4) and / or its structural elements.

3. Device for cleaning floors according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drum-structured element (4) comprises at least a plurality of longitudinal crossbars (7) arranged between the bases (10,10') of the cylinder, which may be parallel or convergent, and in turn fixed or removable.

4. Floor cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that the crossbars (7) of the drum-structured element (4) can be locked in a fixed position about its axis, or can rotate about its axis.

5. Device for cleaning floors according to claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the crossbars (7) of the drum-structured element (4) are configured to be adjustable and fixed in different positions with respect to the section of the drum-structured element (4), the diameter of the drum section defined by the crossbars being different in each of them, with respect to that defined by the bases (10,10') of the drum-structured element (4).

6. Floor cleaning device according to claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the crossbars (7) of the drum-structured element (4) are configured to selectably be able to rotate together with respect to the axis (E) of the cylinder in a manner consistent with the rotation of the bases (10,10') of the cylinder, to not rotate when the bases (10,10') of the cylinder rotate, and / or to rotate together with respect to the axis (E) of the cylinder in the opposite direction to the rotation of the bases (10,10') of the cylinder.

7. Device for cleaning floors according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured to incorporate a blade accessory, annular in the bases, and / or transverse or longitudinal in the walls of the element with a drum structure (4).

8. Floor cleaning device according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it is dimensioned so that a user can support the upper crossbar (3) of the frame against the front of his torso, leaving his hands free to operate the drive means (5).

9. Floor cleaning device according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (1) comprises an additional crossbar (3b) and a folding element (9) configured for the transport of people and / or objects.

10. Floor cleaning device according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower ends of the frame rails (2,2') (1) comprise fixed, removable and / or variable and adjustable position extensions, in the form of a point or spike (8), dimensioned to determine a maximum angle of inclination of the device with respect to the ground for its use by displacement on this, and / or to enable locking in the ground and tilting of the device from the above maximum angle of inclination.

11. Floor cleaning device according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured to be connected in series or in parallel in a fixed manner to other devices of the same type.

12. Floor cleaning device according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured to adapt and / or connect to a propulsion vehicle.

13. Floor cleaning device according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured to incorporate a motor and steering means.

14. Device for cleaning floors according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured to operate the drum as a pulley, having, or incorporating, means of anchoring it to the floor in an inverted position and / or to an element at height.

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