Self-propelled extraction systems and methods

A platform assembly for allowing a user to extract fluids from a floor structure, comprising:

• a deck structure defining a surface on which the user stands;
• a frame structure supporting the deck structure and at least one drive wheel for propelling the platform assembly;
• an inlet assembly comprising
• an inlet housing defining a housing chamber, where the inlet housing is supported by the deck structure,
• an inlet pipe defining a pipe chamber, where the inlet pipe is supported in a fixed position relative to the inlet housing, and
• an inlet member defining a plurality of inlet openings, where the inlet member is supported in a fixed position relative to the inlet housing;
• whereby
• an inlet passageway extends through the inlet openings, the housing chamber, and the pipe chamber;
• and
• in a use mode, the at least one drive wheel and the inlet member are in contact with the floor structure.

A system for extracting invasive liquids from a floor structure, comprising:

• a platform assembly;
• a handle assembly extending from the platform assembly;
• a drive system comprising
• first and second drive wheels supported by the platform assembly, and
• a control member supported by the handle assembly;
• whereby
• displacement of the control member causes the first and second drive wheels to rotate to cause the platform assembly to move in at least one of a forward direction, a reverse direction, a first pivot direction, and a second pivot direction.

A drive system for allowing a user standing on a platform assembly to displace the platform assembly along a floor surface, comprising:

• at least first and second drive wheels supported by the platform assembly such that the first and second drive wheels engage the floor surface;
• and
• a joystick arranged such that the user standing on the platform assembly can displace the joystick in one or more of a forward direction, a reverse direction, a first side direction, and a second side direction;
• whereby
• displacement of the joystick in
• the forward direction causes the platform assembly to move in the forward direction;
• the reverse direction causes the platform assembly to move in the reverse direction;
• the first side direction causes the platform assembly to move in the first pivot direction;
• and
• the second side direction causes the platform assembly to move in the second pivot direction.

A method of applying a vacuum to a floor structure, comprising the steps of:

• providing a vacuum system for creating at least a partial vacuum;
• providing a platform assembly defining
• at least one inlet opening directed to a portion of the floor structure, and
• an outlet opening;
• and
• operatively connecting the vacuum hose to the vacuum system and the outlet opening;
• providing a drive system comprising a control member and first and second drive wheels;
• operatively connecting the control member and the first and second drive wheels such that displacing the control member causes rotation of the first and second drive wheels;
• supporting the first and second wheels on the platform assembly and engaging the first and second wheels with the floor structure such that rotation of the first and second drive wheels causes the platform assembly to move in at least one of a forward direction, a reverse direction, a first pivot direction, and a second pivot direction;
• and
• displacing the control member such that the platform assembly moves in at least one of a forward direction, a reverse direction, a first pivot direction, and a second pivot direction relative to the floor structure to cause the inlet opening to move along a path relative to the floor structure.