U.S. patent application number 12/832694 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-28 for extractor stretch hose.
Invention is credited to John A. Leonatti, Jackson W. Wegelin.
Application Number | 20100269286 12/832694 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36582112 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100269286 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wegelin; Jackson W. ; et
al. |
October 28, 2010 |
EXTRACTOR STRETCH HOSE
Abstract
A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface is disclosed. The
cleaning apparatus includes a base portion for movement along the
surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. The
apparatus further includes a solution tank for supplying a flow of
cleaning solution to the surface. The solution tank is removably
mounted to one of the handle and the base portion. The apparatus
still further includes a recovery tank removably mounted to one of
the base portion and the handle and a suction source in fluid
communication with the recovery tank. The apparatus yet further
includes an accessory assembly including a hose portion in fluid
communication with the suction source via the recovery tank and a
solution tube in fluid communication with the solution tank. The
maximum length of the accessory hose assembly is at least 25
greater than the minimum length of the accessory assembly.
Inventors: |
Wegelin; Jackson W.; (Akron,
OH) ; Leonatti; John A.; (Uniontown, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL, BEST & FRIEDRICH LLP
100 EAST WISCONSIN AVENUE, SUITE 3300
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Family ID: |
36582112 |
Appl. No.: |
12/832694 |
Filed: |
July 8, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11009638 |
Dec 10, 2004 |
|
|
|
12832694 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 11/34 20130101;
A47L 11/4088 20130101; A47L 9/24 20130101; A47L 11/4083
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/320 |
International
Class: |
A47L 7/00 20060101
A47L007/00 |
Claims
1. A cleaning apparatus, comprising: a base portion for movement
along the surface; a handle pivotally connected to said base
portion; a solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution
to the surface, said solution tank removably mounted to one of said
handle and said base portion; a recovery tank removably mounted to
one of said base portion and said handle; a suction source in fluid
communication with said recovery tank; and an accessory assembly
including a hose portion in fluid communication with the suction
source via the recovery tank and a solution tube in fluid
communication with the solution tank, wherein the maximum length of
the accessory hose assembly is at least 25% greater than the
minimum length of the accessory assembly
2. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the maximum length of
the accessory hose assembly is at least 50% greater than the
minimum length of the accessory assembly.
3. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the maximum length of
the accessory hose assembly is at least 100% greater than the
minimum length of the accessory assembly.
4. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the maximum length of
the accessory hose assembly is at least 200% greater than the
minimum length of the accessory assembly.
5. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the maximum length of
the accessory hose assembly is at least 300% greater than the
minimum length of the accessory assembly.
6. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the maximum length of
the accessory hose assembly is at least 400% greater than the
minimum length of the accessory assembly.
7. A cleaning apparatus, comprising: a base portion for movement
along a surface; a handle pivotally connected to said base portion;
a solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the
surface, said solution tank removably mounted to one of said handle
and said base portion; a recovery tank removably mounted to one of
said base portion and said handle; a suction source in fluid
communication with said recovery tank; an accessory hose in fluid
communication with the suction source via the recovery tank; and a
solution tube positioned within said hose and in fluid
communication with the solution tank.
8. The cleaning apparatus of claim 7, wherein the solution tube is
coiled within the accessory hose.
9. The cleaning apparatus of claim 8, the accessory hose further
having helically coiled support member.
10. The cleaning apparatus of claim 9, wherein the solution tube is
coiled within the accessory hose.
11. The cleaning apparatus of claim 10, wherein: the solution tube
is coiled in a first direction and the support member is coiled in
the opposite direction.
12. The cleaning apparatus of claim 8, wherein the maximum length
of the accessory hose is at least 50% greater than the minimum
length of the accessory hose.
13. The cleaning apparatus of claim 8, wherein the maximum length
of the accessory hose is at least 100% greater than the minimum
length of the accessory hose.
14. The cleaning apparatus of claim 8, wherein the maximum length
of the accessory hose is at least 200% greater than the minimum
length of the accessory hose.
15. The cleaning apparatus of claim 8, wherein the maximum length
of the accessory hose is at least 300% greater than the minimum
length of the accessory hose.
16. The cleaning apparatus of claim 8, wherein the maximum length
of the accessory hose is at least 400% greater than the minimum
length of the accessory hose.
17. The cleaning apparatus of claim 9 wherein said accessory hose
assembly further includes a flexible outer jacket.
18. The cleaning apparatus of claim 10 wherein said solution tube
enters said suction hose at a tangential direction with respect to
said suction hose.
19. The cleaning apparatus of claim 10, wherein said support member
is composed of steel wire and said outer jacket is composed of
vinyl.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an extractor stretch hose
assembly.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] It is known to have a carpet extractor for cleaning a
surface such as a carpet in which cleaning solution is dispensed to
the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with
the dirt on the surface into a recovery tank in a continuous
operation. Some of these extractors have arrangements that allow
the extractor to be used for above the floor cleaning. For example,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,933,912 discloses a wet extractor that is converted
between a floor cleaning mode and an attachment cleaning mode. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,983,442 discloses an extractor that may be converted
from the floor cleaning mode to an above the floor cleaning mode
for cleaning upholstery, stairs, spots on carpet, or the like.
These extractors use an accessory hose with an accessory tool, such
as an upholstery wand, attached to the distal end of the accessory
hose. This hose remains connected to the extractor for both the
floor cleaning mode and the above the floor cleaning mode.
[0005] Often, the length of the accessory hose is relatively large
in order to clean hard to reach areas such as ceilings. Yet, such a
large accessory hose is more difficult to store on the extractor
since it requires more storage area on the extractor and can also
become easily entangled. Also, for cleaning areas close to the
extractor, such a large hose is more difficult to manipulate and is
also subject to kinking.
[0006] Hence, it is at least one object of the present invention to
provide such a cleaning apparatus that overcomes the
above-mentioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus
includes a base portion for movement along the surface and a handle
pivotally connected to the base portion. The apparatus further
includes a solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution
to the surface. The solution tank is removably mounted to one of
the handle and the base portion. The apparatus still further
includes a recovery tank removably mounted to one of the base
portion and the handle and a suction source in fluid communication
with the recovery tank. The apparatus yet further includes an
accessory assembly including a hose portion in fluid communication
with the suction source via the recovery tank and a solution tube
in fluid communication with the solution tank. The maximum length
of the accessory hose assembly is at least 25% greater than the
minimum length of the accessory assembly.
[0008] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface. The
apparatus includes a base portion for movement along the surface
and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. The apparatus
further includes a solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning
solution to the surface. The solution tank is removably mounted to
one of the handle and the base portion. The apparatus yet further
includes a recovery tank removably mounted to one of the base
portion and the handle and a suction source in fluid communication
with the recovery tank. The apparatus still further includes an
accessory hose in fluid communication with the suction source via
the recovery tank and a solution tube positioned within the hose
and in fluid communication with the solution tank.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with
reference to the attached drawings, of which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a carpet extractor embodying
the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the lower portion of the base
assembly and the lower portion of the handle with portions broken
away therefrom of the carpet extractor of FIG. 1 illustrating the
principle elements thereof;
[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the upper portion of the base
assembly illustrating the principal elements thereof;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the base assembly of the
extractor with the wheels removed for illustrative purposes;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the
base assembly of the carpet extractor of FIG. 1 illustrating the
principle elements thereof;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical circuit
for the suction motor and pump used in the embodiment shown in FIG.
1;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a front, side, and top partial perspective view of
the lower portion of the base assembly shown in FIG. 5 with the
motor cover removed for illustrative purposes;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a partial side sectional view of the base assembly
of the carpet extractor of FIG. 1, vertically taken through the
center of the base assembly with the brush assembly and suction
motor removed for illustrative purposes;
[0018] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the lower portion of the
handle assembly of the carpet extractor of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary rear perspective view of the carpet
extractor of FIG. 1 showing the conversion valve assembly and
related elements;
[0020] FIG. 11 is rear and right side perspective view of the
carpet extractor of FIG. 1 with the accessory hose assembly on the
caddy;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a partial sectional view taken along line 12-12
of FIG. 1 with the brush assembly removed;
[0022] FIG. 13A is a partial sectional view taken along line
13A-13A of FIG. 11;
[0023] FIG. 13B is a view similar to FIG. 13A except that the
handle assembly is in the inclined use position;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a rear exploded view of the solution tank and
cleaning solution reservoir assembly;
[0025] FIG. 14A is a view taken along the line 14A-14A of FIG. 14
showing the tank handle in the latched position;
[0026] FIG. 14B is a view similar to FIG. 14A, but showing the tank
handle in the unlatched position;
[0027] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the recovery tank assembly
and related elements for the carpet extractor of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a partial sectional view along lines 16-16 of
FIG. 11 with the accessory hose assembly and base assembly removed
for illustrative purposes;
[0029] FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the upper handle
assembly;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a top view of the accessory tool for the carpet
extractor of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 19A is a fragmentary perspective view of the base
assembly and handle assembly of the carpet extractor of FIG. 1
showing the stop valve arrangement and related elements with the
stop valve in the closed position;
[0032] FIG. 19B is a view similar to FIG. 19A but showing the stop
valve in the open position;
[0033] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the frame of the base
assembly with the air exhaust hose mounted to the standpipe for the
carpet extractor of FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 21 is an alternative arm and lever arrangement of the
conversion valve assembly of the carpet extractor of FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 21A is a second alternative arrangement similar to that
shown in FIG. 21;
[0036] FIG. 22 is a sectional view taken along line 22-22 of FIG.
18;
[0037] FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along line 23-23 of FIG.
18;
[0038] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the conversion valve
assembly positioned in the upholstery or above the floor cleaning
mode of the carpet extractor of FIG. 1 with portions broken away
for illustrative purposes;
[0039] FIG. 24A is a view similar to FIG. 24 but with the
conversion valve assembly being positioned in the floor operating
mode;
[0040] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a portion of the accessory
hose assembly;
[0041] FIG. 26 is a partial section view taken along line 26-26 of
FIG. 25;
[0042] FIG. 26 A is a view similar to FIG. 26, but showing the
accessory hose assembly in the stretched position; and
[0043] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a portion of the accessory
hose assembly in an alternative embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, a specific embodiment thereof has been shown
by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in
detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent
to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the
contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents,
and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claims.
[0045] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view
of an upright carpet extractor 60 according to one embodiment of
the present invention. The upright carpet extractor 60 comprises an
upright handle assembly 62 pivotally connected to the rear portion
of the floor-engaging portion or base assembly 64 that moves and
cleans along a surface 74 such as a carpet. The handle assembly 62
comprises an upper handle assembly 252 and a lower handle body
shell 254 (FIG. 9) with a front body shell faceplate 253 (FIG. 9)
mounted to it. The base assembly 64 includes a brush assembly 70
(FIGS. 2 and 4) having a plurality of rotating scrub brushes 72 for
scrubbing the surface. A supply or solution tank 76 for holding
cleaning solution is removably mounted to the handle assembly 62 of
the extractor 60. A combined air/water separator and recovery tank
80 is removably mounted to handle assembly 62 below the solution
tank 76 in a stacked arrangement.
[0046] As depicted in FIG. 2, the base assembly 64 includes a
generally unitary molded base frame 83 having two laterally
displaced wheels 66L, 66R rotatably attached to the rear of the
base frame 83 via axles 67. An e-ring 69 is secured to each axle 67
to prevent inadvertent removal of the axle from the frame.
Integrally molded into the bottom of the base frame 83 is a
circular stepped basin 86 (FIG. 20) receiving therein the motor/fan
assembly 90 with motor cover 230. A suitable motor/fan assembly is
shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,977, the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference. An air driven turbine 98 providing
motive power for the brush assembly 70 is mounted on the front
portion of the frame 83 as seen in FIG. 5. The base assembly 64
further includes an upper housing or hood portion 82 (FIGS. 1 and
3) mounted atop the base frame 83 and air driven turbine 98. The
top portion of motor/fan assembly 90, motor cover 230 and floor
recovery duct 222 (FIG. 3) extends through a cutout or opening 282
(FIG. 3) in the hood portion 82 as seen in FIG. 8.
[0047] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the brush assembly 70 is
contained in a brush assembly cavity 88 formed in the underside of
the frame 83. The brush assembly 70 comprises a brush support beam
130 having five spaced apart integrally molded, cylindrical
bearings 134. Rotatingly received within bearings are axial shafts
(not shown but illustrated in previously mentioned U.S. Pat. No.
6,009,593; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference) of gear brushes 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D, and 72E having
bristles 69. The beam 130 further includes troughs 71, for
receiving a cleaning solution. The cleaning solution flows through
inlet 105 (FIG. 5) of distributor 107 (FIG. 5) to supply conduits
of the beam 130 and then outward toward the surface being cleaned
through openings 81 in the bottom of brush cups 77. Gear guards 79A
and 79B are attached to the brush support beam 130 and are
identical in construction so as to be interchangeable on either
side of brush support beam 130.
[0048] Integral to and extending upward from the opposite lateral
ends of brush support beam 130 are "T" shaped rails 135 and 137. As
best seen in FIG. 5, T-rails 135 and 137 are slidably received
within vertical guide slots 138 (FIGS. 20) and 140 (FIG. 20)
integrally molded into the lower base housing or frame 83 whereby
brush assembly 70 may freely move or float in the vertical
direction within the brush assembly cavity 88 of base assembly 64.
Each T-rail includes front and rear hooks 142, 144 (FIG. 2) with
inwardly extending noses 146 (FIG. 5) integrally molded on the
upper portion of the hooks for removably mounting the brush
assembly 70 to the frame 83. To mount the brush assembly 70 to
frame 83, a user aligns the noses 146 of the hooks 142, 144 with
the slots 138, 140 and pushes the brush assembly 70 towards the
frame with sufficient force such that the noses 146 cam against the
underside of the frame 83 at the inner edges of the slots 138, 140
and deflect outwardly so that they can extend through the slots.
After extending through the slots 138, 140, the resilient noses 146
deflect back and engage the top surface of the frame 83 to secure
the brush assembly 70 to the frame 83, when the base assembly 64 is
lifted off the surface 74.
[0049] Each nose 146 of the hook members 142, 144 has an upwardly
beveled bottom side 141 (FIG. 5) going from the inner end to the
outer end that aids in removing the brush assembly 70. In
particular, to remove the brush assembly 70, a user pulls down on
the brush assembly with sufficient force to cause frame 83 to cam
against the bevel bottom sides 141 of the noses 146 so as to
deflect the noses 146 outwardly a sufficient distance to allow the
hooks 142, 144 to fall through the slots 138, 140. Alternatively, a
user can simply apply a lateral outward force on the hooks 142, 144
to disengage them from the frame 83.
[0050] Such a suitable brush assembly 70 with the exception of the
previously described hooks used to mount the brush assembly to the
frame 83 is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,867,857, the disclosure which
is incorporated herein by reference. Brush assembly 70 is operated
by a suitable gear train (or other known means), not shown,
contained in transmission housing 100 (FIG. 5). A suitable air
turbine driven gear train is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,362, the
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. The brush
assembly 70 can be a horizontal brush roll driven by a belt secured
to the suction motor or driven by a separate motor.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 4, integrally molded into the
underside of the frame assembly 83 is a vacuum manifold 102.
Manifold 102 is completed by welding a bottom plate 101 to the
bottom of the frame 83. The manifold 102 includes a conduit 103 in
fluid communication with the turbine 98 (FIG. 5) that provides a
vacuum source for the turbine 98. The motor fan assembly 90
generally provides suction to the manifold 102 through the eye of
the fan. Atmospheric air, driving a brush turbine rotor enters by
way of turbine inlet 110 (FIG. 5), passing through a screen 109 to
filter out the dirt and then passing through the rotor. Positioned
within inlet 110 is a throttle valve door 114 (FIG. 5) for
energizing or de-energizing brush turbine rotor. Such a suitable
brush turbine 98 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,188 which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 5, a manual override mechanism 112 is
provided whereby the operator, operating in the floor-cleaning
mode, may selectively close throttle valve 114 thereby
de-energizing brush drive turbine 98. Alternatively, the operator
may select an intermediate position whereby throttle valve 114 is
partially closed thereby reducing the air flow through throttle
valve 114 causing brush drive turbine 98 to rotate at a slower
speed resulting in slower rotating brushes. Override mechanism 112
comprises a table 113 integrally molded to the body of brush drive
turbine 98 and extending rearwardly having slide 116 slidingly
attached thereto. Extending upwardly from slide 116 is lever arm
118 having a conveniently shaped finger cap 120 (FIG. 1) atop
thereof. Lever arm 118 extends upward through a suitable opening
(not shown) in the hood 82 whereby cap 120 is received within
recess 121 in hood 82 as seen in FIG. 1.
[0053] Movement of the cap 120 (FIG. 1) in turn moves the slide 118
to rotating a bell crank 117, which in turn rotates the shaft of
the valve 114, attached thereto. In particular, projecting upward
from slide 116 is an arcuate rib 119. As slide 116 is moved
rearward by the operator, the rib 119 engages the bell crank 117
rotating the bell crank 117 and throttle valve 114 counterclockwise
thereby closing throttle valve 114 and de-energizing the brush
drive turbine 98. Upon return of the slide 116 to its original
position (as illustrated in FIG. 5), a spring 123, secured between
the bell crank 117 and the slide 116, causes the bell crank 117 to
rotate clockwise, thereby rotating throttle valve 114 to the full
open position. Generally as the slide 116 moves from one position
to the other, a cantilevered tab releasingly engages concavities in
the surface of the table, which corresponds to the open and close
position of valve 114. A similar mechanism is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,860,188, the disclosure of which is incorporated by
reference.
[0054] Further, when the handle assembly 62 is pivoted in the
upright storage position, an actuating rod 122 links with the bell
crank 117 via linking member 125 to turn the brushes off. In
particular, as shown in FIG. 13A, a cam projection 271 formed on
the outer surface of a right extension 256R of the handle assembly
62 cams against a rib 273 formed on the actuating rod 122 to cause
the actuating rod 122 to close the throttle valve door 114 and turn
the brushes off. However, when the handle assembly 62 is pivoted
down to the incline working position, the cam projection 271
disengages from the rib 273, thereby allowing a spring 127, secured
between the actuating rod 122 and trunnion bracket 262R, to urge
the actuating rod 122 rearwardly to the position of FIG. 13B, which
opens the throttle valve door 114 and turns on the brushes. Further
details of this arrangement are disclosed by U.S. Pat. No.
5,983,442, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference. Alternately, the speed of the brush assembly 70 could be
controlled by controlled in response to a control signal from the
CPU 845 (See FIG. 21A).
[0055] Turning to FIG. 7, the actuating rod 122 further has a
downwardly depending cam projection 149 that cams against a lever
148 of a microswitch 150 to turn on a solenoid pump 152 when the
handle assembly 62 is in the upright position and main power switch
154 (FIG. 6) is on for upholstery or above the floor cleaning using
the accessory hose. In particular, as seen in FIG. 6, the
microswitch 150 is electrically coupled between solenoid 153 of the
pump 152 and a power source 156 such as household current.
Referring to FIG. 7, the microswitch 150 is captured by clips 158,
which are integrally molded to a table 160 of a holder 162, which
is mounted to the right side of the frame 83 adjacent the suction
motor assembly 90. The holder 162 includes a tubular support boss
164 depending downwardly from the table 160 that telescopingly
receives an upwardly extending post 166 integrally molded to the
frame 83. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, the pump 152 is mounted in a
compartment 168 of the frame 83 forwardly adjacent the microswitch
150. The holder 162, microswitch 150, and pump 152 are covered by
the motor cover 230. The cam projection 149 of the actuating rod
122 extends into a slot 170 formed in the motor cover 230 for
guiding the projection 149 to the lever 148 of the microswitch
150.
[0056] As best seen in FIG. 7, the microswitch 150 includes a
spring-loaded pushbutton 172 aligned underneath the lever 148. The
microswitch 150 is normally open as seen in FIG. 6. When the handle
assembly 62 is moved to the upright position, the cam projection
149 moves forward as indicated by the arrow A, guided by guide
projection 151, and cams against the lever 148, which pushes the
pushbutton 172 to close or complete the circuit between the power
source 156 and pump 152, thereby energizing the solenoid 153 (FIG.
6) to turn on the pump 152. When the handle assembly 62 is in the
inclined or working position, the cam projection 149 is disengaged
from the lever 148, thereby allowing the pushbutton 172 to extend,
which opens the circuit between the power source 156 and pump 152
thereby turning off the pump 152. The pump 152 is designed and
constructed to provide enough pressure to draw the cleaning
solution to spray mechanism of accessory hose. Alternatively, other
types of pumps can be used such as, for example, a centrifugal
pump, gear pump, or air driven turbine pump. Moreover, the solenoid
pump 152 could be activated in response to a control signal
generated by a CPU 845 in response to a sensor 841 detecting the
removal of a free end 638 of the accessory hose 632 from the
holster 618 (As shown in FIG. 21A).
[0057] Turning to FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 8, a floor suction nozzle
assembly 174 is mounted to a depressed zone 176 (FIG. 3) on the
hood portion 82 of the base assembly 64. In particular, as seen in
FIG. 8, the floor suction nozzle assembly 174 includes a
translucent front plate 178 removably mounted to a rear plate 180
to form a flowpath going from its inlet 187 to outlet 189. The rear
plate 180 is fixedly mounted to the depressed zone 176 by any
suitable mounting means such as, for example, screws. As seen in
FIG. 4, integrally molded on the underside of the rear plate are
stiffening ribs 196R, 196L oriented longitudinally with respect to
the base assembly 64, and a stiffening rib 198 oriented transverse
to base assembly 64. The rear plate 180 includes integrally molded
opposite side portions 182R, 182L, which extend rearwardly from the
front of the rear nozzle plate 180. The side portions 182 are
located outwardly adjacent the brush assembly 70 and extend over or
cover the side ends of the brush assembly 70. Optionally, the side
portions 182 can be translucent such that the brush assembly 70 can
be viewed through them as seen in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the rear
plate and hood can be translucent so that the brush assembly can be
view through them, or alternatively, the rear plate and hood can
have front transparent window portions so that the brush can be
viewed through them.
[0058] Each side portion 182 includes a recessed portion 184 (FIG.
3) that receives complementary side portions 186R, 186L of the
front plate 178 to aid in retaining the front plate 178 to the rear
plate 180, while also providing a relatively smooth appearance due
to the front plate 178 being flushed with the rear plate 180. As
best seen in FIG. 4, a groove 188 is formed in the bottom edge 192
(FIG. 3) of the recessed portion 184 for receiving a lateral
inwardly extending projection 190 integrally molded on the
corresponding side portion 186 of the front plate 178. Each side
portion 186 of the front plate 178 also has an inwardly extending
rib 194 spaced forwardly of the projection 190 that abuts the
bottom edge 192 (FIG. 3) of the side portion of the rear plate 180,
which prevents the front plate 178 from pivoting down to the
surface 74.
[0059] As depicted in FIG. 8, the upper or rear end of the front
nozzle plate 178 defines a tab or hand grip 200 that has a downward
depending rib or stop member 210, which catches behind a raised
portion 212 on the rear or upper portion 214 of the rear nozzle
plate 180 to secure the front nozzle plate 178 to the rear nozzle
plate 180. To remove the front nozzle plate 178, a user grasps the
hand grip 200 and pulls upward to disengage the stop member 210
from the raised portion 212 and then slides the front nozzle plate
178 down to unseat the projection 190 (FIG. 4) from the groove 188
(FIG. 4). The front nozzle plate 178 then can be slid forward and
removed. A rubber rope seal 216 is sandwiched between the front and
rear nozzle plates 178, 180 to prevent fluid leakage. A plurality
of flow ribs 179 are integrally molded to the underside of the
front nozzle plate 178 and extend down to the rear nozzle plate,
when the front nozzle pate 178 is mounted to the rear nozzle plate
180. The flow ribs 179 slow down the flow of liquid laden air
impinging upon them, thereby aiding separation of the air from the
liquid. The flow ribs 179 further produce a more uniform
distribution of suction across the suction inlet 187.
[0060] The outlet 189 of suction nozzle assembly 174 is fluidly
connected to an inlet 218 (FIG. 3) of a working air conduit, which
is formed by the upper portion 214 of the rear nozzle plate 180 and
the upper portion 220 of the depressed zone 176. The upper portion
220 is raised so as to be flushed with the rear nozzle plate 180
and includes a seal 226 (FIG. 3) secured therearound. The conduit
is fluidly connected to an inlet 232 of a unitary, plastic, floor
recovery duct 222. The floor recovery duct 222 is mounted to the
motor cover 230. A seal 224 is secured around the connecting area
of the conduit and floor recovery duct 222 to prevent fluid
leakage. A corrugated flexible floor recovery hose 228 (FIG. 9) is
fluidly connected to the outlet 234 of the floor recovery duct 222
via a sleeve connector 236 (FIG. 9).
[0061] As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 12, the base assembly 64 further
comprises a pedal 238 that operates the on/off power switch 154.
The switch 154 is a push-push type power switch, which is mounted
in a pocket 242 of the frame 83 by an elongated holder 240
extending laterally from trunnion bracket or retainer 262L. The
pedal 238 is generally triangular shaped sloping and converging
rearwardly and downwardly as best seen in FIG. 1. An integrally
molded lateral leg 246 extends forwardly from the pedal 238 and
terminates into an s-shaped spring arm 248. As seen in FIG. 12, the
spring arm 248 bears against the upper wall of the holder 240 to
bias the leg 246 down so that cam projection 247 of the leg 246
does not press against the push button 250 of the power switch 154.
Pushing downwardly on the pedal 238 with sufficient force to
overcome the elastic force of the spring arm 248 causes the cam
projection 247 to push the push button 250 which causes the power
switch 154 to close the circuit (FIG. 6) between the power source
156 and suction motor 90 and also between the power source 156 and
pump 152 (if the handle assembly 64 is in the upright position),
thereby turning on the suction motor 90 and pump 152. When the
pedal 238 is released, the spring arm 248 urges the leg 246 down to
allow the push button 250 to extend. The push button 250 is now in
a position to open the circuit between the power source 156 and
suction motor 90 upon being depressed. Thus, pushing the pedal 238
again causes the cam projection 247 to push the push button 250 and
turn off the suction motor 90 and also power to the pump 152 (if
the handle is in the upright position).
[0062] Referring to FIG. 2, the lower portions of the lower body
shell 254 (FIG. 9) and a front body shell face plate 253 (FIG. 9)
of the handle assembly 62 together form a pair of opposite side
extensions 256L, 256R depending downwardly therefrom. The side
extensions 256 have integral trunnions 258L, 258R. The right
trunnion 258R is pivotally received in an aperture 260 through
right trunnion bracket or retainer 262R, which is mounted to the
rear of the frame 83. The left trunnion 258L is pivotally mounted
on the rear of the frame 83 by a left trunnion bracket or retainer
262L, which has an arcuate portion 257 (FIG. 12) covering the left
trunnion 258L. In essence, the trunnion brackets 262L, 262R are
mounted over the trunnions to cover them, thereby pivotally
securing the handle assembly 62 to the base 64. As seen in FIG. 12,
the left trunnion 258L has a notch 259 that receives a stop
projection 261 on the frame. If the handle assembly 62 is pivoted
down too far, the rear end 263 of the notch strikes the stop,
thereby preventing further pivoting of the handle assembly 62.
[0063] A handle release pedal 264 is pivotally connected to the
axle 67 of the right wheel 66R as seen in FIGS. 2, 11, 13A and 13B.
The pedal 264 is generally triangular shaped sloping and converging
rearwardly and downwardly as seen in FIGS. 10 and 11. As depicted
in FIG. 13A and 13B, a leg 266, integrally molded to the pedal 264,
extends forwardly therefrom. An elongated hollow pivot rod 267 is
attached at its outer end to the leg 266 and extends inwardly,
telescopingly receiving the axle of the right wheel 66R. The rod
267 is seated in an arcuate surface 268 of the frame 83 and is
covered by an arcuate surface 261 of the trunnion bracket 262R. A
finger 270 is integrally formed with the rod 267 and extends
rearwardly. An s-shaped spring arm 272, integrally formed with the
leg 266 and spaced rearwardly from the leg 266, extends downwardly
and bears against the frame 83.
[0064] As depicted in FIG. 13A, the spring arm 272 urges the finger
270 upwardly such that it is positioned forwardly adjacent a stop
274, integrally formed on the outer surface of the right extension
256R of the lower handle body 254. The finger 270 is also
positioned in between integral guide walls 276 extending forwardly
from the stop 274 to align the finger 270 with the stop 274. In
this position, the finger 270 engages the stop 274 thereby
preventing the handle assembly 62 from pivoting down. However, when
the pedal 264 is depressed, the elastic spring arm 272 bends to
allow the finger 270 to pivot down and away from the stop 274 and
thus, the handle assembly 62 is permitted to pivot down as seen in
FIG. 13B.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 3, a shroud 278 is mounted on the hood 82
and motor cover 230 and surrounds the exposed top portion of the
motor cover 230 and floor recovery duct 222. When the handle
assembly 62 is in the upright position as seen in FIG. 1, the
recovery tank 80 is positioned upon or spaced slightly above the
shroud 278 to cover the top portion of the motor cover 230 and
floor recovery duct 222. The shroud 278 includes left and right
symmetrical vent portions 284L, 284R formed on its opposite sides
for venting the motor cooling air entering and exiting the suction
motor 80, when the handle assembly 62 is in the upright
position.
[0066] As depicted in FIG. 9, a lateral tongue 462 is integrally
molded to the front body shell faceplate 253 and extends forwardly
to support the recovery tank 80. Specifically, the recovery tank 80
includes a complementary rear recess 464 (FIG. 15) formed on the
underside of bottom wall 318 that slidably receives and rests upon
the tongue 462, when the recovery tank 80 is mounted to the tongue
462 and face plate 253. The tongue 462 also guides the recovery
tank to the faceplate 253 and in combination with the recess 464
laterally supports the tank from side to side, thereby preventing
or substantially minimizing side by side movement of the recovery
tank 80. Since the tongue 462 is a smaller support member than the
commonly used platform or shelf, it is more cost effective and also
allows more room on the handle assembly 62 to accommodate a larger
size recovery tank 80.
[0067] A pair of latches 468L, 468R releasably latches the recovery
tank 80 to the handle assembly 62. In particular, as seen in FIG.
16, each of the latches 468 include upper and lower clips 470
formed at the center of the latch 468 that snap onto and pivotally
receive a pin 472 integrally molded on the lower body shell 254.
The front end of each of the latches 468 defines an inwardly curved
tang 476 that is inserted into a corresponding notch 478 formed in
flange 330 of top wall 322 of the recovery tank 80, upon depression
of the front portion 474 of the latch 468. To disengage the tang
476, from the notch 478, a user depresses the rear portion 480 of
the latch 468 to pivotally move the tang 476 outwardly away from
the notch 478. Thus, when the tangs 476 of both latches 468 are
disengaged from their respective notches 478, the recovery tank 80
can be easily slidably removed from the handle assembly 62 without
the need to pivot or additionally manipulate the recovery tank 80
from the handle assembly 62.
[0068] Referring back to FIG. 9, the floor recovery hose 228 is
captured between the faceplate 253 and lower body shell 254 and
fluidly connected to a vertical floor inlet 482 of a conversion
valve assembly 484 via sleeve connector 302. The conversion valve
assembly 484 is in fluid communication upstream with the recovery
tank 80 via horizontal entrance passageway 486. The conversion
valve assembly 484 is in fluid communication downstream with the
recovery tank 80 via the exit passageway 488, when the recovery
tank 80 is mounted to the handle assembly 62. A corrugated air
exhaust hose 300 is captured between the faceplate 253 and lower
body shell 254 and fluidly connected to outlet 490 of the
conversion valve assembly 484 via a sleeve connector 308. Each of
the sleeve connectors 236, 302, 308 use a male and female snap type
connection to their respective elements 234, 482, 490. Also, the
sleeve connectors 236, 302, 308 are encapsulated to the ends of the
hoses 228, 300 as the connectors 302, 308 are being molded.
[0069] A hose mounting member 310 is attached to the downstream end
of the air exhaust hose 300 and mounts the hose 300 to the frame 83
in fluid communication with a standpipe 312, which is integrally
molded to the frame 83 as seen in FIG. 20. The standpipe 312 has a
semi-circular cross section, as depicted in FIG. 19B, and is in
fluid communication with the vacuum manifold 102 via conduit 303
(FIG. 4). The flexibility of the floor recovery hose 228 and air
exhaust hose 300 allows the handle assembly 62 to pivot and also
permits the hoses 228, 300 to bend and conform to the contour of
the face plate 253 and lower body shell 254.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 15, the recovery tank 80 comprises bottom
wall 318, an upstanding sidewall 320, and a top wall 322 welded
upon the upper end of the sidewall 320. Opposite side recesses 492
(FIGS. 1 and 11) are formed in the sidewall 320 to allow a user to
grasp opposite side portions of the top wall 322. A curved
upstanding flange portion 330 is integrally formed with the top
wall 322. The recovery tank 80 includes lid 324 removably secured
upon the flange portion 330 to define a manifold 331 (FIG. 9)
together with the flange 330 and top wall 322. Specifically, the
lid 324 includes a pair of rear hooks 332 that slide under and
pivotally receive respective lateral pins 334 extending across cut
out portions of the flange 330. To remove the lid 324, a user
grasps the front portion 335 of the lid 324 and pivots the lid 324
upwardly and rearwardly until the hooks 332 are positioned over the
pins 334 to allow the lid 324 and hooks 332 to be simply lifted off
the pins 334. Upstanding peripheral walls 336, 338 separate the
manifold 331 into entrance and exit compartments 340, 342. An
elastomeric seal 337 is secured between the lid and peripheral
walls.
[0071] The entrance compartment 340 has a horizontal inlet opening
344 and a vertical exit opening 346 formed in the top wall 322. The
inlet opening 344 is in fluid communication with the entrance
passageway 486 of the conversion valve assembly 484, when the
recovery tank 80 is mounted to the handle assembly 62. A step 348
is formed adjacent the exit opening 346 to slow the fluid down
thereby aiding separation of the air and liquid. The exit
compartment 342 has an entrance opening 350 to the tank 80 and a
side exit opening 352 in fluid communication with the exit
passageway 488 of the conversion valve assembly 484. A curved
upstanding baffle 354 is secured to the bottom wall 318 of the tank
and is spaced very slightly from the rear portion 356 of the
sidewall 320 but at about an inch from the front portion 357 of the
sidewall 320 and to permit passage of the extracted liquid. The
baffle 354 acts to limit the degree of fluid sloshing during the
forward and reverse push-pull operation of the extractor 60 in the
floor cleaning mode and assists in separation of liquid from the
working air as described further below.
[0072] In addition to its function as an anti-slosh baffle, baffle
354 also serves to prevent the establishment of a "short circuited"
working airflow from exit opening 346 of entrance compartment 340
directly to entrance opening 350 of exit compartment 342. The
baffle 354 acts to disburse the incoming working air over that
portion of the recovery tank's volume upstream of the baffle 354 by
forcing the working air to pass through the small space between the
baffle 354 and front portion 357 of the sidewall 320. Thus, the
velocity of the air as it passes through tank 80 is slowed to a
minimum value and the time that the working air spends within tank
80 is at a maximum thereby providing for more complete liquid
precipitation.
[0073] In operation, when the extractor 60 is operated in the floor
cleaning mode, working air, including entrained fluid and dirt, is
drawn into the floor suction nozzle assembly 174, through the floor
recovery duct 222, floor recovery hose 228, floor inlet 482, and
entrance passageway 486 of the conversion valve assembly 484 and to
the manifold 331 of the recovery tank 80. The recovered soiled
liquid laden air enters the inlet opening 344 of the entrance
compartment 340 and is directed by the wall 336 to the step 348 and
exit opening 346 as seen by the arrows in FIG. 16. The liquid
collects and flows through the space between the baffle 354 and
front portion 357 of the sidewall 320 until it enters the entrance
opening 350 to the exit compartment 342.
[0074] A float 358 is provided within a suitable float cage 360
secured to the top wall 322 and aligned under the entrance opening
350 to choke the flow of working air through the entrance opening
350 when the reclaimed fluid within recovery tank 80 reaches a
desired level. A screen 362 with seal 364 is secured to the top of
the float cage 360 to filter out large objects. The float cage 360,
seal 364, and screen 362 are angled slightly rearwardly and
downwardly so that they are positioned vertically and also closer
to the higher portion of the liquid level, when the handle assembly
62 is inclined rearwardly. This orientation keeps the liquid from
rising to a level that is in close proximity to the entrance
opening 350 of the exit chamber 342 and possibly entering the motor
area. This orientation also prevents the float 358 from prematurely
choking the flow of working air through the entrance opening 350.
To assemble the cage 360 to the top wall 322, tabs 366 integrally
formed on the top of the cage 360 are inserted through
complementary apertures 368 in the top wall 322 and then engage the
top wall 322 upon the cage 360 being turned a sufficient distance,
defining a "twist lock" arrangement. The air flows through an exit
opening 352 of the exit compartment 342 and through the exit
passageway 488 (FIG. 9) and outlet 490 of the conversion valve
assembly 484 (FIG. 9).
[0075] After traveling through the air exhaust hose 300, the
working air then travels through the standpipe 312 (FIG. 20) and
conduit 303 of vacuum manifold 102 (FIG. 4) to the eye of the fan
408 (FIG. 2) of the suction motor 90, which generates the suction
to draw the air to the fan 408. As indicated by the arrows depicted
in FIG. 20, the working air flows out of the eye of the motor fan
408 into exhaust manifold 410. The exhaust manifold 410 is formed
by the lower housing or frame 83 and motor cover 230 (FIG. 5), and
a curved partition 414 which extends forwardly to an integrally
formed wall 412 adjacent the brush assembly 70. The working airflow
is directed by the partition 414 to the front end of the exhaust
manifold 410 at the entrance of a channel 416.
[0076] The channel 416 is formed by a top wall 418, a front wall
420, and a rear wall 422 of the lower housing 83. A duct cover 424
(FIG. 4), integrally molded with the bottom plate, is mounted over
the channel 416. A wall 428, integral with and depending down from
the frame 83 to the bottom plate 101, separates or fluidly isolates
the channel 416 from the conduit 303. Going from the upstream end
to the downstream end of the channel 416, the top wall 418 tapers
inwardly or downwardly within the channel 416 and the rear wall 422
tapers inwardly or forwardly within the channel 416 thereby causing
the cross sectional area of the channel 416 to gradually decrease
going downstream. The air flows at a relatively high velocity to
the front end until it hits the wall 412, which directs the air
down through the channel 416 and across the length of the duct
cover 424, where the air exits out of openings 426 in the duct
cover 424. The decreasing cross sectional area of the channel 416
forces the air to flow faster as it travels downstream so as to
counteract somewhat the frictional forces and gravity that cause
the air to slow down. The channel 416 and openings 426 of the cover
424 also constrict the flow of air thereby increasing its
temperature by transforming kinetic energy produced by the working
fan into internal energy or heat, which is transferred to the warm,
moist, separated exhaust air. Thus, additional heat is provided to
the cleaning path.
[0077] Referring to FIGS. 19A and 19B, a stop valve 442 disposed in
the standpipe 312 prevents liquid from entering the suction motor
if the handle assembly 62 is pivoted down below a predetermined
position. Such a rear horizontal handle assembly 62 position
results in the liquid collecting in the rear of the recovery tank
80 and rising to close proximity to the entrance opening 350. The
stop valve 442 includes a door 444 integrally molded with a
pivoting shaft 446. The shaft 446 is pivotally received in arcuate
surfaces 448 (FIG. 19B) formed on opposite sides of the standpipe
312 near the front portion and captured therein by the hose mount
310 (FIG. 20). A cam follower 450, integrally molded to the shaft
446, projects from the shaft 446. The door 444 is generally
semi-circular in shape, conforming to the semi-circular cross
section of the standpipe 312, and of a cross sectional area
slightly smaller than that of the standpipe 312 so as to allow it
to pivot within the standpipe 312. When the handle assembly 62 is
in the upright position or pivoted down to the inclined working
position, as shown in FIG. 19B, the force of the suction from the
suction motor 90 pivots the door 444 down against straight front
side 452 of the standpipe 312, thereby opening the stop valve 442
and allowing suction generated by the suction motor to draw air
through the standpipe 312.
[0078] However, when the handle assembly 62 is pivoted further down
to a very low predetermined position, a downwardly extending offset
portion 454 on the lower end of the left handle extension 256L cams
against the cam follower 450 and pivots the door 444 up to the
inlet 456 of the standpipe 312 in a closed position as shown in
FIG. 19A. In this position, the door 444 extends across the
interior of the standpipe 312 and blocks or substantially blocks
the suction from the suction motor, thereby shutting or
substantially shutting off suction through the flowpath to the
floor suction nozzle assembly 174 and the accessory hose. Thus,
fluid is prevented from being drawn through the flowpath to the
suction motor 90. When the handle assembly 62 pivots back to the
working position, the offset portion 454 disengages from the cam
follower 450 so that the force of the suction from the suction
motor 90 pivots the door 444 back down against the front side 452
of the standpipe 312 to the valve open position.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 9, a support shelf 460 for supporting the
solution tank 76 is mounted by screws to the front body shell
faceplate 253 and extends forwardly. A cleaning solution reservoir
494 is received in a recess 500 formed in the support shelf 460 and
faceplate 253. The reservoir 494 receives and holds a quantity of
cleaning solution from the solution tank 76 for distribution to
supply tubes 496, 498 (FIG. 17) as further described below. Upon
assembly of the faceplate 253 to the lower body shell 254, the
forward half of the reservoir 494 protrudes through the recess 500
aligning with the top surface of the support shelf 460 such that
the support shelf 460 is generally planer with the top surface of
shelf 460. The solution tank 76 is removably mounted upon the
support shelf 460 of the handle assembly 62.
[0080] As depicted in FIG. 14, the solution tank 76 comprises a
deeply hollowed upper body 502 and a relatively planer bottom plate
504 which is welded about its periphery to the upper body 502. A
skirt 506 extends around the forward end of the bottom plate 504.
The bottom plate 504 is provided with suitable recess areas 508,
which index upon and receive therein corresponding raised
projections 510 (FIG. 9) on the support shelf 460, when the
solution tank 76 is placed upon the shelf 460. Side portions 512L,
512R (FIG. 11) of the tank body 502 are scalloped to expose
opposite ledge portions 514L, 514R (FIG. 11) to provide a holding
area for the hands of a user when filling the solution tank through
opening 594. As seen in FIG. 9, a u-shaped cavity 516 formed in the
faceplate 253 just above the support shelf 460 receives a detergent
measuring cup 518 removably stored therein.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 17, the cleaning solution reservoir 494
includes a bottom basin 520 having the two supply tubes 496, 498
exiting therefrom. The supply tube 496 provides a direct supply of
cleaning solution through discharge port 525 from reservoir to the
accessory tool 700, while supply tube 498 provides a valved release
of cleaning solution from reservoir 494 to the cleaning solution
distributor 107 (FIG. 5)
[0082] Cover plate 526 is welded to basin 520 and thereby forms a
reservoir volume 528 which solution tank 76 floods with cleaning
solution through inlet port 530. Extending axially upward through
inlet port 530 is pin 532, which acts to open supply valve 541
(FIG. 14) of the solution tank 76 as the tank 76 is placed upon the
support shelf 460 (FIG. 9) and secured in place. An upstanding
cylindrical boss 588, integrally formed on the top cover 526,
surrounds the pin. Two O-rings 590 are fitted around the boss 588
to seal the reservoir to the solution tank 76, when the solution
tank 76 is mounted to the handle assembly 62.
[0083] Cleaning solution is released upon operator demand into tube
498 through solution release valve 540 which comprises a valve seat
542 positioned in basin 524 of bowl 544 integrally formed with top
cover 526. The basin 524 of bowl 544 extends across discharge port
546 such that valve seat 542 is aligned to open thereinto. An
opening 548, within the wall of bowl 544, permits the free flow of
cleaning solution from reservoir 528 into bowl 544. An elastomeric
valve member 550 comprises an elongate piston 552 extending through
valve seat 542 having a bulbous nose 554 at the distal end thereof
within discharge port 546. The opposite end of piston 552 includes
a downwardly sloped circular flange 556, the peripheral end of
which frictionally and sealingly engages the upper circular rim of
bowl 544 thereby preventing leakage of cleaning solution thereby.
Flange 556 acts to bias piston 552 upward thereby urging nose 554
into sealing engagement with valve seat 542 preventing the flow of
cleaning solution from bowl 544 into discharge port 546 and tube
498.
[0084] The solution release valve 540 is operated by pressing
downward upon the elastomeric release valve member 550 by push rod
558, thereby deflecting the center of flange 556 downward urging
nose 554 downward and away from valve seat 542 permitting the
passage of cleaning solution therethrough into discharge port 546
and tube 498. Energy stored within flange 556, as a result of being
deflected downward will, upon release of the force applied to push
rod 558, return the valve to its normally closed position as
illustrated in FIG. 9
[0085] The push rod 558 articulates and extends upwardly through
handle assembly 62. The push rod 558 is positioned within the
handle assembly 62 by means of integrally molded spacer 564
dimensioned and located as necessary. The upper end 566 of the push
rod 558 is pivotally attached to trigger 568. Integrally molded
onto the lateral sides of the trigger 568 is a cantilever spring
569. Trigger 568 is pivotally attached to the handle at pivot 570;
thus cantilever spring 569 urges trigger 568 and the attached
articulated push rod 558 towards the valve closed mode. A looped
hand grip 560 captures the push rod 558 and trigger 568 to the
upper handle body 572.
[0086] Cantilever spring 569 is engineered to support the weight of
the push rod 558 such that no force is applied to elastomeric valve
member 550. Upon the operator squeezing the hand grip 560 and
trigger 568, cantilever spring 569 yields thereby permitting
counterclockwise rotation of trigger 568 about pivot 570 with a
resulting downward movement of push rod 558 thereby opening
solution release valve 540 causing gravitational flow of cleaning
solution from reservoir 528 to tube 498. Upon release of trigger
568, energy stored in the system returns valve 540 to the closed
mode.
[0087] As depicted in FIG. 14, removably mounted into bottom plate
504 of the solution tank 76 is a solution release valve 541
comprising valve seat 574 having an elongate plunger 576 extending
coaxially upward therethrough. Plunger 576 having an outside
diameter less than the inside diameter of valve seat 574 is
provided with at least three flutes 578 to maintain alignment of
plunger 576 within valve seat 574 as plunger 576 axially translates
therein and permits the passage of fluid therethrough when plunger
576 is in the open position.
[0088] An open frame housing 580 is located atop valve seat 574
having a vertically extending bore 582 slidingly receiving therein
the upper shank portion of plunger 576. An elastomeric
circumferential seal 584 circumscribes plunger 576 for sealingly
engaging valve seat 574. Seal 584 is urged against valve seat 574
by action of compression spring 586, circumscribing plunger 576,
and positioned between frame 580 and seal 584. Solution release
valve 541 is normally in the closed position. However, as solution
tank 76 is placed upon support shelf 460 of handle assembly 62, pin
532 of the cleaning solution supply reservoir 528 aligns with
plunger 576 and is received within flutes 578, thereby forcing
plunger 576, upward compressing spring 586, and opening valve seat
574 permitting cleaning solution to flow from solution tank 76 into
reservoir 528. Upon removal of solution tank 76 from support shelf
460, the energy stored within compression spring 586 closes valve
seat 574. A threaded cap 592 is threadily secured on a boss 594,
integrally molded on the bottom plate 504, to removably mount the
solution release valve 541 to the bottom plate 504 of the solution
tank 76.
[0089] A check valve 596 in the form of an elastomeric umbrella
valve is provided in the top of the solution tank 76 to assure that
the ambient pressure within tank 76 remains equal to atmospheric,
as cleaning solution is drawn from tank 76. A multiplicity of air
breathing orifices 598 are formed in the top of the tank and extend
to the umbrella valve 596. As the ambient pressure within tank 76
drops, by discharge of cleaning solution from therein, atmospheric
pressure acting upon the top side of umbrella valve 596 causes the
peripheral edge of the umbrella valve 596 to unseat from the
underside surface of the top of the tank 76, thereby permitting the
flow of atmospheric air into tank 76 until the ambient pressure
therein equals atmospheric. Once the pressure on both sides of the
umbrella valve 596 equalize, the energy stored by deflection of the
umbrella valve causes the peripheral edge to reseat itself against
the underside surface thereby preventing leakage of cleaning
solution through orifices 598 during operation of the extractor
60.
[0090] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 14, integrally formed at the top of
the solution tank 76 is a carry handle 600. A solution tank latch
602 releasably secures the solution tank 76 to the upper handle
body 572. The plate like latch 602 is pivotally connected to the
underside of the carrying handle 600 and biased downwardly by a
torsion spring 604 provided between the latch and carry handle.
Specifically as shown in FIG. 1, the torsion spring 604 receives a
pin 605, integrally formed on the center of the carry handle 600,
and includes an upper end leg 607 (FIG. 14) abutting against the
under side of the carry handle 600 and a lower end leg 609 (FIG.
14) abutting against the top surface of the latch 602. The latch
602 includes a pair of arcuate surfaces 606 that pivotally receive
complementary pins 608 (FIG. 9) on the handle 600. A front flange
610 extends upwardly and partially over the front portion 612 of
the carrying handle 600, and acts as a stop or limit to prevent the
latch 602 from pivoting below a horizontal plane. The latch 602
includes a ring member extending from its rear end that defines a
catch 614. The catch 614 receives an upstanding tongue member 616
(FIG. 17) integrally formed on front side 573 of upper handle body
572 to secure the solution tank 76 to the upper handle body
572.
[0091] To remove the solution tank 76 from the upper handle body
572 and face plate 253, a user grasps the carrying handle 600 and
latch 602 and pushes upwardly on the rear portion 618 of the latch
602 a sufficient distance to clear or disengage the catch 614 from
the tongue member 616 and then pulls the solution tank 76 away from
the upper handle body 572 and face plate 253. It should be
appreciated that one skilled in the art could utilize same type of
handle and latch on a recovery tank if the recovery tank 80 were
positioned on the shelf 460. The rear of the solution tank 76 abuts
against the generally flat or planar front side 573 of the upper
handle body 572 and flat or planar upper front portion 255 of the
front body shell face plate 253. In essence, the projections 510
and recesses 508 connection, and the latch 602 and tongue member
616 connection adequately secure and support the solution tank
laterally. Thus, there is additional room to accommodate a solution
tank 76 that is larger in size than that needed to fit into the
area if it was recessed to form a forward cavity for laterally
supporting the solution tank. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 11, the
parting line 671 between the solution tank 76 and handle assembly
62 is aligned with the parting line 673 between the recovery tank
80 and handle assembly 62, and the two parting lines together form
a substantially straight line. This produces a stacked arrangement
of the solution tank 76 above the recovery tank 80 in which the
tanks are in alignment with each other. Optionally, the solution
tank 76 or recovery tank 80 can also wrap partially around the
handle assembly 62 in a saddle type arrangement.
[0092] The arrangement for above the floor or upholstery cleaning
will now be described. Referring to FIGS. 24 and 24A, the
conversion valve assembly 484 includes an accessory inlet 620 that
leads to accessory passageway 624. A rotary valve 628 member is
pivotally connected to the valve body 630 of the conversion valve
assembly 484 and selectively pivots between two positions for
either floor cleaning or above the floor cleaning. An upstanding
boss 629 is attached to the valve 628 and abuts the underside of
the valve body 630 to support the valve 628 horizontally and
prevent it from flexing. An accessory hose assembly 632 (FIG. 11)
is fluidly connected at its proximal end to the accessory inlet
620. An accessory tool 700 (FIG. 11) is selectively fluidly
connected to the distal or free end 638 of the accessory hose
assembly 632.
[0093] Referring now to FIGS. 18, 22, and 23, the accessory tool
700 includes an extractor nozzle 702 and one vertical axis rotary
scrub brush 704 that is driven by an air powered turbine 706. The
extractor nozzle 702 has a narrow, elongated nozzle inlet 703 for
extracting liquid from a surface to be dried or cleaned and is
fixed to a first end 707 of a suction tube 708. The second end 709
of the suction tube 708 is mounted to distal hose end 638 of the
accessory hose assembly 632. The power nozzle accessory tool 700 is
released from the hose end 638 by depressing a retaining nub 712
extending from a resilient tab 714 integrally formed with the
second end 709 of the suction tube 708. A typical on-off trigger
operated valve 634 (FIG. 11) is provided on the hose end 638 to
control the amount of solution dispensed. Further details of the
valve are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,870,798; the disclosure of
which is incorporated by reference.
[0094] The turbine 706 and the brush 704 are mounted to the suction
tube 708 adjacent to the nozzle 702 by screws or other suitable
fastening means. The turbine 706 includes a relatively flat
generally disc or pancake shaped turbine housing 718 defining a
generally disc or pancake shaped turbine chamber therein. A
generally disc shaped turbine rotor 720 is rotatably mounted in the
turbine housing 718 on an axle 722. The turbine housing 718 is
defined by an upper end wall 728 and a lower end wall 734 connected
by a peripheral wall 719 enclosing the turbine chamber.
[0095] A plurality of turbine inlet openings 724 pass through the
peripheral wall 719 of the turbine housing 718 and a turbine outlet
opening 726 passes through a center of the upper wall 728 of
turbine housing. The turbine outlet opening 726 communicates an eye
729 of the turbine 706 with a turbine exhaust opening 730 passing
through a lower side of the suction tube 708, such that when
suction is applied to the suction tube 708, as indicated by arrow
A, ambient air is drawn in through the turbine inlet openings 724
through turbine blades 732 on the turbine rotor 720 and out through
the turbine outlet opening 726, thereby driving the turbine rotor
720. Screens are preferably mounted in the turbine inlet openings
to prevent dust, lint and other debris from being drawn in the
inlet openings and fouling the turbine.
[0096] The terms upper and lower are used in relation to the
accessory power nozzle tool 700 as illustrated in FIGS. 18, 22 and
23 with upper meaning toward the suction tube 708 and lower meaning
toward the brushes 704. Likewise, the term forward means toward the
nozzle 702 and rearward means toward the hose end 638. It can be
appreciated that the orientation of the accessory tool 700 changes
during use. As such, the terms upper, lower, forward and rearward,
as used in the description and the appended claims, are only
intended to describe the parts of the nozzle when the nozzle is in
the orientation illustrated in FIGS. 18, 22 and 23 with the brushes
704 and nozzle inlet 703 facing down.
[0097] Referring now to FIGS. 22 and 23, a portion or first end of
the turbine axle 722 extends through the lower wall 734 of the
turbine housing 718 (FIG. 18) and drives the brushes 704 via a gear
train 735. The gear train is preferably a conventional gear
reduction. The portion of the axle outside the turbine housing has
helical gear teeth formed integrally therewith forming a gear shaft
736. The helical teeth on the gear shaft 736 engage helical gear
teeth on an outer periphery of a reducing or idler gear 738, such
that the reducing gear 738 is driven by the turbine rotor 720. A
reduced diameter portion 740 of the idler gear 738 engages and
drives a spur gear 742. A drive shaft 744 is integrally formed with
the spur gear. The drive shaft 744 has a non-circular cross section
that is non-rotatably received in a correspondingly sized and
shaped central opening in an idler gear 745. The idler gear 745 has
teeth that mesh with teeth on recess 741 formed on top 743 of the
spur gear 742 for the brush 704 for rotationally driving the brush
704.
[0098] In order to rotatably mount the turbine rotor 720 in the
turbine housing 718 with minimal friction, the axle 722 is mounted
in the lower end wall 734 in a sleeve bearing 748 and a thrust
washer 750 is mounted over the axle 722 between the rotor 720 and
the sleeve bearing 748. Furthermore, a pin 752 formed of wear
resistant material extends down from a turbine exit shroud or
baffle 760 to make a substantially point contact with a top end of
the axle 722 when the rotor 720 is drawn upward by the suction A
applied to the tube 708. In addition, the direction in which the
helical teeth on the gear shaft 736 twist about the shaft 736 is
selected such that the engagement of the gear shaft 736 with the
idler gear 738 creates a downward force on the shaft 736 and
therefore on the turbine rotor 720 under load. This downward force
counterbalances the upward force applied to the rotor 720 by the
suction A in the suction tube. More particularly, the turbine 732
blades on the rotor 720 are designed to cause the rotor 720 to spin
clockwise in top view and the helical teeth on the gear shaft 736
have a right hand or clockwise twist, such that clockwise motion of
the rotor 720 causes the idler gear 738 to apply a downward force
on the gear shaft 736.
[0099] The turbine rotor 720 is preferably somewhat bell shaped.
The bell shape facilitates the flow of air through the turbine 706
and out the turbine outlet opening 726 by smoothly guiding the flow
of air upward and out the turbine outlet opening 726. The bell
shape also minimizes distortion of the rotor 720 under load. An
additional benefit of the bell shape of the turbine rotor 720 is
that it provides a recess 749 in a lower side 754 of the rotor as
viewed in FIG. 22. The sleeve bearing 748 supporting the turbine
axle in the lower end wall 734 is preferably located in a central
raised portion 747 of the lower end wall 734, such that the top end
756 of the bearing is received in the recess 749 in the lower side
of the turbine. Locating the sleeve bearing partially in the recess
in the rotor decreases the vertical height required to mount rotor
720 and axle 722 in the housing 718 and provides a relatively
compact construction. Locating the top end of the bearing above the
lower end wall 734 also helps prevent any liquid pooling on the
lower end wall 734 from entering the bearing 748. Any liquid that
pools on the lower end wall 734 will run out the turbine inlet
openings 724 when the suction being applied to the suction tube is
turned off.
[0100] The brush 704 has bearing and brush mounting stem 781
integrally formed therewith. The brush bearing and mounting stem
781 is received in hollow cylindrical brush mounting post 782
extending down from a wall 783 separating the brush chamber from
the gear chamber. In order to provide a compact brush assembly, the
brush 704 has an annular recess 784 surrounding the stem 781 for
receiving the mounting post 783 therein. The brush 704 is retained
in place on the mounting post 782 by a lower brush retaining wall
786. The end of the stem 781 on the brush 704 abuts against an
inner end surface 788 inside the mounting post 782. Thus, the brush
704 is held axially in place between the end surfaces 788 and the
retaining wall 786. Bristles 715 on the brushes 704 extend out
brush opening 790 in the retaining wall 786.
[0101] In operation, suction is applied to the suction tube 708,
thereby applying suction simultaneously to the suction nozzle 702
and the air powered turbine 706. Thus, air is drawn simultaneously
in through the suction nozzle inlet 703 for extracting liquid from
a surface to be dried or cleaned and in through the turbine inlet
openings 724 for operating the turbine 706 by driving the rotor
720, which in turn, drives the scrub brush 704 via the gear train
735.
[0102] An operator preferably simultaneously presses the suction
inlet 703 and the scrub brush 704 against a surface to be cleaned
and then depresses the trigger 634 while pulling the extractor
nozzle accessory tool 700 in a rearward direction. Upon depressing
the trigger 634, the spray mechanism sprays cleaning solution onto
the carpet or other surface to be cleaned. The brush is then used
to distribute the solution on the carpet or fabric and work the
solution into the carpet or fabric with a scrubbing action. Further
details of the accessory tool are shown in U.S. Pat. No.
6,1343,746; the disclosure of which is incorporated by
reference.
[0103] Referring to FIGS. 11, 25, 26, 26A and 27, the accessory
hose assembly 632 has a suction hose 800 that is corrugated and
form of a suitable elastic material to allow it to extend its
length. The solution tube 496 is placed inside the suction hose 800
in a helical coiled arrangement in order to allow it to also extend
and retract in response to the suction hose 800 extending and
retracting to a desired length. Referring to FIG. 26, the suction
hose 800 is formed from a helically coiled support member 801 such
as a steel wire, and an extruded or helically wound outer jacket
803 formed from a suitable flexible material, such as vinyl. This
arrangement allows the outer jacket 803 to move as the support
member 801 is extended and contracted, forming a stretch hose in
which the length of the hose can be adjusted. One example of the
outer portion of the stretch hose is shown in U.S. Pat. No.
3,486,532, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Although a
steel wire and vinyl type stretch hose is preferred, a one-piece
corrugated hose member could be used as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,572,393 and 5,395,278, which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0104] As illustrated, the stretch hose uses an outward convoluting
stretch suction hose 800, in which the support member 801 defines
the inner diameter of the suction hose 800, while the excess
material of the outer jacket is displaced outwardly in the form a
ring 805 from the support member 801 when the suction hose 800 is
retracted, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 26A. Alternately, the stretch
hose may use an inward convoluting stretch suction hose 800, in
which the support member 801 defines the outer diameter of the
suction hose 800, while the excess material of the outer jacket is
displaced inwardly in the form a ring 805 from the support member
801 when the suction hose 800 is retracted the It is also preferred
to orient the helical coils of the solution tube 496 opposite the
orientation of the helically coiled support member 801. The
solution tube 496 is not bonded to the outer jacket 803 of the
suction hose 800 and is significantly shorter in straightened
length than the straightened length of the helically coiled support
member 801, to facilitate priming with cleaning solution. However,
the solution tube could be bonded to the outer jacket or could form
the support member 805. The solution tube 496 enters and leaves the
suction hose 800 at rigid cuff member 807 in the perpendicular or
radial direction. Alternatively, the solution tube 496 enters and
leaves the suction hose 800 at cuff member 809 tangentially to
reduce clogging in the suction hose 800 as depicted in FIG. 27. The
solution tube 496 may or may not be bonded to the suction hose
800.
[0105] In the stretched position, shown in FIG. 26 A, it should be
noted that the hose has increased in length by a factor of four
hundred percent (400%) over the compressed position shown in FIG.
26. It should be noted that most suction hoses with a solution tube
will not expand much over twenty five percent (25%) of the original
length. Therefore, the present invention allows stretch
configurations that are capable of expanding to 50%, 100%, 200%,
300%, 400% and greater. This large expansion ratio allows for a
more compact suction hose in the storage position (FIG. 26) to have
a greatly enhanced length when used (FIG. 26A).
[0106] The accessory hose assembly 632 is routed down from the
accessory inlet 620 of the conversion valve assembly 484 and
extends through an enclosed portion 802 of a hose retainer 804. The
hose retainer 804 is mounted to the rear of the lower body shell
254 at a location near the bottom of the lower body shell 254. Such
a location provides for a very low center of gravity at the
connection of the accessory hose assembly 632 and hose retainer
804, thereby preventing the extractor unit 60 from tipping when the
accessory hose assembly 632 is being used. The hose retainer 804
also includes a clip portion 806 extending outwardly and downwardly
for releasably retaining a section of the accessory hose assembly
632 or accessory tool 700 if desired. The accessory hose assembly
632 wraps around a hook 808 integrally molded to the upper hand
body.
[0107] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 17, a retainer assembly 810 is
mounted to the rear portion of the upper handle body 572 and
includes a pair of retaining clips 812L, 812R located on opposite
side ends to releasably retain the accessory hose assembly 632 to
the rear side of the handle assembly 62. The retainer assembly 810
includes an integrally molded tongue 814 extending upwardly and
outwardly, which is selectively inserted into the suction tube 708
of the accessory tool 700 to store the tool 700 on the extractor
60. The retainer assembly also includes an integrally molded carry
handle 817 for carrying the extractor unit 60. An upper cord holder
820 is mounted to the retainer assembly 810 and upper handle body
572 and a lower cord holder 821 is integrally molded to the lower
handle body shell 254. The distal hose end 638 is slidably received
in a pocket member or holster 816 secured to the rear portion of
the handle assembly 62 when it is stored on the unit.
[0108] As depicted in FIGS. 24 and 24A, a manual lever 818 is
connected to the rotary valve member 628 to selectively pivot the
valve member 628 between the two positions. An arm 822 is connected
to the lever 818 and reciprocates or moves back and forth in
response to pivotal movement of the lever 818. As seen in FIGS. 9
through 11, a cover 824 for the conversion valve assembly 484 is
mounted to the rear portion of the lower handle body shell 254. The
cover 824 includes a first lateral slot 826 in which the lever 818
extends therethrough for access by the user and a second lateral
slot 827 (FIG. 9) in which the arm 822 extends and retracts
therethrough. When the carpet extractor 60 is operated in the floor
mode as seen in FIG. 11, the hose end 638 is received in the
holster 816 and the lever 818 is at the position in the slot 826
furthest away from the holster 816. This places the valve member
628 over the outlet 621 of the accessory passageway 624, thereby
partially blocking suction to the accessory passageway 624,
accessory hose assembly 632, and accessory tool 700 as seen in FIG.
24A. The remaining suction through the accessory passageway 624,
accessory hose assembly 632, and accessory tool 700 is blocked or
shut off by bottom wall 828 of the holster 816. Thus, working air,
including entrained fluid and dirt, is drawn into the floor suction
nozzle assembly 174, through the floor recovery duct 222, floor
recovery hose 228, entrance passageway of the conversion valve and
to the lid assembly 324 of the recovery tank 80.
[0109] To operate the carpet extractor 60 in the upholstery or
above the floor cleaning mode as depicted in FIGS. 10 and 24, a
user removes the distal hose end 638 of the accessory hose assembly
632 from the holster 816 and mounts the accessory tool 700 to the
hose end 638. The user then moves or rotates the lever 818
counterclockwise (as viewed from the top) to the other end 838 of
the slot 826, which in turn rotates the valve member 628 away from
the outlet 621 of the accessory passageway 624 and over the outlet
830 of the floor passageway 832 to partially or substantially block
suction through the floor recovery duct 222, floor recovery hose
228, and floor suction nozzle 174. Yet, suction is created in the
flowpath through the accessory passageway 624, accessory hose
assembly 632, and accessory tool 700. Thus, suction generated by
the motor draws dirt and liquid through the accessory tool 700,
suction hose 800, accessory passageway 624, entrance passageway 486
and into the recovery tank 80 as seen by the arrows. Also, movement
of the lever 818 to the upholstery mode position causes the arm 822
to extend through the slot 827 (FIG. 9) partially over the bottom
wall 828 of the holster 816 as seen in FIG. 10. In this position,
the arm 822 prevents the hose end 638 from being inserted into the
holster 816 until the lever 818 is moved back to the slot end 836
furthest away from the holster 816 to retract the arm 822 and
position the valve member 628 over the outlet 621 of the accessory
passageway 624 for operation in the floor mode.
[0110] As seen in FIG. 21, an alternative arm and lever arrangement
is designed such that the hose end 638 cams against arm 840, when
inserted in to the holster 816, to retract the arm 840, which
causes lever 842 to position the valve member 628 over the outlet
621 of the accessory passageway 624 for operation in the floor
mode. In particular, the arm 840 is pivotally attached to the
handle assembly 62 at its proximal end 848. The distal end 844 of
the lever 842 is attached to the outer end of gear 846, which is
rotatably connected to the handle assembly 62. Rotation of the gear
846 causes the lever 842 to reciprocate. The gear 846 includes
teeth 850 which intermesh with teeth 852 formed on the proximal end
848 of the arm. A spring 834, attached between the handle assembly
62 and the arm 840, biases the arm 840 upwardly and causes the
lever 842 to position the valve member 628 over the outlet 830 of
the floor passageway 832. When the hose end 638 is inserted in the
holster 816, it cams or pushes down on the arm 840 causing the arm
840 to retract which causes the lever 842 to position the valve
member 628 over the outlet 621 of the accessory passageway 624 for
operation in the floor mode. When the hose end 638 is removed from
the holster 816 for upholstery or above the floor use of the carpet
extractor 60, the spring 834 urges the arm 840 upwardly and
positions the valve member 628 over the outlet 830 of the floor
passageway 832.
[0111] Referring now to FIG. 21A, a second alternative arrangement
is shown to sense when the hose end 638 is moved into and out of
position within the holster 816. In particular, the sensor 841
senses the presence of the hose end 638 and sends control signals
to the CPU 845. The sensor 841 may be any one of a micro switch,
hall effect sensor, infrared sensor, optical sensor or any other
suitable sensor that may detect the presence of the hose end 838
within the holster 816. The CPU 845 contains logic which may be
used to (1) control an actuator 843 to actuate the lever 842 and
control airflow to the floor nozzle, (2) control the speed of the
motor/fan unit 90 if it is desirable to increase or decrease fan
speed when the accessory tool is being used, (3) start the pump 152
to start and stop the flow of cleaning fluid to the fluid conduit
496 when the accessory hose is in use, (4) control the speed of the
brush assembly to stop the brushes when the accessory hose is in
use, or (5) control some other operation that is only desired when
the hose end 638 is removed from the holster 816. It should be
noted that the CPU control of features is not presented here in
great detail, but should readily be implemented by one skilled in
the art of designing floor care appliance.
[0112] In use, the carpet extractor 60 distributes the cleaning
solution on the carpet 74 upon squeezing of the trigger 568 as it
substantially and simultaneously extracts it along with the dirt on
the carpet in a continuous operation. Optionally, the carpet
extractor can be self-propelled or include a heater for heating the
cleaning solution. Also, a tablet composed of fragrance emitting
material can be placed within the solution tank 76 and mixed with
the cleaning solution to produce the desired fragrance after
cleaning the carpet. Further, the bristles 69, 715 of their
respective brushes 72, 704 may be composed of antimicrobial
material. Such a tablet and antimicrobial bristle material is
disclosed in co-pending patent application having Ser. No.
10/714,808; the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
The present invention has been described by way of example using
the illustrated embodiments. Upon reviewing the detailed
description and the appended drawings, various modifications and
variations of the embodiments will become apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art. All such obvious modifications and
variations are intended to be included in the scope of the present
invention and of the claims appended hereto.
[0113] While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration
and description is to be considered as exemplary and not
restrictive in character, it being understood that only the
preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all
changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the
invention are desired to be protected.
* * * * *