Floor finish application system using applicator pad and matched floor finish composition

(12) PATENT DESCRIPTION (19) PL (11) 201323 (21) Application number: 368549 ^¹³^ (22) Date ^withvoice^withenia: November 13, 2002 ^{51) lntcl}A47L 13/30 (2006.01) (86) Date and number of the international application:

November 13, 2002, PCT / US02 / 36514 (87) International application publication date and number:

2003-05-22, WO03 / 041555 PCT Gazette No. 21/03

A method of forming a floor finish layer on the floor and an assembly for forming a floor finish layer on the floor

<td>(30) Priority: 2001-11-14, US, 09 / 992,195 2002-06-19, US, 10 / 177,901</td><td>(73) The right holder of the patent: ECOLAB INC., St. Paul, US</td>

<td>(43) Application announced: 04/04/2005 BUP 07/05</td><td>(72) Inventor (s): Scott Defields, Oakdale, US Scott Olson, Mahtomedi, US</td>

<td>(45) The grant of the patent was announced: March 31, 2009 WUP 03/09</td><td>(74) Representative: Karcz Katarzyna, PATPOL Sp. z o. o</td>

(57) A method of forming a floor finish layer on a floor wherein, by means of an assembly including a portable liquid paste container, an aqueous floor finish composition is applied to the floor to form a substantially uniform, dried layer of finish. A paste composition that comprises greater than 30 wt. solids, applied to a resilient vinyl floor in an amount of about 30 milliliters to 90 milliliters of aqueous paste composition for each square meter of flooring, giving a dried paste layer of about 0.01 mm to 0.03 mm in an amount of about 10 g / m2² to Fr.

g / m of resilient vinyl floor. Assembly for creating a layer of floor finish on the floor.

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Description of the invention

The invention relates to a method of forming a floor finish layer on a floor and an assembly for forming a floor finish layer on a floor.

In particular, the invention relates to a portable device that can be used to spread high solids paste on a floor surface. The device is structurally suited to high-solids aqueous paste compositions that can be spread to form a single, strong paste layer by a single application to a resilient vinyl floor.

The application of aqueous floor finish compositions to institutional floor surfaces, especially resilient vinyl flooring materials, has been a difficult problem for floor maintenance personnel. In the past, conventional floor finish compositions were applied a number of times to achieve a strong finish. Manual application is often accomplished by pouring the liquid floor finish or dispensing the liquid floor finish over the surface and evenly spreading the liquid floor finish using a mop, weighted T-bar, or other application device. Such application methods often result in uneven, undesirable streaks on the surface, unnecessary labor costs and often insufficient coating thickness on public utility floor coverings. Mobile or portable floor maintenance devices are known. With regard to this application, we are not dealing with an instrument suitable for floor cleaning systems. In the cleaning technique, the mobile technique typically involves the use of aqueous cleansing and rinsing agents to remove soil, low-solids floor finish compositions, and other undesirable substances from floor surfaces.

Conventional aqueous floor finish compositions are formulated into a wide variety of product types. The products differ in the type of materials and the amount of solids they contain. The use of a high solids paste composition presents unusual problems. Application techniques developed for conventional low solids floor finish compositions are often unsuitable for use with high solids. In addition, conventional application methods do not take advantage of the unique properties of the high-solids materials. A significant need has arisen for improved methods and equipment for use in the application of high solids materials.

We are aware of the following patents related to floor maintenance technology. Gewalt (US Patent No. 2,053,282, Thompson (US Patent No. 2,061,216, Payne (US Patent No. 2,731,656, Minerley (US Patent No. 2,875,463 and Cushing (US Patent No. 4,119,386) disclose an apparatus commonly referred to in known as a fountain mop. Such devices typically include a wand with an aqueous reservoir mounted thereon, which can be fed through the reservoir, and a mop head that can be used to distribute the aqueous substance. Devices similar to collecting mops are described in documents by Floyd (US Model No. 1,778,552), Burfield (US Patent No. 4,984,328) and Sloan (US Patent No. 4,971,471) which disclose a mop or brush head which includes the device. spraying the water substance onto the head or onto the floor.

A common feature of a typical mobile floor cleaning machine is the use of a portable, optionally motorized cleaning machine, such as, for example, in Girman et al. (US Patent No. 4,893,375) or Tipton (US Patent No. 5,331,713). The instruments are configured to sequentially apply the cleaning materials to the floor, scrub the floor, and then remove the cleaning materials for subsequent operations.

Keppers et al., In US Patent No. 6,017,163, discloses a wheeled portable floor finish spreading device installed on a wheeled cart using an applicator nozzle, a stick and a separation element to apply aqueous floor finish compositions.

Furthermore, EP 461873 discloses a wax applicator for evenly applying a thin layer of wax to a floor surface in such a way that the wax does not solidify during application. The applicator includes a valve regulated by a knob, a shaft with a handle and nozzles evenly distributed in the base of the applicator, through which the wax contained in the bag reservoir is applied.

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A brief review of these descriptions shows that there is no device suitable for conveniently, efficiently applying a liquid floor finish to a floor with a large surface area by means of a mobile device with a cart. The available application equipment is not structurally suited to take advantage of the unique properties of the high solids paste composition for the floor. The larger, known, portable or motor-powered devices are adapted for serial application and removal, usually by means of vacuum devices, of aqueous materials used to wash, rinse or maintain floor surfaces.

Conventional techniques really are not suited to a single user applying a single, strong layer of high solids materials. The known solutions are largely targeted at portable devices for cleaning large floor areas in institutions, rather than applying maintenance layers of floor finish.

There is a considerable need for equipment and methods adapted to form a single strong layer of floor finish by one person maintaining floors with a high solids floor finish composition.

The method of the invention is a method of forming a floor finish layer on a floor wherein, by means of an assembly including a portable liquid paste reservoir, an aqueous floor finish composition is applied to the floor to form a substantially uniform, dried layer of finish.

The method according to the invention is characterized in that a paste composition which contains more than 30 wt. solids, applied to a resilient vinyl floor in an amount of about 30 milliliters to 90 milliliters of aqueous paste composition for each square meter of flooring, giving a dried paste layer of about 0.01 mm to 0.03 mm in an amount of about 10 g / m2² up to 35 g / m² resilient vinyl floor.

Preferably, the paste composition is additionally filtered before applying it to the floor.

Also preferably, the liquid paste is stored in a tank having a normally closed valve interface, the valve is opened by connecting the tank to a conduit which allows the liquid paste to flow out onto the floor, and the liquid paste is passed through the joint.

The liquid paste can additionally be filtered before passing it through the joint.

Preferably, a dried floor finish layer of about 15 g / m2 to 30 g / m2 is obtained.

Also preferably, the floor finish layer is formed by applying the liquid floor finish one time.

From about 35 milliliters to 80 milliliters of the aqueous paste composition may be applied to the floor surface and spread using an overlay with a microfiber surface (123, 127), application and spreading being done at least once.

Preferably, the floor finish is applied from a portable reservoir which is refilled with an aqueous paste composition.

Preferably a portable reservoir is used which has a capacity of 5 to 15 liters.

An assembly according to the invention for forming a floor finish layer on a floor which comprises a portable liquid paste reservoir having a capacity of about 5 to 20 liters, further comprising an application wand, the reservoir being provided with an interface for the flow of the liquid paste to the wand to be provided. a handle, an applicator cap, and a tubing connecting the canister to the applicator cap, while the applicator cap includes an engaging surface and an inner foam canister.

The assembly of the invention is characterized in that the applicator cap further comprises a microfiber surface and the application wand includes a device for dispensing an aqueous floor finish composition onto a resilient vinyl floor.

Preferably, the portable reservoir has a housing housing a reservoir for the liquid floor finish.

The connector preferably includes a rotating union.

The connector may include a filter adapted and configured to filter the liquid paste upstream of the connector or conduit.

The filter preferably includes a flexible, elongated filter element.

Also preferably, the connector comprises a normally closed valve and a valve actuator, the normally closed valve retaining fluid in the reservoir when not connected to a conduit, and the actuator opening the valve when connected to a conduit.

The handle may include a device for dispensing the aqueous floor finish composition.

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The reservoir is preferably a flexible, collapsible bag that includes two polymer layers, with the outer layer being an oxygen barrier.

Optionally, the housing includes a hose holder.

The assembly of the invention for applying floor finish comprises a source of aqueous floor finish hydraulically connected to the applicator wand. The applicator wand is provided with a handle, a dispensing device for the applicator nozzle, a dispensing cap, and optionally a high solids paste composition. In one embodiment, a spreading overlay with microfiber technology is used in combination with a high solids paste. This allows one operator to apply a single thick, strong coat of paste in a single application, i.e. in one pass.

In one embodiment of the invention, the floor paste in a flexible reservoir is housed in the backpack housing. The flexible reservoir may be equipped with a connector capable of engaging a conduit that may be attached to the applicator wand structure. The wand structure may include a channel facing the nozzle of a floor finish applicator that may be used to dispense an appropriate amount of the floor finish composition onto the flexible vinyl surface. The apparatus may include a filter for filtering the paste before or as it exits the reservoir. The wand structure also includes an attached microfiber cap which can serve to spread at an appropriate rate of application water-containing finish in an amount sufficient to apply a thick layer of floor finish in a single pass.

For the purposes of this patent application, the term resilient vinyl flooring refers to conventional, commercially available flooring materials typically found in the trade, such as in large retail stores.

The subject of the invention is presented in the example in the drawing, where

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a portable reservoir of an assembly according to the present invention that can contain a liquid paste, preferably in the form of one or more soft bags.

Fig. 2 shows an end view of the reservoir of the assembly of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows an open receptacle of the assembly of Fig. 1 with a moveable cover or opening which is positioned so that the paste composition can be seen and the reservoir positioned on the support surface inside the assembly. The reservoir may have a flexible or swivel joint and a conduit that connects it to the wand.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a joint that conveys the fluid floor finish from the reservoir to the channel.

Fig. 5 shows details of an example of a slot formed in the bottom of the reservoir housing which serves to fix the conduit in a predetermined position and prevent it from moving while applying the paste.

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of a floor finish container with a wire fastening surface and a connector part.

Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of an application stick used in conjunction with a reservoir. A conduit exiting the fluid paste reservoir is connected to a flexible conduit connected to a wand that guides the paste from the reservoir conduit to the applicator nozzle connector. The wand also serves as the base of the liquid paste dispensing device and the applicator cap.

Fig. 8 shows the tip of the wand with the applicator cap. The rod is shown with a dispensing device and dispensing nozzle superimposed thereon. The paste is delivered to the dosing nozzle via a line. When the flow of paste is started with a trigger (not shown), a portion of the paste flows through the nozzle onto the floor. Then it is distributed through the overlay. The pad is mounted on a hook which forms its support surface. In this example, the opposite ends of the clip are placed in pockets formed in the cap, and the clip holds the clip in the securing position.

Figures 9A and 9B show alternative embodiments of Velcro applicator caps. Fig. 9A shows the Velcro surface. The Velcro surface is sewn to the microfiber surface (Fig. 9B) with a sewn hook and hem. Fig. 9B shows a microfiber surface with microfibers disposed in a woven or non-woven material to spread the paste. Between the Velcro surface and the microfiber surface is a foam reservoir (not shown) having sufficient volume to contain a portion of the liquid paste.

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Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the applicator cap. You can see the microfiber surface, the Velcro hook surfaces, the cross section of the foam tank, all assembled with a sewn structure.

The floor finish application unit of the present invention includes a portable floor finish container, such as a portable unit adapted for a single user. Such a portable reservoir may include a backpack assembly for securing the reservoir of high solids paste to the floor. The portable reservoir or backpack with paste therein, or a reservoir of floor finish, has a hydraulic connection to an application wand having a fluid line leading to the dispensing tip and applicator cap. The application wand includes a dispensing device that enables the user to apply an appropriate amount of floor finish to the flexible vinyl floor surface. The device may be integrated into the handpiece. In a preferred embodiment, a single user can apply a thick, strong paste layer with a high solids content to the surface of the substrate at a time.

The portable tank or backpack is equipped with an attachment device used by the user. The backpack structure is put on using a shoulder strap or a harness placed on the user's back. The portable reservoir can be used in many configurations, including use as a chest pack, as a holster, or any other configuration that the user is able to hold during the paste application operation. The backpack container may be configured to contain a flexible or rigid - inelastic reservoir filled with an appropriate amount of floor finish.

The portable tank or backpack should be so configured that for eight hours (including multiple refills or replacement of the floor polishing material) it is easy and comfortable to handle and does not cause fatigue. The filled tank or backpack should therefore not weigh more than approximately 15 kg, although it should contain at least 5 liters of floor finish, with a maximum capacity of approximately 15 liters. In one embodiment, the backpack may contain a reservoir of approximately 7 liters. The portable reservoir or backpack should be configured for easy refilling or access to the interior of the backpack. Access must be possible for removing empty paste tanks and placing filled. In one embodiment, the backpack may simply be filled from the floor finish reservoir without a separate reservoir. However, it is preferred that the floor finish reservoir is a flexible, semi-rigid or rigid reservoir conforming to the interior space of the backpack. In one embodiment, the floor finish container is a collapsible polymer bag made of two or more layers. The tank is simply inserted into the backpack without any major modifications to the backpack's structure. In a preferred embodiment, however, the backpack provides access to the interior with a closable structure that can be opened and closed during operations where empty tanks are replaced with filled tanks. In a preferred embodiment, the backpack has an openable door revealing the inside of the backpack for easy access to empty tanks and insertion of the filled tank.

The dimensions and configuration of the inside of the portable tank are selected according to the liquid floor finish or according to the room and support of the tank. In one embodiment, the container has a lock design with a key so that only a suitably shaped container of paste can be effectively inserted into a recess in the backpack capable of containing and supporting the container. The surface of the container that contacts the wall of the portable container or backpack preferably has a surface with a unique profile so that only containers adapted to that profile will fit into the interior space of the portable container or backpack. The reservoir may have a unique surface shape that contacts the backpack support structure, or it may have a unique surface shape on the side where it contacts the interior space of the backpack. Such profiles may include protruding areas, indentations, or an overall shape or profile to fit the interior space of the backpack. Depending on the application, the backpack may be configured to contain two or more separate tanks containing either identical floor finish compositions or combinable two component compositions, optionally different floor finish compositions, depending on the application.

The portable fluid floor finish reservoir of the present invention includes a conduit that may act as a fluid transport element to direct the floor finish from the backpack to the floor finish applicator bar. In one embodiment, the

In the floor, a joint is installed which directs the paste from the reservoir to the associated conduit structure.

In one embodiment, a single conduit or hose connects a source of liquid floor finish to the dispensing device. In another embodiment, the line of the backpack is coupled to a line installed on the application wand together with a dispensing valve and cap.

The backpack can be adapted for use by both right-handed and left-handed people, depending on the choice. The cord from the backpack can be installed in a right-handed or left-handed version by means of the constraining structure of the cord provided in the portable unit according to the invention to facilitate the use and application of the paste in all circumstances by all users. In one embodiment, the reservoir is permanently assembled with the conduit and when the reservoir with the conduit is installed in a rucksack with a fresh amount of high solids paste to the floor, the conduit is directed away from the reservoir. In one embodiment, the channel at its outer end engages the dispensing device, and in the vicinity thereof, to the wand, and is provided at the proximal end with a device for engaging an armature on the floor finish reservoir. The wire guiding from the connector can be placed in a wire stop shaped in the backpack housing which protects both these cooperating parts against undesirable and inappropriate movements.

In one embodiment, the tank is coupled to a conduit for operation with the two piece joint. One portion of the connector may be on the conduit and may be detachably connected thereto. The other portion of the connector may be integral with the reservoir, or may be connected to the reservoir by the user. The two parts of the joint may be threaded to make their interconnection detachable. In one embodiment, the container part of the connector may include a filter. The filter may be oriented to be inside the reservoir, in a configuration where fluid leaving the reservoir must pass through the filter. The filter can have any of a number of configurations. For example, the filter may be shaped like a cylinder with a flattened end, a sock or a bag, cylindrical, tubular, bulbous, spherical, flattened, or the like. The filter may be coupled to the connector by any of a variety of methods. For example, the filter can be connected to the joint by ultrasonic welding, friction, gluing. The filter can be an integral part of the joint.

Preferably, the filter is an elongated filter element that is flexible but not flabby. That is, the fluid or solids in the reservoir cannot crush the flexible filter on the opening plumbing to the conduit. The flexible filter may bend if inserting the flexible reservoir into the backpack forcibly brings the filter into contact with the backpack. Preferably, the flexible filter is configured to reduce or eliminate excessive friction against the flexible reservoir, for example by providing rounded rather than sharp edges. The filter can be made of a wide variety of materials suitable for making filters for floor finish materials. For example, the filter may be plastic, metal or non-woven. For example also, the filter may be made of mesh, mesh material or solid sheet with holes.

The filter may contain openings or pores of any suitable size to allow the liquid floor finish to flow through the filter while retaining undesirable gel solids or particulate material. In one embodiment, the filter openings are 0.0015 inches to 0.2 inches (0.4 mm to 5 mm) in size. In another embodiment, the filter openings have a maximum size of about 0.03 inches to 0.1 inches (0.76 mm to 2.5 mm). In another embodiment, the filter openings have a maximum dimension of 0.04 inches to 0.07 inches (1 mm to 1.8 mm). In yet another embodiment, the holes have a maximum dimension of 0.05 inches (1.25 mm).

In one embodiment, the connector comprises a valve. The valve holds fluid in the reservoir when the reservoir is not connected to the tubing. For example, the container portion of the connector may include a valve that is normally closed. The conduit portion of the connector may include a valve actuator such that when the conduit is connected to the reservoir, the reservoir and conduit remain in fluid communication.

In one embodiment, after the backpack is put on, the reservoir conduit is in turn connected to a conduit installed on the application wand that leads directly to the application metering valve structure. The reservoir conduit may be connected to the wand conduit by a common bonding device including a joint or nipple providing a hydraulic connection from the reservoir to the pole paste applicator. In one embodiment, a single conduit runs from the reservoir to the dispensing device.

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The conduit leading to the dispensing structure is preferably sized and configured to allow a significant amount of liquid floor finish to be driven through the bar to the floor. Preferably, operations are performed with a rucksack that is structurally suited to apply about 10 milliliters to about 120 milliliters of floor finish per square meter of floor, preferably from about 30 milliliters to about 100 milliliters of floor finish per square meter of flooring. Such dosing will ensure a thick, flexible and strong coating on the floor surface. This dosing produces a once applied, dried layer with a thickness, after the fluid has evaporated, from about 0.005 millimeters to about 0.05 millimeters. The floor finish structure of the present invention is adapted to allow the floor finish to be applied relatively quickly to the vinyl floor surface. Accordingly, when operating under favorable conditions, an experienced operator may apply the floor finish in the desired amount and thickness at a rate of from about 3.0 square meters to about 10 square meters per minute of operation.

The application rail of the present invention is adapted to readily dispense an appropriate amount of floor finish onto a flexible vinyl floor surface and to spread the water-containing finish in a suitably thin layer. In a preferred embodiment, the wand has a handle at its proximal end and an attachment element at its outer end for an application overlay. Close to the application cap is a dispensing valve or orifice that is connected to a trigger in the wand handle. The wand further includes a conduit that can provide a plumbing connection for the liquid floor finish from a container or reservoir in a backpack to a dispensing opening proximate the cap. In a preferred mode of operation, the operator triggers a flow of floor finish until the appropriate amount is applied to the floor near the overlay as the application device is manipulated in the handle structure. The overlay is then used to pick up some paste first inside the foam reservoir inside the overlay. After substantially complete saturation with the liquid floor polish, the pad is slid over the floor surface to evenly distribute the floor polish in a thick layer. The overlay can be moved to outline different patterns on the floor surface. The chosen design can be selected according to the type of space and depending on the choice of the personnel. For example, relatively narrow corridors may be covered with a linear forward and backward movement, while large surface areas may also be rubbed in an arched or semicircular pattern. However, the preferred procedure is to apply as much floor finish as is sufficient to form a thick, flexible, strong coating with a single application to the floor surface.

The proximal end of a floor coating wand typically includes a handle and a trigger for applying floor finish, substantially any type of floor finish dispensing device may be used in the handle. Known lever or trigger structures that are operably connected to the application nozzle can be used. It is advantageous if the selected structure is readily adaptable in order to apply the appropriate amount of polish to the floor surface. The application wand typically includes a conduit that extends from the backpack along or inside the handle down to the application nozzle. In one embodiment, the cable is connected to the cable in the pole by means of a conveniently placed connector for easy connection to the cable on the handle. The conduit is then directed to the dispensing structure. In one embodiment, a single conduit extends from the pack to the bar to the dispensing device.

The conduit may be mechanically connected to the wand by various means. It can be installed in the tubular structure of the bar, it can be attached externally along the structure with mechanical clips, or it can be wrapped around the bar to keep the conduit connected loosely with the bar. The conduit usually terminates at a dispensing structure installed at the distal end of the dispensing wand. The dispensing structure is typically installed at the distal end of the application wand so as to allow the liquid paste to be applied with substantially no splashing. The dispensing structure is operatively connected to the applicator of the handpiece for suitable application of the water-containing floor finish. The dispensing structure may include valve structures for the dispensing application of appropriate amounts of floor finish. In a preferred embodiment, the desired amount of floor finish may be selected by activating the dispensing structure, which may include simple open / close valves, mechanically or electrically actuated valves, or other structure.

In one aspect of the dispensing device, the diameter of the exit opening used to dispense the appropriate volume of floor finish. The basic dosing device usually has

A diameter of from about 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, preferably from about 0.03 mm to 0.2 mm, for a suitable floor finish additive. The application rod ends at its outer end with an application overlay. The application pad is pivoted to the end of the applicator wand to allow it to pivot about the wand end and to maintain contact between the wand's application surface and the floor surface. This flexible hinge can be achieved by providing a flexible linkage which ensures that the cap is in contact with the floor over the entire application surface of the cap. A variety of structures can be used to flexibly pivot the cap to the distal end of the application wand. The application overlay of the present invention is adapted to be easily installed at the distal end of the application wand, acting as a reservoir with a substantial amount of the liquid floor finish, and having a surface area suitable for spreading the liquid floor finish in appropriate amounts over the floor, so that the floor finish can be applied once to form a thick, strong uninterrupted coating on the floor.

One of the features of the overlay is its ease of use. It is advantageous for the convenience and comfort of the user if the movement of the pad gives as little resistance as possible to the application of the floor finish. Accordingly, it is preferred if the pad can be sized and configured such that resistance to movement of the pad with liquid floor finish across the floor is minimal. Such an overlay will be very easy to apply, it will apply the floor finish in appropriate amounts, but without causing significant fatigue to the user, which would prevent proper spreading of the applied amounts of floor finish. In our study, we found an overlay with an application area ranging from 500 square centimeters to 2000 square centimeters to be optimal, which is an application area suitable for high-quality paste coverage and minimum staff fatigue. The profile of the application surface may be substantially rectangular, oval, circular or other. In a preferred mode of operation, as stated, it is advantageous if the cap is substantially rectangular with a length of 2 to 6 times its width. The caps are preferably from about 10 to about 20 centimeters wide and from about 50 to about 100 centimeters long. The pad can have pockets or inserts located in the engaging surface of the pad which can interact with the mechanical elements on the bar to provide a tight fit with the bar structure. In one embodiment, the wand may have a flexible structure that can be inserted into pockets formed in the pad that can be used to secure the pad to the wand. Alternatively, the cap may have a Velcro fastening surface which can simply be pressed against the corresponding surface at the outer end of the application wand for secure insertion. The application overlay typically has an engaging surface, an inner foam reservoir and, on the surface opposite the engaging surface, an application with a microfiber distribution structure.

The overlay is typically formed by loosely assembling the engaging surface, foam insert, and microfiber application surface, and then mechanically interlocking the layers into a laminate structure. Various tacking means can be used, including hot melt adhesives, seam welding or sewing. In a preferred mode of operation, the layers are joined by sewing the overlay along its length and around the circumference to ensure that the layers are closely joined.

The application area has a microfiber distribution device installed. The use of microfibers on the application surface ensures that the foam reservoir of the applied floor finish and the application surface interact in applying a large amount of floor finish to the surface, resulting in a strong layer of floor finish. The microfibers should preferably be applied to the overlay with an alignment. The microfibers are typically positioned or installed in a cap support structure in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the cap. In other words, as the pad moves across the floor, the microfibers are substantially perpendicular to the floor surface. However, it is clear that the microfibers are very flexible and will move according to the resultant force applied by the operator on application. Accordingly, the microfibers will contact the floor finish and the floor surface during application and will follow the movement of the pad. However, the microfibers are installed in the pad surface in a direction perpendicular to the pad surface (and the floor surface). In a preferred embodiment, the microfiber elements are produced by incorporating the microfibers into the fabric by simply looping and bonding the microfiber in the fabric surface. The microfibers extend from the surface of the overlay a distance of about 0.1 to about 5 millimeters, typically about 0.1 to about 2 millimeters. Applying low force with a large amount of applied floor finish materials provides a microfiber form of about 50% to about 80% of the pad area per square centimeter, preferably about 70% to about 80% fibers per square centimeter.

The inner foam reservoir formed in the application pad of the present invention may typically contain about 30 to about 85 milliliters of floor finish per square meter of pad. The overlay is typically a fine open cell foam structure having a thickness, prior to compression during manufacture, which may be from about 0.2 to about 2 centimeters.

The microfiber assemblies are small fibers having a size of about 0.2 to about 5 denier, typically about 0.8 to about 1.5 denier. Microfibers are typically made of two relatively incompatible polymeric materials, for example polyester and polyamide. The fibers are produced by the coextrusion method and then split into microfiber during production. The most common microfiber structure is the core structure with wedge-shaped peripheral structures with a slight apex angle, less than 0.5 denier. The yarn made of the microfiber comprises wedge-shaped filaments and a core filament. The phenomenon of capillary action between the wedge-shaped filament and the core filament produces a very high absorption, which in turn allows the microfiber structures to absorb large amounts of floor finish, and allows large amounts of floor finish to be applied overlay to the floor with little or no defect quality. The preferred microfiber comprises about 80% polyethylene terephthalate polyester and about 20% polyamide, such as nylon.

The high solids paste compositions of the present invention which can be used in microfiber technology are typically formulated using an aqueous material in the form of a dispersion or suspension. Typically, the water-containing floor paste comprises an organic polymeric material filled with various other polymeric materials or modifying compositions. Typical paste compositions may include water-containing coatings, including water-based paste compositions of the polished, self-glossy or non-polished type, temporary protective coatings, or other known types of formulations. These water-containing coatings can give substantially transparent coatings after the volatilization of the aqueous vehicles. The composition can include non-volatile, solid film-forming polymeric materials dispersed in aqueous vehicles with the aid of dispersing or emulsifying materials to form a homogeneous aqueous formulation. Such emulsifying or dispersing materials containing anionic or non-anionic agents are used in amounts sufficient to form a stable aqueous dispersion of the polymeric film-forming materials in the aqueous vehicles. The judicious composition of such film-forming materials with a high solids content enables sufficient film-forming polymer to be applied to form a thick strong coating in one application or pass. Such formulations may contain other ingredients of an organic or inorganic nature, a surfactant (wetting agent) or other additive materials which facilitate the formation of a uniform smooth layer of floor finish. The polymeric film-forming material typically comprises a solid polymeric material that can emulsify or disperse in an aqueous carrier in combination with wax or other polymeric film-forming agents, natural and synthetic resins, including alkali-soluble resins, and other additive materials.

These representative examples and such synthetic polymeric materials include vinyl acetate polymers, vinyl chloride or vinylidene chloride polymers, polyurethane materials, butadiene-containing copolymer materials, acrylonitrile, styrene, vinyl acetate, acrylic monomers, and especially cross-linked acrylic units containing complexed acrylic polymers. metal or ionically cross-linked acrylic polymers. Other resins may include terpene materials, terpene-phenolic polymers, and others. Representative examples of a commercially available polymeric floor finish are available from Rhom &amp; Haas or SC Johnson Co.

Floor pastes with the composition of the present invention can be prepared by combining a film-forming polymer with an additive package containing plasticizers. Examples of labile plasticizers are diethylene glycol, ethylene glycol alkyl ether, benzyl alcohol and its ethers, and other such liquid materials. Stable plasticizers include phthalate plasticizers, polyol fatty acid esters, benzoate esters, tricresyl phosphate, and others. The plasticizers selected for use in the formulations of the present invention were selected accordingly

According to the compatibility and efficiency of applying the floor polishes of the present invention at the application temperature.

Additive materials can also be used in the paste compositions of the present invention. Such additives typically include surfactant wetting agent compositions. Other additives include preservatives, disinfectants, and formers, preservatives, fragrances, pigments or dyes, leveling agents, and other non-modifying agents.

In one aspect, the composition of a floor finish according to the present invention relates to the amount of materials present in the floor finish. Preferred compositions can be formulated by combining formulations containing water, polymeric film-forming material, modifiers, others in the case of acrylic components. The total amount of each material in the aqueous solution is selected to give a total amount of 28 wt.%. % to 45 wt.%, preferably 30 wt.%. up to 40 wt.%, total solids, of the composition as a whole.

A preferred formulation for use in the floor finish sets of the present invention is as follows:

TABLE

Paste with increased solids content

General description

Water

Wetting agent (fluoro derivative of hydrocarbon)

Silicone antifoam

Glycol ether

Tributoxyethyl phosphate

Preservative

Surfactant

Polyacrylate emulsion (38%)

Resin

Polyethylene-polypropylene wax (30% -40%)

Range

0% - 20% 0,02% - 0,2% 0,02% - 0,2% 5% - 9%

2% - 5%

0,1% - 1%

0% - 2%

55% - 75% 0% - 7%

5% - 15%

According to the present invention, a portable floor finish application device is used, for example a knapsack for floor finish. Such a container has a hydraulic connection via a conduit to the applicator wand. The applicator wand includes a valve that can assist in dispensing the polish when applying it to the floor through the dispensing nozzle, distribution cap, and floor finish conduit. The figures below of the drawings show details of the mechanical aspects of the floor finish application equipment of the present invention. Identical elements correspond to identical reference numerals in all the figures.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a portable unit according to the invention with a backpack according to the present invention. Backpack 100 includes a housing 102 and a movable or openable lid 101 that can be opened to insert or remove a floor polish container (not shown, see Figs. 3 and 6). The floor finish tank may have a fluid coupling with a conduit 103 which may provide a path for the fluid floor finish to flow. When working with the backpack, the lid 101 opens to reveal either a receptacle or a container installed inside the backpack. The container is either inserted into or replaced with another one containing a fresh refill of floor polish. A cord is attached to the container and the backpack is closed.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the reverse side of the backpack 101 of the present invention. Figure 2 shows the closed opening 101 and the housing 102. The conduit 103 is shown extending from the edge of the housing 102. The reverse side of the housing 102 of the present invention shows a recess or support notches 104a and 104b formed in the housing to support the entrance of the floor finish container ( not shown, see Figures 3 and 6) to housing 102. Preferably, housing 102 is fabricated from a thermoplastic material, optionally with molded support surfaces for the reservoir. The indentations 104a and 104b provide both a locking action and a key function and support the reservoir filled with the liquid floor paste.

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Fig. 3 shows an open backpack according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 3, the opening lid 101 is shown in an open position (not necessarily fully open). The reservoir 106 is shown inserted into the housing 102. The reservoir 106 is supported in the housing 102 by a support surface 105a and other support surfaces in a formed location for the reservoir 106 within the housing 102. The reservoir is equipped with a connector 107a and 107b that allows the floor finish to flow through conduit 103 from reservoir 106 to an applicator wand (not shown). The cable 103 is held in the backpack 102 by a cable restraining member 108, which holds the cable in place in the backpack during operation. The backpack 100 is adapted to be used by left-handed or right-handed persons by forming a cord locking member 108 on each side of the backpack (both left and right). The backpack is structurally designed for easy replacement of the reservoir 106 by detaching the conduit 103 from the reservoir simply by removing the reservoir 106 from the enclosure 102 taking care that removal and insertion of the reservoir 106 takes place without damaging the connectors 107a and 107b.

Fig. 4A is a close-up view showing an embodiment of the joint 107a and 107b connected to the reservoir 106 and inserted into the support 105a and 105b. The hydraulic connection 107a and 107b for providing the flow of floor finish fluid from the reservoir 106 to the conduit 104 is accomplished by a two piece joint structure. The coupling structure includes a rotatable cap 107 and a member 107b for engaging the open opening of the reservoir with mounting rings 108a and 108b. In one embodiment, when the reservoir 106 is positioned in the backpack 102 on the support surface 105b, the open reservoir opening is inserted into the opening 105a, which is captured by rings 108a and 108b of the circumferentially open reservoir opening 107b. The set of rings 108a and 108b of the opening 107b with an open circumference keeps the reservoir locked in the backpack 102. The open circuit assembly at the reservoir allows fluid to flow from the reservoir through the opening 107b to the rotating cap 107a, and the high solids paste easily passes from the reservoir through this opening to the rotating cap and then through conduit 103 to the application wand (not shown). In Figure 4, ring 108a and ring 108b form an engaging surface that engages in opening 105a to lock the reservoir in place.

Fig. 4B shows an embodiment of the connector 107b. This embodiment of the connector 107b can be an integral part of the reservoir 106. The connector 107b in this embodiment includes rings 108a and 108b as well as a filter 200. In an embodiment where the connector 107b is an integral part of the reservoir 106, the reservoir 106 may be part of the reservoir 106. or a replacement, ring 108b. The illustrated filter 200 may have a sock-shaped elongated structure with a proximal end 202 and a distal end 204. In the operative configuration, reservoir 106 includes a filter 200. The proximal end 202 may be coupled to a joint 107b surrounding an opening 206 (not shown) formed by the joint 107b. In this figure, the distal end 204 of the filter 320 is shown flat-sealed. Connector portion 107b includes threads 208 for removable connection to connector portion 107a. Preferably, fluid exiting reservoir 106 passes through filter 200.

Fig. 5 shows a detail of an embodiment of the limiting element of the cable displacement. The restraint has edges 109a and 109b, a recess 110 and a surface 111 formed in backpack 102. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, backpack 102 includes a cord restrictor for both the left-handed and right-handed versions of backpack 102. Recess 110 provides a conduit location in accordance with the present invention, with the conduit being held relative to recess 110 by edges 109a and 109b. The profile of the surface 111 in the molded portion of the container 102 provides a location for the conduit 104 which prevents the conduit from bending which would obstruct the flow of paste. In one embodiment, the container displacement restraining portion compresses the hose or wire by no more than about 5% to ensure that the wire is held in place by the portion.

Fig. 6A shows an embodiment of a floor finish tank 106 in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the floor finish reservoir 106a is structurally designed to fit tightly the interior space of the housing 102. The exterior surfaces of the reservoir 106a are complementary to the interior surfaces of the housing 102. In particular, surfaces 114 and 113 conform to support surfaces, i.e. housing-shaped surfaces 105, which fit snugly against reservoir 106a ensuring that the reservoir is retained within the enclosure while the floor finish is applied. The tank has an engaging engaging surface 112 that provides a connection point 107a and 107b for the conduit 104.

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Fig. 6B shows an embodiment of a floor finish tank 106 in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the floor finish reservoir 106b is a flexible reservoir that can receive and conform to the interior space of the housing 102. The reservoir 106b includes an integral connector 107b that can engage a connector 107a that may be disposed on. end of conduit 103. Connector 107b may include a filter 200 (not shown). The flexible reservoir can be a collapsible bag. The collapsible bag can contain two or more layers of polymeric material. The material of the layer can be selected to constitute an oxygen barrier. For example, the outer layer may be made of a polymer through which oxygen only permeates very slowly or not at all, for example known copolymers of ethylene and vinyl alcohol (e.g. EVOH).

Fig. 7A shows in detail an embodiment of application wand 119a of the present invention. In this embodiment, the connectors 107a and 107b are installed on a reservoir 106 (not shown) in the backpack of the invention. The conduit 103 extends to a connection 115 which connects the flow of floor paste to the floor to a hose 117 which supplies paste to the dispensing device 118 of the applicator dispensing nozzle. The handle 116 is fitted with a trigger 116a that is structurally adapted to release the paste from the dispensing device 118 to ensure that, when spreading the paste, a significant portion of it is deposited on the floor.

Fig. 7B is a detailed representation of an embodiment of application wand 119b of the present invention. In this embodiment, the connector 107a may be installed on a reservoir 106b (not shown) within the backpack 102 of the invention. The conduit 103 supplies the paste to the dispensing device 118 of the applicator nozzle. The handle 116 is fitted with a trigger 116a that is structurally adapted to release the paste from the dispensing device 118 to ensure that, when the paste is spread, a significant portion of it is deposited on the floor with substantially all of the solids.

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of a further applicator stick part according to the invention. Fig. 8 shows the wand with the dispensing device 118 of the nozzle 120 of the applicator installed on the wand 119. The paste is fed to the application nozzle 120 through conduit 117. Triggering a trigger 116a (not shown) to flow the paste causes a volume of paste to be applied through the nozzle 120 to the floor. The liquid is then distributed through the overlay. The applicator cap 123 is installed on the cap clip 122 that provides a support surface for the cap 123. In this embodiment, the opposite ends of the tab 122 are housed in pockets 124 formed in the cap 123 that keep the cap installed on the tab 122 of the bar structure 119.

Figures 9A and 9B show an alternative embodiment of a pad 123 with a Velcro fastener. Figure 9A shows the Velcro surface 125. The Velcro surface is sewn to the microfiber surface (see Figure 9B) using sewing on the overlay 128 and circumference 126. Figure 9B shows the microfiber surface 127 having some microfiber distribution inserted into a woven or non-woven fabric. used to spread the floor finish. Between the Velcro engaging surface 125 and the microfiber surface 127 is a foam reservoir (not shown) with sufficient capacity to hold a certain volume of the liquid floor finish.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view of the cap of the present invention. Fig. 10 shows a surface 127 with a microfiber, a hooking surface 125 with Velcro and an inner foam reservoir 129 all joined together by a bonding seam 128.

Experimental study

Example 1

With the floor finish application unit shown in the figures, on a flexible vinyl floor, in a single application, approximately 3.8 liters (1 gallon) for every 30 m² (about 100 square feet), a floor finish composition having the following composition was applied:

General description Scope

Water, soft 8.15

Zonyl FSJ 0.05

SWS 211 0.03

Diethylene glycol methyl ether 6.00

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<td>Texanol</td><td> 1,50</td>

<td>KP-140</td><td> 1,20</td>

<td>Kathon CG / ICP</td><td> 0,07</td>

<td>Rhopex B-1162 (Rohm &amp; Haas)</td><td> 68,00</td>

<td>Conrez 500 (25%)</td><td> 4,00</td>

<td>AC-325 (35%)</td><td> 5,00</td>

<td>AC-540 (40%)</td><td> 6,00</td>

<td>TOTAL</td><td> 100,00</td>

<td>Water-containing material overlaid</td><td>allowed to dry for a glossy coating</td>

about 0.01 mm thick.

Example 2

With the floor finish application unit shown in the figures, on a flexible vinyl floor, in a single application, approximately 3.8 liters (1 gallon) for every 30 m² (about 100 square feet), a floor finish composition having the following composition was applied:

<td>General description</td><td>Range</td>

<td>Water, soft</td><td> 16,25</td>

<td>Zonyl FSJ</td><td> 0,05</td>

<td>SWS 211</td><td> 0,03</td>

<td>Diethylene glycol ethyl ether</td><td> 5,40</td>

<td>Dipropylene glycol methyl ether</td><td> 1,50</td>

<td>KP-140</td><td> 1,70</td>

<td>Kathon CG / ICP</td><td> 0,07</td>

<td>MorGlo 2 (Omnova)</td><td> 60,00</td>

<td>Conrez 500 (25%)</td><td> 6,00</td>

<td>AC-325 (35%)</td><td> 4,00</td>

<td>AC-540 (40%)</td><td> 5,00</td>

<td>TOTAL</td><td> 100,00</td>

<td>Water-containing material overlaid</td><td>allowed to dry for a glossy coating</td>

about 0.01 mm thick.

It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms, these, etc. also include the plural references, unless expressly stated otherwise. It should also be noted that the term or is usually used to mean including and / or unless expressly stated otherwise.

It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and appended claims, the phrase adapted and configured describes an assembly, apparatus, or other structure that is designed or configured to perform a particular task, or selected for a particular configuration. The phrase structurally adapted and configured may be used interchangeably with other similar phrases, for example in layout and configuration, constructed and arranged, adapted, constructed, made and arranged, etc.

Some assemblies, materials of construction or the claimed elements are described using the nomenclature set according to the description of the invention. While the nomenclature in this application is adequate to the description set forth therein, the description includes alternate terms or synonyms that may also be used to describe assemblies, materials of construction, or claimed features. Simple synonym substitution does not distinguish the use of this structure in the infringement assessment conditions.

While the embodiments of the present invention described in this specification and drawings are fully capable of applying a satisfactorily flowable floor finish in a single application to form a thick strong layer of floor finish, and to achieve all the desired objects and aspects of the invention, the invention is not limited to structures only. in the description of the invention and in the drawings which are attached for illustrative purposes. As such, the essence of the invention resides in the claims appended hereto.

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