Stabilizing leg extension for carpet steam cleaner

• US 8,800,102 B1
• Filed: 07/21/2012
• Issued: 08/12/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 07/21/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gordon Wright Massey
• Original Assignee: Gordon Wright Massey
• Inventors: Massey, Gordon Wright
• Primary Examiner(s): Spisich, Mark
• Assistant Examiner(s): HORTON, ANDREW ALAN
• Application Number:
  US13/555,146
• Time in Patent Office: 752 Days
• Field of Search: 15320-322, 154/151, 153/45, 154/16, 154/17, 154/14
• US Class Current: 15/320
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/34 Machines for treating carpets in position by liquid, foam, or vapour, e.g. by steam
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4044 Vacuuming or pick-up tools; Squeegees
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4075 Handles; levers
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/244 for telescopic or extensible hoses or pipes
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/248 Parts, details or accessories of hoses or pipes nozzles A47L9/02
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/327 for suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 55/1152 fixed by screwing or by means of a screw-threaded ring

Abstract

The forwardly projecting wand of a conventional commercial carpet steam cleaner is propped up by a connected stabilization leg extension so as to reduce the weight imposed upon the operator by the cleaner during its operation. The stabilizing leg extension is provided the same cleaning capabilities the conventional cleaner has so that, modified in this way, the number of cleaning members is doubled and twice as much of the cleaning area is covered with each stroke of the wand. Handlebars are added to further ease the task and an attached stowage nest is incidentally included for a supplementary cleaning extension.

Claims

1. A carpet steam cleaner, the carpet steam cleaner comprising a manually manipulated tubular elongated carpet steam cleaning wand comprising a cleaning end and a manipulative end, the wand by reason of its tubular configuration, disposed to withdraw suctioned air and soiled liquid from a carpet through the cleaning end thereof for transfer by conduit to a remote waste collector;

the cleaning end configured with a head comprising a cleaning face configured for flush disposition upon the carpet;

the carpet steam cleaner further comprising coupled to the wand a steam and cleaning agent hose through which steam and cleaning agents are provided, the steam and cleaning agent hose connected to a remote steam generating site, the steam and cleaning agent hose disposed to selectively emit and force pressured steam and cleaning agents from the remote steam generating site into the carpet through the wand head'"'"'s face, the emissions controlled by operation of a trigger disposed at the wand'"'"'s manipulative end;

the carpet steam cleaner further comprising a stabilizing leg extension assembly comprising one or more stabilizing leg extensions, each one or more stabilizing leg extension connected to the wand thereof, conferring a bifurcation thereon and extending downward toward the carpet, each one or more stabilizing leg extension comprising for its connection to the wand a connective end, each one or more stabilizing leg extension comprising a cleaning end configured with a head comprising, as in the manner of the wand itself, a cleaning face for flush disposition upon the carpet;

each one or more stabilizing leg extension further comprising tubular configuration disposed to withdraw suctioned air and soiled liquid from the carpet through the cleaning end thereof for transfer by conduit to the remote waste collector in the same manner as with the cleaning wand;

the cleaning wand comprising for each one or more stabilizing leg extension a connection orifice disposed therein and a connection nipple of given diameter disposed at the connection orifice, the connective end of each one or more stabilizing leg extension comprising an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the connection nipple and connected by connection means to the connection nipple such that the passage of suctioned air and soiled liquid withdrawn through the cleaning ends of both the wand and each one or more stabilizing leg extension comprises one of continuous communication, the passage of air and soiled liquid trough both unimpeded by any obstruction where the two are joined;

the carpet steam cleaner further comprising coupled to each one or more stabilizing leg extension, a length of steam and cleaning agent hose disposed to selectively emit and force pressured steam and cleaning agents from the remote steam generating site into the carpet through the extension head'"'"'s face in the same manner as with the cleaning wand'"'"'s steam and cleaning agent hose;

the cleaning wand'"'"'s steam and cleaning agent hose comprising a connection valve and the length of the steam and cleaning agent hose of each one or more stabilizing leg extension disposed by connection to the wand'"'"'s steam and cleaning agent hose through the connection valve such that the fluvial passage through the hoses of both the cleaning wand and each one or more stabilizing leg extension comprises one of continuous communication, the passage of steam through both unimpeded by any obstruction where the two are joined;

wherein each one or more stabilizing leg extension and each head'"'"'s cleaning face is formed in size and configuration and disposed to support the weight of the steam cleaning wand and each one or more stabilizing leg extension without tipping when left unattended; and

wherein, as the steam cleaning wand comprising the one or more stabilizing leg extension is manipulatively pushed and pulled by an operator across the carpet'"'"'s surface, the task is lightened by reason of even distribution of weight and the multiplication in size of the cleaned area without increased effort.

2. The carpet steam cleaner according to claim 1 wherein the carpet cleaning wand'"'"'s manipulative end is configured to comprise handlebars, the handles thereof comprising a yoke attached to the cleaning wand and extending backwards toward the operator to the left and the right, respectively, disposing one for each of the operator'"'"'s hands;

such that by reason of the disposition and configuration of the cleaning wand, the handlebars may be gripped in a manner disposing the wand back between the operator'"'"'s legs;

wherein ease of the operator'"'"'s manipulative control during carpet cleaning operation is enhanced.

3. The carpet steam cleaner according to claim 1 wherein the assembly further comprises a stowage nest disposed upon the carpet cleaning wand along its length between the handhold and its head, a cleaning wand further comprising a cradle and a stop, wherein an additional cleaning attachment may be stowed during operation.

4. The carpet steam cleaner according to claim 1 wherein the one or more stabilizing leg extension'"'"'s means of connection to the carpet cleaning wand comprises inter-threading;

wherein the wand'"'"'s connection nipple comprises exterior threading and the one or more stabilizing leg extension comprises at the connective end thereof interior threading, wherein the two are mated for interthreading.

5. The carpet steam cleaner according to claim 1 comprising a cap comprising an inner diameter greater than the connection nipple'"'"'s outer diameter, the cap comprising connection means for its connection to the wand'"'"'s connective nipple;

wherein the two are joined to seal the cleaning wand when a stabilizing leg extension is removed from the wand;

the cap attached to the cleaning wand by a tethering chain.

6. The carpet steam cleaner according to claim 1 wherein the stabilizing leg assembly further comprises height adjustment means to change the height of the cleaning wand to accommodate operators of different height and arm length, the height adjustment means comprising a height adjustment connection tube comprising a stabilizing leg extension connective end and a cleaning wand connective end;

the height adjustment connection tube'"'"'s stabilizing leg extension connective end comprising inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of each one or more stabilizing leg extension'"'"'s connective end and disposed over it concentrically in the manner of a sleeve;

the height adjustment connection tube joined to the cleaning wand by means of connection, the tube'"'"'s cleaning wand connective end comprising inner diameter greater than the connection nipple'"'"'s outer diameter;

such that the passage of suctioned air and soiled liquid withdrawn through the cleaning ends of both the wand and each one or more leg extensions comprises one of continuous communication, the passage of air and soiled liquid through both unimpeded by any obstruction where the two are joined;

each one or more stabilizing leg extension comprising a height adjustment pin and the height adjustment connection tube further comprising a plurality of pin receptacle detents selectively disposed for engagement by the height adjustment pin;

wherein the height adjustment pin may be disposed to engage any selected one of the height adjustment pin receptacle detents to vary the cleaning wand'"'"'s height; and

wherein the height adjustment connection tube may be manipulated such that the height adjustment pin engaged within a first pin receptacle detent may be disengaged therefrom and, together with the one or more stabilizing leg extension comprising it, advanced or withdrawn within the height adjusting connection tube to dispose the pin at a second selected pin receptacle detent and caused to engage it.

7. The carpet steam cleaner according to claim 6 wherein the height adjustment pin is attached to and disposed to protrude from the exterior of each one or more stabilizing leg extension and a height adjustment channel is disposed within the height adjustment connection tube in communication with the height adjustment receptacle detents;

wherein the height adjustment pin may be disposed to engage any selected one of the height adjustment pin receptacle detents to vary the cleaning wand'"'"'s height; and

wherein the height adjustment connection tube may be manipulated such that the height adjustment pin engaged within a first pin receptacle detent may be disengaged therefrom and, together with each one or more stabilizing leg extension by reason of its attachment thereto, advanced or withdrawn along the height adjustment channel within the height adjusting connection tube to dispose the pin at a second selected pin receptacle detent and caused to engage it.

8. The carpet steam cleaner according to claim 6 wherein the height adjustment pin is spring-loaded by reason of a tensioned spring disposed within each one or more stabilizing leg extension whereupon depressing the height adjusting pin when engaged within a first pin receptacle detent, compresses the tensioned spring, such that the pin may be disengaged therefrom and the stabilizing leg extension advanced or withdrawn within the height adjusting connection tube to dispose the pin at a selected second pin receptacle detent, whereupon the pin may be released causing the spring to expand and the pin to engage the second selected receptacle in snap-fit locking fashion.

9. The carpet steam cleaner according to claim 6 wherein the connection means by which the height adjustment connection tube'"'"'s cleaning wand connective end is connected to the cleaning wand comprises inter-threading;

and at that connective end of the tube, comprises interior threads and the cleaning wand'"'"'s connection nipple comprises exterior threads wherein the two are mated for inter-threading.

10. The carpet steam cleaner according to claim 6 wherein the connection means by which the height adjustment connection tube'"'"'s cleaning wand connective end is connected to the cleaning wand comprises welding.

11. The carpet steam cleaner according to claim 1 wherein each one or more stabilizing leg extension is disposed such that the distance between the center of its area of contact with the carpet to the center of the area of contact of the cleaning wand or any other stabilizing leg extension therewith equals or exceeds 18 inches.

12. A stabilizing leg extension assembly configured and disposed for connection to a carpet steam cleaner, the carpet steam cleaner to which connection is made comprising a manually manipulated tubular elongated carpet steam cleaning wand comprising a cleaning end and a manipulative end, the wand by reason of its tubular configuration, disposed to withdraw suctioned air and soiled liquid from a carpet through the cleaning end thereof for transfer by conduit to a remote waste collector;

the cleaning end configured with a head comprising a cleaning face configured for flush disposition upon the carpet;

the carpet steam cleaner to which the stabilizing leg assembly is configured and disposed for connection further comprising coupled to the wand a steam and cleaning agent hose through which steam and cleaning agents are provided, the steam and cleaning agent hose connected to a remote steam generating site, the steam and cleaning agent hose disposed to selectively emit and force pressured steam and cleaning agents from the remote steam generating site into the carpet through the wand head'"'"'s face, the emissions controlled by operation of a trigger disposed at the wand'"'"'s manipulative end;

the carpet steam cleaner to which the stabilizing leg extension assembly is configured and disposed for connection further comprising for that connection, one or more connection orifices disposed along the wand between its cleaning end and its manipulative end, the carpet steam cleaner further comprising a connection nipple of given diameter disposed at each one or more connection orifice;

the carpet steam cleaner'"'"'s steam and cleaning agent hose further comprising a connection valve through which one or more additional steam and cleaning agent hoses may be connected;

the stabilizing leg extension assembly itself comprising one or more stabilizing leg extensions extending downward toward the carpet, each one or more stabilizing leg extension conferring upon the wand a bifurcation thereupon;

each one or more stabilizing leg extension comprising a connective end and a cleaning end configured with a head comprising, as in the manner of the wand itself, a cleaning face for flush disposition upon the carpet;

each one or more stabilizing leg extension disposed for connection at a carpet steam cleaner connection orifice wherein the connective end comprises an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the nipple disposed thereat;

each one or more stabilizing leg extension further comprising tubular configuration disposed to withdraw suctioned air and soiled liquid from the carpet through the cleaning end thereof for transfer by conduit to the remote suctioned waste collector in the same manner as with the cleaning wand;

the stabilizing leg extension assembly further comprising coupled to each one or more stabilizing leg extension a length of steam and cleaning agent hose disposed to selectively emit and force pressured steam and cleaning agents from the remote steam generating site into the carpet through the face of the head of each one or more stabilizing extension leg in the same manner as with the cleaning wand'"'"'s steam and cleaning agent hose;

the length of steam and cleaning agent hose of the stabilizing leg extension assembly disposed by connection to the connection valve of the carpet steam cleaner'"'"'s steam and cleaning agent hose such that the fluvial passage through the hoses of the carpet steam cleaner and each one or more stabilizing leg extension comprises one of continuous communication, the passage of steam therethrough unimpeded by any obstruction where they are joined;

wherein the cleaning faces of the heads of the carpet steam cleaner'"'"'s wand and each one or more stabilizing leg extension are formed in size and configuration and disposed to support the weight of the steam cleaning wand and each one or more stabilizing leg extension without tipping when left unattended;

wherein, as the carpet steam cleaner comprising the stabilizing leg extension assembly is manipulatively pushed and pulled by an operator across the carpet'"'"'s surface, the task is lightened by reason of even distribution of weight and the multiplication in size of the cleaned area without increased effort.

13. The stabilizing leg extension assembly for a carpet steam cleaner according to claim 12 wherein the distance between the center of its area of contact with the carpet to the center of the area of contact of the cleaning wand or any other stabilizing leg extension therewith equals or exceeds 18 inches.

14. The stabilizing leg extension assembly for a carpet steam cleaner according to claim 12 wherein each one or more stabilizing leg extension assembly comprises height adjustment means to change the height of the cleaning wand to accommodate operators of different height and arm length, the height adjustment means comprising a height adjustment connection tube comprising a stabilizing leg extension connective end and a cleaning wand connective end;

the height adjustment connection tube'"'"'s stabilizing leg extension connective end comprising inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the connective end of each one or more stabilizing leg extension and disposed over it concentrically in the manner of a sleeve;

the height adjustment connection tube joined to the cleaning wand by means of connection, the tube'"'"'s cleaning wand connective end comprising inner diameter greater than the connection nipple'"'"'s outer diameter;

such that the passage of suctioned air and soiled liquid withdrawn through the cleaning ends of both the wand and each one or more leg extension comprises one of continuous communication, the passage of air and soiled liquid through both unimpeded by any obstruction where the two are joined;

each one or more stabilizing leg extension comprising a height adjustment pin and the height adjustment connection tube further comprising a plurality of pin receptacle detents selectively disposed for engagement by the height adjustment pin;

wherein the height adjustment pin may be disposed to engage any selected one of the height adjustment pin receptacle detents to vary the cleaning wand'"'"'s height; and

wherein the height adjustment connection tube may be manipulated such that the height adjustment pin engaged within a first pin receptacle detent may be disengaged therefrom and, together with the one or more stabilizing leg extension comprising it, advanced or withdrawn within the height adjusting connection tube to dispose the pin at a second selected pin receptacle detent and caused to engage it.

15. The stabilizing leg extension assembly for a carpet steam cleaner according to claim 14 wherein the height adjustment pin is attached to and disposed to protrude from the exterior of each one or more stabilizing leg extension and a height adjustment channel is disposed within the height adjustment connection tube in communication with the height adjustment receptacle detents;

wherein the height adjustment pin may be disposed to engage any selected one of the height adjustment pin receptacle detents to vary the cleaning wand'"'"'s height; and

wherein the height adjustment connection tube may be manipulated such that the height adjustment pin engaged within a first pin receptacle detent may be disengaged therefrom and, together with each one or more stabilizing leg extension by reason of its attachment thereto, advanced or withdrawn along the height adjustment channel within the height adjusting connection tube to dispose the pin at a second selected pin receptacle detent and caused to engage it.

16. The stabilizing leg extension assembly for a carpet steam cleaner according to claim 14 wherein the height adjustment pin is spring-loaded by reason of a tensioned spring disposed within each one or more stabilizing leg extension whereupon depressing the height adjusting pin when engaged within a first pin receptacle detent, compresses the tensioned spring, such that the pin may be disengaged therefrom and the one or more stabilizing leg extension advanced or withdrawn within the height adjusting connection tube to dispose the pin at a selected second pin receptacle detent, whereupon the pin may be released causing the spring to expand and the pin to engage the second selected receptacle in snap-fit locking fashion.

17. The stabilizing leg extension assembly for a carpet steam cleaner according to claim 14 wherein the connection means by which the height adjustment connection tube'"'"'s cleaning wand connective end is connected to the cleaning wand comprises inter-threading;

and at that connective end of the tube, comprises interior threads and the cleaning wand'"'"'s connection nipple comprises exterior threads wherein the two are mated for inter-threading.

18. A doubled head carpet steam cleaner comprising a tubular elongated carpet cleaning wand configured bifurcated as Y-shaped along its length;

the carpet cleaning wand thereby comprising a manipulative end and two cleaning ends;

the doubled head carpet steam cleaner further comprising coupled to its wand, a steam hose disposed to selectively emit and force pressured steam and cleaning agents into the carpet through the cleaning ends thereof, the emissions controlled by operation of a trigger disposed at the wand'"'"'s manipulative end;

each cleaning end comprising a head comprising a cleaning face formed for simultaneous flush disposition flatly upon the carpet surface during cleaning operation such that the pressured steam and suctioned soiled liquid are, respectively, forced directly into and withdrawn directly from the carpet through the heads'"'"' cleaning faces while the steam cleaning wand is manipulatively pushed and pulled by an operator across the carpet'"'"'s surface;

each head'"'"'s cleaning face formed in size and configuration and disposed to support the weight of the steam cleaner when left unattended and

wherein the operation of a carpet cleaning task is lightened by reason of even distribution of the wand'"'"'s weight through the wand'"'"'s doubled cleaning ends and the cleaning area is doubled by reason thereof.

19. The doubled head carpet steam cleaner according to claim 18 wherein the wand'"'"'s manipulative end is configured and disposed to comprise handlebars in turn comprising left and right extensions, one for each of the operator'"'"'s hands;

wherein ease of the operator'"'"'s manipulative control during carpet cleaning operation is enhanced.

20. The doubled head carpet steam cleaner according to claim 18 wherein each Y-shaped wand bifurcation is disposed such that the distance between the center of each of the two heads equals or exceeds 18 inches.