Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE
APPARATUS HAVING A BELT AGITATOR FOR
AGTTATING A CLEANING AGENT INTO A CARPET
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention
relates to an apparatus having a belt agitator for
agitating a cleaning agent into a carpet.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART A well-known
apparatus for cleaning carpet is the so-called 'bonnet"
cleaning apparatus. A bonnet cleaning apparatus uses
an applicator pad that is placed under a plate-mounted
brush. The brush rotates about an axis that is
substantially vertical with respect to the carpet being
cleaned. Rotation of the brush causes the pad~to
rotate in a generally circular path over the carpet. A
cleaning agent is sprayed directly onto the carpet and
onto the applicator pad. The pad, moving in a circular
direction with respect to the surface of the carpet,
agitates the cleaning agent into the carpet. There is
some difference of opinion as to whether the rotation
of the applicator pad as described has a deleterious
effect on the ply-twisted pile of the carpet.
In view of the foregoing it is believed to be
advantageous to provide an agitating apparatus for
applying a cleaning agent to a carpet using an
agitating motion that is substantially rectilinearly
parallel to the pile surface of the carpet.
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SLT.~2ARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed broadly to an
apparatus having a belt agitator that is rectilinearly
movable in a direction that is substantially parallel
to the pile surface of the carpet for agitating a
cleaning agent (preferably in liquid or foam form) into
a carpet. The apparatus comprises a housing within
which a first. roller and a second roller are each
mounted within the housing for rotation in a first
angular direction, A platen is mounted within the
housing intermediate the first and second rollers. A
belt agitator is trained about the first and second
rollers and extends under the platen. The belt
agitator comprises a fabric substrate having a pile
surface attached on the exterior thereof. The rollers
and the platen support rectilinear movement of the belt
agitator in the first direction to bring a portion of
its surface sequentially from a first position within
the housing to a contacting position in which the
portion of the surface is in agitating contact with a
carpet and, thereafter, to a second position within the
housing.
A suction head is disposed within the housing
at a position proximal to the second position. The
suction head removes from the fabric surface soil
lifted from the carpet as a result of contact with the
carpet. The forward lip of the suction head may be
positioned to contact the surface of the belt agitator.
A pile lifting roller having a pile lifting bristle
brush thereon is mounted within the housing for
rotation in a second, opposing, angular direction. The
pile lifting brush also engages against the surface of
the belt agitator and tends to loosen any matter
carried on the belt agitator. The trailing lip of the
suction head may also be positioned to contact the
bristles on the pile lifting brush to cause particulate
matter to be ejected for collection by the suction. A
dispenser for the cleaning agent is mounted to
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the housing in a position wherein a cleaning agent is
dispensed onto the carpet surface, and, also, onto the
surface of the belt agitator.
The motive source for rotatably driving one of
the rollers and the pile lifting roller may be
disposed within the hollow interior of each of these
rollers.
A three-roller embodiment of the invention is
also disclosed.
A source of vibratory motion may be provided
for oscillating the platen in its own plane with
respect to the housing. The oscillation of the platen
is imparted as additional vibratory motion to the belt
as it moves beneath the platen.
BRIEF~DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The invention will be more fully understood
from the following detailed description, taken in
connection with the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus
having a belt agitator for agitating a cleaning agent
into a carpet in accordance with the present invention,
portions of the cover of the housing being removed for
clarity of illustration;
Figure 2 is a side elevational and partial
sectional view taken along section lines 2-2 of Figure
1 illustrating the inside surface of the back sidewall
of the apparatus as the same is viewed in Figure 1;
Figure 3A is a rear elevational taken along
section lines 3-3, while Figures 3B and 3C are side
elevational and bottom views taken along respective
section lines 3B-3B and 3C-3C of Figure 3A, all of
which illustrate the mounting arrangement for a pile
lifting roller with respect to the housing of the
apparatus of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a top view taken along view lines
4-4 of Figure 1 illustrating the mounting of the idler
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roller for the belt agitator in the apparatus of the
present invention;
Figure 5 is an elevational view taken along
view line 5 of Figure 1 illustrating the steering
arrangement for the belt agitator in the apparatus of
the present invention;
Figure 6 is a side elevational view partially
in section of the overall assembly of the apparatus of
Figure 1 taken along section lines 6-6 therein;
Figure 7 is a side elevational view of the
overall assembly of the apparatus of Figure 1 taken
along view lines 7-7 therein;
Figure 8A is a side elevational view, in
section (generally similar to Figure 6), of a modified
version of the three roll embodiment of the apparatus
of the present invention as shown in Figures 1 through
7, Figure 8B is an enlarged side elevational view of a
portion of Figure 8A and Figure 8C is a sectional view
taken along appropriate section lines 8C-8C, both
illustrating a modified arrangement for positioning the
bristle brush in accordance with this modified version
of the invention;
Figure 9 is a side elevational view partially
in section of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus
of the present invention;
Figure 10A is a top sectional view (taken along
section lines 10A-10A in Figure 10B) showing a second
alternate, more compact, embodiment of the apparatus of
the present invention, while Figure 10B is a side
elevational view taken along section lines 10B-10B in
Figure 10A; and
Figure 11A is a side sectional view showing a
first embodiment of a modification to an apparatus of
the present invention in which the platen supporting
the belt agitator is itself mounted for orbital
vibratory movement in its plane, while Figure 11B is a
top sectional view taken along section lines 11B-11B in
Figure 11A;
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Figure lIC is a front sectional view (i. e., a
view taken in the direction transverse to the view of
Figure 11A) showing a second embodiment of the
modification to an apparatus of the present invention
in which the platen supporting the belt agitator is
itself mounted for reciprocating vibratory movement in
its plane, while Figure 11D is a top sectional view
taken along section lines 11D-11D in Figure 11C; and
Figures 11E and 11F are front sectional views
illustrating alternatives to enhance the coupling of
the platen to the belt in the embodiments of Figures
11A and 11C.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Throughout the following detailed description,
similar reference numerals refer to similar elements in
all Figures of the drawings.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an agitating
apparatus generally indicated by the reference
character ZO in accordance with the present invention.
The heart of the apparatus 10 is a belt agitator 134
(Figure 6) for agitating a cleaning agent into a
carpet. The belt agitator 134 is removably mounted in
a belt module generally indicated by the reference
character 12 (best seen in Figures 1 and 6). The belt
module 12 is itself received in the interior volume 14
defined within the housing 16 of the apparatus 10.
The housing 16 of the agitating apparatus 10 is
formed from a hollow, dome-like, cover member 20 that
is attached at each of its lateral edges, as by
welding, to one of a pair of confronting sidewalls 22,
24. The sidewall 22 (the interior surface of which is
seen in elevation in Figure 2) substantially entirely
closes one lateral side of the housing 16. However, as
seen in Figure 1, the other lateral sidewall 24 of the
housing 16 has a rather substantial cutout 26 formed
therein. The cutout 26 defines an access opening
through which the belt module 12 may be inserted into
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the interior volume 14 of the housing 12. Front and
rear bumpers 28 (Figures 6 and 7) are mounted to the
cover 2 0 .
The upper region of the structure of the
housing 16 is stiffened by a brace bar 30 (Figures 2
and 6) that extends transversely between the sidewalls
22, 24. The brace bar 30 is welded to the inside
surface of the cover 20, as well as the inside surfaces
of the sidewalls 22, 24. Further stiffening to the
housing adjacent to the trailing end thereof is
imparted by an L-shaped channel member 32 (Figures 2,
3B and 6) that extends transversely between the
sidewalls 22, 24. An access opening 34 (e. g., Figure
6) for a tracking screw 124 (Figure 5) is provided in
the cover 20 for a purpose to be explained hereafter.
An access opening 35 (Figure 6) for a cleaning agent
hose 84 is also provided in the cover 20.
A suction shroud 36 extends through an opening
38 provided in the central region of the cover 20 such
that the mouth 36M (Figure 6) of the shroud 36
communicates with the interior volume 14 of the housing
16. The shroud has a fitting 36F thereon, whereby the
shroud may be connected to a low pressure suction
source. The low pressure suction source may be
conveniently located adjacent to the work area or may
be carried by an operator. The transverse edges
surrounding the mouth 36M of the shroud 36 are folded
back to provide to define stiff, transversely extending
lips 36F, 36R for a purpose to be described. As seen
in Figure 6 the rear transverse surface of the shroud
36 rests against and is supported by the short leg 32S
of the channel member 32. Each lateral end of the
shroud 36 has threaded mounting blocks 36B (Figure 6)
thereon. Mounting bolts 40 are inserted through
elongated slots 42 provided in the sidewalls 22, 24
(Figure 2). The bolts 40 thread into the mounting
blocks 36B. The relative position of the bolts 40
along the elongated slots 42 selectably adjusts the
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degree of penetration of the shroud 36 into the
interior volume 14 of the housing 16.
The rearward margins of the sidewalls 22, 24
each have an upwardly inclined slot 44 formed therein.
A mounting block 46 is received for slidable movement
along the slot 44. As is best illustrated in Figure 3C
for the case of the sidewall 24 the forward and
rearward surfaces of the block 46 each have a pair of
arms 46A that engage the inside and outside surfaces of
the sidewall 24, (and, in an analogous manner, the
sidewall 22) to confine the block 46 to sliding motion
along the surfaces of the sidewalls defining the slot
44. Each block 46 has an axle-receiving opening 46R
therethrough. The opening 46R corresponds in shape to
l5 the shape of axles 48E projecting from each transverse
end of a driven roller 48 (to be described). For a
purpose that is also described fully herein the roller
48 carries a brush 50 (Figure 6) formed by a tubular
sleeve 50S covered with stiff bristles 50B. Because of
its density a crimped channel bristle brush 50 is
preferred. The details of the bristles 50B are omitted
for clarity of illustration.
The relative position of the axis 48A of the
roll 48 along the slot 44 is adjustably controlled
using a threaded rod 52 that extends upwardly from the
block 46. The rod 52 is attached to the block 46 by a
set pin 52P (Figure 3C). The upper end of the rod 52
is engaged by a knurled thumbwheel 54. The thumbwheel
54 is accessible through a window 56 formed in the
sidewalls 22, 24. As is best seen in Figures 3A and
3B, the thumbwheel 54 is captured in a pocket 58. The
pocket 58 is defined between the top surface of the
long leg 32L of the channel 32 and the underside of a
flange 60. Each flange 60 is affixed to the top
surface of the leg 32L adjacent to each lateral end of
the channel 32. The channel 32, as well as the flanges
60 and the cover 20, have holes 32A, 60A and 20A,
respectively, through which the threaded rod 52 extends
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or may extend (in the case of the opening 20A, Figure
3B), if the need arises. Rotation of the thumbwheel 54
raises or lowers the block 46 associated therewith
along the slot 44, thus controlling the position
occupied by the roller 48 within the housing 14.
As is best viewed in Figure 2 the sidewall 22
has a slot 62 formed from an upper, rounded oblong
portion 62L and a lower, generally keyhole-like,
portion 62K. An array of bolt holes 64 extends through
the sidewall 22 in the vicinity of the keyhole-like
lower portion 62K of the slot 62. A second array of
bolt openings 66 is also formed in the sidewall 22, for
a purpose to be explained. The sidewall 22 has a
forward and rearward bores 68F, 68R therethrough. The
bores 68F, 68R accept sleeves 70F, 70R each of which
has an axle opening 72F, 72R, respectively, that
corresponds in shape to the shape of axles 74E that
project from each transverse end of a forward and a
rearward belt support roller 76F, 76R, respectively
(Figure 6). A nut 78 for the tracking screw 124
(itself best seen in Figure 5) is bolted to the
interior surface of the sidewall 22 adjacent the access
opening 34 in the cover 20. The exterior surface of
the sidewall 22 has a trunnion 80A thereon.
A dispenser bar 82 for a liquid or foam
cleaning agent extends transversely across the interior
of the housing adjacent the forward end thereof. The
dispenser bar 82 is attached to the sidewall 22 by
bolts (not shown) that extend through openings 82A in
the sidewall 22. The bolts are received in an abutment
(not shown) that is provided at the end of the bar 82.
The dispenser bar 82 is connected via suitable hosing
84 to a reservoir (not shown). The hosing 84 extends
along the inside surface of the sidewall 22 and exits
the housing 16 via the opening 35 in the cover 20. The
cleaning agent reservoir may conveniently mounted, as,
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for example, at the same location on which the suction
source is mounted, or it may be carried by an operator.
The cleaning agent delivered to the dispenser bar 82 is
sprayed under pressure through suitable liquid spray
nozzles 82N. As is best seen in Figure 6 the nozzles
82N are arranged to deliver a spray of cleaning agent
to both the surface of the belt agitator 134 as well as
to the carpet being cleaned. Any suitable cleaning
liquid can be used, although the liquid cleaning
formulations disclosed and claimed in copending
applications Serial Number 08/944,216, filed in the
name of Del Pesco (RD-7145-B), and Serial Number
08/738,154 also filed in the name of Del Pesco (RD-
7150) and in United States Patent 5,001,004, United
States Patent 4,948,650 and United States Patent
4,883,839 are preferred. Each of these applications
and patents is assigned to the assignee of the present
application. A foam cleaning agent may also be
dispensed through orifices in the dispenser bar 82.
The belt module 12 includes a truncated,
generally triangular side plate 86 (Figures 1 and 7).
The side plate 86 is sized and shaped to correspond
generally to the size and shape of the cutout 26 in the
sidewall 24. The truncated upper apex of the side
plate 86 is interrupted by the mouth of a keyhole-like
shaped slot 88K, identical in shape to the lower slot
portion 62K in the sidewall 22. The side plate 86 also
has an array of bolt openings 90 which align coaxially
with the bolt openings 66 in the sidewall 22. The side
plate 86 has a forward and rearward bores 92F, 92R
therethrough. These bores 92F, 92R coaxially align
with the bores 68F, 68R in the sidewall 22. The bores
92F, 92R accept sleeves 94 (similar to the sleeves 70).
Each sleeve 94 has an axle opening 96F; 96R,
respectively, that corresponds in shape to the shape of
the axles 74E that project from the forward and a
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rearward belt support roller 76F, 76R, respectively.
The exterior surface of the side plate 86 has a
trunnion 80B (Figure 1) that aligns coaxially with the
trunnion SOA on the exterior surface of the sidewall
22. The trunnions 80A, 80B extend into apertures at
the lower end of a handle (not shown).
The belt module 12 further includes a generally
L-shaped mounting bracket 102 (Figures 1 and 4). Each
end of the long leg 102L of the bracket has a cutout
102C therein. A bore 102B is provided centrally along
the long leg 102L of the bracket 102. The upper
surface of the long leg 102L has recesses 1028 therein
(Figure 4). One end of the long leg 102L of the
mounting bracket 102 is affixed, as by welding, along
the inside surface of the truncated upper edge of the
side plate 86. The shorter leg of the mounting bracket
102 defines a flange 102F. When the module 12 is
attached within the housing 16 the flange 102F is
secured to the inside surface of the sidewall 22 using
bolts 104 (Figure 4) that extend through the bolt holes
64 in the sidewall 22. The flange 102F has a keyhole-
shaped slot 102K formed therein. With the flange 102F
is bolted to the sidewall 22 the slot 102K registers
with the slot 62K. The rearward edge of the mounting
bracket 102 has a planar stiffener 106 depending
therefrom. The stiffener 106 serves to stiffen the
attachment between the side plate 86 and the sidewall
22. In .addition, the stiffener 106 serves as a backing
for cleaning the surface of the belt agitator 134; as
will be described.
The inside surface of the side plate 86 has a
generally rectangular beam 108 attached thereto, as by
bolts 110 extending through the bolt holes 90. When
the module 12 is attached within the housing 12 the
other end of the beam 108 is bolted to the sidewall 22
using bolts (not shown) that extend through the bolt
holes 66. The undersurface of the beam 108 has a belt
support platen 112 (Figure 6) welded thereto. The
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platen 112 is sized to span substantially the entire
distance between the forward and rear rollers 76F, 76R.
The axle 74E at one end of each of the belt
support rollers 76F, 76R is received within one of the
axle-receiving openings 96F, 96R in the sleeves 94 in
the side plate 86. When the belt module 12 is
assembled into the apparatus 10 the axle 74E at the
opposite end of the rollers 74F, 74R is received in the
corresponding aligned openings 72F, 72R in the sleeves
70 in the sidewall 22.
In accordance with the implementation of the
present invention for a manual-operated apparatus
illustrated in Figures 1 through 7, it is preferred
that the motive source for at least one, but preferably
both, of the rollers 76F, 76R, as well as for~the brush
roller 48, be physically housed on the interior of the
roller itself. This implementation may be realized by
using an internally driven roller such as a 3.15 inch
Powerroll~ roller manufactured and sold by Interroll
Corporation, Wilmington, North Carolina. The casing
that forms the outer surface of such a driven roller is
journaled on bearings for relative rotation with
respect to the central axle assembly of the roller.
The casing of the roller is attached by a planetary
gear arrangement to the rotatable part of an electric
motor. The stator of the motor is attached to the
fixed end of the axle assembly. In this way, both ends
of the axle are stationary and may be mounted into the
sidewall 22 or side plate 86, as the case may be, while
the roller is still able to be rotated. Current for
the motor is supplied via electrical leads (not shown)
that pass axially outward through one end of the axle
assembly. The leads may conveniently be run through
the interior of the operator handle (not shown) of the
apparatus 10 to switches on a control pad (not shown)
mounted on the handle. It should be understood that
any convenient alternate motive source for driving
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the support rollers 76 and the brush roller 48 may be
used.
A support yoke assembly 114 (Figures 1 and 4)
for an idler roller 116 is formed from a baseplate 114P
and a pair of upstanding arms 114A, 114B. The arms
114A is secured, as by welding, to the baseplate 114P:
However, the arm 114B is removably attached, as by
bolts 117 (Figures 1 and 5), to facilitate mounting of
the roller 116 to the yoke 114. The baseplate 114P is
a substantially rectangular member that has a narrower
portion 114N (Figure 5) at the end thereof adjacent to
the arm 114A. The baseplate 114P has a bore 114C
disposed substantially centrally therealong and an
elongated slot 1145 near each lateral end. The
undersurface of a the baseplate 114P has recesses 1148
therein (Figure 5). The arm 114A corresponds in shape
to the rounded oblong portion 62L of the slot 62. The
other arm 114B is generally triangular in shape to
correspond to the shape of the uppermost portion of the
cutout 26 in the sidewall 24. The arms 114A, 114B each
have a hexagonal-shaped opening 114H therein (Figure
4). The openings 114H each receive the stub of an axle
116A that projects from each end of the support roller
116. A suitable support roller is manufactured and
sold by Interol Corporation, Wilmington, North Carolina
as part 1.775.R81.M71. A thin-walled plate 118 (best
seen in Figures 4 and 5) is mounted to the arm 114A and
to the front edge of the backplate 114P in the vicinity
of their intersection. The plate 118 has a tracking
slot 1185 therein.
The yoke assembly 114 is mounted for rotational
movement with respect to the axis of an elongated
shoulder bolt 120. The bolt 120 passes through a
bushing 121 that is press fit into the bore 102B in the
bracket 102. The free end of the bolt 120 passes
through the central bore 114C of the backplate 114P.
The bolt 120 is secured to the backplate 114P by a nut
120N. To control the tracking of the belt agitator 134
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the yoke assembly 114 may be rotated about the bolt 120
in the direction of the arrows 122A, ~122B (Figure 5)
using a threaded tracking screw 124. As is best seen
in Figure 5 the tracking screw 124 is inserted through
the access opening 34 in the cover 20 and passes in
threaded engagement with the tracking nut 78 on the
sidewall 22. The inside free end of the tracking screw
124 has a pair of spaced washers 124W thereon. The
portion of the tracking screw 124 between the washers
124W is received in the slot 1185 in the plate 118.
Manipulation of a knurled wheel 124K accessible from
the exterior of the cover 20 advances or retracts the
tracking screw 124 with respect to the nut 78, causing
the yoke assembly 114 to rotate in the directions 122A,
122B, respectively, with respect to the axis 120A of
the shoulder bolt 120. This rotational adjustment of
the yoke assembly 114 maintains the belt agitator 134
alignment on the idler roller 116.
A pair of springs 126A, 126B extends between
the backplate 114P of the yoke assembly 114 and the
mounting bracket 102. The ends of the springs 126A,
126B are captured in the recesses 1028, 1148 in the
long leg 102L of the bracket 102 and in the baseplate
114P of the yoke 114, respectively. The springs 126A,
25. 126B form a tensioning arrangement that urges the yoke
assembly 114 outwardly (i. e., away from the support
rollers 76F, 76R) in the direction 128T. The motion of
the yoke assembly 114 is guided by the shoulder bolt
120 and the bushing 121. The extension of the yoke
assembly 114 to the extended position is illustrated in
Figure 1 serves to tension the belt agitator 134
against the support rollers 76F, 76R and the idler
roller 116.
The yoke assembly 114 is retractable toward the
mounting bracket 102 in a direction 1288 (opposed to
the tensioning direction 128T) by a pair of toggle bolt
assemblies 130. Each toggle bolt assembly 130 includes
a shaft 1305 that extends from an actuating mechanism
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130M. The actuating mechanism is operable using a
handle 130H. The shaft 1305 has an enlarged head 130E.
The head end of the shaft 1305 of each of the toggle
bolts 130 passes through a respective one of the
elongated slots 1145 in the backplate 114P such that
the head 130E overlies the surface of the backplate
114P of the yoke. The actuating mechanism 130M of each
toggle bolt assembly 130 is secured within the recess
provided by a respective open-faced receptacles 132.
Each receptacle 132 is formed of an upstanding
wall 132W attached to a planar floor 132F. Each
receptacle 132 has a shape that generally corresponds
to the distinctive keyhole shape of the slots 62K, 88K
or 102K. One of the receptacles 132 is attached on the
inside surface of the side plate 86 with the wall 132W
of the receptacle 132 extending through the slot 88K so
that the edge of the wall 132W lies flush with the
exterior surface of the side plate 86. Similarly, the
other receptacle 132 is attached on the inside surface
of the flange 102F. In this case the wall 132W of the
receptacle 132 extends through the registered keyhole-
shaped slots 102K, 62K in the flange 102F and the
sidewall 22, respectively. The edge of the wall 132 of
this receptacle 132 lies flush with the exterior
surface of the sidewall 22. The cutouts 102C are
provided in the bracket 102 to receive the receptacles
132 therein.
To move the yoke assembly 114 to the retracted
position shown in Figures 6 and 7 the shaft 1305 of
each toggle bolt 130 is drawn in the direction 1288 by
manipulation of the handle 130H in the direction 1308 .
This action brings the undersurface of the head 130E
against the backplate 114P of the yoke 114 to retract
the yoke 114 toward the mounting bracket 102 against
the bias of the springs 126, thereby relieving tension
on the belt agitator 134. The open receptacles 132 are
advantageous in that they allow access to the toggle
mechanism whereby the yoke may be extended or
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retracted, while at the same time the recess afforded
by the interior volume of the receptacle permits the
toggle bolt to lie within the confines of the apparatus
and not interfere with the movement of the cleaning
5 apparatus into close proximity of the walls of an area
in which a carpet is being cleaned.
As suggested in Figure 6, the belt agitator 134
is an endless web comprised of a substrate 134F, such
as a woven synthetic fabric, having pile fibers 134P
10 tufted thereinto. The inside surface of the substrate
134F may be coated with a suitable coating (e. g.,
latex) to prevent the tufts 134P from separating from
the fabric 134F and also to provide sufficient friction
at the interface between the belt 134 and the support
rollers 76 driving the same. A belt agitator 134 in
the most preferred form has an appearance and feel that
is similar in appearance and feel to the surface fabric
used on a paint roller. As an example, material
suitable for use as the belt agitator 134 may be
obtained from Monterey Mills Inc., Jamesville
Wisconsin, under style number 675-159. To form the
endless web the ends of the fabric are joined together,
preferably using a heat sealable fabric. In some
instance it may be desirable to tuft stiffer
monofilament fibers into the fabric substrate 134F to
enhance the agitating action of the belt 134. The
softer pile fibers tufted into the fabric serve to
carry cleaning liquid to the carpet, while the stiffer
monofilament fibers tufted into the substrate serve to
scrub the carpet.
The belt 134 passes under the platen 112 and is
trained over the support rollers 76F, 76R and the idler
roll 116. When the toggle bolts 130 occupy the
extended position (Figure 1) the belt 134 is urged
tautly against the rollers 76F, 76R, 116 and the platen
112 by the action of the tensioning springs 126. To
remove the belt 134 for replacement, the toggle bolts
130 and the yoke assembly are retracted (Figure 6) and
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the spent belt 134 is slid axially from the rollers
76F, 76R, 116 and the platen 112. A replacement belt
134 may then be slid axially onto these members, and
the toggles and the yoke assembly extended. An endless
belt agitator 134 trained over the rollers 76F, 7678,
116 and under the platen 112 is preferred in accordance
with this invention because such an arrangement is seen
to improve the scrubbing action on the carpet over that
believed attainable using a rotating brush or an
applicator pad. The structural arrangement disclosed
herein enlarges the agitating surface area interface
between the belt agitator 134 and the surface of the
carpet. In addition, the fabric/pile structure of the
belt agitator is believed to provide an increased
volumetric capacity for carrying soil and cleaning
agent away from the carpet surface.
To assemble the apparatus 10, the belt module
12 is assembled from the side plate 86 with the bracket
102 and the beam 108 attached thereto, and with the
axles 74 at one end of the rollers 76F, 76R inserted
into the sleeves 94. The module so assembled is
inserted into the interior volume 14 of the housing 16
through the opening afforded by the cutout 26 in the
sidewall 24. The module 12 is advanced until the
flange 102F (at the distal end of the bracket 102), the
distal end of the beam 108, and the distal axles 74 on
the rollers 76F, 76F are abutted against the inside
surface of the sidewall 26. The flange 102F, the beam
108 and axles 74 of the rollers 76F, 76R are then
attached in the manner described above thereby to
interconnect the belt module 12 into the apparatus 10.
The tracking screw 124 is manipulated in the opening 34
from the exterior of the housing 16 to insure that the
end of the screw 124 is engaged into the slot 1185 in
the plate 118. Once the module 12 is secured within
the housing 16, a handle bar is connected to the
trunnions 80A, 80B that project laterally from the
sidewall 22 and the side plate 90, respectively.
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To operate the apparatus 10 actuation of the
motor internal to at least one of the support rollers
76 causes the belt agitator 134 to rectilinearly
displace in the direction of the arrow 138 (Figures 6
and 7) thereby to bring a portion of the belt agitator
134 (e. g., the axially extending strip portion 1405)
sequentially from a position within the housing 12, to
an agitating position ixi which the portion of the belt
agitator 134 is in contact with a carpet and,
thereafter, to return the portion of the belt agitator
134 to the housing 12. Each incremental axially
extending strip 1405 of the belt agitator 134 thus
moves from a position that is within the housing 12
(such as the position 140A), to a position (such as the
position 140B) in which the given axial strip 1405 of
the belt agitator 134 is contacted against the carpet,
to a position (such as the position 140C) in which the
given axial strip 1405 of the belt agitator 134 is
returned to the interior of the housing 12. Each
incremental axial strip of the belt agitator 134 passes
in a rectilinear direction over the surface of the
carpet. Thus, in accordance with this embodiment of
the invention, an agitating apparatus 10 is provided
that is adapted to agitate a cleaning agent into a
carpet without imparting any rotational motion to the
pile of the carpet. The motor internal to the pile
lifting roller 48 drives that roller and the brush 50
thereon in a direction 142 counter to the direction 138
of rectilinear motion of the belt agitator 134 to
counteract the drag of the belt on the carpet. In use,
the apparatus 10 is advanced and retracted (in a "W-
shaped" pattern) across a carpet surface by an
operator.
In the preferred implementation of the present
invention the suction shroud 36 is positioned within
the housing 16 to lie a predetermined close distance to
the pile surface of the belt agitator 134 when the same
has been returned into the interior of the housing 12
17
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(i. e., to the position 140C). Locating the shroud 36
proximally to the belt 134 after it has returned to the
interior of the housing 16 utilizes the suction to
clean the surface of the belt agitator 134 to remove
any dirt or other matter that has become lodged therein
while the agitator 134 passed over the carpet. In a
more preferred implementation the cleaning action of
the suction is further enhanced if the forward lip 36F
of the shroud 36 is positioned to contact against the
pile surface of the belt agitator 134.
As seen in Figure 6 it is also within the
contemplation of the present invention to utilize the
bristles 50B of the pile lifting brush 50 to engage
against the pile surface of the belt agitator 134
upstream of the location at which the suction shroud 36
is disposed. It is recalled that the pile lifting
roller rotates in a direction 142 opposite to the
direction 138 of motion of the belt agitator 134.
However, in the vicinity of their interaction the pile
lifting brush 50 and the belt 134 are moving in
parallel. Owing to the difference in diameter between
the bristle brush 50 and the roller 76R, relative
motion occurs between the bristles 50B of the brush 50
and the pile surface of the belt 134. This relative
motion (acting against the backing afforded by the
stiffener 106) tends to loosen any matter carried on
the belt agitator 134 prior to encountering the effect
of the suction. The difference in speeds could be
alternatively accomplished, as for example, by changing
the relative drive speeds of the rollers 48 and 76R.
The trailing lip 36R of the shroud 36 could
also be used to serve to flex the bristles 50B of the
pile lifting brush 50 to expel particles carried
thereon. In the most preferred instance, then, the
line of interaction 144F of the forward lip 36F of the
shroud 36 and the belt 134, the line of interaction
1448 between the trailing lip 36R of the shroud 36 and
the bristles 50B of the pile lifting brush 50, together
18
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with the line of interaction 144B between the pile
lifting brush 50 and the belt 134, cooperate to define
a suction zone generally indicated at 146 immediately
forward of the mouth 36M of the shroud 36 in which
particulate matter thrown from the belt agitator 134
and/or from the pile lifter brush 50 are collected by
the suction. The pile lifter brush 50 also serves to
groom the carpet surface in a manner known in the art.
Figures 8A through 8C illustrate a modified
version of the three roll embodiment of the invention
as heretofore described and illustrated in connection
with Figures 1 through 7. The overall thrust of the
modifications shown in these Figures 8A to 8C is to
impart a more robust configuration to the apparatus and
to impart more powerful agitating and cleaning action.
Increased cleaning action may obtained through
the use of faster and more powerful internally driven
roller for the brush roller 48 and for the rollers 76F
and/or 76R. Internally driven rollers of the type
described earlier and sold by Interroll Corporation,
Wilmington, North Carolina as 4.5 inch Powerroll~
rollers have been found useful. In addition, slippage
between the inside surface of the substrate 134F and
the surface of the rolls may be minimized by the use of
high friction tape as a wrapping over the surface of
the roller(s). Suitable for use as the tape wrap is
the high friction tape sold by 3M Corporation,
Minneapolis, Minnesota as product 5461.
With an increased frictional interface between
the rollers and the substrate 134F of the belt 134 it
may be required to provide toggles bolts 130' having a
longer action stroke. To afford the space necessary
for a longer stroke, while at the same time not unduly
increasing the height of apparatus, it is desirable to
relocate the idler roller 116 and the associated
mounting bracket 102 and support yoke assembly 112 more
forwardly within the housing 16. The forward
relocation of the idler roller 116 with respect to the
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rollers 76F, 76R is illustrated in Figure 8A. As a
consequence of this relocation the center of gravity of
the modified version of the apparatus 10 has been
shifted more forwardly.~ This rearrangement of parts
thus serves to counter any tendency for the front of
the apparatus to tip upwardly. A transport roller 117
is mounted to the housing 16 to facilitate moving of
the apparatus.
With the idler roller 116 and its associated
support structures moved forwardly the receptacles 132
may be sized to accept toggle bolt assemblies 130'
having a sufficient action stroke to retract the yoke
assembly 114 and to permit the belt 134 to be
expeditiously removed from the surface of the rollers
76F, 76R and 116 despite the presence of a high
friction wrap.
Other of the structural modifications
illustrated in Figures 8A through 8C add to the
robustness of the apparatus. For example, the cross
section of the beam 108 has been increased, enhancing
the overall stiffness of the apparatus. To avoid any
proclivity for the cantelivered side plate 86 of the
belt module 12 to hang downwardly from the housing 16
as the apparatus is handled, a pair of external tie
plates 152A, 152B have been disposed between the
sidewall 24 and the side plate 86 to interconnect these
members.
The back arm 114A of the yoke 114 (not visible
in Figure 8A) is accessible through a window 22W in the
back side plate 22. The tracking screw 124 and
associated tracking plate 118 (Figure 5) have been
replaced by a cable assembly 154 that includes a push-
pull cable 154C affixed by a mounting clip 154M to the
exterior of the arm 114A of the yoke 114. The cable
154C is conveyed through a sheath 1545 and is
accessible at the handle of the apparatus to an
operator. Since motions imparted to the apparatus
during cleaning of a carpet may result in the belt
CA 02381200 2002-02-O1
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"walking off" the lateral ends of the roller 116,
relocating the tracking control to the handle permits
an operator to maintain tracking control while
operating the apparatus.
As is best seen in Figures 8B and 8C the
modified apparatus also includes an arrangement whereby
the brush roller 50 may be moved both vertically and
horizontally. .In the modified version the slots 44 in
the rearward margins of the sidewalls 22, 24 are
oriented substantially vertically, instead of being
inclined to vertical as illustrated in Figures 1 and 7.
The mounting block 46 is implemented as a two-piece
structure comprised of an inner, major portion 46M and
a cover 46C. The axle-receiving opening 46R is formed
in a tubular shock mount 46T that is attached by bolts
46B to the cover 46C. (Similar shock mounts are used
for the rollers 76F, 76R.) A wider clearance passage
46P is formed in the major portion 46M. When joined
the members 46M, 46C cooperate to define the paired
arms that hold the block 46 to the surfaces of the
sidewalls defining the slots 44. In addition, the
cover 46C is provided with a pair of adjustment
channels 46L that accept screws 46S that hold the cover
46C to the major portion 46M. The lower end of the
slot 44 is closed by a channel 44C bolted to the
sidewall by bolts 44B.
In the modification illustrated the thumbwheel
54 (Figures 3A, 3B) is omitted, and the block 46 is
free to float vertically within the slots 44, thereby
to adjust vertically the axis of the brush roller 50.
Horizontal adjustment of the position of the roller 50
is afforded by loosening the mounting screws 465,
adjusting the lateral position of the cover 46C with
respect to the major portion 46M of the block 46, and
re-tightening the screws. Horizontal adjustment of the
location of the roller 50 accommodates thickness
variations in the belt 134.
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The modified apparatus shown in Figures 8A
through 8C operates in the manner as earlier described.
An apparatus in accordance with the present
invention may also be configured into a larger, self-
propelled configuration 10', as shown in the side
elevational, sectional view of Figure 9. In this
embodiment of the invention a pair of belt modules 12F,
12R, each configured as described earlier, is disposed
in confrontational relationship with respect to each
other. The belt modules 12F, 12R are arranged such
that the belt agitators 134 thereof rectilinearly
displace in opposed directions. In this way the drag
of one belt agitator is counteracted by the action of
the other belt agitator, permitting the apparatus to be
advanced along the surface by the operator. The
dispenser bar 82 in this embodiment is located
centrally of the housing 16, intermediate the belt
modules 12F, 12R, permitting the nozzles to deliver a
spray of liquid cleaning agent to the surface of both
belt agitators and to the surface of the carpet. The
housing 16 of the apparatus shown in Figure 9 may have
integrally mounted thereon a liquid or foam cleaning
agent reservoir, a spent liquid collection reservoir,
and a low pressure suction source.
Figures 10A and 10B illustrate a second
alternate embodiment of the apparatus 10" in accordance
with the present invention. In this embodiment the
functions of the forward one of the belt support
rollers 76F and of the idler roller 116 have been
combined, thereby imparting a lower, more compact
profile to the apparatus, as shown in the side
elevational, sectional view of Figure 10B. Thus, in
accordance with this aspect of the invention, the belt
134 is trained about only a pair of rollers, namely, a
modified rear roller 76R" and a forward roller 116".
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In keeping with the more compact profile the
dome-like portion of the cover member 20 of the housing
16" may eliminated. The top surface of the housing 16"
is thus planar in configuration, and is efficiently
able to receive thereon the liquid cleaning agent
reservoir and pump, a spent liquid collection
reservoir, and a low pressure suction source used by
the cleaning apparatus 16". The sidewall 24" of the
housing 16" exhibits the cutout 26" through which the
belt 134 is inserted onto and removable from the
rollers disposed in the belt module 12". In this
embodiment the sidewall 22" of the housing 16" also has
a window 22W" therein.
The structural framework of the belt module 12"
is also modified in this embodiment of the invention.
The sidewall 86" and the sidewall 22" are
interconnected by lower and upper horizontal brace
plates 112A", 112B" and by a transversely extending
vertical brace plate 112C". Together with the bracket
102, the horizontal brace plates 112A", 112B" and the
vertical brace plate 112C" stiffen the structure of the
apparatus 10". The horizontal and vertical brace
plates cooperate to define an interior chamber 200
within the apparatus 10" for a purpose to be described.
The horizontal brace plate 112A" defines the platen
that supports the belt 134.
The forward roller 116" is mounted between the
arms 114A, 114B of the support yoke assembly 114 that
is itself connected via a stud 120" to mounting bracket
102. The side of the arm 114A is accessible through
the window 22W" in the sidewall 22" of the housing 16",
so that a suitable arrangement for controlling the
tracking of the belt to the roll may be attached to the
yoke 114. Aside from the provision of a second pair of
springs 126C, 126D (to increase belt tension), the yoke
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114, the stud 120" and the bracket 102 are
substantially identical in structure and operation to
the arrangement illustrated and discussed in connection
with Figure 4.
The yoke assembly 114 is retractable against
the bias of the springs 126A through 126D by toggle
assemblies 130. The toggle assemblies 130, which are
similar to those disclosed in Figure 5, are received
in generally rectanguloid receptacles 132" formed in
the sidewalls 22", 86". With the forward roller 116"
retracted the belt 134 may be laterally removed from
the rear roller 76R" and a forward roller 116" through
the cutout 26".
The vacuum shroud 36" projects into the
interior volume 14" of the housing 16" rearwardly of
the rear roller 76R". The transverse edges surrounding
the mouth 36M" of the shroud 36" are again folded to
provide stiff, transversely extending lips 36F", 36R".
The lip 36F" contacts against the material of the belt
agitator 134 along a line of action 144F". The rear
lip 36R" of the shroud 36" engages with the pile
lifting brush 50 along a line of action 1448". The
brush 50 is itself mounted to a roller 48" that is
supported for rotation within the rear portion of the
interior volume 14" of the housing 16". The brush 50
contacts the carpet and contacts the fabric 134 along
the line of interaction 144B".
The rollers 48", 76R" and 116" are implemented
using internally journaled rollers of the type sold by
Interroll Corporation, Wilmington, North Carolina as
Series 1.940 idler rollers. The surface of the rollers
76R" and 226" should be coated with polyurethane.
Accordingly, to mount the rollers 76R" and 116" to the
sidewalls 22", 86", it is necessary only to provide
suitable sleeves members 96R", 96F" to accept the axles
74E" projecting laterally from each end of such
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CA 02381200 2002-02-O1
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rollers. The sleeves are mounted in openings provide
in the sidewalls. Similarly, the axles 48E" projecting
from each end of the roller 48" are also received in
sleeves 49" which are themselves received in openings
in the sidewalls 22", 24". In the embodiment shown in
Figures 10A, 10B the adjustment blocks 46 are omitted.
Motive force for the roller 76R" is provided by
a motor 204 that is received within the interior
chamber 200. The motor 200 is supported within the
chamber 200 by attachment to the upper horizontal brace
plate 112B". The shaft 2045 of the motor 204 is
connected through a V-belt 206 to the roller 76R". To
effect this interconnection the surface of the roller
76R" has a V-groove formed therein. The
interconnection between the roller 76R" and the V-belt
206 is under the belt 134.
The brush roller 48" is driven in similar
fashion, albeit in the counter direction 142". A
second motor 208 is supported by the housing 16". The
shaft 2085 of the motor 208 is connected to the roller
48" by a v-belt 210 engaged with a corresponding groove
formed in the surface of the roll 48". The locations
of the motors 204, 208 and their connections to the
associated rollers is balanced to keep the weight of
the apparatus centered over the platen and fabric belt.
Suitable for use~as the motors 204, 208 are do motors
available from Stature Electric, Inc., Watertown, New
York.
The operation of the apparatus 10" is closely
similar to the operation of the three-roll embodiment
discussed.in connection with Figures 1 through 7. To
briefly recap, rotation of the roller 76R"
rectilinearly displaces the belt 134 the direction of
the arrow 138 and brings an axially extending strip
portion 1405 of the belt 134 sequentially from the
positions 140A (within the housing 16"), to agitating
position 140B (in which the portion of the belt
agitator 134 is in contact with a carpet) and thence to
CA 02381200 2002-02-O1
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position 140C (within the housing 16"). The vacuum
shroud is positioned so as to communicate with the
interior of the housing 16" (in the region of the
position 140C) to suction the surface of the belt
agitator 134 to remove any dirt or other matter that
has become lodged therein while the agitator 134 passed
over the carpet. Particles thrown into the suction
zone 146 defined by the line of interaction 144F
(between the forward lip 36F of the shroud 36 against
the pile surface of the belt agitator 134), the line of
interaction (trailing lip 36R of the shroud 36 also
flexes the bristles 50B of the pile lifting brush 50),
and the line of interaction 144B (between the pile
lifting brush 50 and the belt 134) are removed by the
suction.
-0-0-0-
In each of the embodiments of the invention as
hereinbefore described the belt 134 is trained over at
' least one drive roller (e. g., in Figures 6, 8A, either
the roller 76R or 76F, or in Figure 10B, the roller
76R") and an idler roller 116 (or 116", Figure 10B) and
is tautly held against the platen 112/112A". Thus, as
the belt 134 is rectilinearly displaced beneath the
platen 112/112A" successive strips 1405 of the belt 134
are brought into agitating contact with the carpet. It
may be appreciated that, taken together, the collection
of the strips 1405 of the belt 134 that are at any
instant in agitating contact with the carpet define an
agitating surface area that generally corresponds to
the area of the platen 112/112A". The agitating action
generated by the rectilinear motion 138 of the belt 134
beneath the platen 112/112A" works the liquid or foam
cleaning agent dispensed from the dispenser bar 82 into
the carpet.
It is believed that the agitating action of the
rectilinearly moving belt 134 may be enhanced if an
additional vibratory motion is imparted thereto. To
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achieve this additional vibratory motion of the belt
134 the three-roll embodiments of the apparatus 10
(shown in Figures 1-8C) or the two-roll embodiment of
the apparatus 10" (shown in Figures 10A, 10B) may be
structurally modified as shown in. Figures 11A through
11D.
Figures 11A and 11B are respective enlarged
side elevational and plan views of one embodiment of
the modified apparatus. The view of Figure 11A is
meant to depict the situation shown in Figures 6, 8A~
(illustrating the mounting of the platen 112 within the
apparatus 10) and shown in Figure 10A (illustrating the
mounting of the platen 112A" within the apparatus 10").
In each of these earlier Figures the member defining
the platen 112/112A" extends between a pair of rollers.
In the embodiment of Figures 6, 8A the roller forward
of the platen 112 is the roller 76F, while the roller
to the rear of the platen 112 is the roller 76R. In
the two-roll arrangement of Figure 10A, 10B the idler
roller 116" is forward of the platen 112A" while the
roller 76R" is located to the rear thereof. In all
instances of the earlier views the platen 112 or 112A",
as the case may be, is rigidly mounted, as by welding,
to the structural framework of the housing 16 or 16".
In accordance with the modification of the
invention shown in Figure 11A the platen 112/112A" is
mounted so as to be movable in its own plane with
respect to the housing 16/16". Suitable support
members are required both to restrain the motion of the
platen 112/112A" and to support the weight of the
entire cleaning apparatus 10/10". In the embodiment of
Figure 11A the support members take the form of coil
springs 208C which are provided between the platen
112/112A" and the structural framework of the housing
16/16". The coil springs 208C perform both the
restraint and support functions. Flexible rubber posts
could alternatively be used to provide both the support
and the restraint functions.
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The platen 112/112A" is connected to a suitable
source 210 of vibratory motion able to oscillate the
platen 112/112A" in its own plane along either an
orbital path 218V (Figure 11B) or along a reciprocating
transverse path 2188 (Figure 11D). When the source 210
is asserted the oscillation of the platen 112/112A" is
transferred into the belt 134 moving rectilinearly
therebeneath. The oscillation of the platen 112/112A"
is imparted as additional vibratory motion to the belt
134. As a result the belt 134 provides additional
scrubbing action at the interface between the belt 134
and the carpet. Rotation of the platen 112/112A" about
its vertical central axis is restrained by the support
members 208C.
In the modification of the invention shown in
Figures 11A, 11B the source 210 takes the form of a
orbital vibrator 210V. As diagrammatically indicated
at 214 the orbital vibratory source 210V could be
rigidly mounted to the structural framework of the
housing 16/16". That is, when applied to the
embodiment of Figures 6, 8 the orbital vibratory source
210V could be rigidly connected to one or both of the
sidewall(s) of the beam 108. In the arrangement of
Figures 10A, lOB the orbital vibratory source 210V
could be rigidly connected to one or both of the brace
plate 112C" and/or the bracket 102.
The rotating shaft 2105 of the orbital
vibratory source has a cam actuator 210C eccentrically
mounted thereon. The cam actuator 210C is articuably
connected to the platen 112/112A". In Figure 11A, to
effect the articuable connection the cam actuator 210C
is received for rotation within a hollow recess 2128 in
a housing 212. The housing 212 is itself rigidly
connected to the upper surface of the platen 112/112A".
Overhanging lips 212L on the housing 212 capture and
retain the cam actuator 210C within the recess 2128.
As the cam actuator 210C rotates the platen 112/112A"
oscillates in its own plane with an orbital diameter
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equal to the eccentric offset of the cam. The orbital
path 218V of oscillation of the platen 112/112A" is
indicated in the view of Figure 11B. The oscillation
of the platen 112/112A" is imparted as additional
vibratory motion of the belt 134~as the same moves
rectilinearly beneath the platen 112/112A".
Alternately, in Figures 11C and 11D the source
210 takes the form of a reciprocating vibrator 2108.
The reciprocating vibratory source 2108 could be
rigidly mounted (as at 214) to a plate 215 connected
into the structural framework of the housing. The
plunger 210P of the reciprocating vibratory source 2108
is oriented perpendicular to the direction 138 of
travel of the belt 134. In Figure 11C the restraint
function of the support members is provided by leaf
springs 208L, while bearing blocks 208B disposed
between the framework and the platen 112/112A" support
the load of the apparatus 10/10".
The free end of the plunger 210P is articuably
connected, as by a pin 217P, to a lever 217 that is
itself rigidly attached to the platen 112/112A". As
the plunger 210P reciprocates the platen 112/112A" is
correspondingly reciprocated along the path of travel
2188 (Figure 11D) extending perpendicularly to the
rectilinear travel direction 138 of the belt 134. The
reciprocating oscillation of the platen 112/112A" is
imparted as additional vibratory motion into the belt
134 as the same moves rectilinearly beneath the platen.
It should be appreciated that in either Figures
11A/11B or in Figures 11C/11D the source 210 could be
rigidly mounted to the platen 112/112A" and the
necessary articuable connection effected between the
source and the structure of the housing.
It is believed that the frictional interface
between the platen and the belt is sufficient to couple
the motion of the platen 112/112A" into the belt 134 to
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impart the additional vibratory motion to the belt to
generate the additional desired agitating action.
However, in some instances it may be advantageous to
enhance the coupling between the platen 112/112A" and
the belt 134. Figures 11E and 11F illustrate two
possible configurations whereby this enhanced coupled
may be achieved.
In Figure 11E the lower surface of the platen
112/112A" has an array of grooves 1126 that extend in
parallel to the direction 138 of rectilinear motion of
the belt 134. Correspondingly, the back surface of the
substrate 134F of the belt 134 is provided with a
ridged overlay 135. Each of the plurality of ridges
1358 on the overlay l35 mates into one of the grooves
1126 on the platen 112/112A". Thus, reciprocating
transverse or orbital motion of the platen 112/112A" is
more efficiently~transferred to the belt 134 while the
same is free to travel rectilinearly beneath the platen
112/112A".
Alternately the lateral margins of the platen
112/112A" have flanges that are formed into the shape
of circular channels 112C. The channels 112C are sized
to accept enlarged, circular beads 134B that extend
along the lateral margins of an overlay 135 attached to
the belt.134. With the beads 134B of the overlay 135
received within the channels 112C the reciprocating
transverse or orbital motion of the platen 112/112A" is
efficiently transferred to the belt 134 while the same
freely moves rectilinearly beneath the platen
112/112A".
Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of
the teachings of the present invention as set forth
herein, may effect numerous modifications thereto.
Such modifications are to be construed as lying within
the contemplation of the present invention, as defined
by the appended claims.
