Grout tool for use with an all surface cleaning apparatus

• US 7,406,739 B2
• Filed: 10/18/2005
• Issued: 08/05/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/14/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Karcher North America Incorporated (Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG)
• Original Assignee: Karcher Floor Care, Inc. (Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG)
• Inventors: Doll, Brian J., Pedlar, Roger, Guest, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Stinson; Frankie L
• Application Number:
  US11/253,924
• Publication Number:
  US 20060037171A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,022 Days
• Field of Search: 153/02, 153/20, 153/21, 15/491, 15/501, 401/139, 401/268, 401/285
• US Class Current: 15/49.1
• 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 having a front, a back, a base and a top;

one or more brushes having a proximate and a distal end, the proximate end of the one or more brushes being removably attached to the back of the tool body and the one or more brushes extending below the base of the tool body;

at least two brackets adjustably connected to the top of the tool body, wherein each bracket includes a first surface which is positioned substantially over the top of the tool and second surface which projects beyond the top of the tool body and which is angled toward the tool base; and

at least one fluid jet connected to the second surface of each of the brackets.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the fluid jets are positioned by the brackets to spray fluid beyond the distal end of the one or more brushes.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the fluid jets are positioned by the brackets to spray fluid at the distal end of the one or more brushes.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the fluid jets are positioned by the brackets to spray fluid into the one or more brushes.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a vacuum inlet in operative association with the vacuum chamber and adapted for connection to a suction device.

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