CLEANING APPARATUS ACCESSORY TOOL HAVING ROLLER ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A roller assembly tool for a cleaning apparatus that includes a suction assembly and a liquid delivery system includes a support body carrying a portion of a liquid conduit and a portion of at least one airflow passage. The liquid conduit is configured to be in fluid communication with the liquid delivery system and the portion of the at least one airflow passage configured to be in fluid communication with the suction assembly. The support body includes first and second arcuate guides that define an open end. A roller is rotatably coupled to the support body proximate the open end. At least one inlet of the at least one airflow passage is defined between at least one of the first and second arcuate guides and a surface of the roller. An outlet of the liquid conduit is defined between the first and second arcuate guides proximate the roller.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to an accessory tool having a roller assembly, and more particularly to a roller assembly accessory that can be selectively used with an extraction cleaning apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Cleaning products can have wands attached thereto to selectively couple with accessory tools to provide cleaning functions. Additionally, cleaning products can use multiple systems and assemblies, with or without an accessory, to provide cleaning functions to surfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning apparatus includes a housing and a suction assembly disposed within the housing. A fluid delivery system is disposed within the housing. The fluid delivery system has a supply tank for housing a liquid. A wand is coupled to the housing via an accessory hose. A roller assembly is selectively coupled to the wand. The roller assembly includes a support body having at least one guide and a roller rotatably coupled to the support body. The at least one guide follows a curvature of the roller. Spacing between the at least one guide and a surface of the roller defines at least one inlet that is in fluid communication with the suction assembly via at least one passage that extends through the support body and the wand. A fluid delivery assembly defines an outlet proximate the roller. The outlet is in fluid communication with the fluid delivery system via a conduit that extends through the support body and the wand.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a roller assembly tool for a cleaning apparatus that includes a suction assembly and a liquid delivery system includes a support body carrying a portion of a liquid conduit and a portion of at least one airflow passage. The liquid conduit is configured to be in fluid communication with the liquid delivery system and the portion of the at least one airflow passage configured to be in fluid communication with the suction assembly. The support body includes first and second arcuate guides that define an open end. A roller is rotatably coupled to the support body proximate the open end. At least one inlet of the at least one airflow passage is defined between at least one of the first and second arcuate guides and a surface of the roller. An outlet of the liquid conduit is defined between the first and second arcuate guides proximate the roller.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a roller assembly accessory for a cleaning apparatus that includes a suction assembly and a liquid delivery system includes a support body with guides that define an open end and a roller coupled to the support body and positioned between the guides. The roller includes a base with an outer surface constructed of a first material that has a first surface tackiness. A web feature is coupled to the outer surface. The web feature is constructed of a second material that has a second surface tackiness. The second surface tackiness is less than the first surface tackiness.

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 side perspective view of a portable cleaning apparatus with a roller assembly accessory, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an upright cleaning apparatus with a roller assembly accessory, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded side perspective view of a roller assembly and tubing for engaging a cleaning apparatus, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a roller assembly, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the roller assembly of FIG. 4, taken along lines V-V, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a partially exploded side perspective view of the roller assembly of FIG. 4, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the roller assembly of FIG. 4, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a roller assembly for a cleaning apparatus where a roller includes portions constructed of different materials forming ribs and strips, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a partially exploded side perspective view of the roller assembly of FIG. 8, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the roller assembly of FIG. 8, taken along lines X-X, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a partial bottom plan view of a roller assembly for a cleaning apparatus where a roller includes portions constructed of different materials forming projections and valleys, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the roller assembly of FIG. 11, taken along lines XII-XII, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of a roller assembly for a cleaning apparatus where a roller includes portions constructed of different materials forming a base and a web feature, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a partially exploded side perspective view of the roller assembly of FIG. 13, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the roller assembly of FIG. 13, taken along lines XV-XV, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a partial side perspective view of a roller assembly for a cleaning apparatus where a roller includes portions constructed of different materials forming a base and a web feature, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a partial side perspective view of a roller assembly for a cleaning apparatus where a roller includes portions constructed of different materials forming a base and a web feature, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a partial bottom perspective view of a support body for a roller assembly that has a directional removal feature on an inner surface thereof, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the support body of FIG. 18, taken along lines XIX-XIX, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a directional removal feature on a support body of a roller assembly, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a roller assembly with a support body, a roller, and a directional removal feature between the support body and the roller, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a partial side cross-sectional view of a roller assembly with bristles that engage a surface of a roller, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a side perspective view of a roller assembly for a cleaning apparatus, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the roller assembly of FIG. 23, taken along lines XXIV-XXIV, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a partially exploded side perspective view of the roller assembly of FIG. 23, according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 26 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the roller assembly of FIG. 23, according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to an accessory tool having a roller assembly for use with a cleaning apparatus. Accordingly, 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 a surface closest to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to a surface furthest 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 structures 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.

With reference to FIGS. 1-26, reference numeral 10 generally designates a cleaning apparatus 10 that includes a housing 12, a suction assembly 14 disposed within the housing 12, and a liquid or fluid delivery system 16 disposed within the housing 12. The fluid delivery system 16 has a supply tank 18 for housing 12 a liquid. An accessory tool 20 is coupled to the housing 12 via accessory hose 22. The accessory tool 20 includes a roller assembly 24 with a support body 26 and a roller 28 rotatably coupled to the support body 26. Accordingly, the accessory tool 20 may be referred to as a roller assembly tool or a roller assembly accessory. At least one inlet 30 is defined between a surface 32 of the roller 28 and the support body 26. The at least one inlet 30 is in fluid communication with the suction assembly 14 via at least one airflow passage 34 that extends through the support body 26. The roller assembly 24 also includes a fluid delivery assembly 36 that defines an outlet 38 proximate to the roller 28. The outlet 38 is in fluid communication with the fluid delivery system 16 via a liquid or fluid conduit 40 that extends through the support body 26 and couples with a fluid coupling 42 in a wand 44 that is coupled to the accessory hose 22.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the roller assembly 24 may be used and selectively coupled to a variety of cleaning apparatuses 10. Each configuration of the cleaning apparatus 10 includes the housing 12 with the suction assembly 14 and the fluid delivery system 16. The suction assembly 14 and the fluid delivery system 16 may collectively be referred to as a fluid directing system 50 or fluid and recovery systems. The fluid directing system 50 is configured to direct fluids in multiple directions and is also configured to direct both liquids and air. The suction assembly 14 is configured to direct fluid into the housing 12 while the fluid delivery system 16 is configured to direct fluid out of the housing 12.

The suction assembly 14 generally includes a suction source, such as a motorized fan assembly, configured to draw fluid, such as air and/or liquids, into a recovery container 52 within the housing 12. The suction assembly 14 typically operates to produce a suction or vacuum effect to draw fluid and materials from a surface to be cleaned into the recovery container 52 within the housing 12. The recovery container 52 may be selectively removed from the housing 12 to dispose of the fluid and materials captured by the suction assembly 14 in the recovery container 52. The cleaning apparatus 10 may include a separator to separate fluid from materials cleaned from the underlying surface from the airflow for collection.

The fluid delivery assembly 36 is configured to direct fluid, such as liquids, out of the housing 12 for use in a cleaning process. The cleaning apparatus 10 includes the supply tank 18 or supply tanks 18 within the housing 12 configured to hold and store the fluid. The fluid may be water, a cleaning solution, or combinations thereof. For example, many household extraction cleaning tasks can be performed using water along with or in combination with a liquid cleaning solution that contains surfactants, stabilizers, fragrances, or other active and inactive ingredients. The fluid delivery system 16 includes a pump, valves, or other similar features to direct the fluid out of the supply tank 18 and, consequently, out of the cleaning apparatus 10. The cleaning apparatus 10 may optionally include a heater to warm the liquid that is dispensed.

The cleaning apparatus 10 may be an extraction cleaner, often used to clean rugs, carpeting, drapes, and upholstered surfaces. The cleaning apparatus 10 may be configured as a portable cleaning apparatus, such as the example illustrated in FIG. 1. Portable cleaning apparatuses are smaller and lighter, and often include a handle 54 by which a user may pick up and carry the portable cleaning apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning apparatus 10 may additionally or alternatively be configured as an upright cleaning apparatus. The upright cleaning apparatus includes an elongate handle 56, which the user may use to move and maneuver the upright cleaning apparatus. Generally, the user maneuvers the upright cleaning apparatus via wheels on the housing 12 to roll the upright cleaning apparatus on the underlying surface. Often the upright cleaning apparatus has a drive assembly to assist the user in maneuvering the upright cleaning apparatus. The upright cleaning apparatus is generally larger and heavier relative to portable cleaning apparatuses, with a lower surface, generally proximate to the wheels, to engage the underlying floor surface.

Portable cleaning apparatuses and the upright cleaning apparatuses may perform the same functions, perform different functions, perform overlapping functions, etc. The cleaning apparatus 10 is operable to deliver room temperature water, heated water, or a chemical cleaning solution to the accessory and/or the surface to be cleaned to capture materials from the surface. The cleaning apparatus 10 is also operable to provide the suction effect to capture the materials on or in the underlying surface, as well as from an accessory or tool. Moreover, the cleaning apparatus 10 may include a cord that engages a power outlet to receive power or may include a battery for powering the cleaning apparatus 10.

Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2, as well as FIG. 3, the cleaning apparatus 10, including any configuration of the portable or upright cleaning apparatuses, utilizes the fluid directing system 50 with each of the suction assembly 14 and the fluid delivery system 16. The cleaning apparatus 10 may also be used with a tool or accessory that may be selectively coupled with the cleaning apparatus 10 via the accessory hose 22 and is manually maneuverable by a user. The tool or accessory disclosed herein is configured as the roller assembly 24. The roller assembly 24 is configured to utilize various features and functions of the cleaning apparatus 10, including the suction assembly 14 and the fluid delivery assembly 36.

Each of the suction assembly 14 and the fluid delivery system 16 is operable when the roller assembly 24 is coupled to the housing 12 and when the roller assembly 24 is not coupled to the housing 12. When not used with the roller assembly 24, the cleaning apparatus 10 uses the suction assembly 14 and the fluid delivery system 16 for various cleaning functions. When the roller assembly 24 is used with the cleaning apparatus 10, the suction assembly 14 and the fluid delivery system 16 are utilized with the roller assembly 24 separate from the functions of the cleaning apparatus 10. Accordingly, the cleaning apparatus 10 may include valves or similar features to direct the fluid to and from the roller assembly 24 when the roller assembly 24 is coupled to the housing 12, as well as to and from other locations of the cleaning apparatus 10 when the roller assembly 24 is not coupled to the housing 12.

Referring still to FIGS. 1-3, the accessory hose 22 and the wand 44 provide fluid communication between the fluid directing system 50 of the cleaning apparatus 10 and the roller assembly 24. The wand 44 is coupled to a distal end of the accessory hose 22 and is configured to be inserted into the support body 26 to couple the roller assembly 24 to the wand 44. A specific alignment between the roller assembly 24 and the wand 44 may be advantageous for providing the fluid communication between the roller assembly 24 and the suction assembly 14, as well as the roller assembly 24 and the fluid delivery system 16.

Referring still to FIG. 3, as well as FIG. 4, the wand 44 is configured to provide a grasping location for the user. The user may grasp the wand 44 to move the roller assembly 24 relative to the underlying surface or other surface to be cleaned to provide a cleaning function. The roller 28 is configured to collect, capture, attract, adhere, or otherwise engage lint, hair, debris, and other similar materials, which may collectively be referred to herein as debris materials.

The roller assembly 24 includes the support body 26 coupled to the wand 44. The wand 44 includes a detent 62, which is configured to be disposed within an aperture 64 defined by the support body 26 to selectively couple the roller assembly 24 to the wand 44. The wand 44 is partially inserted into the support body 26 and moves the detent 62 into the aperture 64. The detent 62 may be moved or adjusted to allow for disengagement of the roller assembly 24 from the wand 44, which may be advantageous for cleaning the roller assembly 24 or selectively coupling a different accessory tool to the wand 44.

The support body 26 defines a curve or bend 70 between an end that engages the wand 44 and an open distal end 72 that receives the roller 28. The bend 70 assists in orienting the roller 28 relative to the wand 44 to provide an ergonomic grasping position for moving the roller 28 along the underlying surface when the user grasps the wand 44. While described herein as the underlying surface, the surface to be cleaned may be any surface along which the roller assembly 24 can roll to collect debris materials, including horizontal surfaces, vertical or angled surfaces, curved surfaces, edge surfaces, etc.

The support body 26 includes two guides 74, 76 and opposing sidewalls 78, 80 that extend between the guides 74, 76 at each end to define an open end and a receiving area for the roller 28. The guides 74, 76 and the opposing sidewalls 78, 80 collectively define the open distal end 72 of the support body 26. The guides 74, 76 extend away from one another, in opposing directions, and at least partially follow a contour of the surface 32, which is generally the outer surface 32, of the roller 28. Accordingly, the guides 74, 76 are generally arcuate, arced, or arched, to correspond with the contour of the roller 28. Inner surfaces 82 of the guides 74, 76 are spaced from the surface 32 of the roller 28, which may be advantageous for allowing free rotation of the roller 28. In various aspects, the inner surfaces 82 of the guides 74, 76 are disposed at about five millimeters or less from the surface 32 of the roller 28. This spacing assists in drawing the vacuum effect across the surface 32 of the roller 28, as described herein.

In the illustrated configuration of FIGS. 3 and 4, the guides 74, 76 extend along less than half a circumference of the roller 28, and the opposing sidewalls 78, 80 extend less than a radius of the roller 28. When the accessory tool 20 is in use, the open distal end 72 defined by the support body is spaced from the underlying floor surface by the roller 28. The guides 74, 76 do not directly contact or engage the floor surface being cleaned. In this way, both the forward edge (e.g., the guide 74) and the rearward edge (e.g., the guide 76) of the support body 26 that define the inlets 30 and the vacuum effect along the surface 32 of the roller 28 do not engage the surface being cleaned. The accessory tool 20 is configured to suction the debris materials released from the roller 28. The airflow passages 34 are defined between the guides 74, 76 and the roller 28 and within the roller assembly 24.

The opposing sidewalls 78, 80 each include a coupling feature 84, which extend beyond ends of the respective opposing sidewall 78, 80 to a rotational axis 86 of the roller 28. The coupling features 84 are configured to engage receiving features 88 on end walls 90, 92 of the roller 28 to define the rotational axis 86 of the roller 28 and couple the roller 28 with the support body 26. This configuration may allow for free rotation of the roller 28 about the rotational axis 86 in two directions without the support body 26 substantially impeding the rotation.

Proximal ends of the arcuate guides 74, 76 are spaced from one another, providing space for the fluid delivery assembly 36 and fluid communication with the suction assembly 14. The open distal end 72 defined by the support body 26 provides fluid communication with an area adjacent to and along the surface 32 of the roller 28, an interior of the roller assembly 24, and the housing 12 of the cleaning apparatus 10 via the accessory hose 22.

The fluid delivery assembly 36 of the roller assembly 24 is in fluid communication with the fluid delivery system 16 of the cleaning apparatus 10. The fluid delivery assembly 36 includes the conduit 40 that extends through the support body 26 to the space between the proximal ends of the guides 74, 76. The conduit 40 may be integrally defined by the support body 26 or may be a separate component that is carried, supported, or housed by the support body 26. The support body 26 is configured to receive the fluid coupling 42 of the wand 44. When the roller assembly 24 is coupled to the wand 44, the conduit 40 is in fluid communication with the fluid coupling 42 of the wand 44 for delivering liquid to the surface 32 of the roller 28. The fluid coupling 42 of the wand 44 couples the accessory tool 20 with a fluid supply line extending through the accessory hose 22.

The wand 44 includes a valve 102 which is configured to allow or prevent the fluid communication with the conduit 40. The valve 102 is operably coupled with a biasing member 104, which is illustrated as a coil spring (FIG. 5). The biasing member 104 is configured to bias the valve 102 to a closed state, which prevents liquid from flowing through the conduit 40 to the roller 28. The valve 102 is configured to be actuated upon force applied to a trigger or button 106 on the wand 44. Adjustment of the button 106 into the wand 44 is configured to actuate the valve 102 to an opened state, providing the fluid communication to the conduit 40. Accordingly, the liquid delivered to the roller assembly 24 is manually controlled by the user. The user may depress the button 106 to actuate the valve 102 and open the conduit 40 at intervals, as needed, or maintain the open fluid communication to continually provide the liquid to the roller assembly 24.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, the outlet 38 of the conduit 40 is defined between the arcuate guides 74, 76 of the support body 26. When in use, the outlet 38 is positioned vertically over the roller 28 to allow gravitational forces to assist with directing the liquid toward the roller 28. The outlet 38 is centrally located between the opposing sidewalls 78, 80 of the support body 26, which may be advantageous for providing a more even distribution of the liquid across the roller 28.

The support body 26 includes an interior support 110, which extends between the opposing sidewalls 78, 80. The interior support 110 is U-shaped, and opens toward the open distal end 72 of the support body 26 to direct the liquid to the surface 32 of the roller 28. The outlet 38 directs the liquid into the interior support 110, which minimizes or prevents the liquid from being immediately recaptured into the roller assembly 24 via the suction effect described herein.

The outlet 38 is disposed proximate to a fluid directing feature 116. The fluid directing feature 116 is disposed between the guides 74, 76 and coupled to the interior support 110. The fluid directing feature 116 is configured to assist in transferring or directing the liquid from the outlet 38 of the conduit 40 to or toward the surface 32 of the roller 28. The fluid directing feature 116 generally extends between the opposing sidewalls 78, 80 of the support body 26 and parallel with the rotational axis 86 of the roller 28.

Referring still to FIGS. 5-7, the fluid directing feature 116 may be a trough or channel to capture more liquid and guide the captured liquid toward the surface 32 of the roller 28. Additionally, the fluid directing feature 116 can extend along a majority of the length of the roller 28 to facilitate release of the debris materials. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the fluid directing feature 116 may be a substantially nonporous or impermeable material, such as a plastic material. In such configurations, the fluid directing feature 116 defines a plurality of spray openings 118 that are configured to spray or otherwise direct the liquid from the outlet 38, through the fluid directing feature 116, and toward the surface 32 of the roller 28. The spray openings 118 may be sized and shaped to increase pressure of the moving liquid to create jets of liquid to the roller 28. Additionally or alternatively, the spray openings 118 may be sized and shaped to allow the liquid to drip or otherwise flow through the fluid directing feature 116 to the roller 28.

In certain aspects, the fluid directing feature 116 may be constructed of a porous media. In such examples, the fluid directing feature 116 is configured as a porous sintered plastic spray bar. In such examples, the fluid directing feature 116 may not define openings 118, but the porous material allows the liquid to seep or “weep” through the fluid directing feature 116 and toward the surface 32 of the roller 28. This configuration slowly wets the surface 32 of the roller 28. Illustrative porous media configurations include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,820,627 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/214,147, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

Further, in another non-limiting example, the fluid directing feature 116 may be configured as a spray tip. The spray tip may be coupled with the outlet 38 for spraying liquid onto the roller 28. Such configurations may allow the liquid to be directed toward the roller 28 at different orientations, such as when the outlet 38 is vertically over the roller 28 and when the outlet 38 is not vertically over the roller 28.

Referring still to FIGS. 5-7, each of the wand 44 and the support body 26 define or carry a portion of the airflow passage 34 that extends from the open distal end 72 of the support body 26 and through the roller assembly 24 to be in fluid communication with the suction assembly 14 in the cleaning apparatus 10. The suction assembly 14 is configured to provide the vacuum effect to draw fluid from the surface 32 of the roller 28 and through the roller assembly 24. The fluid drawn through the roller assembly 24 may be air and/or liquid from the fluid delivery assembly 36. In various aspects, the air is directed through the cleaning apparatus 10 and vented out of the cleaning apparatus 10. In such examples, the liquid is directed into the cleaning apparatus 10 and into the recovery container 52.

The roller assembly 24 includes two inlets 126, 128 in fluid communication with the suction assembly 14, which may be collectively referred to herein as the inlets 30. The first inlet 126 is defined between the first guide 74 and the surface 32 of the roller 28, and the second inlet 128 is defined between the second guide 76 and the surface 32 of the roller 28 and spaced from the first inlet 126. The spacing between the guides 74, 76 and the surface 32 at the inlets 30 assists with providing the vacuum effect and speed of airflow across the surface 32 of the roller 28 and into the airflow passage 34. The space between the surface 32 of the roller 28 and the inner surfaces 82 of the guides 74, 76 may be between about 1 mm and about 3 mm. This gap allows for free or freer rotation of the roller 28 without the roller engaging with or “sticking” to the support body 26. Additionally, this gap provides a sufficient suction effect to capture the debris material and not too much suction effect that the shape of the guides 74, 76 is affected (e.g., deformation due to the vacuum effect is minimized or prevented).

Each inlet 126, 128 is in fluid communication with a respective airflow passage 130, 132, which may be collectively referred to herein as the airflow passages 34. The first airflow passage 130 extends from the first inlet 126 in a fore position relative to the interior support 110 and into the wand 44. The second airflow passage 132 extends from the second inlet 128 in an aft position relative to the interior support 110 and into the wand 44 (see also FIG. 18). The second airflow passage 132 generally has a central portion partially blocked by the conduit 40 that extends about the interior support 110. After extending about the interior support 110, the airflow passages 132, 132 generally combine to provide a single airflow passage 34 that extends through the wand 44.

Referring still to FIG. 5-7, the inlets 30 extend along the ends of the guides 74, 76, respectively, between the opposing sidewalls 78, 80 and parallel with the rotational axis 86 of the roller 28. The inlets 30 are defined on opposing sides of the roller 28. In the illustrated example, the inlets 30 are defined on opposing sides of the rotational axis 86 of the roller 28 with one inlet 126 being defined in a fore position and the second inlet 128 being defined in an aft position relative to the roller 28. In this way, as the user moves the roller 28 along the underlying surface in a fore-and-aft movement, the fluid is drawn in from both sides of the roller 28 and across a greater surface area of the roller 28.

The roller 28 is disposed within the open distal end 72 and is rotatably coupled to the support body 26. The roller 28 is a substantially cylindrical component configured to roll along the underlying surface to be cleaned in response to manual movement of the roller assembly 24. The roller 28 includes a center barrel 140 and the end walls 90, 92 that enclose a substantially hollow interior. The interior may be filled or partially filled without departing from the teachings herein. The end walls 90, 92 define the receiving features 88 that engage the coupling features 84. The center barrel 140 is configured to provide the collecting cleaning function of the roller assembly 24.

At least a portion of the center barrel 140 is constructed of a material that has a high surface tackiness or “stickiness”. The high surface tackiness allows the roller 28 to capture and retain the debris materials on the surface 32 of the roller 28. The material is generally a rubber material, a silicone material, or other similar materials. In non-limiting examples, the center barrel 140 is constructed at least partially of silicone. Accordingly, the surface tackiness is a property of the material that is used to construct the center barrel 140. Further, the surface tackiness of the material can be temporarily adjusted with liquid as described herein for cleaning or refreshing the roller 28.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-7, in operation, the user is configured to couple the roller assembly 24 to the wand 44. The user may then grasp the wand 44 of the roller assembly 24, engage the surface 32 of the roller 28 with an underlying surface to be cleaned, and roll the roller 28 in the fore-and-aft directions. As the roller 28 moves along the underlying surface to be cleaned, the debris materials are captured or collected on the surface 32 of the roller 28. Additionally, as the user is operating the roller assembly 24, the suction assembly 14 in the cleaning apparatus 10 provides the vacuum effect and draws fluid through the inlets 30 and into the airflow passages 34. This vacuum airflow across the surface 32 of the roller 28 helps dislodge the debris materials from the surface 32 of the roller 28. The dislodged materials travel with the airflow through the airflow passages 34 and into the cleaning apparatus 10.

Additionally, the user can open the conduit 40 by pressing the button 106 on the wand 44 of the roller assembly 24. The liquid then flows through the conduit 40, through the fluid directing feature 116, and to the surface 32 of the roller 28. The liquid may also be directed to the underlying surface to be cleaned, which may assist with the cleaning process. As the liquid engages the surface 32 of the roller 28, the liquid reduces the surface tackiness of the material of the center barrel 140, making the center barrel 140 temporarily “slippery”. The decreasing surface tackiness or more “slippery” aspect, consequently, reduces the engagement between the surface 32 of the roller 28 and the collected debris materials, and assists in dislodging/releasing the debris materials from the roller 28.

Reducing the surface tackiness facilitates release of the debris materials from the surface 32 of the roller 28, which can then be removed by the suction airflow through the inlets 30. Accordingly, use of both the suction effect and the fluid delivery assembly 36 washes or refreshes the surface 32 of the roller 28 by removing or releasing the debris materials, capturing the debris materials so as to keep the underlying surface clean, and allowing continued use of the roller 28 without a separate washing or replacing procedure. The suction effect may also recapture excess liquid delivered from the fluid delivery assembly 36. As the roller 28 dries, the original surface tackiness returns for continued use in the cleaning process. The airflow across the surface 32 of the roller 28 by the suction assembly 14 can assist in drying the surface 32 more quickly, allowing the surface 32 to be refreshed while temporarily “slippery” to dislodge the debris material and then return to being “sticky” to continue to collect debris materials.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, the roller 28 includes two portions 150, 152 that are constructed of different materials to affect the capture and release of debris materials from the roller 28. The center barrel 140 of the roller 28 includes the first portion 150, which is constructed of a first material, and the second portion 152, which is constructed of a second material. The first and second materials have different surface tackiness properties. The higher surface tackiness assists with capturing the debris materials, and the lower surface tackiness assists with dislodging or releasing the debris materials for capture by the suction assembly 14. The first and second portions 150, 152 may be coupled together, may be co-molded, one of the first and second portions 150, 152 may be disposed on or over the other of the first and second portions 150, 152, or the first and second portions 150, 152 may be otherwise combined to form the center barrel 140.

For example, the second portion 152 defines ribs 154, and the first portion 150 defines valleys or strips 156 between adjacent ribs 154. Each of the ribs 154 and the strips 156 extend from a first end 158 to a second end 160 of the roller 28. The ribs 154 are offset from the strips 156 such that the ribs 154 protrude relative to the strips 156. In various aspects, the ribs 154 extend between about 0.1 mm and about 3 mm from the surface 32 of the strips 156. Accordingly, the ribs 154 extend closer to the inner surfaces 82 of the arcuate guides 74, 76 than the strips 156 but may not engage the inner surfaces 82. Moreover, the ribs 154 may have beveled or rounded edges adjacent to the strips 156 to assist with rolling the roller 28 along the underlying surface to be cleaned.

The strips 156 are constructed of the first material with a higher surface tackiness than the ribs 154, and the ribs 154 are constructed of the second material with minimal, low, or lower surface tackiness. In certain aspects, the ribs 154 are constructed of a plastic material, while the strips 156 are constructed of rubber or silicone materials with a greater surface tackiness. In this way, the debris materials are collected on the strips 156 as the roller 28 is moved across the underlying surface to be cleaned. The strips 156 extend parallel to one another and parallel to the ribs 154. The strips 156 and the ribs 154 form a repeated, alternating pattern about the circumference of the roller 28. The strips 156 may have a greater width than the ribs 154 for the roller 28 to have a greater area with higher surface tackiness. However, the ribs 154 and the strips 156 may be the same size and shape without departing from the teachings herein.

Referring still to FIGS. 8-10, for each rib 154, a first rib end 162 is horizontally offset from a second rib end 164. Accordingly, if a horizontal axis was drawn through a center of each rib 154, extending along a longitudinal extent of the roller 28, at least a portion of the first rib end 162 is on one side of the horizontal axis and at least a portion of the second rib end 164 is on the opposing side of the horizontal axis.

The ribs 154 generally define at least one curve 166 between the first rib end 162 and the second rib end 164, respectively. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 8-10, each rib 154 defines two curves 166 to form a wave-like shape. The ribs 154 then form a wave-like repeated pattern of ribs 154 that have a lesser surface tackiness compared to the strips 156 disposed between adjacent ribs 154. It is also contemplated that the ribs 154 are linear, such that the ribs 154 are free of curves 166 but still include the offset rib ends 162, 164.

The roller assembly 24, as illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, operates in the same manner as the roller 28 illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, with the suction effect from the suction assembly 14 and the fluid delivery system 16. The roller 28 illustrated in FIGS. 8-10 includes the two different surface tackiness properties to affect the function of the roller 28 in the collection and release of the debris materials. As the roller 28 is moved across the underlying surface to be cleaned, the strips 156 with the greater surface tackiness are configured to collect debris materials. The debris materials do not adhere, cling, or otherwise “stick” to the less tacky ribs 154. Accordingly, as the debris materials are collected on the roller 28, a portion of the debris materials may abut the ribs 154 without sticking to the ribs 154. In this way, there is a looser or “free” portion of the debris materials where the debris materials abut the ribs 154, which assists in fully disengaging or releasing the debris materials from the roller 28 for capture by the suction assembly 14. The liquid and air are configured to engage the free, or “non-bound,” portions of the debris materials to dislodge the debris materials from the roller 28.

The ribs 154 operate to disrupt the engagement between the debris materials and the strips 156. The offset and/or wave-like configuration and pattern of the ribs 154 allows the debris materials to partially stick to the strips 156 as the roller 28 is moved across the surface 32. As the roller 28 rotates, at least a portion of at least one strip 156 is in engagement with the underlying surface to be cleaned to capture the debris materials. The offset configuration of the ribs 154 minimizes or prevents having a position of the roller 28 where the non-tacky ribs 154 engage the underlying surface while the tacky strips 156 do not, which would decrease the collecting function of the roller 28. Further, the wave-like configuration minimizes the debris material from solely engaging the tacky or sticky strip 156, which may be more difficult from which to dislodge the debris materials.

Referring still to FIGS. 8-10, with the partially stuck debris materials collected on the roller 28, the user can actuate the valve 102 via the button 106 to dispense the liquid on the surface 32 of the roller 28 to reduce the surface tackiness of the strips 156. With the non-stuck portions of the debris materials over the ribs 154 and the reduced surface tackiness of the strips 156, the airflow from the suction effect is configured to fully dislodge the debris materials for collection by the suction assembly 14. The non-stuck portions of the debris material may be drawn into the airflow, providing a pulling effect on the stuck portions of the debris material to fully dislodge the debris material from the wet and more “slippery” strips 156.

The offset configuration and/or wave-like pattern of the ribs 154 may affect the strength of the airflow through the inlets 30. The velocity of the air through the inlets 30 may increase when the ribs 154 are adjacent to the inner surfaces 82 of the guides 74, 76 compared to where the strips 156 are adjacent to the inner surfaces 82 due to the decreased space through which the air can flow. The increased velocity moves between the first end 158 and the second end 160 of the roller 28 with the configuration of the ribs 154, which provides a directional pattern of increased airflow velocity that assists in dislodging the debris materials from the strips 156. Accordingly, the wave form of the ribs 154 induces portions or different points of higher velocity suction across the roller 28, which move as the roller 28 rotates.

With reference now to FIGS. 11 and 12, the first and second portions 150, 152 that form the center barrel 140 may have different configurations to affect the capture and release function of the roller 28. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the roller 28 is constructed of the first material and the second material with the first material having increased surface tackiness compared to the second material. The first material is generally constructed from rubber or silicone materials, and the second material is generally a plastic material.

The first portion 150, which includes the higher surface tackiness, is configured to define projections 170 that extend radially from the roller 28. The second portion 152, which includes less surface tackiness, forms valleys 172 between adjacent projections 170. Accordingly, the first portion 150 with the higher surface tackiness protrudes relative to the second portion 152 with the lower surface tackiness in this example.

The first portion 150 forms the wedge-shaped projections 170, which extend along the longitudinal extent from the first end 158 to the second end 160 of the roller 28. The projections 170 extend parallel to one another and parallel to the rotational axis 86 of the roller 28. The projections 170 may be configured to be spaced from the inner surface 82 of the guides 74, 76 as the roller 28 rotates or, alternatively, may be configured to elastically deform and engage the inner surface 82 of the guides 74, 76 while still allowing rotation of the roller 28.

The projections 170 are configured to elastically deform when engaging the underlying surface to be cleaned. The elastic deformation may assist in dislodging the debris materials from the tacky projections 170 when the projections 170 return to an initial position. The projections 170 deform toward the valleys 172 and provide increased surface area engaging the underlying surface to collect debris materials. As the projections 170 disengage from the underlying surface to be cleaned, a biasing force of the first material is configured to return the projections 170 from a deformed state to a radially extending state. The movement from the elastic deformation back to an original state may assist in lifting the debris materials into the airflow and/or in partially dislodging the debris materials from the tacky projections 170 to allow the liquid and the suction airflow to capture the debris materials from the roller 28.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-17, an additional or alternative configuration of the roller assembly 24 is illustrated. The additional or alternative configuration also includes the two materials with the different surface tackiness properties. In this example, the first portion 150, which includes the material with the increased surface tackiness, forms a base 176 and the second portion 152, which includes the material with the lesser surface tackiness, forms a web feature 178 that extends along the base 176. In various examples, the web feature 178 is coupled over the base 176, such that the non-tacky, or less tacky, web feature 178 protrudes relative to the more tacky base 176.

Referring still to FIGS. 13-15, the illustrated web feature 178, also referred to as web feature 178A, generally forms a mesh or grid pattern. The base 176 is exposed and contactable through openings 180 in the web feature 178A to collect the debris materials. The web feature 178A generally extends about 1 mm relative to the base 176, and the openings 180 have a width in a range between 0.1 mm and about 0.5 mm. The protruding web feature 178A may assist in disruption of the engagement between the base 176 and the debris materials.

Referring still to FIG. 13, as well as FIGS. 16 and 17, the web feature 178 may have a variety of configurations, which affects the ability of the roller 28 to collect and release the debris materials. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the web feature 178A forms a fine mesh, with the openings 180 arranged in rows and columns to expose the base 176. The rows extend parallel to the rotational axis 86 and normal to the columns.

The web feature 178, as illustrated in FIG. 16, also referred to as web feature 178B, is coarser than the web feature 178A illustrated in FIG. 13. The web feature 178B is configured to extend further from the base 176 and defines larger openings 180. In various aspects, the web feature 178B is configured to extend between about 1.5 mm and about 2 mm from the base 176. The openings 180 of web feature 178B, larger than the openings 180 in the web feature 178A, are arranged in rows, parallel with one another and the rotational axis 86. The openings 180 in adjacent rows are offset from one another such that the web feature 178B does not form columns.

The web feature 178, as illustrated in FIG. 17, also referred to as web feature 178C, is finer than the ones illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 16. The web feature 178C, as depicted in FIG. 17, forms a fine mesh, extending a lesser distance from the base 176 and with smaller openings 180 relative to the other web features 178A, 178B disclosed herein, in FIGS. 13 and 16, respectively. In various aspects, the web feature 178C extends about 0.5 mm relative to the base 176. The web feature 178C defines smaller openings 180 that are arranged in rows and columns. The rows extend normal to the columns. The rows of openings 180 extend in a linear arrangement from the first end 158 of the roller 28 to the second end 160. A first row end 182 is offset from a second row end 184. Accordingly, the rows of openings 180 are angled or offset relative to the rotational axis 86.

In addition to the openings 180 forming the grid-like pattern of rows and columns, the web feature 178C shown in FIG. 17 defines cutouts 186. The cutouts 186 are arranged in a linear pattern from the first end 158 of the roller 28 to the second end 160. The linear pattern of the cutouts 186 extends generally parallel to the rows of openings 180. Accordingly, one end 188 of the linear pattern of cutouts 186 is offset from a second opposing end 190 of the linear pattern of cutouts 186. The cutouts 186 may be advantageous for balancing the exposure to the sticky base 176 with the disruption of the engagement between the sticky base 176 and the debris materials.

Referring again to FIGS. 13-17, the web feature 178, which collectively refers to web features 178A-178C, generally extends over an entire surface area of the surface 32 of the roller 28. The web feature 178 may be coupled to or with the base 176 in a variety of ways, such as via adhesive, temperature sensitive adhesive, stitching, additional loops or coupling members between ends of the web feature 178, co-molding, insert molding, interference fit, etc. The web feature 178 may be coupled to the surface 32 of the base 176 or integrally formed with the base 176.

The web feature 178 that extends over the base 176 is less tacky and, therefore, configured to disrupt the engagement of the debris materials with the tackier base 176. The disrupted disengagement allows the debris materials to stick to the base 176 to be collected and have a free or disengaged portion that assists in fully dislodging the debris materials from the base 176. The various configurations of the web feature 178 may extend between about 0.01 mm and about 3 mm relative to the base 176. It is also contemplated that coarser web features, such as web features 178B and 178C, assist in more fully disrupting the engagement due to the height difference between the web feature 178 and the base 176. The cutouts 186 provide increased exposure to the base 176 for collecting debris materials. The surface tackiness is reduced by the liquid from the fluid delivery assembly 36, which is captured via the suctioned airflow into the cleaning apparatus 10.

Referring again to FIGS. 8-17, the roller 28 includes the first portion 150 and the second portion 152 arranged in a repeating pattern along the longitudinal extent of the roller 28 and about the circumference of the roller 28. The various structures that form the repeating pattern extend from the first end 158 to the second end 160 of the roller 28. The different repeating patterns and structures affect the ability of the roller 28 to collect debris materials and release the debris materials to be captured by the suction assembly 14. The two materials arranged in the different patterns also provide a balance between the tackier portion 150 for collecting the debris material and the less tacky portion 152 for disrupting the engagement between the roller 28 and releasing the debris material inside the roller assembly 24 to be collected.

Referring now to FIGS. 18-20, the roller assembly 24 may include a directional removal feature 200 that extends across the inner surface 82 of each of the guides 74, 76. The directional removal feature 200 may be utilized with any of the configurations of the roller 28 disclosed herein. The directional removal feature 200 extends from the open distal end 72 to openings into the airflow passage 34 on opposing sides of the interior support 110 and the outlet 38 of the fluid delivery assembly 36. The directional removal feature 200 extends from the inner surfaces 82 toward the surface 32 of the roller 28. The directional removal feature 200 defines channels that extend along the guides 74, 76 toward the inlets 30 to form high velocity airflow paths 202 to guide the air into the airflow passages 34. These airflow paths 202 provide “jets” of high velocity airflow to help suction or vacuum the adhered debris material from the wetted roller 28. These airflow paths 202 can be angled, which may be advantageous to direct the air in a manner that assists in releasing the debris materials from the surface 32 of the roller 28.

As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 19, the angled or offset orientation of the airflow paths 202 results in distal ends of the airflow paths 202 at the inlets 30 being offset from proximal ends of the airflow paths 202. Further, sections of the directional removal feature 200 between airflow paths 202 extend in a similar pattern with a distal portion of one section aligned with a proximal portion of an adjacent section. The angled or offset configuration of the directional removal feature 200 and the airflow paths 202 draws air across the surface 32 of the roller 28 in a path that is different than the fore-aft motion of the roller 28, which may assist in dislodging the debris materials by directing the air across the debris materials.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, the directional removal feature 200 is generally a woven substrate that may be constructed of a polymeric material, such as polypropylene. The directional removal feature 200 is formed of directional or angled bristle fibers 204 that extend from the inner surfaces 82 of the guides 74, 76 proximate the surface 32 of the roller 28. The bristle fibers 204 generally extend at an acute angle relative to the inner surface 82 of the respective guide 74, 76. The bristle fibers 204 are angled such that the bristle fibers 204 are configured to engage or capture debris materials when the roller 28 rotates in a first direction, but not a second opposing direction. Accordingly, the directional removal feature 200 has “self-cleaning” aspects based on the rotation of the roller 28.

Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the bristle fibers 204 are angled in a first direction and when the roller 28 is moving in the direction of arrow 206, the debris materials that are captured on the roller 28 move against the angled bristle fibers 204 to become dislodged. The angled bristle fibers 204 act to “grab” and “pull” the debris materials from the surface 32 of the roller 28 when the roller 28 is rotated in one direction. When the roller 28 rotates in the direction opposing the arrow 206, the debris materials are released from the angled bristle fibers 204 to be captured in the suction airflow. The angled bristle fibers 204 on the support body 26 may extend in a single direction to capture the materials when the roller 28 rotates in one direction and release the materials when the roller 28 rotates in the other direction. This configuration may be advantageous for capturing and releasing the debris materials from the bristle fibers 204 as the roller 28 is moved in the fore-and-aft directions. Alternatively, the angled bristle fibers 204 may extend in different directions such that the angled bristle fibers 204 in the fore position relative to the roller 28 may capture the materials while the angled bristle fibers 204 in the aft position relative to the roller 28 release the debris materials when the roller 28 rotates the first direction and/or vice versa. It is contemplated that the directional removal feature 200 may be any feature, element, device, structure, or material that operates to capture and release debris material from the surface 32 of the roller 28.

As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 21, the angled bristle fibers 204 decrease the open space adjacent to the surface 32 of the roller 28. The angled bristle fibers 204 extending into this space allows the angled bristle fibers 204 to engage the debris materials on the roller 28 and for the directional removal feature 200 to form the airflow paths 202 for higher velocity airflow. The bristle fibers 204 may not be disposed in the airflow paths 202 to maximize the space for airflow through the airflow paths 202.

With reference now to FIG. 22, the roller assembly 24 may include additional bristles 210 arranged on opposing sides of the interior support 110. In various aspects, the support body 26 defines apertures, and tufts of bristles 210 are disposed in each aperture. The bristles 210 may be coupled to the support body 26 and extend toward the surface 32 of the roller 28 to engage the surface 32 of the roller 28. The bristles 210 may also engage the surface 32 of the roller 28 and affect debris materials engaged thereon when the roller 28 rotates in both the first direction and the second direction. The bristles 210 form a brush element or squeegee-like feature that may assist in releasing the debris materials from the surface 32 of the roller 28 to be captured by the roller assembly 24. The bristles 210 may be utilized with any configuration of the roller 28 disclosed herein.

Referring to FIGS. 1-22, the roller assembly 24 includes the support body 26 with two arcuate guides 74, 76 and the roller 28 positioned between the two arcuate guides 74, 76. The roller 28 has a first diameter and the guides 74, 76 extend along less than half the circumference, and less than the radius, of the roller 28. The first diameter may be in a range between about 5 cm and about 6 cm. Moreover, a length of the roller 28 is generally between about 9 cm and about 10 cm with a circumference between about 16 cm and about 18 cm. These dimensions provide for the roller 28 to have an increased surface area to capture and engage the debris materials. Further, the larger dimensions of the roller 28 expose more of the stuck or adhered debris material to the liquid and the suction airflow. The larger dimensions may also be advantageous to reduce rolling resistance.

Referring to FIGS. 23-26, in an additional or alternative configuration, the roller assembly 24 may include the roller 28 with a second, smaller diameter. The second, smaller diameter may be in a range between about 1.5 cm and about 3 cm. The smaller roller 28 may have a length between about 7 cm and about 9 cm and a circumference between about 6 cm and about 8 cm. The smaller dimensions may be advantageous for various smaller or uneven underlying surfaces to be cleaned or contours of the surface 32. For instance, a roller with smaller dimensions may also be advantageous for using the roller assembly 24 in smaller or tighter spaces. Further, the smaller dimensions may provide for a more efficient manufacturing process.

The roller assembly 24 illustrated in FIGS. 23-26 has a similar structure and function as the roller assembly 24 illustrated in FIGS. 1-22. It will be understood that the roller assembly 24, as illustrated in FIGS. 23-26, may be constructed in a similar manner and with similar additional features as the roller assembly described above with reference to FIGS. 1-22. Each of the constructions of the roller assembly 24 may include either a single material construction or the two portion configuration, such as portions 150, 152 that are constructed of different materials with different surface tackiness properties. It will also be contemplated that the directional removal feature 200 and/or the bristles 210 may be utilized with the roller assembly 24 illustrated in FIGS. 23-26. Moreover, the roller 28 in FIGS. 23-26 is also utilized with the suction assembly 14 and the fluid delivery assembly 36.

With further reference to FIGS. 23-26, the support body 26 has a different configuration to retain the configuration of the inlets 30 with a smaller diameter roller 28. The guides 74, 76 (FIG. 4) extend from the bend 70 to the open distal end 72, which is smaller than the open distal end 72 of the roller assembly 24 in FIGS. 1-22. The support body 26 includes two guides 74, 76, which each include an arcuate portion 220 and a retaining portion 222, as well as the two sidewalls 78, 80 (FIG. 4). The arcuate portions 220 extend to position the roller 28 in an ergonomic position relative to the wand 44, and the retaining portions 222 generally extend parallel to one another, maintaining the space between the guides 74, 76. The guides 74, 76 extend to about the rotational axis 86 of the roller 28.

The coupling features 84 extend a similar distance as the sidewalls 78, 80 and are configured to elastically deform relative to the sidewalls 78, 80 to engage the receiving features 88. The receiving features 88 extend further from the end walls 90, 92 to engage the coupling features 84.

The guides 74, 76 define notched portions 224 that follow the curvature of the roller 28. While the retaining portions 222 extend generally parallel to one another, the inner surfaces 82 of the retaining portions 222 are notched proximate to the open distal end 72 (FIG. 6) to follow the contour of the roller 28. The notched portions 224 define the inlets 30 with the surface 32 of the roller 28. Accordingly, air flows through the inlets 30, along the surface 32 of the roller 28, and to the airflow passages 34 in the support body 26. The roller assembly 24 includes the first and second inlets 126, 128 (FIG. 5) on opposing sides of the roller 28 for providing the suction or vacuum effect.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-26, the roller assembly 24 is configured to be selectively coupled with the wand 44 to utilize the suction assembly 14 and the fluid delivery system 16 of the cleaning apparatus 10. The fluid delivery system 16 is in fluid communication with the fluid delivery assembly 36 of the roller assembly 24. The fluid delivery system 16 and the fluid delivery assembly 36 are configured to direct liquid to the surface 32 of the roller 28 and/or the underlying surface to be cleaned. The roller 28 is constructed entirely or partially of a material, such as rubber or silicone, which has a surface tackiness property that is affected by the liquid. The roller 28 is configured to collect debris materials on the surface 32 thereof using the surface tackiness property of the roller 28 as the roller 28 moves across the underlying surface to be cleaned. The liquid reduces the surface tackiness and decreases the strength of the engagement between the roller 28 and the debris materials for subsequent removal by the suction assembly 14.

The liquid may be heated via a heater of the cleaning apparatus 10. The warmed liquid may enhance the ability of the liquid to decrease the surface tackiness of the roller 28, resulting in the “slippery” surface 32 to dislodge and collect the debris material. However, the liquid may not exceed a predefined temperature, which may soften the roller 28. The liquid may also be used for intermittent wetting of the underlying surface to be cleaned. This may be advantageous for fabrics and upholstery where the liquid may assist in releasing the debris material from such surfaces.

The suction assembly 14 is configured to provide the vacuum effect, in which air and liquid are drawn through the inlets 30, across the surface 32 of the roller 28, and into the airflow passages 34 to capture the debris materials that are released from the roller 28. The suction assembly 14 draws in air, as well as excess liquid from the fluid delivery assembly 36. The addition of the liquid and the suction effect provides a push and pull effect on the debris materials to dislodge and collect the debris materials in a self-cleaning process. Further, the suction effect across the surface 32 dries the surface 32, returning the surface 32 to again being “sticky” or tacky to collect the debris materials. The delivery of the liquid and the suction effect also allows for continual renewal or cleaning of the roller 28 as the roller 28 collects debris materials without the need for a separate cleaning process. The delivery of the liquid and the suction effect also allows for the continual change in the surface 32 between “sticky” for collecting the debris material on the roller 28 and “slippery” for releasing the debris materials into the vacuumed airflow to be collected in the cleaning apparatus 10.

Use of the present device may provide for a variety of advantages. For example, the roller assembly 24 may be selectively coupled to a variety of cleaning apparatuses 10. In this way, the function of the roller assembly 24 may be added to a variety of cleaning apparatuses 10 that have the fluid delivery system 16 and the suction assembly 14. Additionally, the roller assembly 24 is configured to capture debris materials while moving across the underlying surface to be cleaned and utilize liquid and the suction effect to dislodge and capture the debris materials. Further, the roller 28 may be continually or periodically renewed or refreshed while the roller assembly 24 is being used to collect debris materials from the underlying surface to be cleaned. Further, the roller 28 may be constructed of two materials that have different surface tackiness properties, which allows for one portion, such as the first portion 150, to engage and collect the debris materials and for another portion, such as the second portion 152, to disrupt the engagement, and loosen a portion of the debris materials to assist with dislodging the same from the roller 28. Moreover, the different materials may form various patterns and configurations to affect the collection and release properties of the roller 28. Additional benefits or advantages may also be realized and/or achieved.

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

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning apparatus includes a housing and a suction assembly disposed within the housing. A fluid delivery system is disposed within the housing. The fluid delivery system has a supply tank for housing a liquid. A wand is coupled to the housing via an accessory hose. A roller assembly is selectively coupled to the wand. The roller assembly includes a support body having at least one guide and a roller rotatably coupled to the support body. The at least one guide follows a curvature of the roller. Spacing between the at least one guide and a surface of the roller defines at least one inlet that is in fluid communication with the suction assembly via at least one passage that extends through the support body and the wand. A fluid delivery assembly defines an outlet proximate the roller. The outlet is in fluid communication with the fluid delivery system via a conduit that extends through the support body and the handle.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a wand includes a valve and a button for actuating the valve to open a conduit.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one inlet includes a first inlet spaced from a second inlet.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first inlet is defined in a fore position relative to a roller and a second inlet is defined in an aft position relative to the roller.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one guide includes a first arcuate guide and a second arcuate guide extending in opposing directions. First and second inlets are defined between the first and second arcuate guides of a support body and the surface of a roller, respectively.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a roller assembly includes angled bristle fibers coupled to an inner surface of a support body proximate a surface of a roller to engage material on the roller as the roller rotates. The angled bristle fibers define airflow paths that extend from proximate an open end of the support body to proximate an outlet of a fluid delivery assembly.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a roller includes a first portion constructed of a first material and a second portion constructed of a second material. The first material has a greater surface tackiness than the second material for capturing at least one of lint and hair.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a second portion defines a grid pattern over a first portion.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a roller assembly tool for a cleaning apparatus that includes a suction assembly and a liquid delivery system includes a support body carrying a portion of a liquid conduit and a portion of at least one airflow passage. The liquid conduit is configured to be in fluid communication with the liquid delivery system and the portion of the at least one airflow passage configured to be in fluid communication with the suction assembly. The support body includes first and second arcuate guides that define an open end. A roller is rotatably coupled to the support body proximate the open end. At least one inlet of the at least one airflow passage is defined between at least one of the first and second arcuate guides and a surface of the roller. An outlet of the liquid conduit is defined between the first and second arcuate guides proximate the roller.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid directing feature is disposed within an interior of a support body between an outlet and a surface of a roller to direct liquid from the outlet to the surface of the roller.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid directing feature is constructed of a porous media.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid directing feature defines multiple spray openings to spray liquid onto a surface of a roller.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid directing feature extends parallel to a rotational axis of a roller.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, at least one inlet includes a first inlet and a second inlet. At least one airflow passage includes a first airflow passage in fluid communication with the first inlet and a second airflow passage in fluid communication with the second inlet. The first inlet is on an opposing side of a roller relative to the second inlet.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first inlet is on an opposing side of a rotational axis of a roller relative to a second inlet.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first inlet is defined in a fore position relative to a roller and a second inlet is defined in an aft position relative to a roller.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a roller assembly includes a directional removal feature including angled bristle fibers coupled to an inner surface of first and second arcuate guides of a support body proximate a surface of a roller.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a directional removal feature defines airflow paths along an inner surface of first and second arcuate guides. The airflow paths extend toward first and second inlets, respectively.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a roller includes a first portion constructed of a first material and a second portion constructed of a second material. The first material has a first surface tackiness that is greater than a second surface tackiness of the second material.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first portion and a second portion are arranged in a repeating pattern along a longitudinal extent of a roller.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first portion defines projections and a second portion defines valleys between adjacent projections.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, projections extend parallel to a rotational axis of a roller from a first end of the roller to a second end of the roller.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first portion defines ribs extending from a first end of a roller to a second end of the roller. A second portion defines strips between adjacent ribs.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, ribs protrude relative to strips.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, each rib has a first rib end proximate a first end of a roller offset from a second rib end proximate a second end of a roller. Each of the ribs defines at least one curve between the first rib end and the second rib end.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first portion defines a web feature and a second portion defines a base over which the web feature extends. The web feature defines openings to the base.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, bristles extend from an inner surface of first and second arcuate guides of a support body to engage a surface of a roller.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a roller assembly accessory for a cleaning apparatus that includes a suction assembly and a liquid delivery system includes a support body with guides that define an open end and a roller coupled to the support body and positioned between the guides. The roller includes a base with an outer surface constructed of a first material that has a first surface tackiness. A web feature is coupled to the outer surface. The web feature is constructed of a second material that has a second surface tackiness. The second surface tackiness is less than the first surface tackiness.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first material is at least one of a silicone material and a rubber material and a second material is a plastic material.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a web feature extends over an entire surface area of an outer surface of a roller.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a web feature defines a grid pattern forming columns and rows of openings exposing an outer surface.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, openings in adjacent rows are offset from one another.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a web feature defines cutouts arranged in a linear pattern. One end of the linear pattern of the cutouts is offset from an opposing end of the linear pattern of the cutouts.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a roller assembly includes a directional removal feature coupled to guides of a support body proximate a web feature of a roller.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a directional removal feature includes angled bristle fibers configured to engage material on a roller as the roller rotates.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, inlets are defined between a roller and guides. The inlets are configured to be in fluid communication with a suction assembly of a cleaning apparatus via passages extending through the support body and a wand.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a conduit is defined in the support body. An outlet to the conduit is defined by the support body between guides. The outlet is configured to be in fluid communication with a liquid delivery system of a cleaning apparatus via the conduit.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an upright cleaning apparatus includes a housing that has an elongate handle and a lower surface configured to engage an underlying floor surface. A fluid directing system is disposed within the housing. An accessory hose extends from the housing. A roller assembly is selectively coupled to the housing via the accessory hose. The roller assembly is in fluid communication with the fluid directing system. The roller assembly includes a support body defining an open end and a roller is coupled to the support body proximate the open end. The roller includes a first portion constructed for a first material that extends between first and second ends of the roller and a second portion constructed of a second material. The first material has a greater surface tackiness relative to the second portion for collection of at least one of lint and hair.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a portable cleaning apparatus includes a housing with a handle and a fluid directing system disposed within the housing. A roller assembly is selectively coupled to the housing. The roller assembly includes an inlet that is in fluid communication with the fluid directing system to direct airflow, an outlet that is in fluid communication with the fluid directing system to direct liquid, and a support body. A roller is rotatably coupled to the support body. The roller is constructed of a first material and a second material. The first material has a greater surface tackiness relative to the second material for collection of at least one of lint and hair.

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.

Claims

1. A cleaning apparatus, comprising: a housing;a suction assembly disposed within the housing;a fluid delivery system disposed within the housing, the fluid delivery system having a supply tank for housing a liquid;a wand coupled to the housing via an accessory hose; anda roller assembly selectively coupled to the wand, the roller assembly including: a support body having at least one guide;a roller rotatably coupled to the support body, wherein the at least one guide follows a curvature of the roller, and wherein spacing between the at least one guide and a surface of the roller defines at least one inlet for providing a vacuum effect along the surface of the roller, the at least one inlet being in fluid communication with the suction assembly via at least one passage extending through the support body and the wand; anda fluid delivery assembly defining an outlet proximate the roller, wherein the outlet is in fluid communication with the fluid delivery system via a conduit that extends through the support body and the wand.

2. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one inlet includes a first inlet spaced from a second inlet.

3. The cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first inlet is defined in a fore position relative to the roller and the second inlet is defined in an aft position relative to the roller.

4. The cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one guide includes a first arcuate guide and a second arcuate guide extending in opposing directions, and wherein the first and second inlets are defined between the first and second arcuate guides of the support body and the surface of the roller, respectively.

5. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the roller includes a first portion constructed of a first material and a second portion constructed of a second material, and wherein the first material has a greater surface tackiness than the second material for capturing at least one of lint and hair.

6. The cleaning apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second portion defines a grid pattern over the first portion.

7. A roller assembly tool for a cleaning apparatus that includes a suction assembly and a liquid delivery system, the roller assembly tool comprising: a support body carrying a portion of a conduit and a portion of at least one airflow passage, the conduit configured to be in fluid communication with the liquid delivery system, wherein the portion of the at least one airflow passage is configured to be in fluid communication with the suction assembly, and wherein the support body includes first and second arcuate guides that define an open end; anda roller rotatably coupled to the support body proximate the open end, wherein at least one inlet of the at least one airflow passage is defined between at least one of the first and second arcuate guides and a surface of the roller, respectively, and wherein an outlet of the conduit is defined between the first and second arcuate guides proximate the roller.

8. The roller assembly tool of claim 7, further comprising: a fluid directing feature disposed within an interior of the support body between the outlet and the surface of the roller to direct liquid from the outlet to the surface of the roller.

9. The roller assembly tool of claim 7, wherein the at least one inlet includes a first inlet and a second inlet, and wherein the at least one airflow passage includes a first airflow passage in fluid communication with the first inlet and a second airflow passage in fluid communication with the second inlet, and further wherein the first inlet is on an opposing side of the roller relative to the second inlet.

10. The roller assembly tool of claim 7, wherein the roller includes a first portion constructed of a first material and a second portion constructed of a second material, and wherein the first material has a first surface tackiness that is greater than a second surface tackiness of the second material.

11. The roller assembly tool of claim 10, wherein the first portion and the second portion are arranged in a repeating pattern along a longitudinal extent of the roller.

12. The roller assembly tool of claim 10, wherein the first portion defines projections and the second portion defines valleys between adjacent projections.

13. The roller assembly tool of claim 10, wherein the first portion defines ribs extending from a first end of the roller to a second end of the roller, and wherein the second portion defines strips between adjacent ribs, and further wherein the ribs protrude relative to the strips.

14. The roller assembly tool of claim 13, wherein each rib has a first rib end proximate the first end of the roller offset from a second rib end proximate the second end of the roller, and wherein each of the ribs defines at least one curve between the first rib end and the second rib end.

15. A roller assembly accessory for a cleaning apparatus that includes a suction assembly and a liquid delivery system, the roller assembly accessory comprising: a support body having guides defining an open end; anda roller coupled to the support body and positioned between the guides, the roller including: a base having an outer surface constructed of a first material having a first surface tackiness; anda web feature coupled to the outer surface, wherein the web feature is constructed of a second material having a second surface tackiness, the second surface tackiness being less than the first surface tackiness.

16. The roller assembly accessory of claim 15, wherein the first material is at least one of a silicone material and a rubber material and the second material is a plastic material.

17. The roller assembly accessory of claim 15, wherein the web feature extends over an entire surface area of the outer surface of the base of the roller.

18. The roller assembly accessory of claim 15, wherein the web feature defines a grid pattern forming columns and rows of openings exposing the outer surface of the base of the roller.

19. The roller assembly accessory of claim 15, wherein the web feature defines cutouts arranged in a linear pattern, and wherein one end of the linear pattern of the cutouts is offset from an opposing end of the linear pattern of the cutouts.

20. The roller assembly accessory of claim 15, wherein inlets are defined between the roller and the guides, and the inlets configured to be in fluid communication with said suction assembly of said cleaning apparatus via passages extending through the support body and a wand, and wherein a conduit is defined in the support body, an outlet to the conduit defined by the support body between the guides, and further wherein the outlet is configured to be in fluid communication with said liquid delivery system of said cleaning apparatus via the conduit.