阅读说明：本技术 地板清洁器 (Floor cleaner ) 是由 D·M·鲁卡维纳 D·博德 J·A·金特罗 G·克拉克 T·克拉斯 M·伊尔凡 于 2020-05-01 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种地板清洁器,包括：可在要清洁的表面上移动的基部；设置在该基部上的吸嘴,该吸嘴具有吸入口；主体部分,该主体部分具有可选择性地从该主体部分移除的流体分配构件,该主体部分可枢转地安装到该基部,该主体部分可在直立储存位置与倾斜地板清洁位置之间移动；与该吸嘴处于流体连通的吸入源；以及被配置为提供溶液的贮液器。该流体分配构件包括把手、与该贮液器处于流体连通的分配喷嘴、以及致动器。该流体分配构件被配置为在使用者致动该致动器时将溶液从该贮液器输送通过该分配喷嘴,而与该地板清洁器的基部和主体的功能无关。(A floor cleaner comprising: a base movable over a surface to be cleaned; a suction nozzle disposed on the base, the suction nozzle having a suction inlet; a main body portion having a fluid dispensing member selectively removable therefrom, the main body portion being pivotally mounted to the base, the main body portion being movable between an upright storage position and a sloped floor cleaning position; an inhalation source in fluid communication with the mouthpiece; and a reservoir configured to provide a solution. The fluid dispensing member includes a handle, a dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the reservoir, and an actuator. The fluid dispensing member is configured to deliver solution from the reservoir through the dispensing nozzle upon actuation of the actuator by a user, regardless of the function of the base and body of the floor cleaner.)

1. A floor cleaner comprising:

a body having a fluid recovery system, the body comprising:

a suction nozzle with a suction inlet is arranged on the suction nozzle,

a recovery tank in fluid communication with the suction nozzle via a fluid channel, an

A suction source configured to draw fluid from the suction nozzle to the recovery tank;

a fluid dispensing member selectively releasably attached to the body, the fluid dispensing member comprising:

the handle is arranged on the handle, and the handle is arranged on the handle,

a fluid supply tank for supplying a fluid to the inside of the casing,

a dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the supply tank,

a pump connecting the supply tank to the dispensing nozzle,

a power supply, and

an actuator electrically connected to the power source and the pump;

wherein the pump is configured to dispense fluid through the dispensing nozzle when the dispensing member is released from the body and the actuator is actuated by a user.

2. The floor cleaner of claim 1, the fluid distribution member being disconnected upon release from the body.

3. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the power source is a battery in the fluid distribution member.

4. The floor cleaner of claim 1, further comprising a base, wherein the suction nozzle is disposed in the base.

5. The floor cleaner of claim 4, the body including an upright portion pivotally mounted to the base, the upright portion being movable between an upright storage position and an inclined floor cleaning position.

6. The floor cleaner of claim 5, the fluid dispensing member being attachable to the main body to operate the floor cleaner as a handle along the surface to be cleaned when the dispensing member is attached to the main body.

7. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the pump is an electric pump.

8. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the fluid distribution member is tethered to the body by an electrical connection, wherein the power source comprises the electrical connection.

9. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the fluid distribution member is configured to not convey solution from the fluid supply tank through the distribution nozzle when the fluid distribution member is attached to the main body.

10. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the fluid distribution member includes an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein the distribution nozzle is positioned in the lower portion.

11. The floor cleaner of claim 10, wherein the lower portion includes a wand and the dispensing nozzle is positioned in the wand.

12. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the fluid distribution member is operable independently of the nozzle.

13. The floor cleaner of claim 1, wherein the fluid distribution member is movable independently of the nozzle.

14. A floor cleaner comprising:

a base movable over a surface to be cleaned;

a body connected to the base;

a first fluid distribution system supported by the base or the body, the first fluid distribution system comprising:

a first fluid supply tank for supplying a first fluid,

a first distribution nozzle in fluid communication with the first fluid supply tank, the first distribution nozzle configured to provide fluid to a surface to be cleaned;

a fluid recovery system; and

a second fluid distribution system independent of the first fluid distribution system and selectively releasably attached to the body, the second fluid distribution system comprising:

the handle is arranged on the handle, and the handle is arranged on the handle,

a second fluid supply tank for supplying a second fluid,

a second distribution nozzle in fluid communication with the second supply tank,

a pump connecting the second supply tank with the second dispensing nozzle,

a power supply, and

an actuator electrically connected to the power source and the pump,

wherein the pump is configured to dispense fluid through the second dispensing nozzle when the second fluid distribution system is released from the body and the actuator is actuated by a user.

15. The floor cleaner of claim 14, the second fluid distribution system being disconnected upon release from the main body.

16. The floor cleaner of claim 15, wherein the power source is a battery in the second fluid distribution system.

17. The floor cleaner of claim 15, the body including an upright portion pivotally mounted to the base, the upright portion being movable between an upright storage position and an inclined floor cleaning position.

18. The floor cleaner of claim 17, the second fluid distribution system being attachable to the main body to operate the floor cleaner as a handle along the surface to be cleaned when the second distribution system is attached to the main body.

19. The floor cleaner of claim 15, wherein the fluid recovery system includes a mop pad or other absorbent media disposed on the base.

20. The floor cleaner of claim 15, wherein the fluid recovery system comprises: a suction nozzle having a suction port provided on the base; a recovery tank in fluid communication with the suction nozzle through a fluid channel; and a suction source configured to draw fluid from the suction nozzle to the recovery tank.

21. The floor cleaner of claim 15, wherein the pump is an electric pump.

22. The floor cleaner of claim 15, wherein the second fluid distribution system is tethered to the body by an electrical connection, wherein the power source comprises the electrical connection.

23. The floor cleaner of claim 15, wherein the second fluid distribution system is configured to not convey solution from the second fluid supply tank through the second distribution nozzle when the second fluid distribution system is attached to the main body.

24. The floor cleaner of claim 15, wherein the second fluid distribution system includes an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein the second distribution nozzle is positioned in the lower portion.

25. The floor cleaner of claim 24, wherein the lower portion includes a wand and the second distribution nozzle is positioned in the wand.

26. The floor cleaner of claim 15, wherein the second fluid distribution system is operable independently of the fluid recovery system.

27. The floor cleaner of claim 15, wherein the second fluid distribution system is movable independently of the fluid recovery system.

28. A floor cleaner comprising:

a base movable over a surface to be cleaned;

a suction nozzle disposed on the base, the suction nozzle having a suction inlet;

a main body portion having a handle assembly selectively removable therefrom, the main body portion being pivotally mounted to the base, the main body portion being movable between an upright storage position and a sloped floor cleaning position;

a suction source in fluid communication with the mouthpiece, the suction source configured to carry air from the mouthpiece to an air outlet;

a reservoir configured to provide a solution;

the handle assembly comprises

The handle is arranged on the handle, and the handle is arranged on the handle,

a dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the reservoir, an

An actuator is provided to move the actuator in a direction opposite to the direction of the movement of the actuator,

the handle assembly having a first position in which the handle assembly is mounted to the body portion and a second position in which the handle assembly is released from the body portion,

wherein the handle assembly is configured to maneuver the floor cleaner along the surface to be cleaned in the first position, and wherein the actuator is configured to deliver solution from the reservoir through the dispensing nozzle when the handle assembly is in the second position.

29. The floor cleaner of claim 28, wherein the liquid reservoir is disposed on the body portion.

30. The floor cleaner of claim 29, further comprising a tube connecting the reservoir on the body portion with the handle assembly in the second position.

31. The floor cleaner of claim 28, wherein the reservoir is removable with the handle assembly.

32. The floor cleaner of claim 31, wherein the handle assembly is disconnected from the floor cleaner in the second position.

33. The floor cleaner of claim 28, wherein the handle assembly is configured to not convey solution from the reservoir through the dispensing nozzle when the handle assembly is in the first position.

34. The floor cleaner of claim 33, wherein the actuator retracts inside the handle assembly in the first position and is accessible when the handle assembly is in the second position.

35. The floor cleaner of claim 28, the handle assembly further comprising a pump in communication with the reservoir, the pump operable to deliver solution through the dispensing nozzle.

36. The floor cleaner of claim 35, wherein the pump is electrically powered.

37. The floor cleaner of claim 36, wherein the pump is battery powered.

38. The floor cleaner of claim 35, wherein the pump is manually operable to deliver solution from the supply tank.

39. The floor cleaner of claim 28, wherein the handle assembly includes an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein the dispensing nozzle is positioned in the lower portion.

40. The floor cleaner of claim 40, wherein the lower portion includes a wand and the dispensing nozzle is positioned in the wand.

41. A floor cleaner comprising:

a base movable over a surface to be cleaned;

a main body portion having a handle assembly selectively removable therefrom, the main body portion being pivotally mounted to the base, the main body portion being movable between an upright storage position and a sloped floor cleaning position;

a liquid distribution system comprising a supply tank, an actuator, and a dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the supply tank to deliver a solution to the surface to be cleaned; and

the handle assembly including the dispensing nozzle, the handle assembly having a first position in which the handle assembly is mounted to the body portion and a second position in which the handle assembly is released from the body portion;

wherein the handle assembly is configured to maneuver the floor cleaner along the surface to be cleaned when in the first position, and wherein the actuator is configured to deliver solution from the supply tank through the dispensing nozzle when the handle assembly is in the second position.

42. The floor cleaner of claim 42, wherein the supply tank is removable with the handle assembly.

43. The floor cleaner of claim 42, wherein the handle assembly is disconnected from the floor cleaner in the second position.

44. The floor cleaner of claim 42, wherein the handle assembly is configured to not convey solution from the supply tank through the dispensing nozzle when the handle assembly is in the first position.

45. The floor cleaner of claim 42, the handle assembly further comprising a pump in communication with the supply tank, the pump operable to deliver solution through the dispensing nozzle.

46. The floor cleaner of claim 46, wherein the pump is electrically powered.

47. The floor cleaner of claim 47, wherein the pump is battery powered.

48. The floor cleaner of claim 46, wherein the pump is manually operable to deliver solution from the supply tank.

49. The floor cleaner of claim 42, wherein the handle assembly includes a wand and the dispensing nozzle is positioned in the wand.

Background

The invention relates to a floor cleaner.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, a floor cleaner includes a body having a fluid recovery system. The fluid recovery system includes a suction nozzle having a suction inlet, a recovery tank in fluid communication with the suction nozzle through a fluid channel, and a suction source configured to draw fluid from the suction nozzle to the recovery tank. The floor cleaner further includes a fluid distribution member selectively releasably attached to the main body. The dispensing member includes a handle, a fluid supply tank, a dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the supply tank, a pump connecting the supply tank with the dispensing nozzle, a power source, and an actuator electrically connected to the power source and the pump. The pump is configured to dispense fluid through the dispensing nozzle when the dispensing member is released from the body and the actuator is actuated by a user.

In another embodiment, a floor cleaner is disclosed that includes a base movable over a surface to be cleaned, a body coupled to the base, a first fluid distribution system, and a second fluid distribution system. A first fluid delivery system is supported by the base or body and includes a first fluid supply tank, a first distribution nozzle in fluid communication with the first fluid supply tank, the first distribution nozzle configured to provide fluid to a surface to be cleaned, and a fluid recovery system. The second fluid distribution system operates independently of the first fluid distribution system. A second fluid distribution system is selectively releasably attached to the main body and includes a handle, a second fluid supply tank, a second dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the second supply tank, a pump connecting the second supply tank with the second dispensing nozzle, a power source, and an actuator electrically connected to the power source and the pump. The pump is configured to dispense fluid through the second dispensing nozzle when the second fluid distribution system is released from the body and the actuator is actuated by a user.

In another embodiment, a floor cleaner includes: a base movable over a surface to be cleaned; a suction nozzle disposed on the base, the suction nozzle having a suction inlet; a main body portion having a handle assembly selectively removable therefrom, the main body portion being pivotally mounted to the base, the main body portion being movable between an upright storage position and a sloped floor cleaning position; a suction source in fluid communication with the mouthpiece, the suction source configured to carry air from the mouthpiece to the air outlet; and a reservoir configured to provide a solution. The handle assembly includes a handle, a dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the reservoir, and an actuator. The handle assembly has a first position in which the handle assembly is mounted to the body portion and a second position in which the handle assembly is released from the body portion. The handle assembly is configured to maneuver the floor cleaner along a surface to be cleaned in a first position. The actuator is configured to deliver the solution from the reservoir through the nozzle when the handle assembly is in the second position.

In another embodiment, a floor cleaner is disclosed, comprising: a base movable over a surface to be cleaned; a main body portion having a handle assembly selectively removable therefrom, the main body portion being pivotally mounted to the base, the main body portion being movable between an upright storage position and a sloped floor cleaning position; and a liquid distribution system. The liquid distribution system includes a supply tank, an actuator, and a dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the supply tank to deliver a solution to a surface to be cleaned. The handle assembly includes a dispensing nozzle. The handle assembly has a first position in which the handle assembly is mounted to the body portion and a second position in which the handle assembly is released from the body portion.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the handle assembly with the break-away tether (untether) removed from the main body portion of the floor cleaner;

FIG. 2a illustrates an exploded view of the tethered handle assembly removed from the main body portion of the floor cleaner;

FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged view of the connection point of the handle assembly and the main body portion of the floor cleaner;

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of the floor cleaner shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the handle assembly in a removed position;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 illustrates the handle assembly with the actuator in a retracted position;

FIG. 8a illustrates the handle assembly with the actuator in an extended position;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the handle assembly;

FIG. 9a illustrates a cross-sectional view of the grip portion of the handle assembly;

figure 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the base of the surface cleaning apparatus

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the handle assembly circuitry showing the handle assembly in a second position and the button in an actuated position;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the handle assembly circuitry showing the handle assembly in a second position and the button in a non-actuated position;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing the handle assembly in a second position;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing the handle assembly in a first position within the floor cleaner body.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 illustrates a floor cleaner 10 having a base 12 movable over a surface to be cleaned, a body portion 14 pivotally mounted to the base 12, and a fluid distribution member 20 removably mounted to the body portion 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid dispensing member is a handle assembly 20. The handle assembly 20 is configured to include a dispensing nozzle 24. During operation of the floor cleaner 10, it may be useful to remove the fluid distribution member 20 from the main body portion 14, for example, for spot-treating cleaning. The use of the handle assembly 20 as a dispensing member enables the solution to be applied to the surface to be cleaned with a degree of precision to determine the location and area of application. When the handle assembly 20 is removed from the main body portion 14, a user can apply a spot treatment to a target area remote from the surface to be cleaned of the floor cleaner 10 via the dispensing nozzle 24.

In the illustrated embodiment, the handle assembly 20 and the body portion 14 pivot relative to the base 12 between an upright storage position (fig. 1) and a tilted floor cleaning position. The floor cleaner 10 includes one or more tanks for storing liquid and is configured to distribute cleaning solution onto the floor. In the illustrated embodiment, the floor cleaner 10 includes a supply tank 16 for providing water or other cleaning solution, optionally including a detergent tank 17, a spot treatment tank 28, and a recovery tank 18 for collecting soiled liquid extracted from the surface being cleaned. The spot treatment tank 28, which will be discussed further below, allows a user to apply a spot treatment solution to a localized portion of a surface to be cleaned. The supply tank 16 and the detergent tank 17 may be positioned on the main body portion 14, the fluid dispensing member 20, or operatively coupled to the base 12.

Referring to fig. 10, the base 12 has a fluid distribution system including a fluid distributor 56 in fluid communication with the supply tank 16 and the detergent tank 17. The fluid distributor 56 distributes the solution from the supply tank 16 and/or the detergent tank 17 to the surface to be cleaned. The base 12 may include one or more brush rolls 54 to agitate and scrub the cleaning solution on the surface to remove embedded dirt or debris. In one embodiment, the floor cleaner 10 includes a first fluid distribution system and a second fluid distribution system. In this embodiment, the first fluid distribution system includes a fluid distributor 56 on the base 12 in fluid communication with the supply tank 16. The second fluid distribution system includes a fluid distribution member 20 and is operable independently of the first fluid distribution system. The second fluid distribution system also includes a handle portion 22, a second fluid supply or spot treatment tank 28, a dispensing nozzle 24, a pump 30 connecting the second supply tank 28 with the dispensing nozzle 24, a power source, and an actuator 26 electrically connected to the power source and the pump 30.

Referring again to fig. 10, optionally, the applied cleaning solution is extracted from the surface by a fluid recovery system. In one embodiment, the fluid recovery system includes a mop pad or other absorbent media disposed on the base 12 of the floor cleaner. In one embodiment, the fluid recovery system includes a suction nozzle 58, a recovery tank 18, and a suction source 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the suction nozzle 58 has a suction inlet 52 that at least partially spans across a front portion of the base 12. The suction nozzle 58 is in fluid flow communication with the recovery tank 18 by an air conduit 60 operatively coupled between the base 12 and the body portion 14. The suction source 50 contained in the main body portion 14 draws air and liquid through the suction nozzle 52 and the air conduit 60 of the base 12 through the air/liquid separator in the recovery tank 18 and then discharges the air to the atmosphere, leaving separated liquid in the recovery tank 18. In other embodiments, the suction source 50 can be housed in a different portion of the floor cleaner 10, such as the base 12. During operation, the floor cleaner 10 distributes cleaning solution to a surface while simultaneously or sequentially extracting and recovering the applied cleaning solution in a continuous operation.

In the illustrated embodiment, the recovery tank 18 is removably coupled to the body portion 14 to allow a user to remove the recovery tank 18 and empty the liquid contents. In other embodiments, the recovery tank 18 may be operatively coupled to another portion of the floor cleaner 10, such as the base 12. In one embodiment, the floor cleaner 10 is not an extractor and does not include a suction source and a recovery tank. In one embodiment without a suction source and recovery tank, the base includes a mop pad or other absorbent media for fluid recovery.

The handle assembly 20 includes a handle portion 22, a dispensing nozzle 24 in fluid communication with a spot treatment tank 28 or other supply tank or reservoir, and an actuator 26 configured to be actuated by a user to dispense solution through the dispensing nozzle 24. The handle assembly 20 can be used as a fluid distribution member that is independent of the fluid distribution system in the base 12 of the floor cleaner, and independent of the fluid recovery system of the floor cleaner. In one embodiment, the handle assembly 20 can be used as a fluid distribution member for fluid distribution and recovery systems remote from the floor cleaner. The fluid dispensing member may be used independently of the fluid recovery system, meaning that the fluid dispensing member may be moved independently of the suction nozzle 52 or any other suction nozzle on the floor cleaner 10 or other fluid recovery system, such as a suction nozzle or fluid recovery system used with an auxiliary hose for above-floor cleaning. In contrast to known fluid dispensers that are associated with, secured near, or attached to a nozzle of a fluid recovery system for depositing fluid onto a surface to be cleaned near the nozzle for recovery, handle assembly 20 is not associated with, secured near, or attached to any nozzle of floor cleaner 10 to allow cleaning fluid to be deposited onto the cleaning surface without immediate recovery, thereby allowing sufficient time for the deposited cleaning fluid to treat stains on the surface.

The handle assembly 20 may include a rod 23 extending from the grip portion 22. In one embodiment, the grip portion 22 is located in an upper portion of the handle assembly 20 and the dispensing nozzle 24 is located in a lower portion. A dispensing nozzle 24 may be positioned in the wand to dispense fluid through the wand 23 when a user activates the actuator 26.

The fluid dispensing member, here illustrated as handle assembly 20, is selectively removable from the body portion. The handle assembly 20 includes a first position in which the handle assembly 20 is mounted to and movable with the body portion 14 and a second position in which the handle assembly 20 is released from the body portion 14 and movable independently of the body portion. In one embodiment, the handle assembly 20 is configured to maneuver the floor cleaner 10 along a surface to be cleaned in a first or installed position. When the handle assembly 20 is in the second position removed from the body portion 14, a user can apply a spot treatment to a target area of a surface to be cleaned via the dispensing nozzle 24.

The handle assembly 20 is received in an aperture or interior 42 of the body portion and is removed from the interior 42 by pulling the handle assembly 20 out of the interior 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 42 forms a longitudinal axis 46, and the rod 23 slides in and out of the aperture 42 along the longitudinal axis 46. In one embodiment, the interior 42 may be a groove or recess on the body portion 14 configured to receive a portion of the handle assembly 20. The handle assembly 20 is releasably attached to the body portion 14 using a latch 38 having a release button 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the body portion 14 includes a latch 38. In one embodiment, the handle assembly 20 includes a latch 38. The latch 38 includes a first retention feature (not shown) that engages a corresponding second retention feature, such as a groove 41 (fig. 2 and 2a) on the handle assembly 20. The latch first retention feature may be a hook, catch, protrusion, rib, groove, aperture or other retention feature as desired. The handle retention feature 41 may be a hook, catch, protrusion, rib, groove, aperture or other retention feature that corresponds to and may be engaged with the latch first retention feature as desired to releasably couple the handle assembly 20 to the body portion 14. The user removes the handle assembly 20 from the cleaner 10 by depressing the release button 40 to release the latch 38 and pull the handle assembly 20 away from the main body portion 14.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 5-7, the removable handle 20 includes a handle 22, a dispensing nozzle 24, an actuator 26, and a spot treatment tank 28. The spot treatment tank 28 is in fluid communication with the dispensing nozzle 24 of the handle assembly 20 through a supply tube 44. As shown in fig. 6, the handle assembly 20 contains a pump 30 and a battery 37. When the user engages the actuator 26, the actuator 26 activates a switch 32, such as a microswitch, that activates the pump 30. The pump 30 draws solution from the spot treatment tank 28 through a dip tube 43 (fig. 7) and then moves the liquid through a supply tube 44, through the check valve 36, and out of the dispensing nozzle 24. This arrangement allows a user to operate the removable handle 20 in a disconnected and remote location, independent of the main body portion 14 of the floor cleaner.

As further shown in the embodiment of fig. 6 and 7, the spot treatment tank 28 is operatively and removably coupled to the handle assembly 20 by a spot treatment housing 35. The spot processing tank 28 is received in a spot processing enclosure 35 and secured to the enclosure 35 by latches 34. A latching feature, such as a groove 39 on the spot processing tank 28, receives the latch 34 to secure the tank 28. The latch 34 secures the spot processing tank 28 to the housing 35 and the handle assembly 20. The spot processing tank 28 can be removed from the handle assembly 20 by releasing the latch 34 and pulling the tank 28 away from the housing 35. The spot processing tank 28 may be a refillable container or may be a disposable container containing a single use amount of solution.

In one embodiment, the spot treatment tank 28 can be operatively and removably coupled to the main body portion 14 of the floor cleaner 10, rather than to the fluid distribution member 20. In this embodiment, the fluid dispensing member 20 is tethered to the main body portion 14 by a tube in fluid connection with the spot treatment tank 28, the tube configured to dispense solution from the fluid dispensing member 20 in the second position. In this embodiment, the pump can be on the fluid dispensing member 20 and powered by the battery to draw fluid from the spot treatment tank on the main body portion through the tube to the dispensing nozzle 24. In one embodiment, the fluid dispensing member is tethered to the body portion by an electrical connection, wherein a pump on the fluid dispensing member is powered by the electrical connection in the tether. In an alternative embodiment, both the pump and the spot treatment tank can be on the main body portion 14 and fluidly connected to the dispensing nozzle 24 on the fluid dispensing member 20.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2a, instead of a spot treatment tank, the fluid dispensing member 20 is fluidly connected to the supply tank 16 and/or the detergent tank 17, which fluid dispensing member is tethered by a tube 45 to provide cleaning solution to the fluid dispensing member 20 in the second position. In this embodiment, the pump may be in the fluid distribution member 20 and powered by a battery or by an electrical connection from the main body portion 14, or the pump may be on the main body portion 14 of the floor cleaner 10. In one embodiment, the supply tank 16 and/or the detergent tank 17 are removable from the main body portion 14 while being fluidly connected with the fluid dispensing member 20 to enable a user to apply a stain treatment away from the floor cleaner 10.

The pump 30 may be manually operated or electrically operated. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 30 is powered by a battery 37. The pump 30 is actuated by the actuator 26. The actuator 26 may be a button, trigger, switch, or similar actuation mechanism. In operation, a user depresses the actuator 26 to energize a pump of the electric pump, or depresses the actuator to drive a mechanical pump, to move cleaning solution from the spot treatment tank 28 through the dispensing nozzle 24 located on the fluid dispensing member 20. This allows the user to selectively apply the solution to the surface to be cleaned, for example to particularly soiled spots on the surface to be cleaned.

In one embodiment, when the user actuates the actuator 26, the cleaning solution flows under gravity from the spot treatment tank 28 through the supply tube 44 to the dispensing nozzle 24. In this embodiment, the actuator 26 is communicatively coupled with a valve, wherein the valve is opened if the actuator 26 is actuated and closed if the actuator 26 is released. The actuator 26 may be selectively actuated by a user to open a valve to allow cleaning solution to pass to the dispensing nozzle 24.

In use of the floor cleaner 10, it will be appreciated that if a user wishes to perform a localized or greater area pre-cleaning or post-cleaning spot treatment on a surface to be cleaned, it is convenient for the user to detach the fluid distribution member 20 from the main body portion 14 and swing the fluid distribution member away from the floor cleaner 10 as required to apply liquid where desired. After use, the fluid dispensing member 20 may be returned to its installed position on the body portion 14.

In one embodiment illustrated in fig. 8 and 8a, the actuator 26 on the handle assembly 20 is accessible when the handle 20 is removed from the body portion 14 in the second position and is retracted into the grip portion 22 when the handle 20 is mounted on the body portion 14 in the first position. As shown in fig. 9 and 9a, the actuator 26 and switch 32 are attached to a carriage assembly 72 that is pivotally mounted in the handle portion and movable between a carriage first position and a carriage second position. When the carriage assembly 72 is in the carriage second position, the actuator 26 extends through an aperture 78 in the handle to operate as an actuator in a user accessible position. When the carriage assembly 72 is in the first position, the actuator 26 is retracted into the opening 78 in the handle and is inoperable as an actuator, inaccessible to a user. The push rod 74 is positioned in the rod 23 and is configured to move axially within the rod 23 to press the carriage assembly 72 from the carriage second position to the carriage first position. The push rod 74 is configured to engage the body portion 14 when mounted thereon such that the push rod 74 moves upwardly toward the handle portion 22, thereby moving the carriage assembly 72. A spring 76 is provided in the handle to urge the carriage assembly 72 toward the carriage second position. The push rod 74 presses the carriage assembly 72 into the carriage first position against the force of the spring 76. When the handle assembly 20 is removed from the body portion 14, releasing the push rod 74, the force of the compressed spring 76 presses the assembly 72 and the actuator 26 to rotate about the pivot 80 and moves the actuator 26 through the aperture 78 of the grip 22 and maintains the actuator in a user accessible position. Recessing the spot cleaning actuator 26 when the handle assembly 20 is mounted on the main body portion 14 reduces user confusion with respect to solution distribution when the floor cleaner 10 is used in an inclined use position.

As schematically illustrated in fig. 11 and 12, the handle assembly 20 includes an electrical circuit 70 that connects the user actuated switch 32 controlled by the actuator 26, the battery 37 and the pump 30. When the actuator 26 is not actuated, the switch 32 is open, and when the actuator 26 is actuated, the switch is closed. In addition, the handle assembly 20 and the circuit 70 may be configured to include a locking device that prevents the dispensing nozzle 24 from dispensing the solution when the handle assembly 20 is mounted on the body portion in the first position. In one embodiment, the locking means comprises a second switch 33 which is closed when the handle assembly 20 is removed from the body portion in the second position and which is open when the handle assembly 20 is mounted on the body portion in the first position. When both switches 32, 33 are closed, the circuit is activated and solution can be dispensed from the dispensing nozzle 24. When either of the switches 32, 33 is open, the circuit is deactivated and the solution is not distributed. As used in this specification and the appended claims, an "open" switch is not necessarily a physical discontinuity in an electrical circuit, but more generally means disabling a function or operation by electrical disconnection, electrical connection, software instructions, firmware operation, or other control. As used in this specification and the appended claims, a switch that is "closed" is not necessarily a physical continuity in a circuit, but more generally means that a function or operation is enabled by an electrical connection, an electrical disconnection, software instructions, firmware operation, or other control.

As schematically illustrated in fig. 14 and 15, in one embodiment, the handle assembly 20 includes a button 62 positioned proximate the second switch 33 and pressed away from the second switch 33 by a spring 66. The button 62 is positioned on the handle assembly 20 and is configured such that when the handle assembly 20 is attached to the body portion 14 to activate the second switch 33, the button 62 is pressed against the force of the spring 66. In this embodiment, the second switch 33 is wired in parallel with the pump (fig. 11). When the handle assembly 20 is removed from the body portion 14, the spring 66 presses the button 62 away from the second switch 33 to activate the pump 30 and extend the button 62 out of the handle assembly 20 (fig. 14). When the handle assembly 20 is reinserted into the interior 42 of the body portion, the button 62 is pressed by the body portion 14 to activate the second switch 33 and disable the pump 30. In another embodiment, the second switch 33 is in series with the pump 30 (fig. 12), and the button 62 is configured with a mechanism to open the second switch 33 to disable the pump 30.

In operation, a user operating the floor cleaner 10 can maneuver the base 12 of the floor cleaner 10 along a surface to be cleaned using the handle assembly 20 in the first position. In one embodiment, a user manipulates the base 12 of the floor cleaner using the grip portion 22 of the handle assembly 20. In another embodiment, the user manipulates the base 12 of the floor cleaner independently of interaction with the handle portion 22 of the fluid dispensing member 20. When the handle assembly 20 is in the second position, the user can apply a stain treatment to the surface to be cleaned. To move the handle assembly 20 to the second position, the user actuates the release button 40 to release the latch 38 and pull the handle assembly 20 away from the body portion 14. Upon removal of the handle assembly 20, a user may apply a spot treatment to the surface to be cleaned by pressing the actuator 26 on the handle assembly 20 to distribute the solution from the dispensing nozzle 24.

Further, it should be understood that while the present disclosure is described herein with respect to spot treating carpets and the like with cleaning fluids, it may also be applicable to other treatment fluids, such as post-cleaning protective (e.g., stain-resistant) fluids and/or fragranced fluids. In various embodiments, the fluid may be in the form of a powder rather than a liquid.

Although the invention is primarily intended for use with and described herein in connection with an extraction carpet cleaning machine, the invention may also be applied to hard floor cleaners, mops or other extraction or non-extraction floor cleaners.

Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.