US20100125969A1 - Cleaning apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area, such as fins, evaporation coils, and condenser coils. The apparatus comprises a container having a first compartment and a second compartment, a first pump accommodated in the first compartment and a second pump accommodated in the second compartment. The apparatus further comprises a first hose detachably coupled to the first compartment, a second hose detachably coupled to the second pump, and a cleaning attachment detachably coupled to the first hose and the second hose. The cleaning attachment comprises a housing, a cleaning member, and a fluid dispensing pipe. The housing comprises a front end portion mounting the cleaning member thereon, a rear end portion coupled to the first hose, and a passage extending between the front end portion and the rear end portion. Further, the fluid dispensing pipe is coupled to the housing and the second hose.

Description

OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates generally to cleaning apparatuses, and, more particularly, to an apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area, such as fins, evaporation coils, and condenser coils, of an air conditioner, a heat exchanger, and a refrigerator, respectively.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Periodic cleaning of fins, evaporation coils, and condenser coils of devices, such as refrigerators, heat exchangers, and air conditioners, respectively, is desirable for maintaining a better efficiency of such devices. Specifically, a cleaning activity may include removing dirt, such as dust, oil, and insects, trapped between the fins, the evaporation coils, and the condenser coils. Generally, cleaning the fins, the evaporation coils, and the condenser coils is time consuming and cumbersome due to inconspicuous gaps between adjacent fins, between adjacent evaporation coils, and between adjacent condenser coils.
• Further, the cleaning of the fins, the evaporation coils, and the condenser coils typically involves the removal of the fins, evaporation coils, and the condenser coils from their respective positions on the devices. In such an instance, the removed fins, the evaporation coils, and condenser coils need to be handled carefully for avoiding any damage being caused thereto. For example, the condenser coils need to be handled carefully for avoiding a leakage of a refrigerant filled in the condenser coils. As such, service of a skilled professional is required for the removal of the fins, the evaporation coils, and the condenser coils, which in turn increases labor costs. Moreover, the cleaning activity of the removed fins, the evaporation coils, and the condenser coils is generally performed by application of water, and thereafter drying of water from the removed fins, the evaporation coils, and the condenser coils is required before reinstallation thereof. Accordingly, time required for the drying of water from the fins, the evaporation coils, and the condenser coils increase an overall time of the cleaning activity.
• Accordingly, there exists a need for an apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area, such as fins, evaporation coils and condenser coils, of an air conditioner, a heat exchanger, and a refrigerator, respectively, to facilitate cleaning of the dirt from the work area in an easy, convenient, and time-efficient manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area that is configured to include all the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.
• Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area, such as fins, evaporation coils and condenser coils, of an air conditioner, a heat exchanger, and a refrigerator, respectively, in an easy, convenient and time-efficient manner.
• Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for cleaning dirt from fins, evaporation coils and condenser coils, which precludes a need for dismantling the fins, the evaporation coils and the condenser coils for cleaning thereof.
• In light of the above objects, in one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area, such as fins and condenser coils of an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a heat exchanger and the like is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a container, a first pump, a second pump, a first hose, a second hose, and a cleaning attachment. The container comprises a first compartment and a second compartment. The second compartment stores a fluid therein. The first pump is accommodated in the first compartment for creating vacuum within the first compartment. Further, the second pump is accommodated in the second compartment. Specifically, the second pump is submerged in the fluid stored in the second compartment and is adapted to pump the fluid. Furthermore, the first hose is detachably coupled to the first compartment from a first end portion thereof and the second hose is detachably coupled to the second pump from a proximal end portion thereof. Particularly, the second hose is adapted to receive the fluid pumped by the second pump. Moreover, the cleaning attachment is detachably coupled to the first hose and the second hose.
• The cleaning attachment comprises a housing, a cleaning member, and a fluid dispensing pipe. The housing comprises a front end portion, a rear end portion, and a passage extending between the front end portion and the rear end portion. The rear end portion of the housing is adapted to be detachably coupled to a second end portion of the first hose. Further, the cleaning member is mounted at the front end portion of the housing and is adapted to displace the dirt from the work area upon being placed in vicinity thereof. The fluid dispensing pipe is coupled to the housing and is adapted to be detachably coupled to a distal end portion of the second hose for dispensing the fluid received by the second hose on the work area. The vacuum created within the first compartment enables in drawing the displaced dirt and a remnant dispensed fluid from the work area into the first compartment through the passage of the housing and the first hose, thereby cleaning the work area.
• This together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, is pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
• FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
• FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cleaning attachment of the apparatus ofFIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
• FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic circuit diagram of the apparatus ofFIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
• Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in implementation thereof. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to an apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area, as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.
• The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
• The present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area, such as fins, evaporation coils, and condenser coils of an air conditioner, a heat exchanger, and a refrigerator, respectively. Specifically, the apparatus enables in cleaning dirt, such as dust, oil, and insects, trapped between the fins and the condenser coils. The apparatus of the present invention is capable of cleaning the dirt from the work area by performing at least one of removing the dirt by scrubbing action, dispensing fluid on the dirt, and drawing the dirt and a remnant dispensed fluid from the work area. Further, the apparatus of the present invention may be conveniently utilized in homes, and commercial establishments, such as offices, and public places like hotels, hospitals and the like.
• Referring now toFIG. 1, a perspective view of anapparatus100 for cleaning dirt from a work area is illustrated, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Theapparatus100 includes acontainer102 having afirst compartment104 and asecond compartment106, afirst pump108 accommodated in thefirst compartment104, and asecond pump110 accommodated in thesecond compartment106. Theapparatus100 further includes afirst hose112 detachably coupled to thefirst compartment104, asecond hose114 detachably coupled to thesecond pump110, and acleaning attachment116 detachably coupled to thefirst hose112 and thesecond hose114. In one embodiment of the present invention, theapparatus100 may further include a wheel mechanism having a plurality of wheels, such aswheels118a, and118b, configured at a bottom portion (not shown) of thecontainer102 for enabling mobility of theapparatus100.
• As shown inFIG. 1, thecontainer102 of theapparatus100 is configured to assume an elongated hollow cylindrical structure. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that thecontainer102 may be configured to assume other shape, such as an elliptical elongated structure, or a polygonal elongated structure. Further, as explained herein, thecontainer102 includes thefirst compartment104 and thesecond compartment106. More specifically, thecontainer102 includes apartition member120 configured within thecontainer102 in a manner such that thepartition member120 configures thefirst compartment104 and thesecond compartment106 within thecontainer102. In one embodiment of the present invention, thepartition member120 may be configured to form an integral member of thecontainer102 by a manufacturing process, such as molding. Thepartition member120 divides an interior space of thecontainer102 into thefirst compartment104 and thesecond compartment106.
• Thefirst compartment104 of thecontainer102 accommodates thefirst pump108 therein that is adapted to create vacuum within thefirst compartment104. More specifically, in the present embodiment, thefirst pump108 is accommodated within asub compartment122 configured on atop surface124 of thefirst compartment104. Thesub compartment122 extends upwardly from thetop surface124 of thefirst compartment104 for configuring a cavity to accommodate thefirst pump108 therein. Further, thefirst pump108 may be mounted within thesub compartment122 using a suitable fasting mechanism, such brackets and screws (not shown). In the present embodiment, thefirst pump108 is a wet vacuum pump capable of creating vacuum within thefirst compartment104. The vacuum created in thefirst compartment104 enables in drawing dirt from a work area (not shown) by utilizing thefirst hose112 detachably coupled to thefirst compartment104, which will be explained in detail in conjunction withFIG. 2. Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, theapparatus100 may includes afilter member126 configured on thefirst compartment104. More specifically, thefirst compartment104 may include an opening configured with thefilter member126 thereon. Thefilter members126 enables in allowing air to pass from thefirst compartment104 upon drawing the dirt into thefirst compartment104 by the vacuum created in thefirst compartment104.
• As shown inFIG. 1, thefirst hose112 includes afirst end portion128 and asecond end portion130. Thefirst end portion128 of thefirst hose112 is detachably coupled to thefirst compartment104. More specifically, thefirst end portion128 of thefirst hose112 is detachably coupled to thetop surface124 of thefirst compartment104. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, thefirst end portion128 of thefirst hose112 may include a threaded portion (not shown) capable of engaging with a complementary threaded portion of an opening (not shown) configured on thetop surface124 of thefirst compartment104, thereby enabling the detachable coupling between thefirst hose112 and thefirst compartment104. Thefirst hose112 is further adapted to be detachably coupled to thecleaning attachment116 from thesecond end portion130 of thefirst hose112. The coupling between thefirst hose112 and thecleaning attachment116 is further explained in detail in conjunction withFIG. 2.
• Further, in the present embodiment, thesecond compartment106 of thecontainer102 stores a fluid132 therein. Thesecond pump110 accommodated in thesecond compartment106 in a manner such that thesecond pump110 is submerged in thefluid132. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fluid132 may be a cleaning agent, such as water, and thesecond pump110 may be a sump pump. Thesecond pump110 may include an inlet port (not shown) and anoutlet port134. Theoutlet port134 may be detachably coupled to thesecond hose114. Specifically, aproximal end portion136 of thesecond hose114 is detachably coupled to theoutlet port134 of thesecond pump110. Further, adistal end portion138 of thesecond hose114 is adapted to be detachably coupled to thecleaning attachment116. The coupling between thesecond hose114 and thecleaning attachment116 is further explained in detail in conjunction withFIG. 2. In operation, thesecond pump110 is adapted to pump thefluid132. Specifically, the fluid132 pumped by thesecond pump110 may be received by thesecond hose114 for cleaning of the work area.
• It may be evident to a person skilled in the art that thefirst pump108 and thesecond pump110 require electrical power for the operation thereof. In the present embodiment, thefirst pump108 and thesecond pump110 may operate on electrical power from an Alternating Current (AC) power source (not shown). Specifically, theapparatus100 includes arelay box140, anelectrical cord142, and aplug144 for receiving the electrical power from the AC power source, such as a wall socket. In the present embodiment, therelay box140 is mounted an outer surface of thefirst compartment104, theelectrical cord142 is electrically coupled to therelay box140, and theplug144 is configured at an end portion of theelectrical cord142. Further, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that theapparatus100 may include an electrical circuit for distributing the electrical power to thefirst pump108 and thesecond pump110 for the operation thereof. The electrical circuit of the present invention is further explained in detail in conjunction withFIG. 3. Moreover, in one embodiment of the present invention, theapparatus100 may include an internal power source, such as battery, capable of providing the required electrical power to thefirst pump108 and thesecond pump110 for the operation thereof.
• Referring now toFIG. 2, an exploded perspective view of thecleaning attachment116 of theapparatus100 is illustrated, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Thecleaning attachment116 includes ahousing146, a cleaningmember148 adapted to be mounted within thehousing146, and afluid dispensing pipe150 coupled to thehousing146. Thecleaning attachment116 further includes amotor152 operatively coupled to the cleaningmember148, and agear train154 for operatively coupling the cleaningmember148 and themotor152.
• Thehousing146 is a hollow elongated structure having afront end portion156, arear end portion158 and apassage160 extending between thefront end portion156 and therear end portion158. Therear end portion158 of thehousing146 is detachably coupled to thesecond end portion130 of thefirst hose112, thereby fluidically coupling thepassage160 with thefirst compartment104 through thefirst hose112. Further, in the present embodiment, thefront end portion156 is configured to assume a substantially cuboidal structure and therear end portion158 is configured to assume a substantially cylindrical structure. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that thefront end portion156 and therear end portion158 of thehousing146 may be configured to assume any other shape, such as an elongated polygonal structure.
• Further, the cleaningmember148 is adapted to be detachably mounted on thefront end portion156 of thehousing146. The cleaningmember148 includes ashaft member162 adapted to be mounted on thefront end portion156 andbrush member164, adapted to be removably received on theshaft member162. More specifically, theshaft member162 is adapted to be mounted between side walls, such asside walls166aand166b, of thefront end portion156. In one embodiment of the present invention, theside walls166aand166bmay include mounting flanges, such as mountingflanges168aand168b, configured on theside walls166a166b, respectively. The mountingflanges168aand168bare adapted to receive end portions of theshaft member162 through holes configured on the mountingflanges168aand168b. Further, a suitable fastening mechanism, such as nuts, may be coupled to the end portions of theshaft member162 for rigidly securing theshaft member162 on the mountingflanges168aand168b.
• Further, as explained herein thebrush member164 is adapted to be removably received on theshaft member162. In the present embodiment, thebrush member164 includes abody member170 and a plurality ofbristles172 configured on a peripheral surface (not shown) of thebody member170. Thebody member170 includes acut portion174 configured along a length of thebody member170. Thecut portion174 of thebody member170 enables in removably receiving thebrush member164 on theshaft member162. Accordingly, thebrush member164 is removably mounted on thefront end portion156 of thehousing146.
• Thecleaning attachment116 includes themotor152 operatively coupled to the cleaningmember148. In the present embodiment, themotor152 is mounted on theside wall166aof thefront end portion156 of thehousing146. For example, themotor152 may be mounted on theside wall166aby using a suitable fastening mechanism, such as brackets and screws (not shown). Further, as explained herein, themotor152 is operatively coupled to the cleaningmember148 for rotating the cleaningmember148. More specifically, thegear train154 enables in operatively coupling themotor152 and theshaft member162 of the cleaningmember148. Thegear train154 is adapted to rotate theshaft member162 thereby rotating thebrush member164 for enabling the plurality ofbristles172 to brush against the work area for removing the dirt therefrom. In the present embodiment, thegear train154 includes afirst gear176 operatively coupled to a shaft of themotor152, and asecond gear178 operatively coupled to an end portion of theshaft member162 of the cleaningmember148. Thefirst gear176 meshes with thesecond gear178, accordingly, a rotational movement of the shaft of themotor152 is transferred to theshaft member162 of the cleaningmember148 by thefirst gear176 and thesecond gear178.
• As described herein, thefluid dispensing pipe150 is coupled to thehousing146 of thecleaning attachment116. More specifically, thefluid dispensing pipe150 is adapted to be coupled to abottom surface180 of thehousing146. In the present embodiment, thefluid dispensing pipe150 extends along a contour of thebottom surface180 of thehousing146 from thefront end portion156 to therear end portion158 of thehousing146. Thefluid dispensing pipe150 includes aprimary pipe182, and a plurality of secondary pipes, such assecondary pipes184aand184b, extending from theprimary pipe182. Thefluid dispensing pipe150 is detachably coupled to thedistal end portion138 of the second hose114 (shown inFIG. 1). More specifically, anend portion186 of theprimary pipe182 of thefluid dispensing pipe150 is detachably coupled to thedistal end portion138 of thesecond hose114. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, theend portion186 of theprimary pipe182 of thefluid dispensing pipe150 may be detachably coupled to thedistal end portion138 of thesecond hose114 by utilizing a suitable coupling arrangement, such as threadable arrangement, and a pipe connector and the like.
• As shown inFIG. 2, thecleaning attachment116 further includes anoperating switch188 configured on thehousing146. Theoperating switch188 is adapted to control operation of thefirst pump108, thesecond pump110, and themotor152. More specifically, theoperating switch188 is a three position switch that is operatively coupled to the electrical circuit of theapparatus100 for controlling the electrical power from the AC power source being supplied to thefirst pump108, thesecond pump110, and themotor152, which is further explained in detail in conjunction withFIG. 3. In the present embodiment, theoperating switch188 enables in selectively operating thefirst pump108, thesecond pump110, and themotor152, thereby controlling operations of thefirst pump108, thesecond pump110, and themotor152.
• Referring now toFIG. 3, a schematic circuit diagram of theapparatus100 is illustrated, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the schematic circuit diagram illustrates the operating switch188 (shown with dotted lines) that is electrically coupled to thefirst pump108, thesecond pump110, and themotor152 for selective operation thereof. Further, the schematic circuit diagram illustrates the relay box140 (shown with dotted lines) that is electrically coupling the a power source200 (shown with dotted lines) and theoperating switch188 for distributing an electrical power form thepower source200 to thefirst pump108, thesecond pump110, and themotor152 for the operation thereof. It will be evident to a person skilled in the art that, thepower source200 illustrated inFIG. 3 may be a wall socket which is electrically coupled to therelay box140 by means of an electrical cord and a plug, such as theelectrical cord142 and the plug144 (shown inFIG. 1). Specifically, the lines emerging from thepower source200 may be assumed to represent the electrical cord and the plug connecting thepower source200 and therelay box140. In present embodiment, thepower source200 provides an electrical power of 110 volts (V) to thefirst pump108, thesecond pump110, and themotor152 for the operation thereof.
• In the present embodiment, therelay box140 includes three relay switches, such as relay switches190a,190band190c, for electrically coupling thefirst pump108, thesecond pump110, and themotor152, respectively, with thepower source200. More specifically, therelay switch190aelectrically couples thefirst pump108 to thepower source200 through theoperating switch188. Similarly, the relay switches190band190celectrically couples thesecond pump110 and themotor152, respectively, to thepower source200 through theoperating switch188. The relay switches190a,190b, and190care shown in an open condition inFIG. 3. Further, theoperating switch188 may be operated to enable the relay switches190a,190b, and190cto attain a closed position thereby enabling thepower source200 to provide the electrical power of 110 V to thefirst pump108, thesecond pump110, and themotor152.
• Further, as explained herein, theoperating switch188 is the three position switch. More specifically, theoperating switch188 may have three regulating buttons, such as regulatingbuttons192a,192band192c, configured on theoperating switch188. The regulatingbuttons192a,192band192cmay be selectively operated for enabling the relay switches190a,190b, and190, respectively, to attain the closed positions thereby enabling thepower source200 to provide the electrical power to thefirst pump108, thesecond pump110, and themotor152, respectively. For example, theregulating button192amay be operated for enabling therelay switch190ato attain the closed position thereby enabling thepower source200 to provide the electrical power of 110 V to thefirst pump108 for the operation thereof. Similarly, the regulatingbuttons192band192cmay be operated for enabling the relay switches190band190cto attain the closed positions thereby enabling thepower source200 to provide the electrical power of 110 V to thesecond pump110 and themotor152, respectively, for the operation thereof.
• In use, theapparatus100 may be easily configured by detachably coupling thecleaning attachment116 with thefirst hose112 and thesecond hose114. More specifically, therear end portion158 of thehousing146 is detachably coupled to thesecond end portion130 of thefirst hose112, and theend portion186 of theprimary pipe182 of thefluid dispensing pipe150 is detachably coupled to thedistal end portion138 of thesecond hose114, as shown inFIG. 1. Thesecond compartment106 is filled with the fluid132 to be used for cleaning the dirt from the work area. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fluid132 may be at least one of hot water, chlorinated water, and caustic base solution. Further, theplug144 is coupled to the AC power source, such as the wall socket, for providing the electrical power to theapparatus100.
• Thereafter, thecleaning attachment116 may be held by a user in the vicinity of the work area to be cleaned, thereafter theoperating switch188 may be selectively operated to activate themotor152 by operating theregulating button192afor rotating theshaft member162 of the cleaningmember148. The rotation of theshaft member162 rotates thebrush member164 which caused the plurality ofbristles172 to brush against the dirt on the work area, thereby displacing the dirt from the work area. It will be evident to a person skilled in the art that each bristle of the plurality ofbristles172 may be sufficiently long for conveniently brushing off the dirt. In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality ofbristles172 may be composed of a plastic material. In another embodiment of the present invention, the plurality ofbristles172 may be composed of a steel material or a brass material. More specifically, different brush members, such as thebrush member164, may have different types of bristles, such as the plurality ofbristles172, to be used for cleaning different types of work areas. For example, plastic bristles may be used for light duty aluminium fins, steel bristles may be used for heavy duty steel fins, and brass bristles may be used for copper fins. Accordingly, by detachably coupling different types of brush members, such as thebrush member164, to thecleaning attachment116 of theapparatus100, different types of fins may be cleaned.
• After displacing the dirt from the work area by using thebrush member164, theoperating switch188 may be selectively operated to activate thesecond pump110 by operating theregulating button192bfor dispensing the fluid132 stored in thesecond compartment106. Upon activating, thesecond pump110 pumps the fluid132 in thesecond hose114. The fluid132, pumped in thesecond hose114, is received by theprimary pipe182 of thefluid dispensing pipe150, which in turn dispenses the fluid132 on the work area. More specifically, thesecondary pipes184aand184bof thefluid dispensing pipe150 receives the fluid132 from theprimary pipe182 and dispenses a jet of the fluid132 on the dirt of the work area. The sequence of cleaning operation, as described herein, is for purpose of description only and should not be considered as limiting to the scope of the present invention. Specifically, a user may utilize thebrush member164 and thesecond pump110 in any sequence based on his/her desires.
• After utilizing thebrush member164 and the jet of the fluid132 on the work area. Theoperating switch188 may be selectively operated to activate thefirst pump108 by operating theregulating button192cfor cleaning the displaced dirt from the work area and any remaining fluid (hereinafter referred to as “remnant dispensed fluid”) dispensed on the work area. Specifically, thefirst pump108 creates the vacuum in thefirst compartment104 due to which a sucking force is developed in thefirst hose112 and thecleaning attachment116 attached thereto. The sucking force draws the displaced dirt and the remnant dispensed fluid from the work area into thefirst compartment104 through thepassage160 of thehousing146 and thefirst hose112 thereby cleaning the dirt from the work area. Accordingly, thefirst compartment104 collects the dirt and the remnant dispensed fluid from the work area, thereby cleaning the work area completely. The dirt and the remnant dispensed fluid collected in thefirst compartment104 may be removed therefrom for subsequent use of theapparatus100.
• Theapparatus100, as described herein, is subject to many variations. Thefilter member126 may be made of aluminum. In another embodiment of the present embodiment, therear end portion158 of thehousing146 of thecleaning attachment116 may be configured with a grip portion (not shown) for enabling a user to properly hold thecleaning attachment116 while cleaning the work area therewith.
• The apparatus, as described herein, enables in effectively cleaning the work area such as fins and condenser coils, by brushing the work area, dispensing fluid on the work area, and drawing the dirt and any remnant dispensed fluid from the work area. Further, the apparatus enables in cleaning the work area in a time-efficient and a cost effective manner. More specifically, the apparatus of the present invention may be used for cleaning dirt from the fins and the condenser coils, without requiring dismantling of the fins and the condenser coils. Accordingly, labor costs and time involvement associated with dismantling of the fins and condenser coils may be avoided. Moreover, the apparatus is capable of drawing the remnant dispensed fluid from the fins and the condenser coils, which enables in drying the fins and the condenser coils quickly, thereby further reducing the time required for cleaning the same. Additionally, the apparatus of the present invention is portable and capable of being easily moved from one place to another.
• The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims (12)

1. An apparatus for cleaning dirt from a work area, the apparatus comprising:

a container having a first compartment and a second compartment, the second compartment storing a fluid therein;

a first pump accommodated in the first compartment for creating vacuum within the first compartment;

a second pump accommodated in the second compartment, the second pump being submerged in the fluid stored in the second compartment and adapted to pump the fluid;

a first hose detachably coupled to the first compartment from a first end portion thereof;

a second hose detachably coupled to the second pump from a proximal end portion thereof, the second hose adapted to receive the fluid pumped by the second pump; and

a cleaning attachment detachably coupled to the first hose and the second hose, the cleaning attachment comprising

a housing having a front end portion, a rear end portion, and a passage extending between the front end portion and the rear end portion, the rear end portion of the housing being adapted to be detachably coupled to a second end portion of the first hose,

a cleaning member mounted at the front end portion of the housing, and

a fluid dispensing pipe coupled to the housing, the fluid dispensing pipe adapted to be detachably coupled to a distal end portion of the second hose for dispensing the fluid received by the second hose on the work area,

wherein the cleaning member is adapted to displace the dirt from the work area upon being placed in vicinity thereof, and

wherein the vacuum created within the first compartment enables in drawing the displaced dirt and a remnant dispensed fluid from the work area into the first compartment through the passage of the housing and the first hose, thereby cleaning the dirt from the work area.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first pump is a wet vacuum pump.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the second pump is a sump pump.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the cleaning attachment further comprises a motor operatively coupled to the cleaning member for rotating the cleaning member.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the cleaning member comprises a shaft member mounted on the front end portion of the housing, and a brush member removably received on the shaft member.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein the brush member comprises a body member and a plurality of bristles configured on a peripheral surface of the body member.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein the cleaning attachment further comprises a gear train for operatively coupling the motor and the shaft member of the cleaning member, the gear train adapted to rotate the shaft member thereby rotating the brush member for enabling the plurality of bristles to brush against the work area for removing the dirt therefrom.

8. The apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein the plurality of bristles is composed of a plastic material.

9. The apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein the plurality of bristles is composed of a steel material.

10. The apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein the plurality of bristles is composed of a brass material.

11. The apparatus ofclaim 4, further comprising an operating switch configured on the housing of the cleaning attachment, wherein the operating switch is adapted to selectively operate the first pump, the second pump, and the motor.

12. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a wheel mechanism configured at a bottom portion of the container for enabling the apparatus to move from one place to another.

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