Automated apparatus and equipped trashcan

Abstract

An automated cleaning device for cleaning a floor surface and steps including a housing having a power source and a cleaning mechanism coupled thereto. A drive mechanism is coupled to the power source and can drive the cleaning mechanism. A sensor is provided that couples to the housing for detecting objects that lie along a path of movement being traveled by the apparatus. The apparatus further includes a leg movably coupled to the housing, such that the leg can move from a retracted position in which the leg is disposed in the housing to an extended position. As the leg moves to the extended position, the leg can engage a surface in which the device is positioned on and lift the housing away from the surface.

1 . An automated cleaning device for cleaning a floor surface and steps, comprising:
 a housing and a power source disposed therein;   one or more cleaning mechanisms coupled to the housing;   a drive mechanism coupled to the power source, the drive mechanism driving the one or more cleaning mechanisms;   a sensor coupled to the housing for detecting objects that lie along a path of movement being traveled by the device;   a controller disposed in the housing and controlling the one or more cleaning mechanisms, the controller configured to communicate with a remote communication system; and   a leg movably coupled to the housing, the leg including a retracted position in which the leg is substantially disposed in the housing and an extended position in which at least a portion of the leg is disposed outside the housing, whereby the leg engages a surface adjacent to the device and lifts the housing away from the surface.   
   
   
       2 . The automated cleaning device of  claim 1 , further comprising a hollow body coupled to the housing and at least partially enclosing the leg. 
   
   
       3 . The automated cleaning device of  claim 2 , wherein the hollow body comprises an opening through which the leg extends in the extended position. 
   
   
       4 . The automated cleaning device of  claim 1 , wherein the leg comprises a surface that defines teeth configured for engaging a gear to move the leg between the extended position and retracted position. 
   
   
       5 . The automated cleaning device of  claim 1 , wherein the leg comprises a plurality of legs. 
   
   
       6 . The automated cleaning device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of cleaning mechanisms comprises a brush, mop, rag, towel, broom, sponge, or cloth. 
   
   
       7 . The automated cleaning device of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a bumper sensor configured for contacting an object. 
   
   
       8 . The automated cleaning device of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor detects an object and communicates the detection to the controller. 
   
   
       9 . The automated cleaning device of  claim 1 , further comprising a collection compartment disposed in the housing, the collection compartment adapted to receive contents from the floor surface or steps. 
   
   
       10 . The automated cleaning device of  claim 9 , further comprising a vacuum disposed in the housing and coupled to the collection compartment, wherein the vacuum transports contents into the collection compartment. 
   
   
       11 . The automated cleaning device of  claim 9 , wherein a bottom surface of the housing defines an opening through which contents are transported from the cleaning mechanisms to the collection compartment. 
   
   
       12 . The automated cleaning device of  claim 1 , wherein the leg further includes a tilted position. 
   
   
       13 . The automated cleaning device of  claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to communicate wirelessly. 
   
   
       14 . The automated cleaning device of  claim 13 , wherein the controller is configured to communicate via Bluetooth. 
   
   
       15 . An automated cleaning device for cleaning steps, comprising:
 an automated robot for cleaning, comprising:
 a housing and a power source disposed therein; 
 one or more cleaning mechanisms coupled to the housing; 
 a drive mechanism coupled to the power source, the drive mechanism driving the one or more cleaning mechanisms; 
 a sensor coupled to the housing configured for detecting an elevation change and objects that lie along a path of movement being traveled by the robot; and 
 a controller disposed in the housing and controlling the one or more cleaning mechanisms; and 
   a collection device, comprising:
 a housing configured for receiving contents from the robot; 
 a communication center and vacuum disposed within the housing, wherein the vacuum is adapted to transfer contents from the robot into the housing; and 
 a docking station to which the robot couples to the collection device. 
   
   
   
       16 . The automated cleaning device of  claim 15 , wherein the robot comprises a leg movably coupled to the housing, the leg including a retracted position in which the leg is substantially disposed in the housing and an extended position in which at least a portion of the leg is disposed outside the housing, whereby the leg engages a surface adjacent the device and lifts the housing away from the surface 
   
   
       17 . The automated cleaning device of  claim 15 , wherein the communication center comprises a user-interface. 
   
   
       18 . A method for using an automated cleaning device to move up or down a step and clean the step, the device having a housing and a cleaning mechanism coupled thereto, a drive mechanism coupled to the cleaning mechanism, a sensor coupled to the housing, a controller, and a leg movably coupled to the housing, the method comprising:
 detecting a step with the sensor;   transmitting a signal to the controller with the sensor;   determining with the controller whether to move up or down the step;   moving the leg into contact with a surface;   lifting the housing away from the surface;   tilting the leg at an angle and thereby moving at least a portion of the housing above the step;   moving the portion of the housing into contact with the step;   moving the leg into the housing; and   cleaning the step.   
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising sensing objects that lay along a path of movement being traveled by the device. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the cleaning step further comprises driving the cleaning mechanism.