US 6,539,575 B1 · Agitator for a cleaning machine with material cutting channel

Abstract

An agitator for use with cleaning machines, as well as methods for making the same, are shown and described. The agitator is configured to facilitate the removal of elongated fibers therefrom. In one embodiment, the agitator has a rotatable member with opposing first and second ends, an axis of rotation extending between the first and second ends, and an external surface extending at least partially between the first and second ends. A number of projections are attached to the external surface of the agitator. One or both of the ends of the agitator are configured to rotatably engage the cleaning machine, such as at a bearing or other connector. The external surface of the rotatable member has a first portion that is substantially cylindrical about the axis of rotation, and a second portion separate from the first portion that has at least a first depression. The depression is configured to allow a user to insert a cutting tool partially into the depression and cut the fibers wrapped around the rotatable member.

Claims10

Dependent claims

An agitator for use with a cleaning machine for cleaning a floor or other surface, the agitator comprising:

a rotatable member having a first end,
a second end opposite the first end,
an axis of rotation extending between the first and second ends,
an external surface extending at least partially between the first and second ends,
at least one of the first and second ends being configured to rotatably engage the cleaning machine,
a first portion of the external surface being substantially cylindrical about the axis of rotation,
a plurality of projections for agitating the surface to be cleaned attached to the first portion of the external surface of the rotatable member, and
a second portion of the external surface spaced radially inward from the first portion to form at least a first depression, which is generally rectangular in its transverse cross-sectional shape, elongated and extends roughly helically with respect to the axis of rotation along at least a portion of the length of the external surface, sized and shaped to receive a cutting device to facilitate the cutting or removal of material that becomes wrapped around the rotatable member.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Agitator for a cleaning machine with material cutting channel

Life of this patent

Agitator for a cleaning machine with material cutting channel

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10