Grout tool for use with an all surface cleaning apparatus

• US 20060037171A1
• Filed: 10/18/2005
• Published: 02/23/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/14/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Karcher North America Incorporated (Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG)
• Original Assignee: Karcher North America Incorporated (Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG)
• Inventors: Doll, Brian J., Pedlar, Roger, Guest, Michael
• Granted Patent: US 7,406,739 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 15/322
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4044 Vacuuming or pick-up tools; Squeegees
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4083 Liquid supply reservoirs; Preparation of the agents, e.g. mixing devices
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4088 Supply pumps; Spraying devices; Supply conduits
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4091 Storing or parking devices, arrangements therefor; Means allowing transport of the machine when it is not being used
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 2203/0217 Use of a detergent in high pressure cleaners; arrangements for supplying the same
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 2203/027 Pump details
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 3/026 Cleaning by making use of hand-held spray guns; Fluid preparations therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved grout tool generally employed with a multi-functional surface cleaning machine having a fluid tank, a pump, and at least one receptacle for holding concentrated cleaning chemicals. In one embodiment, the grout tool employs fluid jets, adjustably connected via brackets, such that the jets are positioned at an angle relative to the grout tool body to allow fluid to hit a surface of an angle.

Claims

1. A grout tool for use with a portable surface cleaning device, comprising:

a tool body;

a plurality of jet brackets adjustably connected to the tool body; and

at least one fluid jet connected to each jet bracket.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a brush connected to the tool body and adapted for contact with the surface.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one hose connected to each fluid jet wherein each hose is in fluidic communication with a quick disconnect coupling device.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the jet brackets are adjustably connected to a top portion of the tool body.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the fluid jets are angled relative to the tool body to allow fluid to generally strike a surface at a predetermined angle.

6. The device of claim 2, wherein the fluid jets are angled to allow the fluid to generally strike a surface such that the fluid deflects off the surface and into the brush.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a vacuum chamber defined by a first squeegee and a second squeegee positioned adjacent to a front edge of the tool body and a second edge of the tool body, respectively.

8. The device of claim 7, further comprising a vacuum inlet in operative association with the vacuum chamber and adapted for connection to a suction device.

9. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of squeegees connected to the tool body and adapted for contact with the surface.

10. A grout tool for use with a portable surface treatment device, comprising:

a tool body;

a fluid application means, operatively attached to the tool body, for forcibly applying fluid to a surface to be treated; and

a means for adjusting the fluid application means relative to the surface.

11. The device of claim 10, further comprising a means for supplying fluid to each fluid application means.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein each fluid supply means terminates and is in secure fluid communication with a connection means that is in fluidic communication with a fluid storage means.

13. The device of claim 10, further comprising a scrubbing means for loosening dirt and debris from the surface.

14. The device of claim 10, wherein the fluid application means is angled relative to the tool body to allow the fluid to strike a surface to be treated at an angle.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the fluid application means is angled relative to the tool body to allow the fluid to hit the surface at an angle such that it deflects off the surface and into the scrubbing means.

16. The device of claim 10, further comprising a means for connecting the tool body to a means for suctioning the applied fluid into a fluid storage means.

17. The device of claim 10, further comprising a fluid displacement attached to the tool body.

18. The device of claim 13, further comprising a fluid displacement means attached to the tool body.