Cleaning attachment

• US 4,951,346 A
• Filed: 12/07/1987
• Issued: 08/28/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 06/02/1987
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Carl Salmon
• Original Assignee: Carl Salmon
• Inventors: Salmon, Carl
• Primary Examiner(s): MOORE, CHRISTOPHER K
• Application Number:
  US07/129,530
• Time in Patent Office: 995 Days
• Field of Search: 15/320, 15/321, 15/322, 15/416, 15/417, 15/419, 15/354, 15/355
• US Class Current: 15/322
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/201 with supply of cleaning agents
• 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 11/4041 Roll shaped surface treating tools
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4088 Supply pumps; Spraying devices; Supply conduits
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/34 with height adjustment of nozzles or dust-loosening tools
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/38 Built-in suction cleaner installations, i.e. with fixed tube system to which, at different stations, hoses can be connected
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/02 Nozzles suction nozzles for fluid transport B65G51/00
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/0411 driven by electric motor

Abstract

An improved integrated cleaning attachment for both dry vacuuming or wet cleaning carpets, uphostery or the like, for use with a powered cleaning unit the cleaning attachment comprising a three dimensional frame having a top and bottom, the cleaning attachment having extending therefrom vacuum carrier devices for conducting a created vacuum from a source of created vacuum to the three dimensional frame, the three dimensional frame having liquid supply mechanisms extending to a source of liquid supply away from the three dimensional frame, the liquid supply mechanisms having liquid distribution mechanisms connected thereto, the cleaning attachment having disposed therein proximate the bottom thereof at least two vacuum nozzles, each having an opening therein, each opening extending substantially horizontally above a surface being cleaned, the at least two vacuum nozzles and the vacuum carrier devices having therebetween established diverting mechanisms to divert the created vacuum conducted by the vacuum carrier mechanisms from any of the at least two vacuum nozzles, the cleaning attachment having therein disposed at least one rotatable cleaning mechanisms, whereby in use the cleaning attachment may be used to dry vacuum or wash and wet vacuum carpets, upholstery or the like.

Claims

1. An improved integrated cleaning attachment for both dry vacuuming or wet cleaning carpets, upholstery or the like, for use with a powered cleaning unit, the cleaning attachment comprising a three dimensional frame having a top and bottom, the cleaning attachment having extending therefrom vacuum carrier means for conducting a created vacuum from a source of created vacuum to the three dimensional frame, the three dimensional frame having liquid supply means extending to a source of liquid supply away from the three dimensional frame, the liquid supply means having liquid distribution means connected thereto, the cleaning attachment having disposed therein proximate the bottom thereof at least two vacuum nozzle means, each having an opening therein, each opening extending substantially horizontally above a surface being cleaned, the at least two vacuum nozzle means and the vacuum carrier means having therebetween established diverting means to divert the created vacuum conducted by the vacuum carrier means from any of the at least two vacuum nozzle means, the cleaning attachment having therein disposed at least one rotatable cleaning means;

whereby in use the cleaning attachment may be used to dry vacuum or wash and wet vacuum carpets, upholstery or the like.

2. The cleaning attachment of claim 1 wherein the vacuum nozzle means disposed proximate the bottom of the cleaning attachment have openings extending substantially normal to the direction of travel of the cleaning attachment in use.

3. The cleaning attachment of claim 2 wherein said forward vacuum means pivots up and down from a position proximate the surface to be cleaned to a position remote the surface to be cleaned.

4. The cleaning attachment of claim 3 wherein said diverting means is a diverter valve comprising a substantially rectangular box having a top, bottom, front, rear, and two sides, the box having disposed at its rear a fitting connected to the vacuum carrier means, the box having disposed at its front at least two openings which are connected to the at least two vacuum means, the box having disposed at the front thereof adjacent the at least two openings, a substantially rectangular vertically disposed plate which is slideable from side to side within the box to cover any of the at least two openings and thereby divert the vacuum from any of the at least two vacuum means.

5. The cleaning attachment of claim 2 wherein said diverting means is a diverter valve comprising a substantially rectangular box having a top, bottom, front, rear and two sides, the box having disposed at its rear a fitting connected to the vacuum carrier means, the box having disposed at its front at least two openings which are connected to the at least two vacuum means, the box having disposed at the front thereof adjacent the at least two openings, a substantially rectangular vertically disposed plate which is slideable from side to side within the box to cover any of the at least two openings and thereby divert the vacuum from any of the at least two vacuum means.

6. The cleaning attachment of claim 2 wherein said diverting means is a diverter valve comprising a substantially rectangular box having a top, bottom, front, rear and two sides, the box having disposed at its rear a fitting connected to the vacuum carrier means, the box having disposed at its front at least two openings which are connected to the at least two vacuum means, the box having disposed at the front thereof adjacent the at least two openings, a substantially rectangular vertically disposed plate which is slideable from side to side within the box to cover any of the at least two openings and thereby divert the vacuum from any of the at least two vacuum means.

7. The cleaning attachments of claim 1 wherein the at least one rotatable cleaning means is reversible in its direction of rotation.

8. The cleaning attachment of claim 7 wherein said a forward vacuum means pivots up and down from a position proximate the surface to be cleaned to a position remote the surface to be cleaned.

9. The cleaning attachment of claim 7 wherein said diverting means is a diverter valve comprising a substantially rectangular box having a top, bottom, front, rear and two sides, the box having disposed at its rear a fitting connected to the vacuum carrier means, the box having disposed at its front at least two openings which are connected to the at least two vacuum means, the box having disposed at the front thereof adjacent the at least two openings, a substantially rectangular vertically disposed plate which is slidable from side to side within the box to cover any of the at least two openings and thereby divert the vacuum from any of the at least two vacuum means.

20. The cleaning attachment of claim 1 wherein said forward vacuum nozzle means pivots up and down from a position proximate the surface to be cleaned to a position remote the surface to be cleaned.

21. The cleaning attachment of claim 20 wherein said diverting means is a diverter valve comprising a substantially rectangular box having a top, bottom, front, rear, and two sides, the box having disposed at its rear a fitting connected to the vacuum carrier means, the box having disposed at its front at least two openings which are connected to the at least two vacuum means, the box having disposed at the front thereof adjacent the at least two openings, a substantially rectangular vertically disposed plate which is slideable from side to side within the box to cover any of the at least two openings and thereby divert the vacuum from any of the at least two vacuum means.

22. The cleaning attachment of claim 1 wherein said diverting means is a diverter valve comprising a substantially rectangular box having a top, bottom, front, rear and two sides, the box having disposed at its rear a fitting connected to the vacuum carrier means, the box having disposed at its front at least two openings which are connected to the at least two vacuum means, the box having disposed at the front thereof adjacent the at least two openings, a substantially rectangular vertically disposed plate which is slideable from side to side within the box to cover any of the at least two openings and thereby divert the vacuum from any of the at least two vacuum means.

23. The cleaning attachment of claim 1 or 10 wherein said diverting means is a flip flop gate.

24. The cleaning attachment of claim 1 or 10 wherein said liquid supply means further comprises a tubular hose connected directly to a source of liquid supply.

25. The cleaning attachment of claim 1 or 10 wherein spray means extend from the liquid distribution means adjacent the front of the attachment.

27. The cleaning attachment of claim 1 wherein the first nozzle is centrally located within the three dimensional frame for use as a vacuum nozzle having an opening located at the bottom thereof substantially for picking up dry waste materials from a surface being cleaned, the second nozzle is located proximate the front of the three dimensional frame for use as a vacuum pickup nozzle for pickup of wet effluent and waste materials from a surface being cleaned, the second nozzle having an opening located at the bottom thereof, said second nozzle opening being of substantially reduced cross section when compared to the opening of the first nozzle.

30. The cleaning attachment of claim 21 or 29 wherein said cleaning attachment further comprises diverting means which is a flip flop gate.

10. An improved integrated cleaning attachment for both dry vacuuming or wet cleaning carpets, upholstery or the like, for a powered cleaning unit, the cleaning attachment comprising a three dimensional frame having a bottom, top, front, rear, and two sides, the cleaning attachment having extending therefrom vacuum carrier means for conducting a created vacuum from a source of created vacuum to the three dimensional frame, the three dimensional frame having liquid supply means extending to a source of liquid supply away from the three dimensional frame, the liquid supply means having liquid distribution means connected thereto;

the cleaning attachment having disposed at the bottom thereof at least two vacuum nozzles each having an opening therein, the at least two nozzles being integrally connected with the vacuum carrier means, the two vacuum nozzles and the vacuum carrier means having therebetween established diverting means to divert the created vacuum conducted by the vacuum carrier means from any of the at least two vacuum nozzles;

the vacuum nozzles being disposed proximate the bottom of the cleaning attachment whose openings extend substantially normal to the direction of travel of the cleaning attachment in use, the cleaning attachment having therein disposed at least one rotating cleaning brush;

so that in use said cleaning attachment may be used to dry vacuum or wash and wet vacuum carpets, upholstery or the like.

11. The cleaning attachment of claim 10 wherein the at least one rotating cleaning brush is reversible.

12. The cleaning attachment of claim 11 wherein said diverting means is a diverter valve comprising a substantially rectangular box having a top, bottom, front, rear and two sides, the box having disposed at its rear a fitting connected to the vacuum carrier means, the box having disposed at its front at least two openings which are connected to the at least two vacuum nozzles, the box having disposed at the front thereof adjacent the at least two openings, a substantially rectangular vertically disposed plate which is slideable from side to side within the box to cover any of the at least two openings and thereby divert the vacuum from any of the at least two vacuum nozzles.

13. The cleaning attachment of claim 10 or 11 wherein said forward vacuum nozzle pivots up and down from a position proximate the surface to be cleaned to a position remote the surface to be cleaned.

14. The cleaning attachment of claim 13 wherein said diverting means is a diverter valve comprising a substantially rectangular box having a top, bottom, front, rear and two sides, the box having disposed at its rear a fitting connected to the vacuum carrier means, the box having disposed at its front at least two openings which are connected to the at least two vacuum nozzles, the box having disposed at the front thereof adjacent the at least two openings, a substantially rectangular vertically disposed plate which is slideable from side to side within the box to cover any of the at least two openings and thereby divert the vacuum from any of the at least two vacuum nozzles.

15. The cleaning attachment of claim 10 or 11 wherein said diverting means is a diverter valve comprising a substantially rectangular box having a top, bottom, front, rear and two sides, the box having disposed at its rear a fitting connected to the vacuum carrier means, the box having disposed at its front at least two openings which are connected to the at least two vacuum nozzles, the box having disposed at the front thereof adjacent the at least two openings, a substantially rectangular vertically disposed plate which is slideable from side to side within the box to cover any of the at least two openings and thereby divert the vacuum from any of the at least two vacuum nozzles.

16. The cleaning attachment of claim 15 wherein the first nozzle is centrally located within the three dimensional frame for use as a vacuum nozzle having an opening located at the bottom thereof substantially for picking up dry waste materials from a surface being cleaned, the second nozzle is located proximate the front of the three dimensional frame for use as a vacuum pickup nozzle for pickup of wet effluent and waste materials from a surface being cleaned, the second nozzle having an opening located at the bottom thereof, said second nozzle opening being of substantially reduced cross section when compared to the opening of the first nozzle.

17. The cleaning attachment of claim 10 wherein a rotating cleaning brush is situated in one of said vacuum nozzles.

18. The cleaning attachment of claim 17 wherein said diverting means is a diverter valve comprising a substantially rectangular box having a top, bottom, front, rear and two sides, the box having disposed at its rear a fitting connected to the vacuum carrier means, the box having disposed at its front at least two openings which are connected to the at least two vacuum nozzles, the box having disposed at the front thereof adjacent the at least two openings, a substantially rectangular vertically disposed plate which is slideable from side to side within the box to cover any of the at least two openings and thereby divert the vacuum from any of the at least two vacuum nozzles.

19. The cleaning attachment of claim 17 wherein, the first nozzle is centrally located within the three dimensional frame for use as a vacuum nozzle having an opening located at the bottom thereof substantially for picking up dry waste materials from a surface being cleaned, the second nozzle is located proximate the front of the three dimensional frame for use as a vacuum pickup nozzle for pickup of wet effluent and waste materials from a surface being cleaned, the second nozzle having an opening located at the bottom thereof, said second nozzle opening being of substantially reduced cross section when compared to the opening of the first nozzle.

26. The cleaning attachment of claim 10 wherein the first nozzle is centrally located within the three dimensional frame for use as a vacuum nozzle having an opening located at the bottom thereof substantially for picking up dry waste materials from a surface being cleaned, the second nozzle is located proximate the front of the three dimensional frame for use as a vacuum pickup nozzle for pickup of wet effluent and waste materials from a surface being cleaned, the second nozzle having an opening located at the bottom thereof, said second nozzle opening being of substantially reduced cross section when compared to the opening of the first nozzle.

28. An improved integrated cleaning attachment for both dry vacuuming or wet cleaning surfaces for use with a powered cleaning unit, the cleaning attachment comprising a three dimensional frame having a top and bottom, the cleaning attachment having extending therefrom vacuum carrier means for conducting a created vacuum from a source of created vacuum to the three dimensional frame, the three dimensional frame having liquid supply means extending to a source of liquid supply away from the three dimensional frame, the liquid supply means having liquid distribution means connected thereto, the cleaning attachment having disposed therein at least two vacuum nozzle means, each having an opening therein, the opening extending substantially horizontally above a surface being cleaned, the at least two vacuum nozzle means and the vacuum carrier means having there between established diverting means to divert the created vacuum conducted by the vacuum carrier means from any of the at least two vacuum nozzle means the diverting means being a diverter valve comprising a substantially rectangular box having a top, bottom, front, rear and two sides, the box having disposed at its rear a fitting connected to the vacuum carrier means, the box having disposed at its front at least two openings which are connected to the at least two vacuum nozzle means, the box having disposed at the front thereof adjacent the at least two openings, a substantially rectangular vertically disposed plate which is moveable from side to side within the box to cover any of the at least two openings and thereby divert the vacuum from any of the at least two vacuum means;

whereby in use the cleaning attachment may be used to dry vacuum or wash and wet vacuum surfaces.

29. An improved integrated cleaning attachment for both dry vacuuming or wet cleaning surfaces for use with a powered cleaning unit, the cleaning attachment comprising a three dimensional frame having a bottom, top, front, rear, and two sides, the cleaning attachment having extending therefrom vacuum carrier means for conducting a created vacuum from a source of created vacuum to the three dimensional frame, the three dimensional frame having liquid supply means extending to a source of liquid supply away from the three dimensional frame, the liquid supply means having liquid distribution means connected thereto;

the cleaning attachment having disposed at the bottom thereof at least two vacuum nozzles each having an opening therein, the at least two nozzles being integrally connected with the vacuum carrier means, the two vacuum nozzles and the vacuum carrier means having therebetween established diverting means to divert the created vacuum conducted by the vacuum carrier means from any of the at least two vacuum nozzles the diverting means being a diverter valve comprising a substantially rectangular box having a top, bottom, front, rear and two sides, the box having disposed at its rear a fitting connected to the vacuum carrier means, the box having disposed at its front at least two openings which are connected to the at least two vacuum nozzles, the box having disposed at the front thereof adjacent the at least two openings, a substantially rectangular vertically disposed plate which is moveable from side to side within the box to cover any of the at least two openings and thereby divert the vacuum from any of the at least two vacuum nozzles;

the vacuum nozzles being disposed proximate the bottom of the cleaning attachment whose openings extend substantially normal to the direction of travel of the cleaning attachment in use;

so that in use said cleaning attachment may be used to dry vacuum or wash and wet vacuum surfaces.

31. An integrated cleaning attachment for both dry vacuuming or wet cleaning a carpet, upholstery or the like, comprising means to wet said carpet, multiple vacuum nozzle means to vacuum said carpet, moveable mechanical means to scrub said carpet, diverting means to divert the vacuum from any of the multiple vacuum nozzle means.