Multifunctional Athletic Playing Surface Tool

This disclosure relates generally to a tool for washing, drying, and maintaining a floor or athletic playing surface, such as a tennis court.

Athletic playing surfaces, such as tennis courts, often require regular cleaning and maintenance. Often times, such as after being washed or after a rainstorm (if the athletic playing surface is outdoors), it is desirable for such surfaces to be dried quickly. For example, tennis clubs often wash their tennis courts as part of their regular maintenance. Washing tennis courts is time consuming and play is usually prohibited for at least several hours while the courts dry. This downtime can be an annoyance to club members and guests. As another example, tennis clubs often host tennis tournaments or other special events outdoors. A single rain shower can interrupt a tournament schedule and cause hours of delay or even cause the tournament to be cancelled if the tennis courts cannot be dried in sufficient time to complete the tournament.

For washing tennis courts, tennis clubs often use pressure washers or a garden hose. When washing is complete (or after a rainstorm), the entire tennis court is soaked with water and often has large puddles of water that may take the entire day to dry if left standing. Several tools exist for drying tennis courts. For example, one tool is a roller, which includes a long handle attached to a roller made of foam or polymer that can absorb water and also roll away and displace standing water. Another tool for drying tennis courts is a squeegee that consists of a foam or rubber blade attached to a long handle that can be used to scrape the surface to displace standing water. Yet other tools include a fan or blower (e.g., a leaf blower or a floor dryer) to create airflow to increase evaporation and also displace water or debris. Each of these tools are separate, meaning that a tennis club may need multiple different tools to wash and dry a tennis court. Often, tennis clubs and other tennis court facilities have none of these tools. Thus, tennis patrons might own and transport their own tools to wash or dry a tennis court, which can be expensive and burdensome.

A multifunctional surface tool for washing, drying, or maintaining an athletic playing surface, such as a tennis court, without requiring the operator to switch between completely separate tools would be desirable.

Features, advantages, and embodiments of the disclosure are set forth or apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, the following detailed description is exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the disclosure as claimed.

Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific embodiments are discussed, this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without departing from the disclosure.

As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” and so forth may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components.

The terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached,” “connected,” and the like, refer to both direct coupling, fixing, attaching, or connecting, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, attaching, or connecting through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” “generally,” and “substantially” is not to be limited to the precise value specified.

Athletic playing surfaces require regular washing in order to provide a clean and safe surface for users. After washing (or after a rainstorm if the athletic playing surface is outdoors), it is desirable for such athletic playing surfaces to be dried quickly. In the case of tennis courts, different tools and methods exist for washing and drying, but the means are time consuming and may require switching between completely different tools and processes.

The disclosure describes a multifunctional surface tool for washing and/or drying athletic playing surfaces without requiring switching between completely separate tools. Through the use of the multifunctional surface tool, various processes can be executed in a reduced time by eliminating the need for an operator to switch from a tool designated for a first process, such as washing, to a completely separate tool for a second process, such rolling. The multifunctional surface tool, according to the disclosure, can enable the execution of multiple processes, such as two, three, or four processes using the same tool. For example, an operator can wash, blow, roll, and/or squeegee an athletic playing surface using the same tool.

The multifunctional surface tool described herein allows certain processes to be executed together to reduce time and burden. While the disclosure is described in the context of an athletic playing surface such as a tennis court, the tool can be used on any floor or surface requiring or benefiting from the advantages of a multifunctional surface tool. Such examples include, but are not limited to, an outdoor patio or a warehouse floor. Moreover, the surface to be worked is not limited to hard surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, or hardwood. The multifunctional surface tool of the disclosure can be used on other kinds of surfaces, including but not limited to, turf, carpet, clay, or synthetic rubber.

Referring now to the drawings,is a perspective view of a multifunctional surface tool. The multifunctional surface toolincludes a working endand an operator end. A shaft section, disposed between the working endand the operator end, is arranged about a shaft axis. The shaft sectionserves to connect the working endto the operator endat a distance that allows for comfortable use of the multifunctional surface tool. For example, an operator may use the multifunctional surface toolwhile standing or slightly bent over. The overall length of the multifunctional surface toolpermits a handleto be at a comfortable handling elevation above the working end, when the working end is applied to the surface to be worked. The working endand operator endcan each be decoupled from shaft sectionto allow easier transport of the multifunctional surface tool.

The shaft sectionmay include an inner shaftand an outer shaft. The inner shaftmay have an outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the outer shaft, such that the inner shaftand the outer shaftare joined at a telescopic extension. The telescopic extensionmay include a mechanically depressible button fixed to the outer shaftthat engages with a plurality of holes, arranged longitudinally in the inner shaft, to configure the multifunctional surface toolto an overall length that is comfortable for human operators of various heights. Other mechanisms may be used to configure telescopic extensionto a desired overall length such as twist locks or flip locks. The inner shaftand outer shaftmay also be decoupled from each other at telescopic extensionto allow for easier transport of the multifunctional surface tool.

The inner shaftand the outer shaftare longitudinally aligned with the shaft axisin order to allow for longitudinal translation of the inner shaftwithin the outer shaft, when reconfiguring the telescopic extension. In various aspects, the handlemay not be longitudinally aligned with the inner shaftand the outer shaft. The handlemay have a handle axisaligned at an angle relative to the shaft axis. The angle of the handle axisrelative to the shaft axisallows for a more comfortable position of a hand of the human operator when operating the multifunctional surface tool. A bearing or some other mechanism disposed in the shaft sectionat or near handlepermits rotation of the handleabout the shaft axis. As shown in, the handleis angled relative to the shaft section, such that the handleis in a natural orientation for an operator to use the roller(described below) of the multifunctional surface tool. When an operator desires to use the squeegee(described below) of the multifunctional surface tool, the handlemay be rotated such that the handleis in a natural orientation for the operator to use the squeegee.

The working endis arranged along a working end axis, which is generally orthogonal to the shaft axis. The multifunctional surface toolmay include a blowerin fluid communication with a blower tubewith a plurality of blower orificesarranged longitudinally along the working end axis. The blower orificesare directed toward the surface to apply a pressurized flow of air onto the surface to promote evaporation or to displace water or debris, such as dirt, dust, or sand. Alternatively, in various aspects of the disclosure, instead of a plurality of blower orifices, a single blower orifice may be used that is generally slit-shaped and may extend the length of the blower tubealong the working end axis. Blowermay be any blower known in the art including but not limited to a centrifugal blower, axial blower, or the like.

Electric power to the blowermay be provided by an electrical cord. The electrical cordincludes a plugat one end for coupling with an electrical outlet or an extension cord. The bloweris assembled at, or proximate to, the working endbut may also be assembled at or near the operator end. The electrical cordmay be housed within the shaft sectionand exit the shaft sectionthrough the handle. Alternatively, the electrical cordmay be external to the shaft if desirable.

A switch, shown in the form of a push button, may be assembled in the handleor anywhere else along the multifunctional surface tool, such that the operator can engage or disengage the switchwhile operating the multifunctional surface tool. The blower, the electrical cord, the plug, and the switchform an electrical circuit, such that when the switchis activated by the operator, the bloweris powered to generate pressurized air to exit the one or more blower orifices.

The blowermay utilize one or more integrated or removable rechargeable batteries (not shown), enabling the blower to function without requiring the electrical cordto be connected, at the plug, to a power supply. Facilities, such as tennis clubs, may be large, such that the electrical cordmay be prohibitively long and unwieldy. The rechargeable batteries may be charged by the electrical cordand the plug, or by a separate at-home or portable charger, or the batteries may be charged by solar power. The multifunctional surface toolmay include one or more photovoltaic solar panels for recharging the one or more rechargeable batteries by solar energy, as may be readily available at an outdoor facility.

A rollermay be attached to the working endof the multifunctional surface tool. The roller is cylindrical and arranged about the working end axis. The rollerrotates on a roller shaft, and the roller may be connected to the roller shaft by one or more bearings (not shown) that allow for the relative rotation between the rollerand the roller shaft. The rollermay absorb water and push forward water as the multifunctional surface tool is rolled forward by the operator. The material of the rollermay compress under its own weight, as water is absorbed into the roller.

Wheelsmay be attached to the roller shaftor to the roller, at each end of the roller, or to frame legs. The wheelsmay have a diameter slightly less than that of the roller, such that when the rollercompresses to a tolerable threshold diameter, the wheels then support the working endof the multifunctional surface tool. The support of the working endby the wheelsenable the multifunctional surface toolto be operated without excessive compression of the roller, that may otherwise inhibit rolling, and may also facilitate pushing the multifunctional surface toolforward or backward when used for other processes, such as washing or blowing. Wheelsmay also be motorized and powered by the electrical cordor rechargeable batteries to provide assistance with pushing the multifunctional surface toolforward or backward. Wheelsmay be removable or interchangeable. For example, wheels of a diameter larger than that of the rollermay be installed such that the rolleris disengaged from the surface and an operator can blow the surface without using the roller.

The working endfurther includes a frame. The frameis substantially parallel to the working end axisand includes a frame center section. The frameadditionally includes a frame legat each end of the frame. The width of the working endis generally defined as the distance between the frame legs. The frame legseach support an end of the roller shaftand can also support other components, such as the blower tubeor squeegee. The frame center sectionmay support the blowerwhere the frame center sectionmeets the shaft section. Alternatively, shaft sectionalone may support the blower.

The multifunctional surface toolallows for an operator to use the blowerand the rollersimultaneously. For example, the roller may be rolled on an athletic playing surface to absorb or displace water, while pressurized air coming out of the blower orificesis blown in front of the rollerto promote evaporation and displace water or debris.

The working endof the multifunctional surface toolmay include a squeegee. The multifunctional surface toolmay be used in an upside-down configuration relative to the perspective as shown in, such that the squeegeeis engaged with and in contact with the surface to be worked. The squeegeeis a substantially smooth, flat, and/or flexible blade constructed from a hydrophobic material such as foam or rubber. When applied to a surface, the squeegeeconforms to the surface under the weight of the multifunctional surface tooland any additional force applied by the operator. The conformance of the squeegeeprovides a substantially watertight interface between the squeegeeand the surface, flexing or deforming to compensate for any irregularities in or inconsistent flatness of the surface, allowing the operator to push water forward.

The multifunctional surface toolallows for an operator to use the blowerand the squeegeesimultaneously. For example, pressurized air from the blower orificesmay displace water and debris in front of the squeegee, reducing the amount of forward and backward strokes by the operator as may be required using equivalent squeegeewithout the simultaneous use of the blower.

The multifunctional surface toolallows for an operator to use the blower, the roller, or the squeegee, without requiring a completely separate tool. These multiple functions within a single tool allow for a lesser storage space requirement and easier transport, compared with individual tools, for blowing, rolling, or squeegeeing.

The multifunctional surface toolmay optionally include only the rollerand blower(and related blower components) without the squeegee, or the rollerand squeegeewithout the blower(and related blower components).

illustrates a multifunctional surface tool. The multifunctional surface toolis substantially similar to the multifunctional surface tool. The multifunctional surface toolincludes features for spraying water, and in this embodiment does not include the blower, blower tube, or blower orificesof the multifunctional surface tool. The same reference numerals will be used for components of the multifunctional surface toolthat are the same as or similar to the components of the multifunctional surface toolas discussed above. The description of these components also applies to this embodiment, and a detailed description of these components is omitted here. Likewise, the operation of the multifunctional surface toolis substantially the same as the multifunctional surface toolas described, with respect to these components.

The multifunctional surface toolincludes a water pumpfor pressurizing and flowing water to a water tubein fluid communication with water pump. The pressurized water is discharged from the water tubethrough one or more water orificesonto the surface. The water tubeand water orificesmay be arranged longitudinally along the working end axisand oriented such that they spray water toward the surface to be worked. The water pumpcan be adjusted to control the velocity of water discharged out of the water orifices. The water orificesmay also include adjustable nozzles to control the velocity of water discharged out of the water orifices. The water pumpcan be any water pump known in the art including but not limited to water pumps used in commercial or household pressure washers, industrial water pumps, and the like.

Electric power to the water pumpmay be provided by an electrical cord. The electrical cordincludes a plugat one end for coupling with an electrical outlet or an extension cord. The water pumpis assembled at, or proximate to, the working endbut may also be assembled at or near the operator end. The electrical cordmay be housed within the shaft sectionand exit the shaft sectionthrough the handle. Alternatively, the electrical cordmay be housed external to the shaft if desirable.

The water pumpmay include an integrated or removable rechargeable battery (not shown), enabling the water pump to function without requiring the electrical cordto be connected, at the plug, to a power supply. The rechargeable batteries may be charged by the electrical cordand the plug, or by a separate at-home or portable charger, or the batteries may be charged by solar power. The multifunctional surface toolmay include one or more photovoltaic solar panels for recharging the one or more rechargeable batteries by solar energy, as may be readily available at an outdoor facility.

A switch, shown in the form of a push button, may be assembled in the handleor anywhere else along the multifunctional surface tool, such that the operator can engage or disengage the switchwhile operating the multifunctional surface tool. The water pump, the electrical cord, the plug, and the switchform an electrical circuit, such that when the switchis activated by the operator, the water pumpis powered to generate a velocity of water to be discharged from the water orifices.

The multifunctional surface toolallows the operator to apply water to the surface to be worked, and also displace the water with the roller or squeegeewithout requiring a completely separate tool. The processes of washing and rolling or washing and squeegeeing can be performed simultaneously. For example, water can be sprayed toward the surface from water orificeswhile the roller rolls the surface behind the water orifices.

Water is received by the water pumpthrough a water supply linebefore discharge through the water orifices. The water supply lineincludes a coupling, which may be a standard hose coupling, for attaching the water supply lineto a water supply (not shown). The water supply linemay be external to the shaft section, as shown in, or may be internal to the shaft section, similar to the electrical cord. A water shut-off valve can be placed anywhere along water supply lineto allow an operator to prevent water flow through the multifunctional surface tool. A tank capable of holding one or more of soap, detergent, chemicals, or other cleaning additives can be connected in line with water supply lineor at water pumpsuch that the additives are mixed with water flowing from water supply lineprior to exiting water orifices.

The multifunctional surface toolmay optionally include only the rollerand water pump(and related water pump components) and not include squeegee.

illustrates a multifunctional surface tool. The multifunctional surface toolis substantially similar to the multifunctional surface toolas described with respect to, and the multifunctional surface toolas described with respect to. The multifunctional surface toolincludes features both for blowing air, as described with respect to the multifunctional surface tool, and for discharging water, as described with respect to the multifunctional surface tool. The components for blowing air, including the blower, blower tube, and the blower orifices, and the components for spraying water, including the water pump, the water tube, and the water orifices, are the same as or similar to those described above. Accordingly, the same reference numerals will be used for components of the multifunctional surface toolthat are the same as or similar to the components of the multifunctional surface tooland the multifunctional surface toolas discussed above. The description of these components also applies to this embodiment, and a detailed description of these components is omitted here. Likewise, the operation of the multifunctional surface toolis substantially the same as the operation of the multifunctional surface tooland the multifunctional surface toolas described above, with respect to these components.

The multifunctional surface toolincludes a working endwith a blower tubeand blower orifices, a water tubeand water orifices, a squeegee, and a roller, allowing an operator to blow air, discharge water, squeegee, or roll a surface as desired, without requiring the operator to switch between completely different tools.

An operator endof the multifunctional surface toolincludes a switchfor activating the blowerand a switchfor activating the water pump. The switchand switchcan be completely separate switches or a single switch, such as a button where a long press or a double press activates either the bloweror the water pumpand a similar action deactivates either the bloweror the water pump.

Blowerand water pumpcan be contained in the same housing or in separate housings supported by frame center sectionor shaft section. An electrical cordprovides electrical power to both the blowerand the water pump. The electrical cordincludes a plugfor coupling with an electrical outlet or an extension cord. The electrical cordand the plugmay variously power the blowerand the water pump, as activated by the operator via the switchor the switch, respectively.

Alternatively, the electrical cordand the plugmay provide electrical power to charge one or more integrated or removable rechargeable batteries (not shown) for powering the blowerand the water pumpwhen not connected to an electrical outlet. The rechargeable batteries may be charged by the electrical cordand the plug, or by a separate at-home or portable charger, or the batteries may be charged by solar power. The multifunctional surface toolmay include one or more photovoltaic solar panels for recharging the one or more rechargeable batteries by solar energy, as may be readily available at an outdoor facility.

The multifunctional surface toolmay optionally include only the roller, blower(and related blower components) and water pump(and related water pump components) and not include squeegee.

illustrates a multifunctional surface tool. The multifunctional surface toolis substantially similar to the multifunctional surface toolas described with respect to. The multifunctional surface toolis shown in an upside-down configuration relative to the perspective as shown inand includes features for gathering water toward the center of the multifunctional surface toolor for gathering objects such as tennis balls when multifunctional surface toolis in operation. The handlehas also been rotated as described with respect toso to be in a natural orientation for the operator to use the squeegee.

The components for blowing air, including the blower, blower tube, and the blower orifices, are the same as or similar to those described above. Accordingly, the same reference numerals will be used for components of the multifunctional surface toolthat are the same as or similar to the components of the multifunctional surface toolas discussed above. The description of these components also applies to this embodiment, and a detailed description of these components is omitted here. Likewise, the operation of the multifunctional surface toolis substantially the same as the operation of the multifunctional surface toolas described above, with respect to these components.

The multifunctional surface toolincludes a winged squeegee. The winged squeegeeis attached to the multifunctional surface toolat a working endand includes a center sectionand a wing sectionat each end of the center section. The center sectionis arranged generally parallel with a working end axis. The wing sectionsmay extend beyond the axial limits of the center section and beyond the limits of other components of the working end, such as the blower tube. The wing sectionsare angled, relative to the working end axis, such that when the multifunctional surface toolis operated in a forward direction by an operator to displace water, water is gathered toward the center of the multifunctional surface tool. Gathered water is then pushed forward by the center sectionin a similar manner as the squeegeeof. In this way, pushed water is inhibited from flowing around the sides of the multifunctional surface toolduring operation, and is pushed forward, aiding in the removal of water from the surface. The blower orificesmay be positioned or arranged such that they blow air in front of or immediately behind the winged squeegee.

illustrates a multifunctional surface tool. The multifunctional surface toolis substantially similar to the multifunctional surface toolas described with respect to. The multifunctional surface toolincludes features for collecting objects, such as tennis balls, from a surface, such as a tennis court. The components for blowing air, including the blower, blower tube, and the blower orifices, and the components for gathering objects, including the winged squeegee, are the same as or similar to those described above. Accordingly, the same reference numerals will be used for components of the multifunctional surface toolthat are the same as or similar to the components of the multifunctional surface toolas discussed above. The description of these components also applies to this embodiment, and a detailed description of these components is omitted here. Likewise, the operation of the multifunctional surface toolis substantially the same as the operation of the multifunctional surface toolas described above, with respect to these components.

The multifunctional surface toolincludes a ball collectorfor collecting objects, such as tennis balls, from a playing surface, such as a tennis court. The ball collectoris substantially cylindrical in shape, aligned parallel to a working end axisand positioned between the winged sectionsof winged squeegee. The ball collectorincludes frame membersfor mounting the ball collectorto the multifunctional surface tool, end sectionsthat function as wheels to roll across the surface, and rodsthat extend between the end sections. The rods are circumferentially spaced such that a cylindrical space, approximately the same diameter as the end sections, is defined axially between the end sectionsand circumferentially between the rods. The rodsare spaced such that as the ball collector engages with an object, such as a tennis ball, of a defined size and deformability, downward force, due to gravity and any additional force applied by the operator, the object will deform and pass between adjacent rods. After passing through adjacent rods, the object returns to its free state, and remains within the cylindrical space defined by the end sectionsand the rods. Additionally, the rodsmay be flexible, to further promote the gathering of objects through deformation of the rodsunder downward force when engaging with an object to be collected. Following collection of objects within the ball collector, one or both end sectionsare removable, allowing the collected objects to be retrieved. Winged squeegeeassists in collecting objects, such as tennis balls, by pushing them forward and diverting them toward ball collector.

illustrates a multifunctional surface tool. The multifunctional surface toolis substantially similar to the multifunctional surface toolas described with respect to. The multifunctional surface toolincludes a hard roller for rolling a surface, such as a clay tennis court. The components for displacing water, including the rollerand squeegee, and the components for spraying water, including the water pump, the water tube, and the water orifices, are the same as or similar to those described above. Accordingly, the same reference numerals will be used for components of the multifunctional surface toolthat are the same as or similar to the components of the multifunctional surface toolas discussed above. The description of these components also applies to this embodiment, and a detailed description of these components is omitted here. Likewise, the operation of the multifunctional surface toolis substantially the same as the operation of the multifunctional surface toolas described above, with respect to these components.

The multifunctional surface toolincludes a hard roller, mounted to the multifunctional surface toolsimilarly to the mounting configuration of the ball collector, described with respect to. The hard rollerincludes a solid outer circumferenceand has sufficient mass to apply a compressive force, due to gravity, on the surface, to recompress loosened material, such as clay, that may have been abraded or worn during use, or due to weather events. Moreover, the weight of the hard rollerserves to flatten out relative high spots on the surface, thus providing an overall flatter surface. The inclusion of the hard roller in front of the water orificesallows the operator to water the surface simultaneous to using the hard roller.

The multifunctional surface tools,,,,, andof the disclosure may include various accessories, such as a cell phone holder, a cupholder, a flashlight, audio speakers, an umbrella, or the like. For example, in reference to, a Bluetooth speaker can be attached via clips or by one or more fasteners to the shaft sectionallowing an operator to play her favorite music while washing or drying an athletic playing surface. As another example, an umbrella can be attached via clips or by one or more fasteners at or near the operator endto provide shade to the operator while washing or drying an athletic playing surface. The multifunctional surface tools of the disclosure may also include hooks or hangers for hanging onto a structure, such as a fence.