REFRESH TOOL WITH BRISTLE FLUID APPLICATOR

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/662,501, filed on Jun. 21, 2024, entitled, “REFRESH TOOL WITH BRISTLE FLUID APPLICATOR,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure pertains to an attachment tool for a cleaning appliance that distributes cleaning solution onto a surface being cleaned.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Cleaning appliances that distribute cleaning solution onto a surface to be cleaned often require depositing large amounts of cleaning solution directly on the surface and render the surface damp and unusable for significant periods of time. While large amounts of cleaning solution may be necessary with some types of surfaces that need deep cleaning, other types of surfaces or cleaning operations require less cleaning solution. As such, these other types of surfaces or cleaning operations generally receive more cleaning solution and require a greater wait time to dry than is necessary.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an attachment tool for a cleaning appliance includes a housing having a surface defining a suction nozzle. A fluid delivery circuit is associated with the housing for distributing a cleaning solution to a surface to be cleaned. A fluid recovery circuit includes the suction nozzle associated with the housing for removing soiled cleaning solution from the surface. A bristle block is coupled to the housing and in fluid communication with the fluid delivery circuit. The bristle block supports a bristle cluster and defines a fluid delivery aperture that receives the cleaning solution from the fluid delivery circuit and distributes the cleaning solution through the bristle cluster onto the surface to be cleaned.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an attachment tool for a cleaning appliance includes a housing having a surface defining a suction nozzle. A fluid delivery circuit is associated with the housing and includes a manifold cap having a manifold input for receiving a cleaning solution and a plurality of manifold outputs for distributing the cleaning solution to a surface to be cleaned. A fluid recovery circuit includes the suction nozzle associated with the housing for removing soiled cleaning solution from the surface. A bristle block is coupled to the manifold cap and is in fluid communication with the plurality of manifold outputs. The bristle block supports a plurality of bristle clusters and defines a plurality of fluid delivery apertures in alignment with the plurality of bristle clusters that receive the cleaning solution from the fluid delivery circuit and distribute the cleaning solution through the plurality of bristle clusters onto the surface to be cleaned.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an attachment tool for a cleaning appliance includes a housing having a surface defining a suction nozzle. A fluid delivery circuit is associated with the housing for distributing a cleaning solution to a surface to be cleaned. A fluid recovery circuit includes the suction nozzle associated with the housing for removing soiled cleaning solution from the surface. A bristle block is coupled to the housing and includes a sleeve defining a bristle channel that receives the cleaning solution from the fluid delivery circuit and distributes the cleaning solution through the bristle channel onto the surface to be cleaned. A bristle cluster is located within the sleeve.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an attachment tool for a cleaning appliance, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of an attachment tool for a cleaning appliance, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a disassembled bottom perspective view of an attachment tool for a cleaning appliance, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a disassembled top perspective view of an attachment tool for a cleaning appliance, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a cleaning appliance with an attachment tool, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a disassembled bottom perspective view of an attachment tool of a second construction for a cleaning appliance, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of an attachment tool of a second construction for a cleaning appliance, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a cleaning appliance of a first construction with an attachment tool, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a cleaning appliance of a second construction with an attachment tool, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present illustrated aspects reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to an attachment tool for a cleaning appliance that distributes cleaning solution onto a surface being cleaned. The attachment tool may be configured to distribute cleaning solution through one or more bristle clusters in order to limit the amount of cleaning solution utilized and dampen a surface to be cleaned rather than soaking the surface. As a result, the surface dries quickly after the cleaning process and cleaning solution usage is minimized. The attachment tool may be used on any type of cleaning surface, such as upholstery.

The apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, reference numeral 10 generally designates an attachment tool for a cleaning appliance 12. The attachment tool 10 includes a housing 14 having a surface (e.g., a bottom surface 16) defining a suction nozzle 18 (e.g., a suction nozzle inlet 34). A fluid delivery circuit 20 is associated with the housing 14 for distributing a cleaning solution 22 to a surface 24 to be cleaned. A fluid recovery circuit 26 includes the suction nozzle 18 associated with the housing 14 for removing soiled cleaning solution 22 from the surface 24. A bristle block 28 is coupled to the housing 14 and in fluid communication with the fluid delivery circuit 20. The bristle block 28 supports a bristle cluster 30 and defines a fluid delivery aperture 32 that receives the cleaning solution 22 from the fluid delivery circuit 20 and distributes the cleaning solution 22 through the bristle cluster 30 onto the surface 24 to be cleaned.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, the bristle block 28 may support a plurality of bristle clusters 30 (e.g., 4 or more, 8 or more, 10 or more, 12 or more, etc.) and define a plurality of fluid delivery apertures 32 in alignment with the plurality of bristle clusters 30. Each bristle cluster 30 may be associated with at least one of the fluid delivery apertures 32, such that the cleaning solution 22 is distributed through each of the plurality of the bristle clusters 30. The plurality of bristle clusters 30 may be supported in one or more patterns. For example, the bristle clusters 30 may be supported along a straight line, a grid pattern, an array, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some implementations, the bristle clusters 30 may have equal spacing from one another. In other implementations, the bristle clusters 30 may have unequal spacing from one another. In some embodiments, the suction nozzle inlet 34 is defined between the bristle block 28 and the housing 14 (e.g., defined at least in part by the bottom surface 16). The suction nozzle 18 removes the soiled cleaning solution 22 through the suction nozzle inlet 34 and the suction nozzle inlet 34 may extend entirely around and remove the soiled cleaning solution 22 entirely around the bristle block 28. In some implementations, the suction nozzle inlet 34 may define two or more inlets that each extend entirely around two or more different bristle clusters 30, respectively. In this manner, during operation, the cleaning solution 22 is deposited through each bristle cluster 30 and suction force is applied through the suction nozzle inlet 34 (e.g., 360° around the bristle clusters 30) to facilitate quick and thorough removal of the soiled cleaning solution 22 from the surface 24. However, it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the suction nozzle inlet 34 may be defined by the housing 14 and the bristle block 28 may be isolated from the fluid recovery circuit 26. For example, the bristle block 28 may be located within a separate cavity of the housing 14 or exterior to the housing 14 (e.g., in a forward and/or rearward direction from the suction nozzle inlet 34).

As depicted, the bristle clusters 30 may be supported along a straight line. As such, each bristle cluster 30 is proximate the suction nozzle inlet 34 (e.g., closer to portions of the suction nozzle inlet 34 than any other bristle cluster 30) and removal of the soiled cleaning solution 22 is further streamlined. Each bristle cluster 30 may at least partially extend through the suction nozzle 18, past the suction nozzle inlet 34, and outwardly from the housing 14 to permit the bristle clusters 30 to be utilized for scrubbing during usage. More particularly, the bristle block 28 may include a sleeve 36 in fluid communication with the fluid delivery circuit 20 and each bristle cluster 30 may include a plurality of bristles 38 each extending between an interior end 40 and an exterior end 42. The interior ends 40 of the bristles 38 are located in and supported in the sleeve 36 while the exterior ends 42 extend out of the sleeve 36, through the suction nozzle 18, and past the suction nozzle inlet 34.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sleeve 36 may extend to the bottom surface 16 of the housing 14 and in alignment with the suction nozzle 18. As such, the sleeve 36 may confine the bristles 38 and prevent fraying over repeated use. In some embodiments, the bristles 38 may each (e.g., substantially all) define a length between the interior ends 40 and the exterior ends 42, and a majority of the length may be located in the sleeve 36. The sleeve 36 may include an interior wall 44 extending circumferentially (e.g., at least partially) about an axis that defines a bristle channel 46 and the bristle cluster 30 may be located in and confined within the bristle channel 46. The exterior ends 42 of at least some of the plurality of bristles 38 outside of the bristle channel 46 may flare radially outwardly past the interior wall 44. In some implementations, the length between the interior ends 40 and the exterior ends 42 of the bristles 38 may be substantially the same. In other implementations, the length between the interior ends 40 and the exterior ends 42 of the bristles 38 may be different. For example, each bristle clusters 30 may include some bristles 38 that are longer than other bristles 38. In some implementations, outermost bristles 28 (e.g., relative to the axis of the bristle channel 46) in each or select bristle clusters 30 may be longer. In this manner, when the exterior ends 42 of at least some of the plurality of bristles 38 flare radially outwardly past the interior wall 44, the exterior ends 42 may terminate substantially along the same plane as the other bristles 38.

The sleeve 36 may be plural (e.g., each bristle cluster 30 may be located in different sleeve 36) or singular. For example, the interior wall 44 of the sleeve 36 may define a plurality of the bristle channels 46 and the bristle clusters 30 may be located in different ones of the bristle channels 46. In some embodiments, the interior wall 44 defines a plurality of opposing ribs 48 in pairs between each adjacent bristle channel 46 that at least partially define the plurality of bristle channels 46. Each opposing rib 48 in the pair may be spaced from one another to define a fluid passage 50 between adjacent bristle channels 46. In some embodiments, each rib 48 defines opposing curves such that the bristle channels 46 are substantially circular in cross-section. In this way, the bristle channels 46 may be circular and fluidically connected to one another by the fluid passages 50. However, it is contemplated that the bristle channels 46 may have other shapes and/or be fluidically isolated from each other (e.g., not include any adjoining fluid passages 50).

With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the fluid delivery circuit 20 may include a manifold cap 52 having a manifold input 54 for receiving the cleaning solution 22 and a manifold output 56 (FIG. 3) for distributing the cleaning solution 22 to the bristle block 28. The bristle block 28 is coupled to the manifold cap 52 and is in fluid communication with the manifold output 56. The manifold output 56 may be singular (e.g., distributing the cleaning solution 22 to each fluid delivery aperture 32) or plural (e.g., each manifold output 56 distributing the cleaning solution 22 to a single fluid delivery aperture 32 or select fluid delivery apertures 32).

With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the bristle block 28 may include a body 58 and a head 60. The body 58 may include an inward step 62 extending to the head 60. The manifold cap 52 may include a cup portion 64 defining a pocket 66. In some embodiments, the manifold output 56 terminates within the pocket 66. The head 60 may be located in the pocket 66 and define the fluid delivery apertures 32. As depicted, each bristle channel 46 may be aligned with and fed the cleaning solution 22 through one or more (e.g., two, three, or more) of the fluid delivery apertures 32. The cup portion 64 may define a rim 68 around the pocket 66 and the rim 68 abuts the inward step 62 of the body 58. In this manner, the manifold cap 52 fluidically seals around the head 60. More particularly, the manifold cap 52 may be formed of an elastomeric material that forms an interference fit. A sealing adhesive may be placed between the body 58, the head 60, and/or the inward step 62 and the cup portion 64 (e.g., including the rim 68).

With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the housing 14 may include a main housing portion 70 that locates and supports the bristle block 28 and manifold cap 52 and a connection portion 72 that is configured to connect to the cleaning appliance 12. The connection portion 72 may define a fluid delivery port 74 associated with the fluid delivery circuit 20 and a fluid recovery port 76 associated with the fluid recovery circuit 26. A fluid delivery line 78 (e.g., flexible and formed of elastomeric material) may extend from the fluid delivery port 74, through an opening 80 on a rear surface 81 of the housing 14, to the manifold input 54. More particularly, the fluid delivery line 78 may include a first end that defines a cantilevered connector 82. The cantilevered connector 82 may form an interference fit with the manifold input 54 and/or may include the sealing adhesive. The fluid delivery port 74 may include a fluid delivery line connector 84 which may be similarly cantilevered for forming an interference fit with the fluid delivery line 78 and/or may include the sealing adhesive. The fluid recovery port 76 may include one or more latches, buttons, apertures, or connectors designated by reference numeral 86 for selectively attaching and detaching the attachment tool 10 to the cleaning appliance 12.

The bristle block 28 may include ledges 88 extending outwardly from a front surface and/or a rear surface of the bristle block 28. The ledges 88 may extend outwardly from the bristle block 28 past the suction nozzle inlet 34 and into contact with the housing 14 to align and support the bristle block 28 proximate the suction nozzle 18 and the suction nozzle inlet 34. An interior surface 90 of the main housing portion 70 may include ledge connection surfaces, such as grooves, depressions, steps, and/or other structures that contact the ledges 88 as designated by reference numeral 92 (FIG. 3).

The main housing portion 70 may extend between a front surface 94 and the rear surface 81. The front surface 94 may include a cover 96 (e.g., a lens). The cover 96 may be selectively connectable to the main housing portion 70 via a pair of tabs 98 and a latch 100 that engages a projection 102 on the main housing portion 70 and biases the tabs 98 into an inner surface main housing portion 70. The main housing portion 70 may generally widen from the connection portion 72 to the bottom surface 16 (e.g., the suction nozzle inlet 34).

With reference now to FIG. 5, the cleaning appliance 12 is depicted schematically. The cleaning appliance 12 may include an appliance body 104 and a flexible suction hose 106 extends from the appliance body 104 to the attachment tool 10 and be connected to the fluid delivery port 74 and the fluid recovery port 76. The flexible suction hose 106 may include a fluid outlet channel 108 connected to the fluid delivery port 74 and associated with the fluid delivery circuit 20 and a fluid inlet channel 110 connected to the fluid recovery port 76 and associated with the fluid recovery circuit 26. As schematically illustrated, the cleaning appliance 12 may include a fluid delivery and recovery system 112. The fluid delivery and recovery system 112 may include a supply tank 114 containing the cleaning solution 22. A fluid delivery line 116 extends from the supply tank 114 to the flexible suction hose 106 (e.g., the fluid outlet channel 108). A pump 118 is operably coupled to the supply tank 114 and/or the fluid delivery line 116. An intake pathway 120 may extend from the fluid inlet channel 110 to a debris holding container 122. A motor 124 is in operable communication with a fan 126 within the intake pathway 120. The motor 124 selectively generates an airflow through the intake pathway 120 (e.g., originating from the suction nozzle inlet 34 of the attachment tool 10). The cleaning appliance 12 may include a power source 128. In some embodiments, a battery 130 at least partially functions as the power source 128. The battery 130 may be charged by an AC current from an electrical outlet to a charging module 132, which may or may not be located directly on be is operably coupled to the battery 130. However, it should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the household AC current at least partially functions as the power source 128 in addition or alternatively to the battery 130. The cleaning appliance 12 may further include a control system 200 for effectuating the fluid delivery and recovery system 112 (e.g., on-off, suction power levels, flow rate of the cleaning solution 22, and/or the like). The control system 200 may include one or more processors, logic control circuits, and/or the like. The control system 200 may be configured to relay instructions from a user interface (e.g., on the attachment tool 10, a corresponding wand, and/or the cleaning appliance 12) to effectuate fluid distribution and recovery. A valve 152 may be located between the fluid delivery line 116 and the pump 118 for selectively opening and closing the fluid delivery line 116.

With reference now to FIGS. 6 and 7, an attachment tool 210 according to a second construction is illustrated. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the attachment tool 210 may include all the same features, structures, materials, relative sizes, relative spacing, and functionalities of the attachment tool 10 previously described in reference to FIGS. 1-4. Likewise, the attachment tool 210 may be compatible and used with the cleaning appliance 12 depicted in FIG. 5. More particularly, the attachment tool 210 includes a housing 214 having a bottom surface 216 defining a suction nozzle 218. A fluid delivery circuit 220 is associated with the housing 214 for distributing the cleaning solution 22 to a surface 24 to be cleaned. A fluid recovery circuit 226 includes the suction nozzle 218 associated with the housing 214 for removing soiled cleaning solution 22 from the surface 24. A bristle block 228 is coupled to the housing 214 and in fluid communication with the fluid delivery circuit 220. The bristle block 228 supports at least one bristle cluster 230 (e.g., a plurality of bristle clusters 230) and defines a fluid delivery aperture 232 that receives the cleaning solution 22 from the fluid delivery circuit 220 and distributes the cleaning solution 22 through the at least one bristle cluster 230 onto the surface 24 to be cleaned.

As depicted in FIG. 6, the fluid delivery circuit 20 may include a manifold cap 252 having a manifold input 254 for receiving the cleaning solution 22 and at least one manifold output 256 for distributing the cleaning solution 22 to the bristle block 228. The bristle block 228 includes a body 258 and a head 260. The body 258 includes an inward step 262 extending to the head 260. The manifold cap 252 may include a cup portion 264 defining a pocket 266. In some embodiments, the manifold output 256 terminates within the pocket 266. The head 260 may be located in the pocket 266 and define the fluid delivery apertures 232. As depicted, the body 258 includes a plurality of sleeves 236 defining bristle channels 246. Each bristle channel 246 may be aligned with and fed the cleaning solution 22 through the fluid delivery apertures 232. The cup portion 264 may define a rim 268 around the pocket 266 and the rim 268 abuts the inward step 262 of the body 258. In this manner, the manifold cap 252 fluidically seals around the head 260. More particularly, the manifold cap 252 may be formed of an elastomeric material that forms an interference fit. A sealing adhesive may be placed between the body 258, the head 260, and/or the inward step 262 and the cup portion 264 (e.g., including the rim 268). In some embodiments, the manifold cap may define dimples 265 that mate with corresponding structures in the housing 214 for aligning and securing the manifold cap 252 within the housing 214. Rather than having ledges 88, the bristle block 228 may include a brim 288 that extends outwardly from a front and rear surface of the bristle block 228 and connects to the housing 214, aligning the bristle block 228 with the suction nozzle 218. The plurality of sleeves 236 may each be spaced from one another or integrally formed in a sequence (e.g., along one or more of the patterns as previously described). An exterior surface of the sleeves 236 may be cylindrically-shaped.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, the housing 214 may include a main housing portion 270 that locates and supports the bristle block 228 and manifold cap 252 and a connection portion 272 that is configured to connect to the cleaning appliance 12. The main housing portion 270 may extend between a front surface 294 and a rear surface 281. The front surface 294 may include a cover 296 (e.g., a lens). The cover 296 may be selectively connectable to the main housing portion 270 via a latch 274 that engages a projection 273 on the main housing portion 270. The cover 296 may include a bottom section 275 that defines the bottom surface 216 of the housing 214 and a side section 277 that extends from the bottom section 275 to the latch 274. In this manner, a suction nozzle inlet 234 (FIG. 7) may be defined between the bristle block 228 and the suction nozzle 218.

As best illustrated in FIG. 7, the suction nozzle 218 removes the soiled cleaning solution 22 through the suction nozzle inlet 234 and the suction nozzle inlet 234 may extend around one or more sides of the bristle block 228 (e.g., not entirely around). More particularly, the main housing portion 270 may include an interior wall 279 that locates the bristle block 228 within a cell 283 isolated from the fluid recovery circuit 226. As depicted, the fluid recovery circuit 226 is at least partially defined between the cover 296 and a side of the interior wall 279 opposite the cell 283. However, it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the suction nozzle inlet 234 may be defined by the housing 214 and the bristle block 228 may be isolated from the fluid recovery circuit 226. For example, the bristle block 228 may be located within a separate cavity of the housing 214 or exterior to the housing 214 (e.g., in a forward and/or rearward direction from the suction nozzle inlet 234).

With reference now to FIGS. 8A and 8A, it should be appreciated that certain features of cleaning appliance 12 are exemplary in nature and that the attachment tool 10, 210 can be used with a variety of cleaning appliance technologies. As such, it will be understood that the features, functions, and structures described herein may be used in conjunction with a variety of surface cleaner configurations that utilize fluid delivery and recovery platforms. For example, the attachment tool 10, 210 may be implemented in conjunction with handheld vacuum cleaners, cleaners with liquid distribution, deep cleaners, portable cleaners, and any logically relevant type of fluid distribution and recovery-based cleaning system.

With reference now to FIG. 8A, the cleaning appliance 12 is configured as a portable deep cleaner device 400. The portable deep cleaner device 400 may have a variety of uses including the general cleaning of surfaces 24, but also offers additional components and functionalities that are particularly suitable for stain removal of surfaces 24, like a carpet, furniture, upholstery, bedding, and/or the like by introducing fluids, heat, and/or other cleaning agents to the surface 24 during cleaning. The portable deep cleaner device 400 may include a base 402 (e.g., a flat base) defined by an appliance body 404 that sits on the cleaning surface 24. A handle 406 may be connected to the appliance body 404 (e.g., opposite the base) for lifting and moving the portable deep cleaner device 400 between locations during the cleaning process. The attachment tool 10 may connect to the portable deep cleaner device 400 via a flexible suction hose 408. It should further be appreciated that the cleaning appliance 400 may include a variety of different components, functionalities, and materials, such as the device shown in U.S. Pat. No. 9,474,424, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

With reference now to FIG. 8B, the suction cleaning apparatus 10 may be configured as an upright vacuum cleaner device 500. The upright vacuum cleaner device 500 may have a variety of uses including the general cleaning of surfaces 24, but also offers additional components and functionalities that are particularly suitable for larger areas than, for example, portable deep cleaner devices. The upright vacuum cleaner device 500 may also include components that facilitate the introduction of fluids, heat, and/or other cleaning agents to the surface 24 during cleaning. The upright vacuum cleaner device 500 may include a handle 502 that extends from an appliance body 504. One or more wheels 506 are rotatably connected to the appliance body 504 to facilitate movement of the upright vacuum cleaner device 500 around the cleaning surface 24. The attachment tool 10, 210 may be defined by a base of the appliance body 504 and/or may be selectively connected to a flexible suction hose 508. It should further be appreciated that the upright vacuum cleaner device 500 may include a variety of different components, functionalities, and materials, such as the device shown in U.S. Pat. No. 10,188,252, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The disclosure herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all of the various aspects described therein.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an attachment tool for a cleaning appliance includes a housing having a surface defining a suction nozzle. A fluid delivery circuit is associated with the housing for distributing a cleaning solution to a surface to be cleaned. A fluid recovery circuit includes the suction nozzle associated with the housing for removing soiled cleaning solution from the surface. A bristle block is coupled to the housing and in fluid communication with the fluid delivery circuit. The bristle block supports a bristle cluster and defines a fluid delivery aperture that receives the cleaning solution from the fluid delivery circuit and distributes the cleaning solution through the bristle cluster onto the surface to be cleaned.

According to another aspect, a bristle cluster at least partially extends through a suction nozzle.

According to yet another aspect, a bristle block includes a sleeve in fluid communication with a fluid delivery circuit and a bristle cluster includes a plurality of bristles each extending between an interior end and an exterior end. The interior ends of bristles are located in the sleeve.

According to still yet another aspect, a sleeve extends to a surface of a housing defining a suction nozzle and is aligned with the suction nozzle.

According to another aspect, bristles each define a length between interior ends and exterior ends, and a majority of the length is located in a sleeve.

According to yet another aspect, a sleeve includes an interior wall extending circumferentially about an axis that defines a bristle channel. A bristle cluster is located in and confined within the bristle channel.

According to still yet another aspect, exterior ends of at least some of a plurality of bristles outside of a bristle channel flare radially outwardly past an interior wall.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an attachment tool for a cleaning appliance includes a housing having a surface defining a suction nozzle. A fluid delivery circuit is associated with the housing and includes a manifold cap having a manifold input for receiving a cleaning solution and a plurality of manifold outputs for distributing the cleaning solution to a surface to be cleaned. A fluid recovery circuit includes the suction nozzle associated with the housing for removing soiled cleaning solution from the surface. A bristle block is coupled to the manifold cap and is in fluid communication with the plurality of manifold outputs. The bristle block supports a plurality of bristle clusters and defines a plurality of fluid delivery apertures in alignment with the plurality of bristle clusters that receive the cleaning solution from the fluid delivery circuit and distribute the cleaning solution through the plurality of bristle clusters onto the surface to be cleaned.

According to another aspect, a bristle block includes a body and a head, and the body includes an inward step extending to the head.

According to yet another aspect, a manifold cap includes a cup portion defining a pocket, and a plurality of manifold outputs terminate within a pocket.

According to still yet another aspect, the head is located in a pocket.

According to another aspect, a cup portion defines a rim around a pocket and the rim abuts an inward step of a body.

According to yet another aspect, a manifold cap is formed of elastomeric material and fluidically seals around a head.

According to still yet another aspect, a bristle block includes a sleeve and a plurality of bristle clusters are located in the sleeve.

According to another aspect, a sleeve includes an interior wall defining a plurality of bristle channels and a plurality of bristle clusters are located in different ones of the bristle channels.

According to yet another aspect, an interior wall defines a plurality of opposing rib pairs defining a plurality of bristle channels, each opposing rib pair is spaced from one another to define a fluid passage between adjacent bristle channels.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an attachment tool for a cleaning appliance includes a housing having a surface defining a suction nozzle. A fluid delivery circuit is associated with the housing for distributing a cleaning solution to a surface to be cleaned. A fluid recovery circuit includes the suction nozzle associated with the housing for removing soiled cleaning solution from the surface. A bristle block is coupled to the housing and includes a sleeve defining a bristle channel that receives the cleaning solution from the fluid delivery circuit and distributes the cleaning solution through the bristle channel onto the surface to be cleaned. A bristle cluster is located within the sleeve.

According to another aspect, a bristle cluster includes a plurality of bristles each extending between an interior end and an exterior end. The interior ends of the bristles are located in a bristle channel and the exterior ends extend through a suction nozzle and past a surface of a housing defining a suction nozzle.

According to yet another aspect, the suction nozzle includes a suction nozzle inlet that is defined between a bristle block and the housing. The suction nozzle removes a soiled cleaning solution through the suction nozzle inlet.

According to still yet another aspect, the suction nozzle inlet extends entirely around and removes a soiled cleaning solution entirely around the bristle block.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.