TODAY’S PATENT – FLOOR TOOL
The FLOOR TOOL was invented by Martin Paul Bagwell (Hampshire) on the 4rth of July 2006 , bearing patent number US7069620B2.
The present invention relates to a floor tool for use with a vacuum cleaner. An aspect of the present invention provides a floor tool for use in vacuum cleaning floor surfaces comprising a sole plate comprising a suction channel, the channel being bounded on at least one side by a working edge and a lint picker which is positioned alongside the suction channel and is separated from the suction channel by the working edge, wherein the working edge is suitable for engaging with and agitating a floor surface across its full width, all of the working edge lying in the same plane. The present invention seeks to improve the pick-up performance of a passive floor tool.
The pick up performance of the tool is further improved by pivotably supporting the floor tool such that the working edges on each side of the suction channel are alternately brought into contact with the floor surface as the floor tool is pushed and pulled across the surface. As one of the working edges is brought into contact with the floor surface, the other raises slightly to allow air to bleed into the suction channel. This improves the agitating effect on the floor surface and reduces the motion resistance or push-force required to move the floor tool.