Surface maintenance machine with removable storage

US11154175B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• TENNANT COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Brett J. Carlson · Rogers, US
• Matthew Ryan Baldwin · St. Louis Park, US
• Laurence A. Jensen · Oakdale, US
• John C. Ickes · Joplin, US
• Martin L. Dickrell · Seattle, US
• Michael M. Dimovski · Elk River, US
• Stefan Sehmke · Brecht, BE
• Jacob L. Stock · Plymouth, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 18, 2018
• Grant date: Oct 26, 2021
• Expiry date: Jan 29, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC E): Fixed Constructions
• CPC primary: E01H1/02
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A coupling mechanism for removably coupling a storage cart to a surface maintenance machine includes a cart-side connector connectable to the storage cart and a machine-side connector connectable to the surface maintenance machine. The coupling mechanism includes a connecting rod engageable with the machine-side connector. The coupling mechanism includes a bracket assembly positioned between the cart-side connector and the machine-side connector. The bracket assembly can receive the connecting rod to engage therewith to facilitate a first relative movement between the connecting rod and a portion of the bracket assembly in a direction perpendicular to a floor surface on which the surface maintenance machine is traveling, and a pivoting of the bracket assembly about a pivot axis passing through the connecting rod.