FLOOR TREATMENT ASSEMBLY FOR FLOOR SURFACE MACHINE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/US 2024/044135, filed 28 Aug. 2024, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 63/580,769, filed 6 Sep. 2023, the disclosures of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

In order to provide flexibility in the capabilities of a surface maintenance machine, and more particularly, a surface maintenance machine targeted to the treatment of floors, it is advantageous for such a machine to accommodate multiple attachments operable for a variety of uses. Accordingly, the following discloses a detachable grinding pad operable to remove an undesirable floor coating or similarly, smooth a flooring surface.

SUMMARY

Various details of the present disclosure are hereinafter summarized to provide a basic understanding. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and is neither intended to identify certain elements of the disclosure, nor to delineate the scope thereof. Rather, the primary purpose of this summary is to present some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form prior to the more detailed description that is presented hereinafter.

According to an embodiment consistent with the present disclosure, a floor treatment assembly includes a drive block defining a top side and a bottom side; and a plurality of floor abrasion assemblies coupled the bottom side of the drive block, each of the floor abrasion assemblies comprising: a nest movably coupled to the drive block; and an abrasion feature mounted to the nest such that the abrasion feature and the nest are operable to move relative to the support plate and the drive block.

In another embodiment, a floor treatment assembly includes a drive block defining a top side and a bottom side, and a plurality of floor abrasion assemblies coupled the bottom side of the drive block. Each of the floor abrasion assemblies includes a support plate mounted on the drive block, a nest movably coupled to the support plate, and an abrasion feature mounted to the nest such that the abrasion feature and the nest are operable to move relative to the support plate and the drive block.

In a further embodiment, a floor treatment assembly includes a drive block defining a top side and a bottom side, with the drive block having a plurality of indentations formed in the bottom side, each of the indentations including a mounting hole extending through the drive block. The floor treatment assembly also includes a plurality of floor abrasion assemblies, each of the floor abrasion assemblies coupled being coupled within one of the plurality of indentations, and each of the floor abrasion assemblies being spring loaded. Each of the floor abrasion assemblies includes a support plate having a top side and a bottom side, with the top side of the support plate facing the bottom side of the drive block, the support further comprising a press nut on top side of the support plate and a press nut on the bottom side of the support plate, the press nut in the bottom side of the support plate being in alignment with the mounting hole in the indentation when the support plate is assembled within the indentation for receiving a fastener that secures the support plate to the drive block. Each of the floor abrasion assemblies also includes a nest movably coupled to the support plate, a shoulder bolt extending through the nest and into the press nut on the top side of the support plate, the nest being slidable along the shoulder bolt, the shoulder bolt comprising a threaded end that engages the press nut on the top side of the support plate, and a compression spring arranged around the shoulder bolt and biasing the nest away from the support plate, the nest being slidable towards the support plate when the compression spring is compressed and slidable away from the support plate when the compression spring is uncompressed. Further, each of the floor abrasion assemblies includes an abrasion feature mounted to the nest such that the abrasion feature and the nest are operable to move relative to the support plate and the drive block.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure, and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example detachable grinding assembly that may incorporate the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded partial view of the grinding assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate detachable grinding assembly, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts a bottom side of a drive block of the detachable grinding assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5A depicts a bottom perspective view of a grinding wheel assembly utilizable with the detachable grinding assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5B depicts a top perspective view of a grinding wheel assembly utilizable with the detachable grinding assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5C is a bottom view of the grinding wheel assembly of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional side view of the grinding wheel assembly of FIG. 5C.

FIG. 6A depicts a bottom side of a support plate of the grinding wheel assembly of FIGS. 5A-5D.

FIG. 6B depicts a top side of the support plate of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A depicts a bottom side of a grinding wheel of the grinding wheel assembly of FIGS. 5A-5D.

FIG. 7B depicts a top side of the grinding wheel of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A depicts a bottom side of a nest of the grinding wheel assembly of FIGS. 5A-5B.

FIG. 8B depicts a top side of the nest of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 depicts an exploded view of the grinding wheel assembly of FIGS. 5A-5D.

FIG. 10 depicts the detachable grinding assembly of FIG. 3 with the grinding wheel assemblies of FIGS. 5A-5D and FIG. 9 being unassembled therefrom.

FIG. 11A depicts a bottom side of an alternate nest utilizable with the grinding wheel assembly of FIGS. 5A-5B.

FIG. 11B depicts a top side of the nest of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A depicts a bottom side of an alternate nest utilizable with the grinding wheel assembly of FIGS. 5A-5B.

FIG. 12B depicts a top side of the nest of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A depicts a bottom side of an alternate nest utilizable with the grinding wheel assembly of FIGS. 5A-5B.

FIG. 13B depicts a top side of the nest of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14 depicts a pad that is attachable to a nest, such as the nest of FIGS. 11A and 11B, according to embodiments.

FIG. 15 depicts an example of the nest of FIGS. 12A-12B having tufts of filament arranged thereon, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying Figures. Like elements in the various figures may be denoted by like reference numerals for consistency. Further, in the following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description. Additionally, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the scale of the elements presented in the accompanying Figures may vary without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure generally relate to an attachment operable to couple with a surface maintenance machine. In particular, the present disclosure describes a removable grinding pad or disk that may be operatively coupled to a cleaning head assembly associated with (or coupled to) a surface maintenance machine.

In some instances, it may be desirable to remove a floor coating (e.g., paint, epoxy, hard mastics, sealers, etc.) that has previously been applied to a floor or surface. In such an instance, a user operated surface maintenance machine with a floor coating removal attachment may be utilized wherein the floor coating removal pad has been coupled to a cleaning head assembly. Floor coating removal pads, while operationally effective in removing the floor or surface coatings mentioned above may leave residual scratches in the floor surface itself. The scratches may be deep and visually unappealing and cannot be cured via polish. Accordingly, the following disclosure describes the utilization of a grinding pad or disk to remove residual scratches or to make even non-uniform surface areas, that may employed after a floor coating removal operation. Similarly, the grinding disk described herein may be utilized after a floor surface has been polished or at any other time desired by the user.

FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a grinding assembly 100, according to one or more principles of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the grinding assembly 100 (hereinafter, the “assembly 100”) when partially unassembled, and FIG. 2 is an expanded, exploded partial view of the assembly 100. As illustrated, the grinding assembly 100 includes a pad 102 (also referred to as the block 102), one or more spring mechanisms 104, and one or more wheel systems 106. And, as will be appreciated, the assembly 100 is operable to be coupled to a cleaning head assembly of a surface maintenance machine (not shown).

The pad 102 may include a body 108 having a bottom side 110 and a top side 112, wherein the bottom side 110 is opposite the top side 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 108 is circular or disc shaped. The bottom side 110, when the assembly 100 is operably coupled to the cleaning head of the surface maintenance machine, will be the side closest to the surface or floor and thereby face the surface of the floor to be cleaned. The pad 102 may further include an interior hollow cavity 113 operable to receive a means of coupling to a cleaning head assembly or similar. The bottom side 110 of the pad 102 may further include at least one or more indentations 114. The indentations 114 being directly defined within the body 108 of the pad 102 and configured to receive at least one or more spring mechanism(s) 104 and one or more respective wheel system(s) 106. The indentation(s) 114 may include an alignment notch 115 (alternatively referred to as the “notch 115”) wherein the notch 115 is defined within the sidewall of the indentation 114 and configured to align with a wheel system 106, detailed below. In the present embodiment, the bottom side 110 of the pad 102 includes a plurality of indentations 114, more specifically, five indentations 114; however, more or less than five may be provided depending on the number of wheel systems 106 desired to be implemented in any particular embodiment. Accordingly, the bottom side 110 of the pad 102 includes five spring mechanisms 104 and five wheel systems 106 that may be operatively coupled to the respective five indentations 114. In other embodiments, the bottom side 110 of the pad 102 may include any number of indentations 114 with a corresponding number of spring mechanisms 104 and wheel systems 106, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Existing cleaning head assemblies do employ attachments that may provide a user the means to grind or finish a surface. However, in most cases, such attachments do not provide the necessary flexibility particularly beneficial when a surface may be deeply scratched or non-uniform. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the spring mechanism 104 may be included within the grinding assembly 100 that does provide the desired flexibility to smooth and/or grind a deeply damaged or uneven floor surface area.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the spring mechanism 104 may include several components that in combination may be referred to as the “spring mechanism 104.” Accordingly, the spring mechanism 104 may comprise a plurality of compression springs 116 (alternatively referred to as the “spring(s) 116”) configured to receive a corresponding plurality of fasteners 118. The springs 116 may include a material that allows them to be compressed upon the application of axial force. The compression springs 116 are further configured so that they may be emplaced within a plurality of corresponding apertures 120 defined within the indentations 114 of the bottom side 110 of the pad 102.

Referring back to the fasteners 118, the fasteners 118 may include a generally cylindrical body and include two ends opposite one another wherein one end comprises a head 119. The head 119 defines a larger outer diameter than the remaining portion of the fastener 118. The end opposite the head 119 may include threads defined directly within the exterior body of the fastener 118 that may threadingly engage a nut 122. Accordingly, the fastener 118 end opposite the head 119 may be threaded through and emplaced within the interior of the compression spring 116.

In the present embodiment, each of the illustrated spring mechanisms 104 includes four compression springs 116, four corresponding fasteners 118, and four corresponding nuts 122. In other embodiments, the spring mechanisms 104 may be configured or manufactured to include any number of compression springs 116 and corresponding fasteners 118 and nuts 122 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

The spring mechanism 104 further includes a plurality of matable members operable to secure one end of each combination spring 116 and fastener 118 to the body 108 of the pad 102. In the present embodiment, the matable member include the nut 122 mentioned above, where the nut 122 includes threads defined within its interior body that threadably engage the threads defined within the exterior body of the fastener 118 detailed above. In other embodiments, the matable member may be any known mechanism operable to secure the combination spring 116 and fastener 118.

Accordingly, the combination spring 116 and fastener 118 may be extended through the aperture 120 such that a portion of the fastener 118 extends above the top side 112 of the pad 102. As mentioned above, the nut 122 may then be operatively coupled to the extended fastener 118 via threaded engagement, thus securing the fastener 118 and the spring 116 to the pad 102.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the grinding assembly 100 includes the wheel system 106, which comprises a generally cylindrical body that includes a wheel cup 124 operatively coupled to a plurality of abrasion blocks 126. The wheel cup 124 may also similarly comprise a generally cylindrical body configured to be received by an indentation 114 (as mentioned above). The wheel cup 124 includes a hollow interior of generally similar cylindrical dimensions as the exterior body. Additionally, an alignment slot 128 may be defined within the sidewall of the wheel cup 124 that extends the length of the wheel cup 124 and terminates into edges of the wheel cup 124. The alignment slot 128 serves to align the wheel cup 124 with the indentation 114 upon coupling. Accordingly, the alignment slot 128 may be configured to receive the alignment notch 115 of an indentation 114 via applied axial force. The wheel cup 124 may further include an upper edge 131 and lower edge 129 opposite the upper edge 131. The wheel cup 124 also may include at least one or more openings (occluded from view) defined within its interior sidewall and extending the length of the wheel cup 124, terminating into the upper edge 131 and the lower edge 129. The openings may be configured to receive the combination spring 116 and fastener 118. Accordingly, the openings may correspond to the number of combination spring 116 and fasteners 118 included within the respective spring mechanism 104.

As mentioned, the wheel cup 124 may include a plurality of abrasion blocks 126 (alternatively referred to as the “blocks 126”). In the present embodiment, the abrasion blocks 126 comprise a generally wedge-like shape wherein one end of the block 126 tapers inwardly such that the blocks 126 may be arranged in a circular pattern to align with the outermost diameter of the wheel cup 124, when operatively coupled. In other embodiments, the abrasion blocks 126 may comprise any known shape that may permit the blocks 126 to be arranged such that the outermost edge of the block 126 may align with the outermost diameter of the wheel cup 124. The blocks 126 may be affixed to the lower edge 129 of the wheel cup 124 by any known means including but not limited to, welding. The abrasion blocks 126 may comprise a material with a hardness that exceeds the hardness value of the floor in which the assembly 100 may be deployed. Similarly, the blocks 126 may be of a hardness value that is operationally desired by the user. As an example, where a floor is a concrete, the abrasion blocks 126 may comprise diamond particles.

In order to couple the wheel cup 124 to the pad 102, the wheel system 106 may further include a means of securing the components together. More specifically, the wheel system 106 includes a means of securing a wheel cup 124 to a corresponding indentation 114. Prior to doing so, in attaching the wheel cup 124 to the pad 102, an operator may orient the alignment slot 128 with the alignment notch 115 of the indentation 114 while simultaneously positioning the combination fastener 118 and spring 116 (already secured to the pad 102) within the corresponding openings of the wheel cup 124. With the wheel cup 124 aligned and emplaced within the indentation 114, the operator may secure the wheel cup 124 to the pad 102 by means of a washer 132 and a threaded screw 134. The screw 134 configured to be received by a corresponding chamber 136 defined within the interior body of the wheel cup 124. The washer 132 having an outer diameter greater than the diameter of the chamber 136, may be imposed by the screw 134. Accordingly, the combination washer 132 and screw 134 may be extended into the chamber 136. Axial force may be applied to compress the springs 116, such that a portion of the screw may extend into an orifice 138 defined within the center of the indentation 114. The orifice 138 includes internal threads that may engage the matable threads of the screw 134. Accordingly, the operator may apply axial, torsional force to engage the threads of the orifice 138 and thus secure the entirety of the wheel system 106 to the pad 102.

As mentioned, in operatively coupling the wheel system 106 to the pad 102, the springs 116 of the spring mechanism 104 may be compressed. The compression of the springs 116 makes the wheel system 106 (i.e., the wheel cup 124 and the abrasion blocks 126) operable to conform to surface irregularities and scratches when the grinding assembly 100 is utilized. Once made operable, the abrasion blocks 126 make contact with the surface (i.e., floor) due to the engagement of a cleaning head assembly coupled to a surface maintenance machine, which applies the necessary axial and torsional force required to smooth out uneven surfaces and or scratches.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another example floor treatment assembly 300 (alternatively referred to as the “assembly 300”), according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The assembly 300 is attachable to a floor treatment machine (not shown) in order to treat a floor, for example, by grinding and/or smoothing the floor. As illustrated, the assembly 300 includes a drive block 302 and a plurality of grinding wheel assemblies 304 (also each referred to as a floor abrasion assembly) coupled to the drive block 302. The drive block 302 includes a top side 306 and a bottom side 308 opposite the top side 306, and each of the grinding wheel assemblies 304 is coupled to the bottom side 308 of the drive block 302. While the illustrated example illustrates the assembly 300 including five grinding wheel assemblies 304, more or less may be provided without departing from the present disclosure. FIG. 10 depicts the assembly 300 with the grinding wheel assemblies having been unassembled from the drive block 302.

As further described below, each of the grinding wheel assemblies 304 includes a support plate 310 mounted on the drive block 302, a nest 312 movably coupled to the support plate 310, and a grinding wheel 314 mounted to the nest 312. As further described below, each of the grinding wheel assemblies 304 is spring loaded such that the nest 312 and the grinding wheel 314 may be compressed (and moved) towards the drive block 302 and the support plate 310 and moved away from the drive block 302 and the support plate 310 when uncompressed. Thus, the nest 312 and the grinding wheel 314 are operable to move relative to the support plate 310 and the drive block 302. As further described below, the grinding wheel 314 is a type of abrasion feature that may be integrated within the grinding wheel assembly 304 (also referred to as the floor abrasion assembly 304); however, the grinding wheel assembly 304 (i.e., the floor abrasion assembly 304) may include other types of abrasion features as described below with reference to FIGS. 11A-11B, FIGS. 12A-12B, FIGS. 13A-13B, FIG. 14, and FIG. 15.

FIG. 4 depicts the drive block 302 of FIG. 3 with the grinding wheel assemblies 304 having been removed therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive block 302 is circular or disc shaped. Also, the drive block 302 includes an interior hollow cavity 402 extending through the drive block 302, from the top side 306 to the bottom side 308, with the interior hollow cavity 402 being operable to couple the assembly 300 to a surface maintenance machine (not illustrated). In the illustrated embodiment, a mounting rim 404 extends circumferentially around the interior hollow cavity 402, and the mounting rim 404 includes a plurality of mounting holes 406 through which a corresponding fasteners (not illustrated) may be received for securing the assembly 300 to the floor maintenance machine. However, the assembly 300 may be differently coupled to the floor maintenance machine.

A plurality of indentations 410 are formed in the bottom side 308 of the drive block 302 for receiving the plurality of grinding wheel assemblies 304, with each of the grinding wheel assemblies 304 being received within one of the indentations 410. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly 300 includes five indentations 410 and five corresponding grinding wheel assemblies 304; however, more or less than five may be provided in other embodiments.

As more fully described below, each of the support plates 310 is mounted within a corresponding one of the indentations 410. As shown, each of the indentations 410 defines a bottom facing surface 416 and includes at least one mounting hole 412 utilized for securing the support plate 310 to the drive block 302 as described below. The at least one mounting hole 412 extend into the bottom facing surface 416 of the indentation 410 and extend through the entirety of the drive block 302, between the top side 306 and the bottom side 308. While FIG. 4 depicts a pair of mounting holes 412, more or less may be utilized to facilitate fastening the support plates 310 to the drive block 302. FIG. 4 also depicts each of the indentations 410 includes at least one clearance aperture 414 utilized for providing clearance for the grinding wheel assembly 304 associated therewith, as discussed below. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the at least one clearance aperture 414 extend into the bottom facing surface 416 of the indentation 410 and extend through the entirety of the drive block 302, between the top side 306 and the bottom side 308; however, the least one clearance aperture 414 need not extend fully through the drive block 302. While FIG. 4 depicts four clearance apertures 414 provided in each of the indentations 410, more or less may be utilized to facilitate providing clearance when the associated grinding wheel assembly 304 is provided in the indentation 410. FIG. 4 also illustrates each of the indentations 410 defining a bottom facing surface 416.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5D, FIGS. 5A and 5B respectively depict bottom and top perspective views of the grinding wheel assembly 304, FIG. 5C depicts a bottom view of the grinding wheel assembly 304, and FIG. 5D depicts a side cross-sectional of the grinding wheel assembly 304 along section line A-A in FIG. 5C. As shown, the support plate 310 includes a bottom side 502 facing the nest 312 and a top side 504. FIGS. 6A and 6B respectively depict the bottom side 502 and the top side 504 of one of the support plates 310 when disassembled from the other components of the assembly 300, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. When the support plate 310 is assembled on the drive block 302 (i.e., within an associated indentation 410 of the drive block 302), the top side 504 of the support plate 310 will face the drive block 302 and, in embodiments, the top side 504 of the support plate 310 will abut and contact the bottom facing surface 416 of the indentation 410. FIGS. 7A and 7B respectively depict a bottom side 702 and a top side 704 of one of the grinding wheels 314 when disassembled from the other components of the assembly 300, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Further, FIGS. 8A and 8B respectively depict a bottom side 802 and a top side 804 of one of nests 312 when disassembled from the other components of the assembly 300, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

In embodiments, the support plate 310 includes at least one nut 510 for facilitating attachment of the grinding wheel assembly 304 to the drive block 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the support plate 310 includes at least one bore 512 extending through the support plate 310 (i.e., between the bottom side 502 and the top side 504) and the at least one nut 510 is provided on the bottom side 502 such that a bore of at least one nut 510 corresponds with the at least one bore 512 of the support plate 310 for receiving a fastener 1002 (see FIG. 10). As shown in FIG. 10, the fastener 1002 may be inserted through each of the at least one mounting hole 412 in the drive block 302, through the bore 512 of the support plate 310, and into the bore of the nut 510 to thereby secure the grinding wheel assembly 304 the drive block 302. While the illustrated embodiment illustrates a pair of the nuts 510 and a pair of the bores 512 utilized to secure each of the grinding wheel assembly 304 to the drive block 302, more or less may be utilized to fasten any one or more of the grinding wheel assemblies 304 to the drive block 302. Thus, in embodiments, each of the indentations 410 includes the at least one mounting hole 412 extending through the drive block 302 and each of the support plates 310 includes the at least one nut 510 affixed thereto, with the at least one nut 510 being in alignment with the at least one mounting hole 412 in the indentation 410 when the support plate 310 is assembled within the indentation 410 for receiving the fastener 1002 that secures the support plate 310 to the drive block 302. In embodiments, a washer 1004 and a lock washer 1006 are utilized with each of the fasteners 1002 in order to ensure that the fasteners 1002 securely attach the grinding wheel assemblies 304 to the drive block 302 without backing out over time.

Referring again to FIGS. 5A-5D, each of the grinding wheel assemblies 304 also includes at least one connector 520 and at least one compression spring 524. As further described herein, the at least one connector 520 extends through the nest 312 and into the support plate 310. Also, the least one connector 520 is connected to the support plate 310, and the nest 312 is movable on the at least one connector 520 such that the nest 312 may slide towards or away from the support plate 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one connector 520 is a shoulder bolt having a threaded end 526 that is received within a nut 522 provided on the support plate 310. Here, the nuts 522 are provided on the top side 504 of the support plate 310 and each of the nuts 522 corresponds with an associated bore 602 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B) extending through the support plate 310, and the threaded end 526 of each of the connectors 520 extends through such bore 602 and into the nut 522 corresponding therewith, such that the connector 520 is fixed relative to the support plate 310.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the connectors 520 is a shoulder bolt which includes the threaded end 526 and a slidable portion 528 along which the nest 312 may translate. Also in the illustrated embodiment, each of the connectors 520 includes a capped end 904 (see FIG. 5D and FIG. 9) arranged opposite the threaded end 526 and which will contact and abut a portion of the nest 312 to limit further axial movement of the nest 312 in the direction away from the support plate 310. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the nest 312 may translate on the connectors 520, between the capped end 904 and the threaded end 526. While the illustrated embodiment illustrates the grinding wheel assembly 304 having four connectors 520 and associated nuts 522, more or less may be utilized. In embodiments, the nuts 522 are press nuts secured to the top side 504 of the support plate 310.

The at least one compression spring 524 is compressed between the nest 312 and the support plate 310, and thereby biases the nest 312 away from the support plate 310 and into contact with the capped ends 904 of the connectors 520 on which the nest 312 is slidably arranged. Thus, the nest 312 is slidable towards the support plate 310 when a force is exerted on the nest 312 (and/or on the grinding wheel 314 which is supported on the nest 312) to move/slide the nest 312 and the grinding wheel 314 towards the support plate 310, thereby compressing the compression spring 524, and when such force is removed from the nest 312 and/or the grinding wheel 314, the compression spring 524 may expand and thereby drive or translate the nest 312 and the grinding wheel 314 away from the support plate 310.

In the illustrated embodiment, one of the compression springs 524 is arranged around each of the connectors 520, such that the number of compression springs 524 equals the number of connectors 520 utilized and, in particular, each of the compression springs 524 is arranged around the slidable portion 528 of the connector 520 associated therewith; however, in other embodiments, the compression springs 524 may be differently provided. For example, one or more of the compression springs 524 (instead of being arranged around the connector 520 as illustrated) may be provided elsewhere on the bottom side 502 of the support plate 310 and bias the nest 312 away therefrom. Also, in some embodiments, at least one of the connectors 520 does not include the compression springs 524 arranged there-around.

In the illustrated embodiment, the nest 312 is at least partially hollow and includes one or more interior cavities 530, which provide clearance. For example, the at least one nut 510 on the bottom side 502 of the support plate 310 and an end 1008 of the fastener 1002 (see FIG. 10) associated therewith may extend into the interior cavity 530 when the nest 312 is fully compressed against the bottom side 502 of the support plate 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavities 530 extend into (but not fully through) the top side 804 (see FIG. 8B) of the nest 312. In other embodiments, however, one or more of the cavities 530 extend fully through the nest 312, from the top side 804 to the bottom side 802 (see FIG. 8A) of the nest 312.

Also in the illustrated embodiment, the one or more interior cavities 530 includes guide channels 532 through which the connectors 520 and the compression spring 524 may extend, such that the guide channels 532 guide the nest 312 as it translates along the connectors 520 relative to the support plate 310. The guide channels 532 extend through the nest 312 with which they are associated, between the top side 804 to the bottom side 802, and the guide channels 532 are positioned to correspond with the connectors 520 and oriented and sized so as to allow the nest 312 to slide on the connectors 520 towards the support plate 310 when the compression spring 524 is compressed and slide away from the support plate 310 when the compression spring 524 is at least partially uncompressed (i.e., between a fully compressed position and an at least partially uncompressed position).

The nest 312 and the grinding wheel 314 of each of the grinding wheel assemblies 304 may be secured or fastened together, such that they are movable together in unison and such that relative movement between the nest 312 and the grinding wheel 314 is inhibited. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the grinding wheel assemblies 304 includes a fastener 540 and a nut 542 for securing or fastening the nest 312 and the grinding wheel 314 together. Here, the fastener 540 is a bolt having a threaded end 544 and a cap 546 opposite the threaded end 544. The threaded end 544 includes threads that engage internal threads of the nut 542, and the cap 546 impinges and abuts against a bottom side of the grinding wheel 314 (i.e., the cap 546 retains a washer 902 (see FIG. 5D and FIG. 9) that abuts against a bottom side of the grinding wheel 314) and the nut 542 impinges and abuts against a top side of the nest 312 when the nut 542 is sufficiently threaded around the threaded end 544 of the fastener 540 to thereby tighten the nut 542 on the fastener 540 such that the nest 312 and the grinding wheel 314 are squeezed (and secured) together (between the cap 546 of the fastener 540 and the nut 542). In the illustrated embodiment, another washer 903 is provided around the fastener 540, between the nut 542 and the nest 312, such that the nut 542 impinges and abuts against a top side of the washer 903 and the washer 903 impinges and abuts against a top side of the nest 312 when the nut 542 is sufficiently threaded around the threaded end 544 of the fastener 540 to thereby tighten the nut 542 on the fastener 540 such that the nest 312 and the grinding wheel 314 are squeezed (and secured) together (between the cap 546 of the fastener 540 and the nut 542). As mentioned above, this arrangement may inhibit relative movement between the nest 312 and the grinding wheel 314. Also, the fastener 540 extends through an opening 720 (FIGS. 7A and 7B) in the grinding wheel 314 and a corresponding opening 820 (FIGS. 8A and 8B) in the nest 312.

When the grinding wheel assembly 304 is assembled together, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, the threaded end 544 of the fastener 540 and the nut 542 extend beyond the top side of the nest 312 and at least partially into an opening 548 in the support plate 310. For example, the threaded end 544 of the fastener 540 and the nut 542 may extend into the opening 548 of the support plate 310 when the nest 312 and the grinding wheel 314 are compressed (relative to the support plate 310) such that they move towards the support plate 310. In embodiments, the threaded end 544 of the fastener 540 and the nut 542 may also extend at least partially into a corresponding opening 450 (FIG. 4) of the drive block 302 when the nest 312 and the grinding wheel 314 are compressed and moved towards the support plate 310 and the drive block 302 or when uncompressed such that the nest 312 and the grinding wheel 314 are moved away from the support plate 310 and the drive block 302 towards their uncompressed position. For example, when the nest 312 and the grinding wheel 314 are compressed and moved towards the support plate 310, the threaded end 544 of the fastener 540 and the nut 542 may extend through and beyond the top side 504 of the support plate 310, and the threaded end 544 of the fastener 540 and the nut 542 may extend into the corresponding opening 450 (FIG. 4) of the drive block 302. In other examples, when uncompressed, the threaded end 544 of the fastener 540 and the nut 542 may extend through and beyond the top side 504 of the support plate 310 and at least partially into the corresponding opening 450 (FIG. 4) of the drive block 302, such that the fastener 540 and the nut 542 would extend even further into the corresponding opening 450 (FIG. 4) of the drive block 302 when the nest 312 and the grinding wheel 314 are compressed. In this manner, the nest 312 and the grinding wheel 314 may move relative to the support plate 310 and the drive block 302 without the fastener 540 and/or the nut 542 contacting the drive block 302 (and the support plate 310) which may otherwise block or impede movement/compression of the nest 312 and the grinding wheel 314 relative to the support plate 310 and the drive block 302.

Referring back to FIG. 4 again, the support plate 310 includes the at least one clearance aperture 414. When the grinding wheel assemblies 304 are attached to the drive block 302, the connectors 520 will extend into the clearance apertures 414 such that the support plate 310 may be secured in close proximity to the bottom facing surface 416 of the indentation 410 of the drive block 302 associated therewith. In particular, the portions of the threaded end 526 of the connectors 520 extending beyond the nuts 522 will extend into the clearance aperture 414 associated therewith. Accordingly, the clearance aperture 414 will be positioned within the indentation 410, so as to correspond with the position of the connectors 520 of the grinding wheel assemblies 304.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7B, one of the grinding wheels 314 is depicted according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the grinding wheel 314 includes a rim 706 and a recessed cavity 708 formed on the bottom side 702 of the grinding wheel 314, such that the rim 706 surrounds the recessed cavity 708. As shown, the opening 720 is formed in a central portion of the recessed cavity 708.

The grinding wheel 314 includes a plurality of abrasion elements 710. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the abrasion elements 710 are provided on the rim 706. Also in the illustrated embodiment, the abrasion elements 710 are each a generally wedge-like shape, with one end of the abrasion elements 710 tapering inwardly towards the recessed cavity 708 and towards a center axis 712 of the grinding wheel 314 that extends through the opening 720. Here, for example, each of the abrasion elements 710 includes first cutting edge 716 and a second cutting edge 718, with each of the cutting edges 716, 718 being aligned with a chord 722 of the grinding wheel 314 with which they are associated (i.e., rather than being aligned with a radius/diameter of the grinding wheel 314). As used herein, the term “chord” refers to a line segment (such as the chord 722) joining any two points on a circumference 724 of the grinding wheel 314. However, in other embodiment, either or both of the cutting edges 716, 718 of any one or more of the abrasion elements 710 may be aligned with a radius/diameter of the grinding wheel 314, with the radius diameter being associated with the circle defined by the circumference 724 of the grinding wheel 314.

In other embodiments, one or more of the abrasion elements 710 may have a different shape, for example, one or more of the abrasion elements 710 may be generally rectangular such that they don't have a taper. In embodiments, one or more of the abrasion elements 710 is trapezoidal in shape having a first cutting edge that is aligned with a radius (or diameter) of the grinding wheel 314 and a second cutting edge that is clocked such that it does not extend along the radius (or diameter) (i.e., the second cutting edge is aligned along a chord of the grinding wheel 314).

Also in the illustrated embodiment, the abrasion elements 710 are arranged in a circular pattern to align with the rim 706 and an outermost diameter of the grinding wheel assembly 304 when assembled together. In other embodiments, the abrasion elements 710 may comprise any known shape that may permit the abrasion elements 710 to be arranged such that an outermost edge 714 of the abrasion elements 710 may align with the outermost diameter of the grinding wheel assembly 304. The abrasion elements 710 may comprise a material with a hardness that exceeds the hardness value of the floor in which the assembly 300 may be deployed. Similarly, the abrasion elements 710 may be of a hardness value that is operationally desired by the user. As an example, where a floor is a concrete, the abrasion elements 710 may comprise diamond particles or a diamond grit.

The grinding wheel 314 includes a conical surface 730 on the top side 704, where the conical surface 730 corresponds with the rim 706 on the bottom side 702. Also, the grinding wheel 314 includes a protrusion 732 on the top side 704, where the protrusion 732 corresponds with recessed cavity 708 on the bottom side 702.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8B, one of the nests 312 is depicted according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the nest 312 is similarly sized as the grinding wheel 314, meaning the nest 312 and the grinding wheel 314 have substantially equal diameters. However, in embodiments, one or more of the grinding wheels 314 may have a larger or smaller diameter than the nest 312 within which it is associated.

As shown, the bottom side 802 of the nest 312 includes a rim surface 830 and a recessed cavity 832. When the grinding wheel assembly 304 is assembled together, the conical surface 730 on the top side 704 of the grinding wheel 314 will abut and contact the rim surface 830 on the bottom side 802 of the nest 312 and a surface of the protrusion 732 on the top side 704 of the grinding wheel 314 will extend into and abut/contact a corresponding surface of the recessed cavity 832 on the bottom side 802 of the nest 312. Accordingly, the rim surface 830 and the surfaces of the recessed cavity 832 of the nest 312 may be configured to accommodate mating/adjoining surfaces of the conical surface 730 and the protrusion 732 of the grinding wheel 314. Also as previously mentioned, when the grinding wheel assembly 304 is assembled, the fastener 540 will extend through the opening 720 of the grinding wheel 314 and the corresponding opening 820 of the nest 312, with the nut 542 being sufficiently tightened onto the threaded end 544 of the fastener 540 such that the cap 546 of the fastener 540 (or the washer 902 retained by the cap 546 shown in FIG. 9) contacts a surface 740 within the recessed cavity 708 of the grinding wheel 314 and the nut 542 contacts a surface 840 on the top side 804 of the nest 312. In this manner, the grinding wheel 314 is nestable within the nest 312, with the protrusion 732 of the grinding wheel 314 being nested within the recessed cavity 832 of the nest 312 and with a upper surface 742 of the protrusion 732 contacting a corresponding surface 842 within the recessed cavity 832 of the nest 312, and with the conical surface 730 of the grinding wheel 314 contacting the rim surface 830 on the bottom side 802 of the nest 312.

In embodiments, one or more of the indentations 410 includes an alignment feature (e.g., such as the alignment notch 115 described above) for aligning the plurality of grinding wheel assemblies 304 within the indentation 410 associated therewith. In such embodiments, any one or more of grinding wheel assemblies 304 (which are to be provided in the indentation(s) 410 which include such alignment feature) may include a corresponding alignment slot (e.g., such as the alignment slot 128 described above) that receives the alignment feature of the indentation 410. Thus, for example, the support plate 310, the nest 312, and the grinding wheel 314 may each include a corresponding alignment slot that are aligned with each other when assembled together such that the resulting grinding wheel assembly 304 may fit within the indentation 410 without interference from the alignment feature thereof. This will help inhibit rotation of the grinding wheel assembly 304 within its indentation 410 relative to the drive block 302, while also allowing compression of the nest 312 and the grinding wheel 314 as described herein.

The above embodiments of the assembly 300 are described with reference to the grinding wheel assemblies 304 using grinding wheels 314, and the grinding wheel assembly 304 is just one type of floor abrasion assembly that may be installed on the assembly 300, wherein the grinding wheel 314 of the floor abrasion assembly 304 is the abrasion feature. However, the assembly 300 may be outfitted with other types of floor abrasion assemblies using other abrasion features that contact the surface to be cleaned other than grinding wheels 314, which may in turn permit the assembly 300 to be utilized on different surfaces and/or perform different tasks. For example, instead of installing the above described grinding wheel assemblies 304 as the abrasion feature on the assembly 300, the assembly 300 may instead have other types of floor abrasion assemblies installed thereon that use various types of abrasion features, and FIGS. 11A to 15 exemplify different types of floor abrasion assemblies that may be installed on the assembly 300. The floor abrasion assemblies described below, while similar in operation to the grinding wheel assemblies 304, may differ in that their nests are constructed slightly differently and may include alternative means of contacting/engaging the floor surface in lieu of the grinding wheel 314, for example, the below referenced floor abrasion assemblies may utilized abrasive pads, filaments, or tufts of filaments in lieu of the grinding wheels 314.

FIGS. 11A and 11B, FIGS. 12A and 12B, and FIGS. 13A and 13C depict differently configured nests that may be incorporated into floor abrasion assemblies utilizable with the assemblies 100, 300, according to various embodiments.

FIGS. 11A and 11B respectively depict a bottom side 1102 and a top side 1104 of a nest 1112 utilizable with a floor abrasion assembly when disassembled from the other components of the assembly 300, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the bottom side 1102 of the nest 1112 includes a mounting surface 1130 on which a plurality of attachments (including but not limited to scrubbing, stripping, polishing, or cutting elements/pads (not shown)) may be attached to the nest 1112 to thereby render it a floor abrasion assembly. When assembled, the top side 1104 of the nest 1112 will face the bottom side 502 of the support plate 310 (FIG. 6A).

As shown, the nest 1112 includes a plurality of guide channels 1132 through which connectors (such as the connectors 520 of FIG. 9) and compression springs (such as the compression spring 524 of FIG. 9) may extend, such that the guide channels 1132 guide the nest 1112 as it translates along the connectors 520 relative to the support plate 310, as detailed above with reference to the nest 312. The guide channels 1132 extend through the nest 1112 with which they are associated, between the top side 1104 to the bottom side 1102. The guide channels 1132 are positioned to correspond with the connectors 520, as well as with the nuts 522 (and associated bores 602) of the support plates 310, and the guide channels 1132 are oriented and sized so as to allow the nest 1112 to slide on the connectors 520 towards the support plate 310 when the compression spring 524 is compressed and slide away from the support plate 310 when the compression spring 524 is at least partially uncompressed (i.e., between a fully compressed position and an at least partially uncompressed position). The guide channels 1132 may be configured similarly to the guide channels 532 detailed above.

Rather than utilizing the grinding wheel 314, as detailed above, a scrubbing, stripping, cutting, or polishing element/pad (not depicted) may be attached to the mounting surface 1130 as an abrasion feature of a floor abrasion assembly that incorporates the nest 1112. Thus, an attachment means 1150 is disposed on the bottom side 1102 of the nest 1112 for facilitating attachment of the cutting or polishing element/pad to the nest 1112. In embodiments, the scrubbing, stripping, cutting or polishing element/pad is removably attached to the nest 1112. Here, for example, the attachment means 1150 may be a hook and loop type fastener 1152, such as Velcro, that is configured to mate with a corresponding hook and loop fastener on the top side of the scrubbing, stripping, cutting, or polishing element/pad.

As shown in FIG. 11B, a cavity 1160 is defined with the nest 1112 and opens on (and is accessible at) the top side 1104 of the nest 1112. The presence of the cavity 1160 may also reduce the overall weight of the component.

Referring to FIG. 14, an example abrasion feature or pad 1400 is depicted that is attachable to the mounting surface 1130 of the floor abrasion assembly using the nest 1112, according to embodiments. The abrasion feature or pad 1400 (hereinafter, the pad 1400) includes an upper side 1402 configured to attach to the nest 1112 and a bottom side 1404 configured to clean, polish, or otherwise engage with the floor surface. Thus, the bottom side 1404 of the pad may include abrasive grit, a polishing material, or other material to achieve a desired result. The upper side 1402 defines a mounting surface that will engage with the mounting surface 1130 of the nest. Here, the upper side 1402 of the pad 1400 includes an attachment means 1450, such as a hook and loop type fastener 1452 configured to removably attach to the attachment means 1150 of the nest 1112. Accordingly, FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 14 depict an example floor abrasion assembly comprised of the nest 1112 and the pad 1400.

FIGS. 12A and 12B respectively depict a bottom side 1202 and a top side 1204 of a nest 1212 of another type of floor abrasion assembly when disassembled from the other components of the assembly 300, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the bottom side 1202 of the nest 1212 of this type of floor abrasion assembly includes a surface 1230 from which one or more abrasion features (e.g., abrasive/nonabrasive elements/filaments) may extend. When assembled, the top side 1204 of the nest 1212 will face the bottom side 502 of the support plate 310 (FIG. 6A).

As shown, the nest 1212 includes a plurality of guide channels 1232 through which connectors (such as the connectors 520 of FIG. 9) and compression springs (such as the compression spring 524 of FIG. 9) may extend, such that the guide channels 1232 guide the nest 1212 as it translates along the connectors 520 relative to the support plate 310, as detailed above with reference to the nest 312. The guide channels 1232 extend through the nest 1212 with which they are associated, between the top side 1204 to the bottom side 1202. The guide channels 1232 are positioned to correspond with the connectors 520, as well as with the nuts 522 (and associated bores 602) of the support plates 310, and the guide channels 1232 are oriented and sized so as to allow the nest 1212 to slide on the connectors 520 towards the support plate 310 when the compression spring 524 is compressed and slide away from the support plate 310 when the compression spring 524 is at least partially uncompressed (i.e., between a fully compressed position and an at least partially uncompressed position). The guide channels 1232 may be configured similarly to the guide channels 532 detailed above.

Rather than utilizing the grinding wheel 314, as detailed above, abrasion features in the form of scrubbing, stripping, cutting, or polishing elements/filaments (not depicted) may be attached to and extend from the surface 1230 to thereby form the floor abrasion assembly. For example, a plurality of holes 1250 may be formed in the surface 1230, and filament (or tufts of filament) may be secured within the holes 1250 such that the filament (or tufts of filament) extend from the surface 1230. FIG. 15 depicts an example floor abrasion assembly using the nest 1212 of FIGS. 12A-12B having tufts 1502 of filament 1504 arranged within the holes 1250, according to an embodiment. In examples, the filament 1504 may be made from nylon and have an abrasive grit impregnated into each piece/strand of the filament 1504.

Various types of filaments may be utilized for the filament 1504, including natural filaments, synthetic filaments, metal filaments, and/or specialty filaments. Natural filaments may include horsehair, boar bristle, Tampico, or palmyra; synthetic filament may include nylon, polypropylene, polyester, acrylic, and/or polyvinyl chloride. Metal filaments may include steel wire, stainless steel wire, and/or brass wire. Specialty filament may include carbon wire and/or conductive nylon. Each of the foregoing filament type has unique properties making it suitable for specific cleaning, polishing, or scrubbing tasks, such that the selection of a particular type of filament depends on the surface to be treated, the type of dirt/debris on the surface, and the desired durability.

In embodiments, the filament 1504 may include abrasive filament, which may be used in applications (including but not limited to) surface finishing applications, deburring applications, and cleaning applications. These abrasive filaments may contain (or be embedded with) abrasive particles, and the grit size abrasive particles determines their aggressiveness. Various types of abrasive particles may be utilized, including but not limited to the following: silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, ceramic alumina, zirconia alumina, diamond, and/or garnet. The foregoing abrasive particles may be provided in various grit sizes, for example, silicon carbide may be provide in a grit size range of 36 to over 1,000, aluminum oxide may be provide in a grit size range of 60 to over 1,000, ceramic alumina may be provide in a grit size range of 24 to over 1,200, zirconia alumina may be provide in a grit size range of 36 to over 120, diamond may be provide in a grit size range of 80 to over 3,000, and garnet may be provide in a grit size range of 36 to over 400. Coarse grit includes grit sizes ranging from 36-80 and may be used for heavy material removal, aggressive deburring, and rough surface preparation, for example, in deburring applications, edge blending applications, and rust and paint removal applications. Medium grit includes grit sizes ranging from 100-220 and may be used for general purpose finishing, light deburring, and surface blending, for example, in surface preparation, cleaning, and general purpose finishing applications. Fine grit includes grit sizes ranging from 240-600 and may be used in fine finishing, polishing, and smoothing surfaces, for example, in polishing, smoothing, and preparing surfaces for final coating applications. Very fine grit includes grit sizes ranging from 800 to over 3,000 and may be used for ultra-fine finishing, precision polishing, and creating high-gloss surfaces, for example, in high-precision finishing, polishing, and lapping applications. The choice of grit size may depend on the material being worked on and the desired finish.

The abrasive grit particles may be attached to brush filaments through various techniques, for example, that embed the abrasive particles within the filaments or bond the abrasive particles onto an exposed outer surface of the filaments. Such processes allow the filaments to perform cutting, grinding, deburring, or polishing actions while maintaining flexibility. A first technique for attaching the abrasive particles to the filaments is extrusion with abrasive particles. In this process, abrasive particles are mixed into a molten thermoplastic material (such as nylon, polypropylene, or polyester) during the extrusion process, and then the mixture is then extruded into filaments, which are cooled and cut to length. This first process may help ensure a uniform distribution of abrasive particles throughout the filament, providing consistent cutting action throughout the filament's life, and this process may be utilized for various end use applications, including but not limited to abrasive nylon brushes for deburring, surface finishing, and edge blending. A second technique for attaching the abrasive particles to the filaments is coating with adhesive bonding. In this process, filaments are coated with a layer of adhesive, and abrasive particles are then applied to the coated surface, such that the adhesive binds the particles to the filament, and then the filament is cured to set the bond. This second process helps to allow for a high concentration of abrasive particles on the surface of the filament, which can be tailored to specific end use applications, including but not limited to applications requiring aggressive abrasion, such as grinding and heavy-duty deburring. A third technique for attaching the abrasive particles to the filaments is electrostatic coating. In this process, filaments are passed through an electrostatic field where abrasive particles, charged to an opposite polarity, are attracted and adhere to the filament surface, and a bonding agent may then be applied to secure the particles on the filament. This third process helps ensure even coverage of abrasive particles and can create a very fine, precise abrasive surface, and may be used with brushes for various end use applications, including but not limited to fine polishing, lapping, and precision surface finishing. A fourth technique for attaching the abrasive particles to the filaments is impregnation and fusing. In this process, filaments are impregnated with a slurry of abrasive particles and bonding agents, and such mixture is then fused into the filament surface using heat or pressure, ensuring the abrasive particles are embedded in the filament. This fourth process helps to create a durable, long-lasting abrasive surface with a strong bond between the abrasive particles and the filament, and may be used in a brushes having a variety of end use applications, such as industrial brushes used for heavy-duty applications like deburring, surface preparation, and material removal. A fifth technique for attaching the abrasive particles to the filaments is sintering. In this process, abrasive particles are bonded to metal or ceramic filaments using a sintering process, where the abrasive and bonding materials are heated to a temperature below their melting point, causing them to bond together. This fifth process may be helpful in producing extremely durable and heat-resistant filaments with a robust bond between the abrasive and the filament, and this process may be used in brushes for a variety of end use applications, including but not limited to high-temperature environments, such as metal finishing, aerospace, and automotive industries. A sixth technique for attaching the abrasive particles to the filaments is composite bonding. In this process, filaments are created using a composite material where the abrasive particles are dispersed throughout a matrix that forms the filament, and this can be performed during the initial filament manufacturing process. This sixth process is helpful in providing a consistent abrasive action as the filament wears down, revealing new abrasive particles, and may be incorporated into brushes used for a variety of end use applications, including but not limited to continuous use in deburring, polishing, and finishing applications. The foregoing six methods may be used to help ensure that the abrasive materials remain securely attached to the filaments, providing the necessary durability and effectiveness for various industrial and commercial applications, and the ultimate choice of the particular method selected may depend on the desired aggressiveness, durability, and specific use-case scenario for the brush.

The tufts 1502 of filament 1504 may be secured via a variety of manners. For example, the tufts 1502 of filament 1504 may be staple-set within the holes 1250, wherein a wire staple is driven through the base of the tuft 1502 and into the hole 1250, thereby securing the filaments 1504 within the hole 1250. In another example, the tufts 1502 of filament 1504 may be anchor-set within the holes 1250 using an adhesive, wherein the filaments 1504 (or tufts 1502 thereof) are inserted into the hole 1250 and then an adhesive (e.g., epoxy or resin) is applied to the hole 1250 to secure the filament 1504 (or tufts 1502 of filament 1504) within the hole 1250. In another example, the tufts 1502 of filament 1504 may be crimped at their bottom and a ferrule may be applied around the crimped end of the tufts 1502, and then the ferrule may be inserted (e.g., press-fit) in the hole 1250, and an adhesive may further be used to further secure the ferrule within the hole 1250. In an example, ends of the filament 1504 are melted or fused together, forming solid base of a tuft 1502 of filament 1504, wherein the solid base is then inserted and secured within the hole 1250 via press-fit, and an adhesive may be used to further secure the solid base within the hole 1250. In another example, filaments 1504 are placed between two wires, and the two wires are then twisted together to secure the filaments 1504 together as a tuft 1502, and then the twisted together end of the tuft 1502 may be inserted into the hole 1250 and an adhesive may be used to further secure the tuft 1502 within the hole 1250. In another example, individual tufts 1502 are tied or drawn through each hole 1250 via hand and secured therein with a knot or adhesive. In another example, each tuft 1502 of filament 1504 has a suitable amount of filament 1504 tightly packed together to define a base (of the tuft 1502) having a diameter that is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the hole 1250, and then the tightly packed base of the tuft 1502 is forced into the hole 1250 and held therein via a friction fit. In another example, ultrasonic vibrations are used to heat and then fuse individual filaments 1504 into each of the holes 1250.

Referring to FIG. 12B, a pair of recesses 1260 are defined within the top side 1204 of the nest 1212. The recesses 1260 provide clearance for the nuts 510 that are fixed on the support plate 310 (see FIG. 6A) and utilized to fasten the support plate 310 to the drive block 302. The recesses 1260 need not extend fully through the nest 1212, between, the bottom and top sides 1202, 1204. In the illustrated embodiment, the recesses 1260 terminate at a surface 1262 that is positioned in between the bottom and top sides 1202, 1204. The depth at which the surface 1262 is provided within the nest 1212 may be selected based on the dimensions of the nut 510, such that the recess 1260 may fully accommodate the nut 510 without interference. Accordingly, FIGS. 12A-12B depict an example floor abrasion assembly comprised of the nest 1212 and abrasion features in the form of tufts 1502 of filament 1504 secured within the nest 1212.

FIGS. 13A and 13B respectively depict a bottom side 1302 and a top side 1304 of yet another nest 1312 usable to form another type of floor treatment assembly when disassembled from the other components of the assembly 300, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the bottom side 1302 of the nest 1312 includes a cavity 1330 within which one or more abrasion features in the form of cleaning elements, filaments (or tufts of filament) (not shown) may be secured via an adhesive, resin, or epoxy (not shown) to thereby form the floor treatment assembly. In particular, ends of filament or tufts of filament (which may be similar as those depicted in FIG. 15) will be positioned within the cavity 1330, and then the adhesive, resin, or epoxy will be poured/inserted into the cavity 1330 (i.e., the cavity 1330 will be filled with adhesive, resin, or epoxy) to thereby secure the filaments or tufts of filament. For example, tufts 1502 of filament 1504 depicted in FIG. 15 may be positioned within the cavity 1330, with ends of such tufts 1502 of filament 1504 arranged in the cavity 1330 such that the tufts 1502 of filament 1504 extend outward from the cavity 1330, and then the resin or epoxy may be injected int the cavity 1330 to thereby secure the tufts 1502 of filament 1504 in place.

When assembled, the top side 1304 of the nest 1312 will face the bottom side 502 of the support plate 310 (FIG. 6A).

As shown, the nest 1312 includes a plurality of guide channels 1332 through which connectors (such as the connectors 520 of FIG. 9) and compression springs (such as the compression spring 524 of FIG. 9) may extend, such that the guide channels 1332 guide the nest 1312 as it translates along the connectors 520 relative to the support plate 310, as detailed above with reference to the nest 312. The guide channels 1332 extend through the nest 1312 with which they are associated, between the top side 1304 to the bottom side 1302. The guide channels 1332 are positioned to correspond with the connectors 520, as well as with the nuts 522 (and associated bores 602) of the support plates 310, and the guide channels 1332 are oriented and sized so as to allow the nest 1312 to slide on the connectors 520 towards the support plate 310 when the compression spring 524 is compressed and slide away from the support plate 310 when the compression spring 524 is at least partially uncompressed (i.e., between a fully compressed position and an at least partially uncompressed position). The guide channels 1332 may be configured similarly to the guide channels 532 detailed above.

As shown in FIG. 13B, a pair of recesses 1360 are defined within the top side 1304 of the nest 1312. The recesses 1360 provide clearance for the nuts 510 that are fixed on the support plate 310 (see FIG. 6A) and utilized to fasten the support plate 310 to the drive block 302. The recesses 1360 need not extend fully through the nest 1312, between, the bottom and top sides 1302, 1304. In the illustrated embodiment, the recesses 1360 terminate at a surface 1362 that is positioned in between the bottom and top sides 1302, 1304. The depth at which the surface 1362 is provided within the nest 1312 may be selected based on the dimensions of the nut 510, such that the recess 1360 may fully accommodate the nut 510 without interference. Accordingly, FIGS. 13A-13B depict an example floor abrasion assembly comprised of the nest 1312 having the cavity 1330 within which abrasion features may be positioned an anchored/adhered therein via adhesive, resin, or epoxy to thereby secure the filaments or tufts of filament within the nest 1312, wherein the abrasion features may be filament or tufts of filament (which may be similar as those depicted in FIG. 15).

Embodiments disclosed herein include:

• • A. a floor treatment assembly, comprising: a drive block defining a top side and a bottom side; and a plurality of floor abrasion assemblies coupled to the bottom side of the drive block, each of the floor abrasion assemblies comprising: a nest movably coupled to the drive block; and a floor abrasion feature mounted to the nest such that the floor abrasion feature and the nest are operable to move relative to the drive block.
  • B. A floor treatment assembly, comprising: a drive block defining a top side and a bottom side; and a plurality of floor abrasion assemblies coupled to the bottom side of the drive block, each of the floor abrasion assemblies comprising: a support plate mounted on the drive block; a nest movably coupled to the support plate; and a floor abrasion feature mounted to the nest such that the floor abrasion feature and the nest are operable to move relative to the support plate and the drive block.
  • C. A floor treatment assembly, comprising: a drive block defining a top side and a bottom side, the drive block further comprising a plurality of indentations formed in the bottom side, each of the indentations comprising a mounting hole extending through the drive block; and a plurality of floor abrasion assemblies, each of the floor abrasion assemblies coupled being coupled within one of the plurality of indentations, and each of the floor abrasion assemblies being spring loaded and further comprising: a support plate having a top side and a bottom side, with the top side of the support plate facing the bottom side of the drive block, the support plate further comprising a press nut on top side of the support plate and a press nut on the bottom side of the support plate, the press nut in the bottom side of the support plate being in alignment with the mounting hole in the indentation when the support plate is assembled within the indentation for receiving a fastener that secures the support plate to the drive block; a nest movably coupled to the support plate; a shoulder bolt extending through the nest and into the press nut on the top side of the support plate, the nest being slidable along the shoulder bolt, the shoulder bolt comprising a threaded end that engages the press nut on the top side of the support plate; a compression spring arranged around the shoulder bolt and biasing the nest away from the support plate, the nest being slidable towards the support plate when the compression spring is compressed and slidable away from the support plate when the compression spring is uncompressed; and a floor abrasion feature mounted to the nest such that the floor abrasion feature and the nest are operable to move relative to the support plate and the drive block.

Each of embodiments A through C may have one or more of the following additional elements in any combination: Element 1: further comprising a support plate mounted on the drive block, and the nest is movably coupled to the support plate such that the floor abrasion feature and the nest are movable relative to the support plate and the drive block. Element 2: wherein each of the floor abrasion assemblies further comprises: a shoulder bolt extending through the nest and into the support plate, the nest being slidable along the shoulder bolt; and a compression spring arranged around the shoulder bolt and biasing the nest away from the support plate, the nest being slidable towards the support plate when the compression spring is compressed and slidable away from the support plate when the compression spring is uncompressed. Element 3: wherein the support plate further comprises a press nut within which a threaded end of the shoulder bolt is engaged. Element 4: wherein the bottom side of the drive block comprises a plurality of indentations for receiving the plurality of floor abrasion assemblies. Element 5: wherein each of the support plates is mounted within a corresponding one of the indentations. Element 6: wherein each of the indentations includes at least one mounting hole extending through the drive block, and each of the support plates includes at least one nut affixed thereto, the at least one nut being in alignment with the at least one mounting hole in the indentation associated therewith when the support plate is assembled within the indentation for receiving a fastener that secures the support plate to the drive block. Element 7: wherein each of the floor abrasion assemblies further comprises: a shoulder bolt extending through the nest and into the drive block the nest being slidable along the shoulder bolt; and a compression spring arranged around the shoulder bolt and biasing the nest away from the drive block, the nest being slidable towards the drive block when the compression spring is compressed and slidable away from the drive block when the compression spring is uncompressed.

By way of non-limiting example, exemplary combinations applicable to A through C include: Element 1 with Element 2, Element 2 with Element 3, Element 1 with element 4, Element 4 with Element 5, and Element 5 with Element 6.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, for example, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “contains”, “containing”, “includes”, “including,” “comprises”, and/or “comprising,” and variations thereof, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Terms of orientation are used herein merely for purposes of convention and referencing and are not to be construed as limiting. However, it is recognized these terms could be used with reference to an operator or user. Accordingly, no limitations are implied or to be inferred. In addition, the use of ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) is for distinction and not counting. For example, the use of “third” does not imply there must be a corresponding “first” or “second.” Also, if used herein, the terms “coupled” or “coupled to” or “connected” or “connected to” or “attached” or “attached to” may indicate establishing either a direct or indirect connection, and is not limited to either unless expressly referenced as such.

The use of directional terms such as above, below, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, and the like are used in relation to the floor surface maintenance machine on which the presently disclosed floor treatment assembly is to be attached and the floor which the presently disclosed floor treatment assembly contacts/treats, the upward direction being toward the floor surface maintenance machine and the downward direction being toward floor and opposite the floor surface maintenance machine.

While the disclosure has described several exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made, and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt a particular instrument, situation, or material to embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, or to the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, reference in the appended claims to an apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or system being adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform a particular function encompasses that apparatus, system, or component, whether or not it or that particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that apparatus, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or operative.