A Method and Apparatus for self-propelled cleaning

Abstract

A self-propelled cleaning machine is provided to remove dust, hair, common allergens and debris from surfaces. The self-propelled cleaning machine includes a sheet assembly that is attached to or encompassing the drive unit. This combination is used to clean surfaces in a self-guided fashion with no effort from the user.

1 . A self-propelled cleaner, comprising: 
 a drive unit having an outer surface and a motorized internal mechanism adapted to impart motion to said drive unit;    a sheet having a first side and a second side;    wherein first side of said sheet is operatively connected to the outer surface of said drive unit.    
   
   
       2 . The self-propelled cleaning machine as in  claim 1 , wherein said sheet completely encompasses said drive unit.  
   
   
       3 . The self-propelled cleaning machine as in  claim 1 , wherein said sheet partially encompasses said drive unit.  
   
   
       4 . The self-propelled cleaning machine as in  claim 2 , wherein the shape of said outer surface of said drive unit is at least substantially spherical.  
   
   
       5 . The self-propelled cleaning machine as in  claim 2 , wherein the shape of said outer surface of said drive unit is at least substantially elliptical.  
   
   
       6 . The self-propelled cleaning machine as in  claim 2 , wherein the shape of said outer surface of said drive unit is at least substantially cylindrical.  
   
   
       7 . The self-propelled cleaning machine as in  claim 3 , wherein the shape of said outer surface of said drive unit is at least substantially spherical.  
   
   
       8 . The self-propelled cleaning machine as in  claim 3 , wherein the shape of said outer surface of said drive unit is at least substantially elliptical.  
   
   
       9 . The self-propelled cleaning machine as in  claim 3 , wherein the shape of said outer surface of said drive unit is at least substantially cylindrical.  
   
   
       10 . The self-propelled cleaning machine as in  claim 2 , wherein said sheet is connected to said drive unit.  
   
   
       11 . The self-propelled cleaning machine  claim 3 , wherein said sheet is connected to said drive unit.  
   
   
       12 . The self-propelled cleaning machine as in  claim 1 , further comprising a means to detect and display low battery power.  
   
   
       13 . The self-propelled cleaning machine as in  claim 1 , further comprising a means such as an audible alarm to alert the user when said machine is out of power or lost.  
   
   
       14 . The self-propelled cleaning machine as in  claim 1 , further comprising a means to detect and indicate that the machine's motion is impeded.  
   
   
       15 . A method for cleaning comprising; 
 acquiring a drive unit having a motorized internal mechanism adapted to impart motion to said drive unit;    applying a sheet directly to said drive unit;    activating said drive unit;    placing said drive unit and said sheet onto the surface to be cleaned.    
   
   
       16 . A method of making a covering for said drive unit of  claim 1 , comprising: 
 forming an envelope from one or more cleaning sheets into which said drive unit can be snugly inserted and removed.    
   
   
       17 . A method of making a self-propelled cleaner, comprising: 
 obtaining a drive unit having a motorized internal mechanism adapted to impart motion to said drive unit;    providing a sheet for use with said drive unit.    
   
   
       18 . A method of cleaning multiple surfaces comprising; 
 acquiring a drive unit having a motorized internal mechanism adapted to impart motion to said drive unit;    directly applying a sheet to more than one dimension of said drive unit;    activating said drive unit;    placing said drive unit and sheet in area where simultaneous contact with multiple surfaces can occur.    
   
   
       19 . A toy comprising; 
 a drive unit having an outer surface and a motorized internal mechanism adapted to impart motion to said drive unit;    a sheet having a first side and a second side;    wherein first side of said sheet is operatively connected to the outer surface of said drive unit.