CLEANING APPARATUS

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to surface cleaning devices and more specifically to wet/dry cleaners.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Surface cleaning apparatuses are configured to clean one or more surfaces within an environment (e.g., a floor). An example surface cleaning apparatus includes a wet/dry cleaner. A wet/dry cleaner is configured to apply at least one liquid (e.g., water) to a surface to be cleaned and to recover at least a portion of the applied liquid from the surface to be cleaned. At least a portion of any debris (e.g., liquid debris or solid debris) on the surface to be cleaned becomes entrained within the applied liquid such that debris laden liquid (or dirty liquid) can be collected within the wet/dry cleaner for later disposal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic example of a wet/dry cleaner, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic example of an upright extraction cleaner, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic example of a handheld extraction cleaner, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a supply tank for a wet/dry cleaner, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the supply tank of FIG. 4 in relation to a cleaning tool and a plurality of cleaning accessories, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the supply tank of FIG. 4 taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 5, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional example of a supply tank having a tank duct that includes a flexible material, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a magnified cross-sectional perspective view of the supply tank of FIG. 4 corresponding to region VII of FIG. 6A, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows a partial exploded view of the supply tank of FIG. 4, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an example of a handheld extraction cleaner body, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is generally directed to a wet/dry cleaner. The wet/dry cleaner includes a supply tank, a recovery tank, and a cleaning tool fluidly coupled to the supply tank and the recovery tank via a flexible conduit. During a cleaning operation, the cleaning tool is configured to apply cleaning fluid (e.g., water) from the supply tank onto a surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor) and recover at least a portion of the delivered cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned to be stored in the recovery tank for later disposal. The supply tank includes a tool cleaner configured to clean the cleaning tool after completion of the cleaning operation.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic example of a wet/dry cleaner 100. As shown, the wet/dry cleaner 100 includes a supply tank 102, a recovery tank 104, a cleaning tool 106, and a tool cleaner 108. The cleaning tool 106 is configured to deliver cleaning fluid (e.g., water and/or water combined with a cleaning chemical) from the supply tank 102 to a surface to be cleaned 110 (e.g., a floor) and to recover at least a portion of the delivered cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned 110. The recovered cleaning fluid is deposited within the recovery tank 104 for later disposal by a user.

The wet/dry cleaner 100 may further include a flexible conduit 112 having a supply line 114 and a recovery line 116. The supply line 114 fluidly couples the supply tank 102 to the cleaning tool 106 and the recovery line 116 fluidly couples the recovery tank 104 to the cleaning tool 106. In other words, the flexible conduit 112 may generally be described as being configured to fluidly couple the cleaning tool 106 to the supply tank 102 and the recovery tank 104. During a cleaning operation, a fluid pump 118 urges cleaning fluid from the supply tank 102 through the supply line 114 and to the cleaning tool 106 for delivery to the surface to be cleaned 110. A suction motor 120 urges air and delivered cleaning fluid into the cleaning tool 106 and along the recovery line 116 to be deposited in the recovery tank 104. During the cleaning operation, debris may become adhered to the cleaning tool 106 and/or the recovery line 116.

The tool cleaner 108 is configured to cooperate with the cleaning tool 106 to remove at least a portion of any debris adhered to the cleaning tool 106 and/or the recovery line 116. The tool cleaner 108 is fluidly coupled to the supply tank 102 via a cleanout line 124, the cleanout line 124 being separate from the supply line 114. During a cleanout operation, the cleaning tool 106 is positioned (e.g., by a user) onto the tool cleaner 108 such that the recovery line 116 is fluidly coupled with the cleanout line 124. When the suction motor 120 is activated, cleaning fluid is drawn from the supply tank 102 along the cleanout line 124 into the cleaning tool 106 along the recovery line 116 and into the recovery tank 104. As cleaning fluid is drawn from the supply tank 102, at least a portion of any debris adhered to the cleaning tool 106 and/or the recovery line 116 may be removed therefrom and deposited in the recovery tank 104. In other words, the tool cleaner 108 may be generally described as being configured to cooperate with the cleaning tool 106 to draw cleaning fluid from the supply tank 102 and into the cleaning tool 106 to remove at least a portion of any debris adhered to the cleaning tool 106 and/or the recovery line 116. Such a configuration may mitigate (e.g., prevent) generation of odors within the cleaning tool 106 and/or the recovery line 116.

The wet/dry cleaner 100 may include one or more sensors 126 communicatively coupled to a controller 128. The one or more sensors 126 may include a fluid level detection sensor for the supply tank 102 and/or the recovery tank 104, a turbidity sensor within the recovery line 116, and/or any other type of sensor. For example, when the one or more sensors 126 include a turbidity sensor, the turbidity sensor may be positioned at outlet of the recovery line 116 and be configured to detect a turbidity of cleaning fluid passing into the recovery tank 104. In this example, the turbidity sensor may be configured to measure the turbidity of recovered cleaning fluid during the cleanout operation. The controller 128 may use the output of the turbidity sensor to generate a cleanout operation complete indication on a user interface 130. In some instances, the one or more sensors 126 may include a cleaning tool presence sensor configured to detect an engagement (e.g., direct or indirect) of the cleaning tool 106 with the tool cleaner 108. For example, in response to detecting engagement, the controller 128 may cause the suction motor 120 to activate to begin the cleanout operation. Additionally, or alternatively, a user may manually activate the suction motor 120 to begin the cleanout operation.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic example of an upright extraction cleaner 200. The upright extraction cleaner 200 is an example of the wet/dry cleaner 100 of FIG. 1. As shown, the upright extraction cleaner 200 includes a surface cleaning head 202, an upright section 204 pivotally coupled to the surface cleaning head 202, and the cleaning tool 106. The upright section 204 is configured to pivot between an above floor cleaning position (e.g., an upright position) and a floor cleaning position (e.g., a reclined position). The upright section 204 may be configured to be selectively retained in the above floor cleaning position (e.g., using an upright lock 206).

As shown, the upright section 204 may include the supply tank 102, the recovery tank 104, and the tool cleaner 108. For example, the tool cleaner 108 may be coupled to the supply tank 102. By way of further example, the tool cleaner 108 may be coupled to the surface cleaning head 202. As discussed in relation to FIG. 1, the tool cleaner 108 is configured to cooperate with the cleaning tool 106 for the purposes of at least partially cleaning the cleaning tool 106 and/or the recovery line 116.

As also shown, the surface cleaning head 202 may include one or more wheels 208 configured to moveably support the upright extraction cleaner 200 on a surface to be cleaned 209 (e.g., a floor), a forward suction inlet 210, and an agitator chamber 212 disposed between the one or more wheels 208 and the forward suction inlet 210. The agitator chamber 212 includes an agitator 214 rotatably disposed therein. The agitator chamber 212 may or may not be configured to be exposed to suction (e.g., the agitator chamber 212 may be selectively exposed to suction using a valve 213).

The flexible conduit 112 may be configured to removably couple to one or more of the surface cleaning head 202 and/or the upright section 204. For example, the upright section 204 may include a coupling port 216 configured to fluidly couple each of the supply line 114 and the recovery line 116 of the flexible conduit 112 to the supply tank 102 and the recovery tank 104, respectively. When the flexible conduit 112 is coupled to the surface cleaning head 202 and/or the upright section 204, transitioning the upright section 204 to the above floor cleaning position from the floor cleaning position may fluidly couple each of the supply line 114 and the recovery line 116 of the flexible conduit 112 to the supply tank 102 and the recovery tank 104, respectively. When the flexible conduit 112 is coupled to the surface cleaning head 202 and/or the upright section 204, transitioning the upright section 204 to the floor cleaning position from the above floor cleaning position may fluidly decouple each of the supply line 114 and the recovery line 116 of the flexible conduit 112 from the supply tank 102 and the recovery tank 104, respectively.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic example of a handheld extraction cleaner 300, which is another example of the wet/dry cleaner 100 of FIG. 1. As shown, the handheld extraction cleaner 300 includes a main body 302, a handle 304 extending from the main body 302 that is configured to support the main body 302 in a user's hand, and the tool cleaner 108. The main body 302 includes a supply receptacle 306 and a recovery receptacle 308. The supply receptacle 306 is configured to receive the supply tank 102 and the recovery receptacle 308 is configured to receive the recovery tank 104. The supply tank 102 may be removably received within the supply receptacle 306 (e.g., for purposes of refilling) and the recovery tank 104 may be removably received within the recovery receptacle 308 (e.g., for purposes of emptying). As shown, the handle 304 can extend between the supply receptacle 306 and the recovery receptacle 308.

The flexible conduit 112 is configured to couple with the main body 302 such that the supply line 114 fluidly couples with the supply tank 102 and the recovery line 116 fluidly couples with the recovery tank 104. The main body 302 and the handle 304 are configured such that when a user grasps the handle 304 with one hand, the supply tank 102 and the recovery tank 104 are moved collectively with the main body 302. Such a configuration allows a user to grasp the cleaning tool 106 in a first hand while carrying the main body 302 in a second hand.

As shown, the tool cleaner 108 may be provided with the supply tank 102. However, the tool cleaner 108 may be provided at other locations, for example, with the main body 302. As discussed in relation to FIG. 1, the tool cleaner 108 is configured to cooperate with the cleaning tool 106 for the purposes of at least partially cleaning the cleaning tool 106 and/or the recovery line 116.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an example of a supply tank 400 having a tool cleaner 402. The supply tank 400 is an example of the supply tank 102 of FIG. 1 and the tool cleaner 402 is an example of the tool cleaner 108 of FIG. 1.

As shown, the supply tank 400 includes a supply tank body 406 configured to hold a cleaning fluid. A removable refill cap 408 is removably coupled to the supply tank body 406. The removable refill cap 408 is configured to be removed such that cleaning fluid can be added to the supply tank body 406. The removable refill cap 408 may further include a valved fluid outlet 409 through cleaning fluid within the supply tank body 406 exits during a cleaning operation. The removable refill cap 408 may be coupled to the supply tank body 406 at a bottom side 410 of the supply tank body 406.

The tool cleaner 402 is coupled to the supply tank body 406. As shown, the tool cleaner 402 may be coupled at a top side 412 of the supply tank body 406. The top side 412 is opposite the bottom side 410. One or more sidewalls 414 connect the top side 412 and the bottom side 410. The tool cleaner 402 includes a tool platform 416 including one or more fluid apertures 418 through which cleaning fluid within the supply tank body 406 can flow (e.g., when the one or more fluid apertures 418 are exposed to suction).

FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of the supply tank 400 and a cleaning tool 500 configured to cooperate with the tool cleaner 402. The cleaning tool 500 is an example of the cleaning tool 106 of FIG. 1.

As shown, the cleaning tool 500 includes a tool body 502 having a tool suction inlet 504, a fluid dispenser 506, and a tool agitator 508. The tool agitator 508 is disposed between the fluid dispenser 506 and the tool suction inlet 504 relative to a body longitudinal axis 511 of the tool body 502. As shown, the tool suction inlet 504 has a tool inlet maximum width 510. The tool inlet maximum width 510 extends transverse (e.g., at a perpendicular or a non-perpendicular angle) to the body longitudinal axis 511. The cleaning tool 500 may include a first cleaning accessory 512 and/or a second cleaning accessory 514 configured to removably couple with tool body 502.

The first cleaning accessory 512 includes a first accessory agitator 516, a first accessory suction inlet 518, and a first fluid dispenser cutout 520. The first accessory agitator 516 is disposed between the first accessory suction inlet 518 and the first fluid dispenser cutout 520. The first fluid dispenser cutout 520 is configured such that fluid can be dispensed from the fluid dispenser 506 and to a surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor) through the first fluid dispenser cutout 520. The first accessory suction inlet 518 is configured to fluidly couple with the tool suction inlet 504 and has a first accessory inlet maximum width 522. The first accessory inlet maximum width 522 extends transverse (e.g., at a perpendicular or a non-perpendicular angle) to the body longitudinal axis 511 of the tool body 502 when coupled to the tool body 502. The first accessory inlet maximum width 522 is greater than the tool inlet maximum width 510.

The second cleaning accessory 514 includes a second accessory agitator 524, a second accessory suction inlet 526, and a second fluid dispenser cutout 528. The second accessory agitator 524 is disposed between the second accessory suction inlet 526 and the second fluid dispenser cutout 528. The second fluid dispenser cutout 528 is configured such that fluid can be dispensed from the fluid dispenser 506 and to a surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor) through the second fluid dispenser cutout 528. The second accessory suction inlet 526 is configured to fluidly couple with the tool suction inlet 504 and has a second accessory inlet maximum width 530 extending transverse (e.g., at a perpendicular or a non-perpendicular angle) to the body longitudinal axis 511 of the tool body 502 when coupled to the tool body 502. The second accessory inlet maximum width 530 is greater than the tool inlet maximum width 510. The tool suction inlet 504, the first accessory suction inlet 518, and the second accessory suction inlet 526 may have substantially (e.g., within 1% of, 2% of, 3% of, 4% of, 5%, or 10% of) the same inlet areas.

At least one of the tool agitator 508, the first accessory agitator 516, and/or the second accessory agitator 524 may have different characteristics from at least one other of the tool agitator 508, the first accessory agitator 516, and/or the second accessory agitator 524. For example, the tool agitator 508 may include bristles 532 (e.g., in the form of tufts), the first accessory agitator 516 may include one or more curved wipers 534, and the second accessory agitator 524 may include one or more agitation protrusions 536 (e.g., flexible protrusions).

As shown, the one or more fluid apertures 418 include a plurality of fluid apertures 418 forming a central group of apertures 538, a first lateral group of apertures 540 arranged at one side of the central group of apertures 538, and a second lateral group of apertures 542 arranged at another (e.g., opposing) side of the central group of apertures 538. Each of the central group, first lateral group, and second lateral group of apertures 538, 540, and 542 include one or more of the plurality of fluid apertures 418. The central group, first lateral group, and second lateral group of apertures 538, 540, and 542 may be arranged such that a common aperture axis 544 passes through at least a portion (e.g., a central portion) of each of the plurality of fluid apertures 418 forming the central group, first lateral group, and second lateral group of apertures 538, 540, and 542.

The central group of apertures 538 has a central group width 546. The central group width 546 may be less than or equal to the tool inlet maximum width 510. As such, when the cleaning tool 500 is moved into engagement with the tool cleaner 402, the tool suction inlet 504 extends over and encloses each of the fluid apertures 418 forming the central group of apertures 538. Such a configuration allows cleaning fluid to be suctioned through the central group of apertures 538 and into the cleaning tool 500 via the tool suction inlet 504.

As shown, the tool cleaner 402 may include one or more tool alignment walls 548 configured to cooperate with the cleaning tool 500 to encourage positioning of the tool suction inlet 504 over each of the fluid apertures 418 forming the central group of apertures 538. The tool alignment walls 548 can extend from the tool platform 416. The one or more tool alignment walls 548 may at least partially define (e.g., enclose) a tool alignment region 550 within which at least a portion of the tool suction inlet 504 can be positioned. In some instances, the one or more tool alignment walls 548 may be configured to selectively couple with a portion of the cleaning tool 500 (e.g., using a press-fit, detents, and/or any other selective coupling). Such a configuration may assist a user in maintaining the tool suction inlet 504 over the central group of apertures 538.

The first lateral group of apertures 540 has a first lateral group width 552 and the second lateral group of apertures 542 has a second lateral group width 554. The central group width 546 and the first and second lateral group widths 552 and 554 may collectively be less than or equal to the first and second accessory maximum inlet widths 522 and 530. As such, when the cleaning tool 500 is moved into engagement with the tool cleaner 402, with either the first or second cleaning accessory 512 or 514 coupled tool body 502, the first accessory suction inlet 518 or the second accessory suction inlet 526 extends over and encloses each of the fluid apertures 418 forming the central group, first lateral group, and second lateral group of apertures 538, 540, and 542. Such a configuration, allows cleaning fluid to be suctioned through the central group, first lateral group, and second lateral group of apertures 538, 540, and 542 and into the first or second cleaning accessory 512 or 514 via the first or second accessory suction inlet 518 or 526.

As shown, the tool cleaner 402 may include one or more accessory alignment walls 556 configured to cooperate with one or more of the first and/or second cleaning accessory 512 and/or 514 to encourage positioning of the first accessory suction inlet 518 and/or the second accessory suction inlet 526 over each of the fluid apertures 418 from the central group, first lateral group, and second lateral group of apertures 538, 540, and 542. The one or more accessory alignment walls 556 can extend from the tool platform 416. The one or more accessory alignment walls 556 may at least partially define (e.g., enclose) an accessory alignment region 558 within which at least a portion of the first and/or second accessory suction inlet 518 and/or 526 may be positioned. In some instances, the one or more accessory alignment walls 556 may be configured to selectively couple with a portion of the first and/or the second cleaning accessory 512 and/or 514 (e.g., using a press-fit, detents, and/or any other selective coupling). Such a configuration may assist a user in maintaining the first and/or second accessory suction inlet 518 and/or 526 over the central group, first lateral group, and second lateral group of apertures 538, 540, and 542.

FIG. 6A shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the supply tank 400 taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 5. As shown, the supply tank body 406 includes a fluid cavity 600 configured to receive the cleaning fluid. The fluid cavity 600 is fluidly coupled to the valved fluid outlet 409 and the tool cleaner 402. The valved fluid outlet 409 is configured to selectively fluidly couple the fluid cavity 600 to the fluid dispenser 506 (FIG. 5) such that cleaning fluid within the fluid cavity 600 can be delivered to the fluid dispenser 506. In other words, the valved fluid outlet 409 may generally be described as forming a portion of a supply line 602 (e.g., a beginning portion). The supply line 602 is an example of the supply line 114 of FIG. 1.

As shown, the tool cleaner 402 includes a fluid channel 604 fluidly coupled to the one or more fluid apertures 418 and a tank duct 606 fluidly coupling the fluid channel 604 to the fluid cavity 600. In other words, the one or more fluid apertures 418 may generally be described as being fluidly coupled to the tank duct 606 via the fluid channel 604 such that the one or more fluid apertures 418 are fluidly coupled to the fluid cavity 600. The fluid channel 604 is disposed between the tool platform 416 and a portion of the supply tank body 406. In some instances, the tool platform 416 may define at least a portion of at least one sidewall of the fluid channel 604. At least a portion of the tank duct 606 extends into the fluid cavity 600 such that at least a portion of the tank duct 606 extends between the bottom side 410 and the top side 412 of the supply tank body 406. For example, the tank duct 606 may extend into the fluid cavity 600 such that a distal end 614 of the tank duct 606 is positioned closer to the bottom side 410 than to the top side 412 of the supply tank body 406.

The fluid channel 604 and the tank duct 606 are configured such that, when the one or more fluid apertures 418 are exposed to suction, cleaning fluid within the fluid cavity 600 is drawn into the tank duct 606 and the fluid channel 604 and passes through at least one of the one or more fluid apertures 418. As such, the fluid channel 604 and the tank duct 606 may generally be described as forming at least a portion of a cleanout line 608. The cleanout line 608 is an example of the cleanout line 124 of FIG. 1.

The tool cleaner 402 may further include a tool cleaner valve 610. The tool cleaner valve 610 is configured to selectively transition between an open state and a closed state. When in an open state, cleaning fluid is capable of freely passing through the tool cleaner valve 610. When in the closed state, cleaning fluid is substantially prevented from passing through the tool cleaner valve 610 (e.g., at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 97%, at least 99%, or 100% of cleaning fluid is prevented from passing through the tool cleaner valve 610). When in the open state, cleaning fluid is capable of freely entering the tank duct 606 (e.g., in the presence of suction), passing through the fluid channel 604, and exiting the tool cleaner 402 via at least one of the one or more fluid apertures 418. In some instances, the tool cleaner valve 610 is biased (e.g., using a spring 612) towards the closed position and configured such that, when one of the cleaning tool 500 (FIG. 5), the first cleaning accessory 512 (FIG. 5), or the second cleaning accessory 514 (FIG. 5) is positioned on the tool cleaner 402, the tool cleaner valve 610 is transitioned towards the open position.

The tank duct 606 may include a flexible material or may be rigid. When the tank duct 606 includes a flexible material (e.g., a silicone material), at least a portion of the tank duct 606 may noticeably deform (e.g., experience at least a 5%, at least a 10%, at least a 15%, at least a 20%, at least a 40%, at least a 50%, or at least a 75% change in shape relative to a non-deformed resting state) when exposed to a force substantially equal to or greater than its own weight. When the flexible material is included, at least a portion of the tank duct 606 may be buoyant such that the distal end 614 is spaced apart from the bottom side 410 of the supply tank body 406 as a result of the buoyancy. For example, FIG. 6B shows an example of a tank duct 650 including a flexible material and a buoyant body 652 coupled to the tank duct 650. Inclusion of a flexible material in the tank duct 606 may also discourage residual cleaning fluid from entering the tank duct 606 when the supply tank 400 is upended for purposes of refilling via a refill opening 616 enclosed by the removable refill cap 408.

When the tank duct 606 is rigid, the distal end 614 may be spaced apart from the bottom side 410 such that cleaning fluid is able to enter the tank duct 606. Alternatively, the distal end 614 may be in contact with the bottom side 410 and the tank duct 606 may include fluid inlets at the distal end through cleaning fluid may enter the tank duct 606.

FIG. 7 shows a magnified perspective view generally corresponding to region VII of FIG. 6A. As shown, the tool platform 416 includes a valve actuator 700 coupled to the tool cleaner valve 610. The valve actuator 700 includes an actuation platform 702 and an actuator body 704 extending from the actuation platform 702. The actuator body 704 includes a coupling end 706 configured to couple to the tool cleaner valve 610. For example, the coupling end 706 may be configured to be received within a coupling cavity 708 of the tool cleaner valve 610 (e.g., to form a press-fit with the tool cleaner valve 610, to be coupled via a fastener, to form an adhesive coupling, and/or any other form of coupling).

In operation, application of a force on the actuation platform 702 causes the tool cleaner valve 610 to disengage from a channel inlet 710 of the fluid channel 604. The tool cleaner valve 610 may include a seal 712 which moves out of engagement with a portion of the channel inlet 710 in response to the application of the force on the actuation platform 702. For example, the actuation platform 702 may be caused to move in response to a force exerted when the cleaning tool 500, with or without one of the first or second cleaning accessory 512 or 514 coupled to the tool body 502, comes into engagement (e.g., directly or indirectly) with the tool platform 416. When the tool cleaner valve 610 disengages with the channel inlet 710, the fluid channel 604 is fluidly coupled with the fluid cavity 600 such that cleaning fluid can be drawn through the tank duct 606 and into the fluid channel 604 in the presence of suction.

In operation, when the force is removed from the actuation platform 702, the spring 612 urges the tool cleaner valve 610 towards the closed position. The spring 612 extends between at least a portion of the actuation platform 702 and at least a portion of the tank duct 606. For example, a first end 713 of the spring 612 may engage (e.g., directly or indirectly engage) with a portion of the actuation platform 702 and a second end 714 of the spring 612 may engage (e.g., directly or indirectly engage) with a portion of the fluid channel 604 (e.g., an inner surface 716 of the fluid channel 604). In some instances, the spring 612 may extend around the channel inlet 710 such that at least a portion of the spring 612 is exposed to cleaning fluid passing through the tool cleaner valve 610.

As shown, the channel inlet 710 may be disposed within the tank duct 606. For example, an inner surface 709 of the tank duct 606 may be configured to form a snap fit connection 711 with the fluid channel 604. However, other configurations are possible.

The fluid channel 604 may be configured to encourage a flow of air and cleaning fluid therethrough such that cleaning fluid is caused to exit from at least one of the one or more fluid apertures 418. For example, the fluid channel 604 can include a flared region 717 that transitions to planar regions 718 and 720. A channel height 722 of the fluid channel 604 may decrease as the flared region 717 transitions into the planar regions 718.

A substantial portion (e.g., at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or at least 100%) of the planar regions 718 and 720 may be disposed below a respective one of the first and second lateral groups of apertures 540 and 542. One or more of the fluid apertures 418 of the central group of apertures 538 may be included with the actuation platform 702. In other words, the valve actuator 700 may generally be described as including one or more of the fluid apertures 418 of the central group of apertures 538. In some instances, the central group of apertures 538 may be included within an alignment protrusion 724 extending from the actuation platform 702. The alignment protrusion 724 is configured to be received within the tool suction inlet 504 (FIG. 5). The receipt of the alignment protrusion 724 within the tool suction inlet 504 may encourage the alignment of the tool suction inlet 504 with the central group of apertures 538.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the tool cleaner 402 removed from the supply tank body 406. As shown, the supply tank body 406 includes a cleaner opening 800 through which at least a portion of the tool cleaner 402 may pass. For example, the cleaner opening 800 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the tank duct 606. The cleaner opening 800 may be configured to be sealingly engaged with a portion of an outer surface 802 of the tank duct 606. The supply tank body 406 may include one or more retainers 804 (e.g., molded therein) for coupling (e.g., removably or non-removably) the tool cleaner 402 to the supply tank body 406.

A tank handle 806 may be pivotally coupled to the supply tank body 406. The tank handle 806 includes pivot arms 808 and a grasping portion 809 extending between the pivot arms 808. The pivot arms 808 are pivotally coupled to the supply tank body 406. The cleaner opening 800 can be disposed between the pivot arms 808. As such, when the tool cleaner 402 is coupled to the supply tank body 406, the tool cleaner 402 may be disposed between the pivot arms 808.

In some instances, the tool cleaner 402 may further include a connection latch 810. The connection latch 810 may be configured to removably couple the supply tank 400 with a cleaner (e.g., the wet/dry cleaner 100 of FIG. 1, the upright extraction cleaner 200 of FIG. 2 and/or the handheld extraction cleaner 300 of FIG. 3). The connection latch 810 may include a biased detent 812 configured to cooperate with a corresponding retainer. For example, FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a handheld extraction cleaner body 900 having a retainer 902 configured to cooperate with the connection latch 810 to selectively retain the supply tank 400 on the handheld extraction cleaner body 900.

Returning to FIG. 8, the one or more tool alignment walls 548 may include a retention slot 814. The retention slot 814 is configured to slidably receive a portion of the actuation platform 702. The retention slot 814 may be configured to guide the movement of the actuation platform 702 in response to application of a force thereon.

An example of a wet/dry cleaner, consistent with the present disclosure, may include a supply tank configured to receive a cleaning fluid, the supply tank having a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side, a recovery tank, a cleaning tool having a suction inlet, a flexible conduit fluidly coupling the cleaning tool to the supply tank and the recovery tank, and a tool cleaner coupled to the top side of the supply tank, the tool cleaner being configured to cooperate with the cleaning tool to draw the cleaning fluid from the supply tank and into the cleaning tool.

In some instances, the tool cleaner may include a tool platform having one or more fluid apertures, a fluid channel, and a tank duct, the one or more fluid apertures being fluidly coupled to the tank duct via the fluid channel, the tank duct extending into a fluid cavity of the supply tank. In some instances, the one or more fluid apertures may include a central group of apertures, a first lateral group of apertures arranged at one side of the central group of apertures, and a second lateral group of apertures arranged at another side of the central group of apertures. In some instances, a common aperture axis may pass through at least a portion of each aperture forming the central group of apertures, the first lateral group of apertures, and the second lateral group of apertures. In some instances, the tool cleaner may include a tool cleaner valve configured to selectively transition between an open state and a closed state. In some instances, the tool platform may include a valve actuator configured to transition the tool cleaner valve from the closed state to the open state, the valve actuator including at least one aperture of the central group of apertures. In some instances, one or more tool alignment walls may extend from the tool platform. In some instances, the flexible conduit may include a supply line and a recovery line, the supply line fluidly coupling the supply tank to the cleaning tool and the recovery line fluidly coupling the recovery tank to the cleaning tool.

An example of an upright extraction cleaner, consistent with the present disclosure, includes a surface cleaning head, an upright section pivotally coupled to the surface cleaning head, a supply tank configured to receive a cleaning fluid, the supply tank having a fluid cavity, a top side, and a bottom side opposite the top side, a recovery tank, a cleaning tool having a suction inlet, a flexible conduit fluidly coupling the cleaning tool to the supply tank and the recovery tank, and a tool cleaner coupled to the top side of the supply tank, the tool cleaner being configured to cooperate with the cleaning tool to draw the cleaning fluid from the supply tank and into the cleaning tool. The tool cleaner includes a tool platform having one or more fluid apertures, a fluid channel, and a tank duct, the one or more fluid apertures being fluidly coupled to the tank duct via the fluid channel, the tank duct extending into the fluid cavity of the supply tank.

In some instances, the one or more fluid apertures may include a central group of apertures, a first lateral group of apertures arranged at one side of the central group of apertures, and a second lateral group of apertures arranged at another side of the central group of apertures. In some instances, a common aperture axis may pass through at least a portion of each aperture forming the central group of apertures, the first lateral group of apertures, and the second lateral group of apertures. In some instances, the tool cleaner may include a tool cleaner valve configured to selectively transition between an open state and a closed state. In some instances, the tool platform may include a valve actuator configured to transition the tool cleaner valve from the closed state to the open state, the valve actuator including at least one aperture of the central group of apertures. In some instances, the one or more tool alignment walls may extend from the tool platform.

An example of a portable extraction cleaner, consistent with the present disclosure, may include a main body having a supply receptacle and a recovery receptacle, a handle extending from the main body, a supply tank removably received in the supply receptacle and configured to receive a cleaning fluid, the supply tank having a fluid cavity, a top side, and a bottom side opposite the top side, a recovery tank removably received within the recovery receptacle, a cleaning tool having a suction inlet, a flexible conduit fluidly coupling the cleaning tool to the supply tank and the recovery tank, and a tool cleaner coupled to the top side of the supply tank, the tool cleaner being configured to cooperate with the cleaning tool to draw the cleaning fluid from the supply tank and into the cleaning tool. The tool cleaner includes a tool platform having one or more fluid apertures, a fluid channel, and a tank duct, the one or more fluid apertures being fluidly coupled to the tank duct via the fluid channel, the tank duct extending into the fluid cavity of the supply tank.

In some instances, the one or more fluid apertures may include a central group of apertures, a first lateral group of apertures arranged at one side of the central group of apertures, and a second lateral group of apertures arranged at another side of the central group of apertures. In some instances, a common aperture axis may pass through at least a portion of each aperture forming the central group of apertures, the first lateral group of apertures, and the second lateral group of apertures. In some instances, the tool cleaner may include a tool cleaner valve configured to selectively transition between an open state and a closed state. In some instances, the tool platform may include a valve actuator configured to transition the tool cleaner valve from the closed state to the open state, the valve actuator including at least one aperture of the central group of apertures. In some instances, one or more tool alignment walls may extend from the tool platform.

Another example of a wet/dry cleaner, consistent with the present disclosure, may include a supply tank configured to receive a cleaning fluid, a recovery tank, a cleaning tool having a suction inlet, a flexible conduit configured to fluidly couple the cleaning tool to the supply tank and the recovery tank, and a tool cleaner coupled to the supply tank, the tool cleaner being configured to cooperate with the cleaning tool to draw the cleaning fluid from the supply tank and into the cleaning tool.

In some instances, the tool cleaner may include a tool platform having one or more fluid apertures and a tank duct, the one or more fluid apertures being fluidly coupled to the tank duct, the tank duct extending into a fluid cavity of the supply tank. In some instances, the one or more fluid apertures may include a central group of apertures, a first lateral group of apertures arranged at one side of the central group of apertures, and a second lateral group of apertures arranged at another side of the central group of apertures. In some instances, a common aperture axis may pass through at least a portion of each aperture forming the central group of apertures, the first lateral group of apertures, and the second lateral group of apertures. In some instances, the tool cleaner may include a tool cleaner valve configured to selectively transition between an open state and a closed state. In some instances, the tool platform may include a valve actuator configured to transition the tool cleaner valve from the closed state to the open state, the valve actuator including at least one aperture of the central group of apertures. In some instances, one or more tool alignment walls may extend from the tool platform. In some instances, the flexible conduit may include a supply line and a recovery line, the supply line fluidly coupling the supply tank to the cleaning tool and the recovery line fluidly coupling the recovery tank to the cleaning tool.

Another example of an upright extraction cleaner, consistent with the present disclosure, may include a surface cleaning head, an upright section pivotally coupled to the surface cleaning head, a supply tank configured to receive a cleaning fluid, the supply tank having a fluid cavity, a recovery tank, a cleaning tool having a suction inlet, a flexible conduit configured to fluidly couple the cleaning tool to the supply tank and the recovery tank, and a tool cleaner coupled to the supply tank, the tool cleaner being configured to cooperate with the cleaning tool to draw the cleaning fluid from the supply tank and into the cleaning tool. The tool cleaner includes a tool platform having one or more fluid apertures and a tank duct, the one or more fluid apertures being fluidly coupled to the tank duct, the tank duct extending into the fluid cavity of the supply tank.

In some instances, the one or more fluid apertures may include a central group of apertures, a first lateral group of apertures arranged at one side of the central group of apertures, and a second lateral group of apertures arranged at another side of the central group of apertures. In some instances, a common aperture axis may pass through at least a portion of each aperture forming the central group of apertures, the first lateral group of apertures, and the second lateral group of apertures. In some instances, the tool cleaner may include a tool cleaner valve configured to selectively transition between an open state and a closed state. In some instances, the tool platform may include a valve actuator configured to transition the tool cleaner valve from the closed state to the open state, the valve actuator including at least one aperture of the central group of apertures. In some instances, one or more tool alignment walls may extend from the tool platform.

Another example of a portable extraction cleaner, consistent with the present disclosure, may include a main body having a supply receptacle and a recovery receptacle, a handle extending from the main body, a supply tank removably received in the supply receptacle and configured to receive a cleaning fluid, the supply tank having a fluid cavity, a recovery tank removably received within the recovery receptacle, a cleaning tool having a suction inlet, a flexible conduit configured to fluidly couple the cleaning tool to the supply tank and the recovery tank, and a tool cleaner coupled to the supply tank, the tool cleaner being configured to cooperate with the cleaning tool to draw the cleaning fluid from the supply tank and into the cleaning tool. The tool cleaner including a tool platform having one or more fluid apertures and a tank duct, the one or more fluid apertures being fluidly coupled to the tank duct, the tank duct extending into the fluid cavity of the supply tank.

In some instances, the one or more fluid apertures may include a central group of apertures, a first lateral group of apertures arranged at one side of the central group of apertures, and a second lateral group of apertures arranged at another side of the central group of apertures. In some instances, a common aperture axis may pass through at least a portion of each aperture forming the central group of apertures, the first lateral group of apertures, and the second lateral group of apertures. In some instances, the tool cleaner may include a tool cleaner valve configured to selectively transition between an open state and a closed state. In some instances, the tool platform may include a valve actuator configured to transition the tool cleaner valve from the closed state to the open state, the valve actuator including at least one aperture of the central group of apertures. In some instances, one or more tool alignment walls may extend from the tool platform.

While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the following claims.