Upright water extraction cleaning machine

• US 20010002500A1
• Filed: 01/02/2001
• Published: 06/07/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 11/06/1995
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Charles A. Reed Jr, Eric R. Metzger, Gary L. Smith, Luke E. Kelly, Timothy E. Kasen
• Original Assignee: Charles A. Reed Jr, Eric R. Metzger, Gary L. Smith, Luke E. Kelly, Timothy E. Kasen
• Inventors: Kelly, Luke E., Metzger, Eric R., Smith, Gary L., Reed, Charles A. Jr., Kasen, Timothy E.
• Granted Patent: US 6,279,196 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 15/320
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/03 characterised by having provisions for supplying cleaning or polishing agents A47L11/065, A47L11/085, A47L11/125, A47L11/145, A47L11/161, A47L11/1625, A47L11/185, A47L11/201 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/30 by suction
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/305 the tools being disc brushes
• 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 11/4008 Arrangements of switches, indicators or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4011 Regulation of the cleaning machine by electric means; Control systems and remote control systems therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4016 specially adapted for collecting fluids
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4019 Fill level sensors; Security means to prevent overflow, e.g. float valves
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4041 Roll shaped surface treating tools
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4044 Vacuuming or pick-up tools; Squeegees
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4069 Driving or transmission means for the cleaning tools
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4075 Handles; levers
• 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 5/28 Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle A47L5/24 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/30 with driven dust-loosening tools, e.g. rotating brushes
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/32 with means for connecting a hose hose couplings for suction cleaners A47L9/24
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 7/0009 with means mounted on the nozzle; nozzles specially adapted for the recovery of liquid
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 7/0028 Security means, e.g. float valves or level switches for preventing overflow
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 7/0038 with means for emptying the tanks
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 7/0042 : Gaskets; Sealing means
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/0009 : Storing devices winding devices for electric cables A47L9/26; Supports, stands or holders
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/0036 : specially adapted for holding the suction hose
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/02 : Nozzles suction nozzles for fluid transport B65G51/00
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 23/49 : Mixing systems, i.e. flow charts or diagrams
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 25/105 : Mixing heads, i.e. compact mixing units or modules, using mixing valves for feeding and mixing at least two components
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/718051 : being adjustable
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/81 : Forming mixtures with changing ratios or gradients

Abstract

A portable surface cleaning apparatus has a base for movement along a surface to be cleaned and an upright handle pivotally attached to a rearward portion of the base. A fluid dispensing nozzle for applying fluid to the surface and a suction nozzle for picking up fluid and debris from the surface are associated with the base. A clean water holding tank and a detergent holding tank are removably mounted to the handle while a recovery tank is removably mounted to the base. A mixing valve is fluidly connected between the holding tanks and the spray nozzle for changing the mixing ratio of the detergent with respect to the water. The fluid recovery tank includes an integrally molded conduit that extends from the suction nozzle and a mounting for an accessory hose that interrupts the fluid path from the suction nozzle in the conduit and redirects fluid flow through the hose. A pump is fluidly connected between the mixing valve and the dispensing nozzle and includes a pump priming valve that operates on negative air pressure to clear air from the fluid lines during pump operation. A free floating brush is pivotally attached to the base for automatically adjusting to different surface conditions during cleaning operations.

Claims

1. A portable surface cleaning apparatus, comprising:

a base for movement along a surface to be cleaned;

an upright handle pivotally attached to a rearward portion of the base;

a liquid dispensing nozzle associated with the base for applying liquid to the surface;

first and second liquid holding tanks fluidly connected to the dispensing nozzle for supplying first and second liquids, respectively, and mixtures thereof to the dispensing nozzle;

a fluid recovery tank;

a suction nozzle mounted to the base;

a working air conduit extending between the recovery tank and the suction nozzle; and

a vacuum source in fluid communication with the recovery tank for generating a suction in the recovery tank, conduit and nozzle to thereby draw liquid from the surface and deposit the liquid in the recovery tank.

2. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 1

and further comprising an adjustable mixing valve fluidly connected between the liquid holding tanks and the dispensing nozzle for controlling the mixing ratio of the first liquid with respect to the second liquid.

3. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 2

wherein the mixing valve comprises:

a hollow valve body with an internal mixing chamber;

a first inlet opening extending through the valve body in fluid communication between the internal mixing chamber and a first liquid supply tank;

a second inlet opening extending through the valve body in fluid communication between the internal mixing chamber and the second liquid supply tank with the second inlet opening being spaced from the first inlet opening;

an outlet opening extending through the valve body in fluid communication between the internal mixing chamber and the dispensing nozzle; and

a plunger mounted in the valve body for reciprocal movement therein and including an end portion extending through the valve body and a valve stem positioned relative to one of the first and second inlet openings, the valve stem having a shape to vary the flow rate of fluid through the one inlet opening as the plunger moves axially with respect to the valve body;

whereby the mixing ratio of the first and second liquids can be adjusted in the mixing chamber as the plunger is reciprocated.

4. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 3

wherein the valve stem has on an outer surface thereof a groove that tapers from an end portion of the valve stem, and the valve stem is positioned in the one inlet opening;

whereby flow of the one liquid is reduced when the valve stem is moved into the one inlet opening.

5. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 3

and further comprising:

a cam follower attached to the plunger end portion; and

a manually rotatable selector switch with a cam element mounted for rotation with respect to the valve body, the cam follower riding along the cam element upon rotation of the selector switch to axially move the plunger to thereby vary the mixing ratio of the first and second liquids in the mixing chamber.

6. A mixing valve for changing the mixing ratio of a first liquid with respect to a second liquid in a cleaning device, the mixing valve comprising:

a hollow valve body with an internal mixing chamber;

a first inlet opening extending through the valve body in fluid communication between the internal mixing chamber and a first liquid supply tank;

a second inlet opening extending through the valve body in fluid communication between the internal mixing chamber and the second liquid supply tank, the second inlet opening being spaced from the first inlet opening;

an outlet opening extending through the valve body in fluid communication between the internal mixing chamber and the dispensing nozzle, and

a plunger mounted in the valve body for reciprocal movement therein and including an end portion extending through the valve body and a valve stem positioned relative to one of the first and second inlet openings, the valve stem having a shape to vary the flow rate of fluid through the one inlet opening as the plunger moves axially with respect to the valve body;

whereby the mixing ratio of the first and second liquids can be adjusted in the mixing chamber as the plunger is reciprocated.

7. A mixing valve according to

claim 6

wherein the valve stem has on an outer surface thereof a groove that tapers from an end portion of the valve stem, and the valve stem is positioned in the one inlet opening;

whereby flow of the one liquid is reduced when the valve stem is moved into the one inlet opening.

8. A mixing valve according to

claim 6

and further comprising:

a cam follower attached to an outer end of the plunger end portion; and

a manually rotatable selector switch with a cam element mounted for rotation with respect to the valve body, the cam follower riding along the cam element upon rotation of the selector switch to axially move the plunger to thereby vary the mixing ratio of the first and second liquids in the mixing chamber.

9. In a portable surface cleaning apparatus having a base for movement along a surface to be cleaned, an upright handle pivotally attached to a rearward portion of the base, a recovery tank on the base and having an inner chamber, a first suction nozzle mounted to the base, a working air conduit extending between the inner chamber and the first suction nozzle, and a vacuum source in fluid communication with the inner chamber for generating a suction in the recovery tank, working air conduit and first suction nozzle to thereby draw liquid from the surface to be cleaned and deposit the liquid in the recovery tank, a hose opening formed in said working air conduit and a cap removably mounted in said hose opening;

an accessory hose having a first end adapted for mounting in said hose opening for fluid connection to the working air conduit and a second end adapted for connection to a cleaning tool with a second suction nozzle, the hose first end having a baffle wall adapted to block the flow from the first suction nozzle to the recovery tank when the hose first end is receive in the hose opening;

the improvement comprising;

a retainer lip formed on the base adjacent the hose opening, the hose first end having a resilient arm with a retainer thereon for seating beneath the retainer lip in snap-fit relationship to said base whereby said hose first end can be retained in said hose opening at least in part by said resilient arm.

10. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 9

and further comprising a pivot mount between the hose first end and the hose opening whereby the hose first end can be rotated into mounted position in said hose opening.

11. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 10

wherein the pivot mounting and the resilient arm are positioned on opposing sides of the hose first end.

12. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 10

wherein the cap has a resilient arm and a retainer for snap-fit engagement with the retainer lip, and a pivotable mount between the cap and the hose opening whereby the cap can be rotated into fixed position in said hose opening.

13. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 9

wherein the recovery tank has an upper wall, and further wherein the resilient arm is U-shaped with a first leg of the U secured to the first end of the hose and a second leg including said retainer.

14. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 9

wherein the recovery tank has an upper wall and the working air conduit comprises a channel in the upper wall of the recovery tank and a cover plate enclosing the channel.

15. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 9

and further comprising a first diverter baffle formed in the working air conduit directly below the hose opening for diverting dirty air and liquids in the working air conduit through an angle of at least 90°

into the recovery tank.

16. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 15

wherein the first baffle is shaped to divert the dirty air and water passing through the hose opening from the accessory hose, when mounted in the hose opening, through an angle of about 90°

.

17. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 9

wherein the recovery tank includes an opening in a lower portion thereof, and further comprising a stand pipe in communication with the opening and extending upwardly therefrom to an upper free end of the stand pipe at an upper portion of the recovery tank and in fluid communication with the working air conduit and the vacuum source for drawing the separated air in the recovery tank to the vacuum source.

18. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 17

wherein the recovery tank further comprises an elongate float having a first end that is buoyant and a second end that is adapted to cover the upper free end of the stand pipe and thereby block the transfer of air and liquid from the recovery tank to the vacuum source when liquid in the recovery tank reaches a predetermined level.

19. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 18

wherein the recovery tank further comprises an upstanding guide wall extending upwardly from a lower portion of the recovery tank adjacent the stand pipe, the first buoyant end of the float being located between the stand pipe and the guide wall for guiding movement of the float second end toward the stand pipe upper free end during liquid rise in the recovery tank.

20. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 15

and further comprising a fluid containment baffle positioned directly below the first diverter baffle in the recovery tank and shaped to restrict the movement of liquid collected in the recovery tank up along side walls of the recovery tank but for passage of air and entrained liquid therethrough.

21. A recovery tank adapted for attachment to the base of a portable surface cleaning apparatus with a handle attached to the base, the base including a suction nozzle adapted for fluid communication with the recovery tank and a vacuum source, the recovery tank comprising:

an upper wall, a lower wall and at least one side wall connected together to define an enclosed chamber for holding a predetermined level of recovered liquid from a surface being cleaned;

a first opening formed in one of the recovery tank walls above the predetermined level for fluid communication between the recovery tank and the suction nozzle;

a second opening formed in one of the recovery tank walls below the predetermined level for fluid communication between the recovery tank and the vacuum source;

a stand pipe in communication with the second opening and extending upwardly therefrom to an upper free end of the stand pipe at an upper portion of the recovery tank above the predetermined level;

whereby liquid at or below the predetermined level in the recovery tank is at least substantially prevented from entering the second opening and traveling to the vacuum source when the recovery tank is mounted on the base.

22. A recovery tank according to

claim 21

and further comprising an elongate float having a first end that is buoyant and a second end that is adapted to cover the upper free end of the stand pipe when liquid in the recovery tank reaches the predetermined level, to thereby block the transfer of air and liquid from the recovery tank to the vacuum source.

23. A recovery tank according to

claim 22

and further comprising a guide wall extending from a lower portion of the recovery tank adjacent the stand pipe, the first buoyant end of the float being located between the stand pipe and the guide wall for guiding movement of the float second end toward the stand pipe upper free end during liquid rise in the recovery tank.

24. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 22

and further comprising a fluid containment baffle mounted in the recovery tank above the predetermined level and below the upper free end of the exhaust stand pipe to prevent the sloshing of liquid within the recovery tank.

25. A recovery tank adapted for attachment to the base of a portable surface cleaning apparatus having a handle pivotally attached to the base, the base including a first suction nozzle in fluid communication with a vacuum source, the recovery tank comprising:

an upper wall, a lower wall and at least one sidewall connected together to define an enclosed chamber, the upper wall having an enclosed channel defining a working air conduit and an opening extending from the conduit into the chamber, the working air conduit being in fluid communication between the suction nozzle of the base and the vacuum source when the recovery tank is attached to the base to thereby draw liquid and debris from a surface and deposit the liquid and debris into the recovery tank.

26. A recovery tank according to

claim 25

and further comprising a first diverter baffle attached to an inner surface of the upper wall adjacent the upper wall opening, the baffle extending into the inner chamber from the upper wall to thereby separate fluid and debris from the air during cleaning operations.

27. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 26

and further comprising a second diverter baffle mounted in the recovery tank directly below the first diverter baffle to prevent the sloshing of liquid within the recovery tank.

28. A recovery tank according to

claim 25

and further comprising an opening in a lower portion of one of the walls, and a stand pipe in communication with the opening and extending upwardly therefrom to an upper free end of the stand pipe at an upper portion of the recovery tank.

29. A recovery tank according to

claim 28

and further comprising an elongate float having a first end that is buoyant and a second end that is adapted to cover the upper free end of the stand pipe when liquid in the recovery tank reaches a predetermined level, to thereby block the transfer of air and liquid from the recovery tank to the vacuum source.

30. A recovery tank according to

claim 29

and further comprising a guide wall extending from a lower portion of one of the walls adjacent the stand pipe, the first buoyant end of the float being located between the stand pipe and the guide wall for guiding movement of the float second end toward the stand pipe upper free end during liquid rise in the recovery tank.

31. A recovery tank according to

claim 30

wherein the conduit comprises a plate that encloses the channel in the upper wall, the plate including an opening in alignment with the opening in the upper wall, and a cap removably mounted in the opening in the plate.

32. A recovery tank according to

claim 31

and further comprising a locking member projecting from a side of the cap;

and

a locking lip formed in the upper wall of the recovery tank for receiving and holding the locking member to thereby secure the cap to the recovery tank.

33. A recovery tank according to

claim 32

wherein the locking member comprises a first leg integrally formed with the mounting member and a second leg resiliently formed with the first leg, a free end of the second leg including a barb for locking engagement with the upper wall of the recovery tank.

34. A recovery tank according to

claim 25

wherein the conduit comprises a plate that encloses the channel in the upper wall, the plate including an opening in alignment with the opening in the upper wall, and a cap removably mounted in the opening in the plate.

35. A recovery tank according to

claim 34

and further comprising a locking member projecting from a side of the cap;

and

a locking lip formed in the upper wall of the recovery tank for receiving and holding the locking member to thereby secure the cap to the recovery tank.

36. A recovery tank according to

claim 35

wherein the locking member comprises a first leg integrally formed with the mounting member and a second leg resiliently formed with the first leg, a free end of the second leg including a barb for locking engagement with the upper wall of the recovery tank.

37. In a portable surface cleaning apparatus having a base for movement along a surface to be cleaned, an upright handle pivotally attached to a rearward portion of the base, a fluid recovery tank having an inner fluid holding chamber, a first suction nozzle located at a lower portion of the base, a conduit extending between the inner chamber and the suction nozzle, and a vacuum source in fluid communication with the inner chamber for generating a suction in the recovery tank, conduit and nozzle to thereby draw liquid from a surface and deposit the liquid in the recovery tank, the improvement comprising:

a brush assembly pivotally connected to the base and including an elongate member extending substantially parallel with, and in proximity to the suction nozzle;

the elongate member having a plurality of bristles projecting outwardly therefrom to contact a surface to be cleaned, the brush assembly further including at least one pivot arm with a first end mounted to the elongate member and a second end pivotally mounted to the base such that the height of the bristles can be varied to automatically adjust for different surface heights; and

a catch projecting from one of the pivot arm and the base and a stop member projecting from the other of the pivot arm and the base toward the catch, the catch and stop member being mutually engageable to arrest downward travel of the elongate member beyond a predetermined limit when the bristles are disengaged from the surface.

38. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 37

wherein the elongate member is substantially cylindrical and rotatably mounted to the at least one pivot arm;

and further comprising a motor mounted to the base and a transmission member connected between a shaft of the motor and the elongate member for rotating the elongate member when the motor is actuated.

39. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 38

wherein the transmission member is a flexible belt and the at least one pivot arm comprises a sidewall with a bearing surface projecting from one of the sidewall and the elongate member for rotatable engagement with the other of the sidewall and the elongate member and a bottom wall integrally formed with the sidewall, the bottom wall being in vertical alignment with the belt to thereby cover at least a lower portion of the belt.

40. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 39

wherein the at least one pivot arm comprises two pivot arms with the first end of each pivot arm mounted to an end of the elongate member and the second end of each pivot arm pivotally mounted to the base.

41. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 37

wherein the at least one pivot arm comprises two pivot arms with the first end of each pivot arm mounted to an end of the elongate member and the second end of each pivot arm pivotally mounted to the base.

42. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 37

wherein the elongate member is rigidly attached to the at least one pivot arm.

43. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 37

wherein the catch is deflectable away from the stop to thereby rotate the brush assembly below the predetermined limit for removal of the brush assembly from the pivot arm.

44. In a portable surface cleaning apparatus having a base for movement along a surface to be cleaned, a recovery tank having an inner chamber, a suction nozzle located at a lower portion of the base, a conduit extending between the inner chamber and the suction nozzle, and a vacuum source in fluid communication with the inner chamber for generating a suction in the recovery tank, conduit and nozzle to thereby draw liquid and/or debris from a surface and deposit the liquid in the inner chamber;

a brush assembly pivotally connected to the base and including an elongate, substantially cylindrical member extending substantially parallel with, and in proximity to the suction nozzle;

the elongate member having a plurality of bristles projecting outwardly therefrom to contact a surface to be cleaned, the brush assembly further including at least one pivot arm with a first end mounted to the elongate member for rotation of the elongate member with respect to the pivot arm and a second end pivotally mounted to the base, whereby the brush assembly is free floating to automatically adjust to different surface heights;

a motor mounted to the base and a drive member connected between a shaft of the motor and the elongate member for rotating the elongate member when the motor is actuated, the improvement comprising;

the at least one pivot arm comprising a sidewall with a support surface extending therefrom for mounting the elongate member for rotation about a longitudinal axis and a bottom wall integrally formed with the sidewall, the bottom wall being in vertical alignment with the drive member to thereby cover at least a lower portion of the drive member.

45. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 44

wherein the bristles spiral around the elongate member.

46. A portable surface cleaning apparatus according to

claim 44

wherein the at least one pivot arm comprises two pivot arms with the first end of each pivot arm mounted to an end of the elongate member and the second end of each pivot arm pivotally mounted to the base.

47. An improved upright water extraction cleaning machine comprising a base adapted for movement across a supporting surface, a handle pivotally mounted to the base, a fluid pump having a fluid inlet connected to at least one liquid holding tank and a fluid outlet connected to at least one spray nozzle to thereby transfer liquid from the at least one holding tank to the at least one spray nozzle under pressure and distribute the liquid onto the supporting surface, a suction nozzle mounted to the base to remove liquid and debris from the surface, and a vacuum source mounted to one of the base and the handle and connected to the suction nozzle to generate a working air flow for recovering the liquid and debris, the improvement comprising:

a priming valve having a valve body with an interior chamber, a valve inlet port connected to the pump and a valve outlet port connected to the vacuum source, a plug located within the interior chamber and movable between a priming position wherein the plug is spaced from the valve outlet such that liquid can be drawn into the interior chamber of the hollow body when the vacuum source is operating, and a sealing position wherein the plug seats against the valve outlet port to block liquid from entering the vacuum source.

48. An improved upright water extraction cleaning machine according to

claim 47

wherein the weight and dimension of the plug is chosen such that the presence of liquid, by itself, in the interior chamber is insufficient to move the plug toward the valve outlet.

49. An improved upright water extraction cleaning machine according to

claim 48

wherein the weight and dimension of the plug is chosen such that the presence of negative pressure from the vacuum source acting on the plug, by itself, is insufficient to move the plug toward the valve outlet.

50. An improved upright water extraction cleaning machine according to

claim 47

wherein the weight and dimension of the plug is chosen such that the combined presence of negative air pressure on the plug and movement of liquid in the interior chamber toward the valve outlet is sufficient to move the plug toward the valve outlet.

51. An improved upright water extraction cleaning machine according to

claim 47

wherein the pump and priming valve are both mounted on the handle with the priming valve being located higher than the pump.