U.S. patent application number 14/613537 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-03 for liquid extraction cleaning device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Rug Doctor, LLC. Invention is credited to Ernest Matthew Chavana, JR., Walter Haug, Jason Edward Hill, Vincent Lau, Phuong Le, Ann Marie Morrow, Charles Michael Ostendorf, Schubert Pereira, Craig Saunders, Evan Spirk, Paul Stephens, Jason Tilk, Lindsey Tufts, Timothy Wall.
Application Number | 20150245758 14/613537 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54006178 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150245758 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wall; Timothy ; et
al. |
September 3, 2015 |
Liquid Extraction Cleaning Device
Abstract
A liquid extraction cleaning device comprises a vacuum pump, a
liquid pump, a cleaning solution tank, a recovery tank, first and
second spray nozzles, a spray selection switch, a vacuum inlet
port, an agitator assembly, and a handle. The spray selection
switch controls whether liquid is expelled from the second spray
nozzle when liquid is expelled from the first spray nozzle. The
agitator assembly comprises first and second agitators. The first
agitator is configured to rotate. The second agitator is configured
to reciprocate. The handle is pivotally connected to the rest of
the liquid extraction cleaning device and is lockable in several
pivotal orientations. The handle can also be pivoted forward from a
rearwardly extending direction to an extent that it extends forward
horizontally.
Inventors: |
Wall; Timothy; (Plano,
TX) ; Morrow; Ann Marie; (Plano, TX) ; Haug;
Walter; (Plano, TX) ; Le; Phuong; (St.
Charles, MO) ; Ostendorf; Charles Michael; (St.
Clair, MO) ; Pereira; Schubert; (Fenton, MO) ;
Chavana, JR.; Ernest Matthew; (Fenton, MO) ; Lau;
Vincent; (Fenton, MO) ; Hill; Jason Edward;
(St. Louis, MO) ; Tilk; Jason; (Cleveland, OH)
; Spirk; Evan; (Cleveland, OH) ; Tufts;
Lindsey; (Cleveland, OH) ; Saunders; Craig;
(Cleveland, OH) ; Stephens; Paul; (Cleveland,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rug Doctor, LLC |
Plano |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54006178 |
Appl. No.: |
14/613537 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61946443 |
Feb 28, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 11/4002 20130101;
A47L 11/4036 20130101; A47L 11/34 20130101; A47L 11/4075 20130101;
A47L 9/0411 20130101; A47L 11/4088 20130101; A47L 11/4083 20130101;
A47L 9/0488 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 11/34 20060101
A47L011/34 |
Claims
1-7. (canceled)
8. A liquid extraction cleaning device comprising: a vacuum pump; a
liquid pump; a cleaning solution tank, the cleaning solution tank
being configured and adapted to store a cleaning liquid, the
cleaning solution tank being operatively connected to the liquid
pump in a manner such that the liquid pump can draw cleaning liquid
from the cleaning solution tank; a recovery tank, the recovery tank
being configured and adapted to store soiled cleaning liquid
extracted from a floor, the recovery tank being operatively
connected to the vacuum pump in a manner such that the vacuum pump
can draw air from the recovery tank; a vacuum inlet port, the
vacuum inlet port being operatively connected to the recovery tank
and the vacuum pump in a manner such that the vacuum pump is
capable of drawing fluid through the vacuum inlet port and into the
recovery tank; and an agitator assembly, the agitator assembly
comprising an agitator that is configured and adapted to move
relative to the inlet port; first and second spray nozzles, each of
the first and second spray nozzles being operatively connected to
the liquid pump in a manner such that the liquid pump is capable of
forcing cleaning liquid from the cleaning solution tank out of the
spray nozzle; a liquid spray selection switch, the liquid spray
selection switch being adapted and configured to selectively
prevent cleaning liquid pumped by the liquid pump from being forced
out of the second spray nozzle while permitting cleaning liquid
pumped by the liquid pump to be forced out of the first spray
nozzle, the liquid spray selection switch also being adapted and
configured to selectively permit cleaning liquid pumped by the
liquid pump to be forced out of the first and second spray nozzles
simultaneously.
9. A liquid extraction cleaning device in accordance with claim 8
wherein the liquid extraction cleaning device comprises wheels, the
first spray nozzle is between the wheels and the vacuum inlet port,
and the wheels are between the first spray nozzle and the second
spray nozzle.
10. A liquid extraction cleaning device in accordance with claim 8
wherein the first spray nozzle is a first distance from the vacuum
inlet port, the second spray nozzle is a second distance for the
vacuum inlet port, and the second distance is at least three times
greater than the first distance.
11. A liquid extraction cleaning device in accordance with claim 10
wherein the liquid extraction cleaning device comprises wheels, the
first spray nozzle is between the wheels and the vacuum inlet port,
and the wheels are between the first spray nozzle and the second
spray nozzle.
12. A liquid extraction cleaning device in accordance with claim 8
wherein the liquid spray selection switch is a mechanical fluid
valve.
13-15. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention pertains to liquid extraction cleaning
devices of the type that spray cleaning liquid onto surfaces and
thereafter suck the liquid back up to clean such surfaces. More
specifically, the present invention pertains to liquid extraction
cleaning devices that are used to clean carpet or upholstery and
that store the cleaning solution and recovered liquid onboard.
[0006] 2. General Background
[0007] Some carpet and upholstery extraction cleaners are known in
the industry as floor cleaners and some are known as spot
cleaners.
[0008] A typical floor cleaner comprises a wheeled main unit that
rests on the floor and comprises one or more liquid spray nozzles,
one or more agitators, and one or more vacuum intake nozzles
beneath the main unit. As the main unit of such a floor cleaner is
dragged over carpet, liquid spray is discharged from the main unit.
The agitator of the main unit is then used to work the liquid into
the carpet. Following the agitation, the vacuum intake nozzles of
the main unit extract as much of the soiled liquid from the carpet
as possible. It is common for floor cleaners to be configured to
perform all of these actions simultaneously, albeit on different
portions of the carpet. Thus, as the main unit is dragged or
self-propelled over carpet, the spraying, agitating, and vacuuming
occurs sequentially on any given portion of the carpet.
[0009] Spot cleaners tend to be smaller than floor cleaners and are
typically used to pick up spills, remove localized stains, or clean
furniture upholstery. Some spot cleaners are merely handheld
devices that comprise the same general features of the larger floor
cleaners, but without the wheels. Other spot cleaners comprise a
hand tool that is attached to a main unit via a flexible hose. With
such hand tool spot cleaners, the hand tool performs the spraying
and the vacuuming and may or may not perform agitation. The vacuum
motor and most other necessary components of such hand tool spot
cleaners are contained in the main unit. Many floor cleaners are
provided with an accessory hand tool and hose that allow the floor
cleaners to also serve as spot cleaners.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is directed primarily to floor cleaner
liquid extraction devices.
[0011] In one aspect of the invention, a liquid extraction cleaning
device comprises a vacuum pump, a liquid pump, a cleaning solution
tank, a recovery tank, a spray nozzle, a vacuum inlet port, and an
agitator assembly. The cleaning solution tank is configured and
adapted to store a cleaning liquid and is operatively connected to
the liquid pump in a manner such that the liquid pump can draw
cleaning liquid from the cleaning solution tank. The recovery tank
is configured and adapted to store soiled cleaning liquid extracted
from a floor and is operatively connected to the vacuum pump in a
manner such that the vacuum pump can draw air from the recovery
tank. The spray nozzle is operatively connected to the liquid pump
in a manner such that the liquid pump is capable of forcing
cleaning liquid out of the spray nozzle. The vacuum inlet port is
operatively connected to the recovery tank and the vacuum pump in a
manner such that the vacuum pump is capable of drawing fluid
through the vacuum inlet port and into the recovery tank. The
agitator assembly comprises first and second agitators and an
electric motor. The first agitator is operatively connected to the
electric motor in a manner such that operation of the electric
motor causes the first agitator to rotate. The second agitator is
operatively connected to the electric motor in a manner such that
operation of the electric motor causes the second agitator to
reciprocate.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention, a liquid extraction
cleaning device comprises a vacuum pump, a liquid pump, a cleaning
solution tank, a recovery tank, a vacuum inlet port, an agitator
assembly, first and second spray nozzles, and a liquid spray
selection switch. The cleaning solution tank is configured and
adapted to store a cleaning liquid and is operatively connected to
the liquid pump in a manner such that the liquid pump can draw
cleaning liquid from the cleaning solution tank. The recovery tank
is configured and adapted to store soiled cleaning liquid extracted
from a floor and is operatively connected to the vacuum pump in a
manner such that the vacuum pump can draw air from the recovery
tank. The vacuum inlet port is operatively connected to the
recovery tank and the vacuum pump in a manner such that the vacuum
pump is capable of drawing fluid through the vacuum inlet port and
into the recovery tank. The agitator assembly comprises an agitator
that is configured and adapted to move relative to the inlet port.
Each of the first and second spray nozzles is operatively connected
to the liquid pump in a manner such that the liquid pump is capable
of forcing cleaning liquid from the cleaning solution tank out of
the spray nozzle. The liquid spray selection switch is adapted and
configured to selectively prevent cleaning liquid pumped by the
liquid pump from being forced out of the second spray nozzle while
permitting cleaning liquid pumped by the liquid pump to be forced
out of the first spray nozzle, the liquid spray selection switch is
also adapted and configured to selectively permit cleaning liquid
pumped by the liquid pump to be forced out of the first and second
spray nozzles simultaneously.
[0013] In yet another aspect of the invention, a liquid extraction
cleaning device comprises a main unit, a cleaning solution tank, a
recovery tank, a vacuum inlet port, and an adjustable handle. The
main unit comprises a vacuum pump, a liquid pump, an agitator
assembly, and a spray nozzle. The agitator assembly comprises an
agitator. The spray nozzle is operatively connected to the liquid
pump in a manner such that the liquid pump is capable of forcing
cleaning liquid out of the spray nozzle. The cleaning solution tank
is configured and adapted to store a cleaning liquid and is
operatively connected to the liquid pump in a manner such that the
liquid pump can draw cleaning liquid from the cleaning solution
tank. The recovery tank is configured and adapted to store soiled
cleaning liquid extracted from a floor and is operatively connected
to the vacuum pump in a manner such that the vacuum pump can draw
air from the recovery tank. The vacuum inlet port is operatively
connected to the recovery tank and the vacuum pump in a manner such
that the vacuum pump is capable of drawing fluid through the vacuum
inlet port and into the recovery tank. The agitator is configured
and adapted to move relative to the inlet port. The handle is
pivotally connected to the main unit and comprises a locking
mechanism and a release member. The locking mechanism is configured
and adapted to lock the handle in each of a plurality of pivotal
orientations relative to the main unit. The release member is
configured and adapted to release the locking mechanism in a manner
allowing the handle to pivot relative to the main unit.
[0014] Further features and advantages of the present invention, as
well as the operation of the invention, are described in detail
below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
liquid extraction cleaning device in accordance with the invention
and shows the front, top, and right sides thereof.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the extraction cleaning
device and shows the rear and top thereof.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the extraction cleaning
device.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the extraction cleaning
device in a stowed configuration.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a schematic of the main unit and tank assemblies
of the extraction cleaning device.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the agitator assembly of the
extraction cleaning device.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the agitator assembly of the
extraction cleaning device, showing the front, top, and right sides
thereof.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the portions of the agitator
assembly of the extraction cleaning device.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of said portions of the
agitator assembly, showing the front, top, and right sides
thereof.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the agitator assembly with
additional components omitted to show detail thereof.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing of the handle with the
front half of the handle removed to show the locking mechanism of
the handle.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the recovery tank assembly
of the extraction cleaning device.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a partial view of the accessory tool hose of the
extraction cleaning device and shows the downstream end
thereof.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a hand tool accessory and a
portion of the accessory tool hose.
[0029] Reference numerals in the written specification and in the
drawing figures indicate corresponding items.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] A preferred embodiment of a liquid extraction cleaning
device in accordance with the invention is shown in FIGS. 1-4. The
extraction cleaner 10 comprises a main unit 12, a cleaning solution
tank assembly 14, a recovery tank assembly 16, a handle 18, and
accessories 20.
[0031] The main unit 12 comprises a vacuum pump 22, a liquid pump
24, an agitator assembly 26, a primary spray nozzle 28, and
preferably a secondary spray nozzle 30, an accessory tool liquid
port 32, a spray selection switch 34, and a vacuum inlet port 36,
and a lifting handle 37.
[0032] The vacuum pump 22 is operatively connected to the recovery
tank assembly 16 in a manner such that the vacuum pump can draw air
from the recovery tank. The recovery tank assembly 16 is
operatively connected to the vacuum inlet port 36 in a manner such
that the vacuum inlet port draws in air and/or liquid when air is
drawn from the recovery tank assembly by the vacuum pump 22. The
liquid pump 24 is operatively connected to the solution tank
assembly 14 for drawing liquid therefrom, and is operatively
connected to the primary spray nozzle 28, the secondary spray
nozzle 30, and the accessory tool liquid port 32 to supply
pressurized liquid thereto. The spray selection switch 34 is
operatively connected to the liquid pump 24 and preferably is a
hand operated mechanical fluid valve that has three settings for
channeling the liquid from the liquid pump. In one setting, the
spray selection switch 34 allows liquid to travel from the liquid
pump 24 to the primary spray nozzle 28, while preventing liquid
from traveling from the liquid pump to the secondary spray nozzle
30 and/or accessory tool liquid port 32. In another setting, the
spray selection switch 34 allows liquid to travel from the liquid
pump 24 to the primary spray nozzle 28 and the secondary spray
nozzle 30, while preventing liquid from traveling from the liquid
pump to the accessory tool liquid port 32. In the third setting,
the spray selection switch 34 allows liquid to travel from the
liquid pump 24 to the accessory tool liquid port 32, while
preventing liquid from traveling from the liquid pump to the
primary spray nozzle 28 and/or the secondary spray nozzle 30. It
should be appreciated however that this functionality could
alternatively be carried out via electrical valves or a combination
of electrical and mechanical valves.
[0033] The agitator assembly 26 of the main unit 12 comprises a
housing 38, a rotational agitator 40, a reciprocating agitator 42,
an electric motor 44, and a pair of fixed side brushes 46. The
rotational agitator 40 comprises a plurality of bristles 48 (some
of which are omitted in the drawing figures) that extend from
bristle holes 50 formed in a roller 52. The reciprocating agitator
42 is preferably configured to pivotally reciprocate and comprises
brush bar 54 (also comprising bristles 48) that pivotally
reciprocates about an axis that is parallel to the rotational axis
of the rotational agitator 40. The axis about which the
reciprocating agitator 42 pivots is preferably fixed relative to
the housing 38. In contrast, the axis about which the rotational
agitator 40 revolves preferably is able to pivot up or down
(parallel to the ground) about an axis defined by the motor housing
56 that surrounds the electric motor 44. As shown most clearly in
FIGS. 8 and 9, the motor housing 56 comprises an axle portion 58
that is free to pivot within a channel formed partially by the
housing 38 and partially by the adjacent portion of the bottom of
the main unit 12 of the liquid extraction cleaning device 10. Rigid
arms 60 fixed to the motor housing 56 extend from the motor housing
and connect to the opposite ends of the rotational agitator 40.
Thus, motor housing 56 and the rotational agitator 40 pivot
together about the axis of the axle portion 58 of the motor housing
relative to the housing 38 of the agitator assembly 26. As such,
only the force of gravity acting on the motor housing 56 and the
rotational agitator 40 forces the rotational agitator downward
against a floor (the weight of the electric motor 44 does not
influence that force since the center of mass of the motor is
aligned with the axle portion 58 of the motor housing). The
electric motor 44 preferably drives the rotation of the rotational
agitator 40 via a drive belt (not shown) located in one of the arms
60. A linking member 62 preferably connects an off-axis portion 64
adjacent to an end of the rotational agitator 40 to a pivot arm 66
of the reciprocating agitator 42. The linking member 62 thereby
transforms rotational movement of the rotational agitator 40 into
pivotal reciprocation of the reciprocating agitator 42. The fixed
side brushes 46 of the agitator assembly 26 are mounted to the
bottom of the housing 38 on opposite sides of the rotational
agitator 40. Thus, the fixed side brushes 46 move only with the
main unit 12 of the liquid extractor 10. The front of the housing
38 of the agitator assembly 26 also forms a part of the vacuum
inlet port 36, with the other portion being formed by a piece of
translucent material 68 in a manner such that liquid drawn into the
vacuum inlet port can easily be observed. The housing 38 also
supports the primary spray nozzle 28.
[0034] As shown below in FIG. 3, the vacuum inlet port 36 is
preferably located adjacent the front on the bottom of the main
unit 12 and the rotational agitator 40 lies behind the vacuum inlet
port 36 and between the vacuum inlet port and the reciprocating
agitator 42. The primary spray nozzle 28 is preferably located
immediately aft of the reciprocating agitator 42 and is configured
to spray liquid downward in a fan-like pattern. In contrast, the
secondary spray nozzle 30 is positioned on the rear of the liquid
extraction cleaning device 10 and is preferably at least three
times as far behind the vacuum inlet port as compared to the
primary spray nozzle 28. It should be appreciate that, in
operation, liquid extraction cleaning device 10 is preferably
pulled rather than pushed. Thus, carpet is first wetted by the
primary spray nozzle 28 or by the primary and secondary spray
nozzles 28, 30 prior to being agitated, and liquid extraction via
the vacuum inlet port 36 occurs after agitation. By positioning the
secondary spray nozzle 30 much further behind the vacuum inlet 36
port as compared to the primary spray nozzle 28, the liquid sprayed
from the secondary spray nozzle has a much longer dwell time on/in
the carpet than does the liquid sprayed from the primary spray
nozzle. Thus, operation of the secondary spray nozzle 30 not only
increases the amount of liquid per area sprayed during a given pass
of the liquid extraction cleaning device 10, but also increases the
penetration time in which the liquid can penetrate the carpet. It
should therefore be appreciated that the secondary spray nozzle 30
is typically only used during an initial cleaning pass or when deep
liquid penetration is desired. The lifting handle 37 Is preferably
positioned above the center of gravity of the liquid extraction
cleaning device 10 and is configured to support the weight of the
entire liquid extraction cleaning device.
[0035] A pair of wheels 70 are preferably attached to the main unit
12 on opposite sides thereof and adjacent the rear of the liquid
extraction cleaning device 10. The wheels 70 not only make it
easier to pull the liquid extraction cleaning device 10 over carpet
during operation, but also allow users to tilt the main unit 12
about the wheels and thereby push the liquid extraction cleaning
device.
[0036] The handle 18 of the liquid extraction cleaning device 10 is
preferably pivotally connected to the upper rear edge of the main
unit 12. The handle preferably comprises a locking mechanism 72, an
electrical input port 74, a main power switch 76, a liquid pump
switch 78, and power cord wrap posts 80. As shown in FIG. 11, the
locking mechanism preferably comprises an internal linking member
82 connecting an external release member 84 to internal locking
pins 86. The locking pins 86 cooperate with notched members 88 that
are fixed relative to the main unit 12 of the liquid extraction
cleaning device 10 in a manner such that the locking mechanism 72
can fix the pivotal orientation of the handle 18 relative to the
main unit in any of a plurality of angles. The linking member 82 is
preferably biased toward the notched members 88 via a spring 90
such that the locking mechanism 72 only allows the handle 18 to
pivot relative to the main unit 12 when the release member 84 is
pulled away from the base of the handle. Preferably, the handle 18
can be pivoted forward relative to the main unit 12 to such a
degree that the handle is horizontal or even tilts downward a bit.
As shown in FIG. 4, with the handle 18 tilted forward, the entire
liquid extraction cleaning device 10 can be tilted on its back such
that minimal floor space is required to stow the liquid extraction
cleaning device. The electrical input port 74 on the handle 18
merely is a port for receiving the power supply cord (not shown) of
the liquid extraction cleaning device 10 and the power cord wrap
posts 80 are merely conventional posts for wrapping and storing the
power cord when the extraction cleaning device is not in use. The
main power switch 76 of the handle 18 is preferably an electrical
three-way toggle switch that is capable of shutting off all power
to the liquid extraction cleaning device 10. Alternatively, the
main power switch 76 can be toggled to activate the vacuum pump 22
or the vacuum pump and, simultaneously, the electric motor 44 of
agitator assembly 26. In either of such later alternatives, the
liquid pump 24 can also be activated by depressing the liquid pump
switch 78 of the handle 18.
[0037] The cleaning solution tank assembly 14 comprises a tank
portion 92, a fill cap 94, and a handle 96. Like with typical
liquid extraction cleaning devices, the tank portion 92 is
operatively connected to the liquid pump 24 when the tank portion
is in position on the main unit 12. To refill the cleaning solution
tank assembly 14 with cleaning solution (which should be understood
to include water by itself too), a person can lift up on the handle
96. The handle 96 is preferably pivotally connected to the tank
portion 92 such that the handle pivots upward when relative to the
tank portion when lifted. This makes it easier to hold and lift the
entire cleaning solution tank assembly 14 from the main unit 12.
The fill cap 94 is preferably threadably attached to the tank
portion 92 and is threadably removed to refill the tank. The fill
cap 94 also preferably serves as a measuring cup for diluting
concentrated cleaning solution.
[0038] The recovery tank assembly 16 comprises a tank portion 98, a
drain cap 100, a handle 102, and an intake duct 104. Like typical
recovery tanks, the tank portion 98 is configured to collect liquid
extracted through the vacuum inlet port 36 of the main unit 12 as
air is drawn out of the tank portion 98 via the vacuum pump 22. The
front wall of the tank portion 98 comprises the opening 106 through
which an air and liquid mixture enters the tank. The drain cap 100
is preferably threadably attached to a drain port of the tank
portion 98 and can be threadably removed therefrom to drain the
tank. The intake duct 104 surrounds an intake passageway. The
intake duct 104 comprises a lower catch 108 and an upper discharge
tube 110. The discharge tube 110 surrounds a portion of the intake
passageway and comprises a releasable locking tab 112 that
cooperates with the lower catch 108 to releasably attach the intake
duct 104 to the tank portion 98 of the recovery tank assembly 16.
More specifically, the intake duct 104 is attached to the tank
portion 98 by first hooking the lower catch 108 over a lip at the
bottom of the front wall of the tank portion 98, and thereafter
pivoting the intake duct upward about the lower catch such that the
discharge tube 110 extends through the opening 106 of the tank
portion 98 and the locking tab 112 clicks. Once the locking tab 112
clicks, the locking tab prevents the intake duct 104 from
separating from the tank portion 98 unless the locking tab is
manually deflected by reaching into the tank from the drain port of
the tank portion 98. The front wall of the intake duct 104
preferably comprises an accessory tool vacuum inlet port 114 that
is selectively covered by a pliable flap 116. When the flap 116 is
bent down, the accessory tool vacuum inlet port 114 is configured
to receive the downstream end of an accessory tool hose as
described below. When the flap 116 is up and is covering the
accessory tool vacuum inlet port 114, the intake duct 104
operatively connects the vacuum inlet port 36 to the interior of
the tank portion 98 of the recovery tank assembly 16. Like with the
cleaning solution tank assembly 14, the handle 102 of the recovery
tank assembly 16 is pivotally connected to the tank portion 98 of
the recovery tank assembly to make it easier to hold and lift the
entire recovery tank assembly 16 off of the main unit 12.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, one of the accessories 20 is a
hand tool 118 that is attached to a flexible hose 120. The hand
tool 118 comprises a vacuum inlet port 122, an agitator 124, and
spray nozzle 126, and a grip portion 128. The vacuum inlet port 122
and the grip portion 128 are configured such that air and liquid
can be drawn in through the inlet port, pass through the grip
portion, and then into the hose 120. The agitator 124 is preferably
a brush bar comprising bristles and is adjacent to the vacuum inlet
port 122 and is preferably fixed relative to the grip portion. The
spray nozzle 126 is adjacent to the agitator 124 opposite the
vacuum inlet port 122 and is operatively connectable to the 24
liquid pump of the main unit 12 via flexible liquid tube 130. The
grip portion 128 preferably comprises a spray trigger 132 the
operates a liquid valve (not shown) in a manner such that the
liquid pump 24 can only force liquid out of the spray nozzle 126
when the spray trigger is depressed.
[0040] The downstream end of the hose 120 comprises a fitting 134.
The liquid tube 130 passes through the fitting wall upstream of the
fitting outlet 136. The outlet 136 of the fitting 134 preferably
comprises a bayonet style connector 138 and is configured to be
inserted through the accessory tool vacuum inlet port 114 of the
intake duct 104 of the recovery tank assembly 16. When inserted,
the connector 138 of the fitting 134 can be releasably attached to
the discharge tube 110 of the intake duct 104 in a manner such that
the hose 120 is operatively connected to the vacuum pump 22 of the
main unit 12 and such that air cannot be drawn in from the
remainder of the intake duct 104 from the vacuum inlet port 36 of
the main unit 12 into the tank portion 98 of the recovery tank
assembly 16. The end of the liquid tube 130 comprises a fitting 139
that is connectable to the accessory tool liquid port 32 of the
main unit 12 for operatively connecting the spray nozzle 126 of the
hand tool 118 to the liquid pump 24 of the main unit.
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, another one of the accessories 20
of the liquid extraction cleaning device is a tool caddy 140 that
is removably connectable to the rear side of the handle 18. The
tool caddy is configured to releasably hold the hand tool 118 and
the hose 120 when the hand tool 118 is not in use.
[0042] In view of the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the
invention has several advantages over the prior art.
[0043] As various modifications could be made in the constructions
and methods herein described and illustrated without departing from
the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter
contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying
drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting.
Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be
limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but
should be defined only in accordance with the following claims
appended hereto and their equivalents.
[0044] It should also be understood that when introducing elements
of the present invention in the claims or in the above description
of exemplary embodiments of the invention, the terms "comprising,"
"including," and "having" are intended to be open-ended and mean
that there may be additional elements other than the listed
elements. Additionally, the term "portion" should be construed as
meaning some or all of the item or element that it qualifies.
Moreover, use of identifiers such as first, second, and third
should not be construed in a manner imposing any relative position
or time sequence between limitations. Still further, the order in
which the steps of any method claim that follows are presented
should not be construed in a manner limiting the order in which
such steps must be performed, unless such an order is inherent.
* * * * *