HANDHELD CLEANER WITH L-SHAPED SUCTION NOZZLE & RECOVERY TANK ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to extraction cleaners, and more specifically, to a portable, handheld extraction cleaner that extracts a fluid from a surface or a surface covering.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Extraction cleaners can be embodied as upright units or portable, hand-carriable units. Handheld extraction cleaners include a recovery tank. These extraction cleaners generally have a suction source including a vacuum motor that powers an impeller to create low pressure on one side of the impeller and higher pressure on the other side thereof. The recovery tank is typically positioned between the low-pressure side of the impeller and a suction nozzle to remove fluid from a surface and deposit it in the recovery tank.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a handheld extraction cleaner having a recovery system for removing fluid and debris from a surface to be cleaned and storing the fluid and debris in a recovery assembly that can be removed for removal of fluids and debris and cleaning of the recovery assembly.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, the handheld extraction cleaner includes a unitary body including a carry handle and a suction source positioned within the unitary body and defining a front side and a receiving cavity extending inwardly from the front side and a recovery unit defining a recovery path extending between a suction inlet defined on a first end of the recovery unit and an outlet port positionable in communication with the suction source. The recovery unit includes a tank defining a collection chamber having an open top side and a front face on an exterior of the collection chamber and a lid positionable over the open top side of the tank to enclose the collection chamber and having a front portion extending along the front face of the tank. The suction inlet is defined between and edge of the front portion and an adjacent portion of the front face of the tank, and the recovery unit is receivable within the receiving cavity of the unitary body with the lid positioned over the open top side of the tank.

In this and other embodiments, the recovery unit further includes a separator positioned within the recovery path and being positioned to separate dirty liquid from the recovery path and direct the dirty liquid into the collection chamber.

In this and other embodiments, the separator is coupled with the lid and extends downwardly past an upper edge of the front face when the lid is positioned over the open top side of the tank.

In this and other embodiments, the recovery unit includes a nozzle portion defined between the front wall of the tank and the front portion of the lid, the recovery path extending through the nozzle portion.

In this and other embodiments, the recovery unit includes a forward portion external to the cavity and a rearward portion configured to be received within the cavity, the forward portion defining an L-shape with the rearward portion.

In this and other embodiments, the unitary body defines a cleaning angle guide surface, and the forward portion of the recovery unit defines a lower surface that extends contiguously from the cleaning angle guide surface.

In this and other embodiments, the unitary body further defines first and second lateral sides, the receiving cavity being open at the first and second lateral sides.

In this and other embodiments, respective side portions of the recovery unit are visible on an exterior of the unitary body when received within the receiving cavity.

In this and other embodiments, at least the side portions of the recovery unit are transparent such that a fluid level within the collection chamber can be viewed on an exterior of the unitary body.

In this and other embodiments, the recovery unit and the receiving cavity define inter-engaging tapered profiles such that the unitary body exerts a compressive force on the recovery unit when received therein to maintain the lid in engagement with the tank over the top side thereof.

In this and other embodiments, the suction opening has a first portion defined on the tank and a second portion defined on the lid, and the unitary body defines a suction opening within the receiving cavity, the outlet port being positionable in communication with the suction source by receipt of the recovery unit within the receiving cavity such that the air flow path extends to the suction source.

In this and other embodiments, the lid defines an open bottom side surrounded by a perimeter edge, and at least a portion of the perimeter edge aligns with an edge surrounding the open top side of the tank when the lid is positioned over the open top side of the tank.

In this and other embodiments, the lid defines a lower wall that partially encloses the collection chamber, including by extending over a portion of the open top side of the collection chamber.

According to another aspect, the handheld extraction cleaner includes a unitary body having a carry handle and a suction source positioned within the unitary body and defining a front side, first and second lateral sides, and a receiving cavity in the form on a notch extending inwardly from the front side and being open at the first and second lateral sides. The handheld extraction cleaner also includes a recovery unit defining a recovery path extending between a suction inlet defined on a first end of the recovery unit and an outlet port positionable in communication with the suction source. The recovery unit includes a tank defining a collection chamber having an open top side and a front face on an exterior of the collection chamber and a lid positionable over the open top side of the tank to enclose the collection chamber. The recovery unit is receivable within the receiving cavity of the unitary body with the lid positioned over the open top side of the tank such that the respective side portions of the recovery unit are visible on an exterior of the unitary body when received within the receiving cavity.

In this and other embodiments, at least the side portions of the recovery unit are transparent such that a fluid level within the collection chamber can be viewed on an exterior of the unitary body.

In this and other embodiments, the recovery unit and the notch define inter-engaging tapered profiles such that the unitary body exerts a compressive force on the recovery unit when received therein to maintain the lid in engagement with the tank over the top side thereof.

According to another aspect, the handheld extraction cleaner includes a unitary body having a carry handle and a suction source positioned within the unitary body and defining a front side. A receiving cavity extends inwardly from the front side. The handheld extraction cleaner also includes a recovery unit having an exterior defining a forward portion and a rearward portion arranged in an L-shape. The rearward portion is receivable in the cavity with the forward portion external to the cavity. The recovery unit further has an interior defining recovery path extending between a suction inlet exposed on the exterior on a first end of the recovery unit and an outlet port positionable in communication with the suction source. The recovery unit includes a tank defining a collection chamber having an open top side and a front face on an exterior of the collection chamber and a lid positionable over the open top side of the tank to enclose the collection chamber. Receipt of the rear portion of the recovery unit retains the lid over the open top side of the tank.

In this and other embodiments, the unitary body defines a cleaning angle guide surface external to the cavity, and the forward portion of the recovery unit defines a lower surface that extends contiguously from the bottom surface.

In this and other embodiments, respective portions of the forward and rearward portions of the recovery unit are defined on each of the tank and the lid.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handheld extraction cleaner according to an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the handheld extraction cleaner of FIG. 1 shown in a position for cleaning a surface;

FIG. 3 is a side assembly view showing a recovery unit removed from a body of the handheld extraction cleaner;

FIG. 4 is a further side assembly view showing the recovery unit removed from the body of the handheld extraction cleaner and in a disassembled state;

FIG. 5 is a perspective assembly view showing the handheld extraction cleaner in the disassembled state of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the handheld extraction cleaner;

FIG. 7 is a perspective assembly view of the recovery unit;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a tank of the recovery unit;

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a lid of the recovery unit;

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the handheld extraction cleaner;

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of a handheld extraction cleaner according to a further aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a perspective assembly view showing the handheld extraction cleaner of FIG. 11 in a disassembled state;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a recovery unit of the handheld extraction cleaner of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of a lid of the recovery unit.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to extraction cleaners, and more specifically, to portable, handheld extraction cleaner that extracts the applied fluid therefrom. 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.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handheld extraction cleaner 10 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. As illustrated herein, the extraction cleaner 10 is adapted to be handheld and portable and can be easily carried or conveyed by hand. The hand-carriable extraction cleaner 10 can have a unitary body 12 provided with a carry handle 14 attached to the unitary body 12 and is small enough to be transported by one user (i.e., one person) to the area to be cleaned.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inner,” “outer,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the extraction cleaner 10 as orientated in FIG. 1 from the perspective of a user behind the extraction cleaner 10, which defines a rear end of the extraction cleaner 10, and carrying the extraction cleaner 10 by the handle 14, which defines an upper end of the extraction cleaner 10. When used in referring to a direction, the term “longitudinal” refers to a direction extending along the length of the extraction cleaner 10, between a forward end 58 and a rearward end 60 of the housing 15, and the terms “transverse” or “lateral” refer to a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientation.

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.

Ordinal modifiers (i.e., “first”, “second”, etc.) may be used to distinguish between various structures of a disclosed article in various contexts, but such ordinals are not necessarily intended to apply to such elements outside of the particular context in which they are used and that, in various aspects different ones of the same class of elements may be identified with the same, context-specific ordinal. In such instances, other particular designations of the elements are used to clarify the overall relationship between such elements. Ordinals are not used to designate a position of the elements, nor do they exclude additional, or intervening, non-ordered elements or signify an importance or rank of the elements within a particular class.

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 12 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.

For purposes of this disclosure, the terms “about”, “approximately”, or “substantially” are intended to mean that a value of a parameter is close to a stated value or position. However, minor differences may prevent the values or positions from being exactly as stated. Thus, unless otherwise noted, differences of up to ten percent (10%) for a given value are reasonable differences from the ideal goal of exactly as described. In many instances, a significant difference can be when the difference is greater than ten percent (10%), except as where would be generally understood otherwise by a person of ordinary skill in the art based on the context in which such term is used.

Referring to FIGS. 1-10, reference numeral 10 generally designates a handheld extraction cleaner. The handheld extraction cleaner 10 includes a unitary body 12 including a carry handle 14 and a suction source 18 positioned within the unitary body 12 and defining a front side 22 and a receiving cavity 26 extending inwardly from the front side 22 and a recovery unit 126 defining a recovery path RP (FIG. 6) extending between a suction inlet 16 defined on a front end 58 of the recovery unit 126 and an outlet port 102 positionable in communication with the suction source 18. The recovery unit 126 includes a tank 20 defining a collection chamber 114 having an open top side 30 and a front face 32 on an exterior of the collection chamber 114 and a lid 38 positionable over the open top side 30 of the tank 20 to enclose the collection chamber 114 and having a front portion 40 extending along the front face 32 of the tank 20. The suction inlet 16 is defined between an edge 48 of the front portion 40 and an adjacent portion of the front face 32 of the tank 20. The recovery unit 126 is receivable within the receiving cavity 26 of the unitary body 12 with the lid 38 positioned over the open top side 30 of the tank 20.

The unitary body 12 can include a housing 15 that carries various components and functional systems of the extraction cleaner 10. In being carried by the unitary body 12 or housing 15 of the unitary body 12, the various components and functional systems are conveyed along with the body 12 as it is transported by the user to or from an area to be cleaned and during operation. Such components and systems can be removable or non-removable from the body 12 or housing 15. The extraction cleaner 10 can include at least one user interface (“UI”) through which a user can interact with the extraction cleaner 10 to operate and control the extraction cleaner 10. Electrical power can be provided by a source of mains electricity or by a battery 52 or battery pack. In the present embodiment, the extraction cleaner 10 comprises a rechargeable battery 52.

With a rechargeable battery 52, a charging port can be provided on the housing 15 and can be electrically coupled with the battery 52. A recharging cable (not shown) couples with the charging port and can be plugged into a suitable electrical outlet for recharging the battery 52. In an alternative embodiment, the extraction cleaner 10 can have charging contacts on the housing 15, and a docking station (not shown) can be provided for docking the extraction cleaner 10 for recharging the battery 52. The battery 52, shown in phantom line in FIG. 2 can be disposed below the suction source 18. The carry handle 14 extends in the longitudinal direction above a portion of the recovery unit 126 and is disposed above the battery 52 and, optionally, a pump associated with a fluid delivery system. The carry handle 14 includes a hand grip portion and a finger receiving area, which can be a closed volume, e.g., a closed loop handgrip. The majority of the carry handle 14 and the closed volume can be disposed behind the suction source 18. This arrangement of component parts of the extraction cleaner 10 offers a compact unit with a balanced weight-in-hand for the user, and a comfortable carrying and operational position. Other arrangements of component parts for the extraction cleaner 10 are possible.

The recovery tank 20 comprises a body 112 that defines collection chamber 114 for holding a recovered liquid and debris, with the open top side 30 in fluid communication with the suction inlet 16 and the outlet port 102 formed in the tank 20. The open top side 30 can be accessed, as discussed below, for emptying any liquid or debris in the recovery tank 20 that may be collected in the collection chamber 114.

Referring additionally to FIG. 6, the recovery path RP can be contiguous with a working air path WP through the body 12. The working air path WP can be defined between and/or formed by a housing inlet 100 and one or more exhaust vents on the exterior of the housing 15. At least a portion of the suction source 18 can be positioned within the working air path WP to generate fluid flow through the working air path WP by creating higher air pressure at the exhaust vents and lower air pressure at the housing inlet 100. In an implementation, the suction source 18, includes a vacuum motor 34 and a fan 36 driven by the vacuum motor 34, with the fan 36 being positioned within the working air path WP adjacent the housing inlet 108 such that rotation of the fan 36 generates the above-described pressure differential. As can be appreciated, the placement of the recovery path RP in a contiguous relationship with the working air path WP is such that the pressure differential over the fan 36 also draws fluid along the recovery path RP and into the working air path in a direction from the suction inlet 16 to the outlet port 102.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the modular recovery assembly 126 can be attached to the front side 22 of the unitary body 12 via the above-mentioned receiving cavity 26 that extends inwardly from the front side 22 of the unitary body 12. The receiving cavity 26 includes the working air inlet 100 in fluid communication with the suction source 18 (FIG. 6). With the mounting of the recovery assembly 126 to the receiving cavity 26, the outlet port 102 automatically mates with the inlet 100 of suction source 18. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the handheld extraction cleaner 10, illustrating the removal of recovery assembly 126 from the receiving cavity 26 of the unitary body 12. As shown, the modular recovery assembly 126 is removable from the unitary body 12 as a single unit or module, such that the recovery tank 20 and the lid 38 are removed together, simultaneously. At least the carry handle 14 and suction source 18 remain with the unitary body 12 when the modular recovery assembly 126 is removed, as can be seen in FIG. 3. The recovery assembly 126 can include opposite finger holds 56 defined on the sides thereof (through both the tank 20 and the lid 38, as shown) to provide a feature that the user can grasp to remove the recovery assembly 126.

As discussed above, the recovery unit 126 includes the tank 20, which defines the collection chamber 114 and has the open top side 30 in communication with the collection chamber 114. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lid 38 is positionable over the open top side 30 of the tank 20 to enclose the collection chamber 114. The collection chamber 114 is defined within an interior 128 (FIG. 6) of the recovery assembly 126. In various examples, the collection chamber 114 may be generally defined within a lower portion of the interior 128 (i.e., within the tank 20 and below the open top side 30), as in the present example, or may be partially physically defined within the interior 128 (such as by one or more baffles or partial walls of the lid 38 and/or tank 20), while still remaining in fluid communication therewith, as show in the example of FIG. 11, discussed further below. As previously mentioned, the recovery unit 126 defines the recovery flow path RP, which extends between the suction inlet 16 exposed on the exterior on the first end 58 of the recovery unit 126 and the outlet port 102. The outlet port 102 is in communication with the suction inlet 100 when the recovery unit 126 is in position within the receiving cavity 26. In this manner, the recovery flow path RP is in communication with, and extends through at least a portion of the collection chamber 114, as shown in FIG. 6. In particular, the recovery assembly 126 can include a separator 24 therein and positioned within the interior 128 so as to direct the recovery flow path RP toward the collection chamber 114, as discussed further below. In the illustrated example, shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 9, the separator 24 can be coupled with the lid 38, such as by integrally molding therewith, and can extend into the interior 128 by an extent and in a position to achieve the desired direction and characteristics o the recovery flow path RP, as also discussed further below.

The recovery unit 126 also includes a nozzle portion 54 defined between the front wall 32 of the tank 20 and the front portion 40 of the lid 38 with the suction inlet 16 being configured as an opening between the exterior of the recovery unit 126 and an interior of the nozzle portion 54. In this manner, the recovery flow path RP extends through the nozzle portion 54, including along the front wall 32 on an exterior side of the tank 20 opposite the collection chamber 114. The recovery flow path is directed rearwardly when entering the top portion 42 of the lid 38 before being directed downwardly by the separator 24. The lid 38 defines an open bottom side 44 surrounded by a perimeter edge 46, at least a portion of which aligns with an edge 48 surrounding the open top side 30 of the tank 20 when the lid 38 is positioned over the open top side 30 of the tank 20. In this arrangement, the suction inlet 16 has a first portion defined on the tank 20 (i.e., at a lower edge 48 of the front face 32) and a second portion defined on the lid 38 (such as by a notch 49 extending inwardly from the perimeter edge 46). In this arrangement, the recovery flow path RP is enclosed between the tank 20 and the lid 38 when the lid 38 is in place over the open top side 30 of the tank 20 and can be opened when the recovery assembly 126 has been removed from the unitary body 12 and the lid 38 is removed from the tank 20. This open state allows access to the interior 128 of the recovery assembly 126, including the collection chamber 114 and the inside of the nozzle portion 54. In this manner, the present arrangement of recovery assembly 126, including the assembly and removal therefrom from the unitary body 12 can allow for removal of the recovery assembly 126 as a unit for emptying of the collection chamber 114 and cleaning of the interior of the recovery assembly 126 as a whole.

As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the above-described nozzle portion 54 can be further defined within the interior 128 of the recovery unit 126 by one or more ribs 72. In particular, respective ribs 72 can extend into the nozzle portion 54 from both the front face 32 of the tank 20 and the front portion 40 of the lid 38. Such that corresponding pairs of such ribs 72 contact with each other (e.g., in an end-to-end or overlapping arrangement). In this manner the portion of the recovery path RP that extends through the nozzle portion 54 can be tuned to achieve the desired characteristics thereof without altering the external appearance of the recovery unit 126 or the extraction cleaner 10, overall. In one example, the nozzle portion 54 can decrease in width in a direction along the recovery path RP in a direction away from the suction inlet 16 and toward the top 42 of the lid 38 to accelerate the fluid flow along the recovery path RP toward the separator 24 and increase suction at the suction inlet 16. In at least another aspect, the ribs 72 that are coupled with the lid 38 can be connected to and/or generally contiguous with the separator 24, as shown in FIG. 9.

As further shown in FIGS. 3-6, the recovery unit 126 and the receiving cavity 26 define inter-engaging tapered profiles such that the unitary body 12 exerts a compressive force on the recovery unit 126 when received therein to maintain the lid 38 in engagement with the tank 20 over the open top side 30 thereof. In one implementation, the receiving cavity 26 can define a side profile with an upper side 64 and a lower side 66 that are positioned at an angle relative to each other with an apex opposite the front side 22 of the unitary body 12. In various examples the angle between the upper side 64 and the lower side 66 can be between about 12° and 17° and in one example about 15° (e.g., +/−10%). In a similar manner, the recovery assembly 126 can have a similar profile such that mutual contact is made between the respective portions of the unitary body 12 and the recovery assembly during 126 installation of the recovery assembly 126 with the unitary body 12. In the illustrated example, the profile of the recovery assembly 126 is achieved by positioning the upper surface 68 of the lid 38 at an angle relative to the lower surface 70 of the tank 20 that substantially matches the angle and profile of the receiving cavity 26. In this manner, the respective side profiles are configured to inter-engage when the recovery assembly 126 is installed with the unitary body 12, which can be configured such that the unitary body 12 exerts a compressive force on the recovery unit 126 when received therein. In one aspect, this compressive force can be sufficient to maintain the lid 38 in the assembled position over the open top side 30 of the tank 20.

As shown in the exploded view of FIGS. 4 and 5, a perimeter seal 146 can be coupled with, or retained by, either the tank 20 or the lid 38 so as to be positioned at the interface between the tank 20 and the lid 38 when assembled together. In one aspect, the perimeter seal 146 can compress between the respective features under the compressive force against the recovery assembly 126 when installed within the receiving cavity 26 such that the recovery assembly 126 has some compliancy to facilitate such installation. The compression of the perimeter seal 146, which may comprise a gasket, may provide a leak-free seal of the interior 128 of the recovery assembly 126 when installed within the receiving cavity 26 (FIG. 6).

To maintain the recovery assembly 126 in place in the installed position within the receiving cavity 26, the respective components may include any of various types of snap-fit or latching features. In one example, the unitary body 12 may include one or more resiliently-compliant pawls, rollers, or the like, that are positioned within the receiving cavity 26 and engage with a detent or other indentation in one or more of the lid 38 or the tank 20 and are configured to allow installation of the recovery assembly 126 within the receiving cavity 26, while helping to retain the recovery assembly 126 in the installed position at a predetermined removal force that, for example, exceeds an outward force resulting from compression of the recovery assembly 126 by way of the tapered profile of the receiving cavity 26.

As shown in FIG. 5, the receiving cavity 26 can be open on the opposing lateral sides 94 and 96 of the unitary body 12. In this manner, the receiving cavity 26 can be characterized as being in the form on a notch 50 extending inwardly from the front side 22 and being open at the first and second lateral sides 94 and 96. When installed within the notch-shaped receiving cavity 26 of the illustrated example, the respective side portions 74 and 76 of the recovery unit 126 are visible on the exterior of the unitary body 12 (See FIG. 1). At least the side portions 74 and 76 of the recovery unit 126 can be transparent such that a fluid level within the collection chamber 114 can be viewed on the exterior of the unitary body 12. In a further, example, the majority of the recovery unit 126, including all of the tank 20 and the lid 38 can be transparent. In additional variations, the perimeter seal 146 can be transparent or can be generally opaque, as it may have little effect on the visualization of the interior 128 of the recovery assembly 126. The receiving cavity 26 and/or the recovery unit 126 can include mating features to provide a desired lateral alignment of the recovery unit 126 within the receiving cavity 26 during installation of the same. In one example, the upper side 64 and lower side 66 of the receiving cavity 26 can be concave in the direction between the lateral sides 94 and 96 of the unitary body 12, while the top surface 68 of the lid 38 and the bottom surface 70 of the tank 20 can have matching convex profiles. In further examples various ribs 72 and mating channels can be respectively formed on the recovery unit 126 and in the receiving cavity 26 for such purposes. These and other arrangements can maintain the recovery unit 126 in a laterally aligned position within the receiving cavity 26 and can facilitate alignment of the outlet port 102 with the inlet 100 during installation of the recovery unit 126.

As further shown in FIGS. 2-6, the recovery unit 126 includes a forward portion 78 that is disposed externally to the receiving cavity 26 when the recovery unit 126 is installed therein. In this manner, a rearward portion 80 of the recovery unit 126 is configured to be received within the cavity. To position the suction inlet 16 for proper use with respect to the extraction cleaner 10, overall, the forward portion 78 of the recovery unit 126 is configured to extend downwardly along the front side 22 of the unitary body 12 such that a lower surface 82 disposed on the forward portion 78 adjacent to the suction inlet 16, or within which at least a portion of the suction inlet 16 is disposed, is at or below an adjacent portion of the unitary body 12. In this manner, the unitary body 12 can be configured as shown, in particular, in FIG. 1, so as to include a resting surface 62 disposed toward a rearward end 60 of the unitary body 12 and with a cleaning angle guide surface 270 disposed forward of the resting surface 62. As illustrated, this configuration can be achieved by the recovery unity 126 being structured such that the forward portion 78 defines an L-shape with respect to the rearward portion 80 (with the L-shape being rotated approximately 90° clockwise in the orientation shown in FIG. 2). The rear portion 80 is configured relative to the forward portion 78 such that receipt of substantially only the rear portion 80 of the recovery unit 126 within the receiving cavity 26 retains the lid 38 over the open top side 30 of the tank 20.

In FIG. 2, the handheld extraction cleaner 10 is shown in one example of an operative or normal use portion relative to a surface S to be cleaned. In the operative or normal use position, the extraction cleaner 10 is held with the forward end 58, particularly the suction inlet 16, against the surface S to be cleaned by way of bringing the lower surface 82 of the forward portion 78 in contact with the surface S. In this arrangement, the unitary body 12 and the recovery unit 126 can be mutually configured such that the cleaning angle guide surface 270 and the lower surface 82 of the forward portion 78 extend contiguously and/or co-planar with each other to increase the effect of the guide surface 270 in properly positioning the suction inlet 16 against the surface S in a desired manner. The user may hold and manipulate the cleaner 10 via the carry handle 14. With the suction source 18, which can constitute the heaviest component of the extraction cleaner 10, disposed between the carry handle 14 and the forward end 58, more of the weight of the cleaner 10 can be supported by the surface S to be cleaned, and less by the user.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 2, the lower surface 82 of the forward portion 78 and the cleaning angle guide surface 270 can be configured to orient the extraction cleaner 10 at a predetermined cleaning angle for efficient extraction with respect to a surface S to be cleaned. For example, the predetermined cleaning angle may be an angle in which the suction inlet 16 is sufficiently flat adjacent to and/or against the surface S for efficient extraction, when the suction inlet 16 is sealed with the surface S, and/or when the distance between the surface S and the suction inlet 16 is small. FIG. 2 shows the extraction cleaner 10 in one non-limiting example of a cleaning position in which the suction inlet 16 is substantially flat against the surface S. The optimal cleaning position for efficient extraction may vary depending on the relative disposition of the components of the cleaner 10, such as but not limited to the body 12, carry handle 14, and suction inlet 16. A user may not instinctively comprehend the angle for optimal extraction and may not intuitively tip the extraction cleaner 10 far enough forward. The cleaning angle guide surface 270 and adjacent lower surface 82 of forward portion 78 provides a structural element that encourages the user to naturally orient the cleaner 10 at an angle for efficient extraction. In the example shown, both the cleaning angle guide surface 270 and the lower surface 82 of the forward portion 78 are generally flat, but, in some embodiments can include one or more skis, lips, runners, gliding surfaces, skids, or the like surrounding the suction inlet 16, and which may at least partially support the forward end 58 of the extraction cleaner 10 on the surface S to be cleaned. Such features can be configured to further help the suction inlet 16 glide over the surface for easy movement of the cleaner 10 in a back-and-forth direction across the surface S to be cleaned.

It is noted that suction inlet 16 can be single opening extending substantially the width of the suction inlet 16, as shown, or can include a plurality of smaller openings separated by dividers that serve to reinforce the suction inlet 16.

The carry handle 14 may define a handle axis H (FIGS. 1 and 2) along which the carry handle 14 is longitudinally elongated. In the operative or normal use position, the handle axis H may be generally horizontal, or inclined from the horizontal, with “horizontal” being defined parallel to the surface to be cleaned S. Having substantially horizontal axis H positions the user's hand and wrist in an ergonomic position with more grip strength for holding the extraction cleaner 10 at an effective cleaning angle. It is noted that, while the extraction cleaner 10 is shown and described in FIG. 2 in relation to a horizontal surface S to be cleaned, the extraction cleaner 10 may also be used to clean angled surfaces, such as stairs, upholstered furniture, car seats, and the like. Therefore, it is understood that various use orientations are possible.

As shown, the resting surface 62 is configured with the unitary body 12 such that the handheld extraction cleaner 10 can rest in a stable manner on the surface S in a horizontal position, without leakage from the recovery unit 126. In a self-standing or at rest position, the extraction cleaner 10 can be supported on the substantially flat resting surface 62 on a bottom of the body 12. With the resting surface 62 lying on surface to be cleaned S, the forward end 58 is supported away from the surface S. A user can, therefore, set the extraction cleaner 10 down in a stable position upon a shelf or a countertop, for example, without having the suction inlet 16 in contact with the surface S. Heavy components (i.e., relative to the weight of other components of the cleaner 10) such as the motor 34 and battery 52 can be disposed above the resting surface 62, which increases stability in the horizontal position.

Continuing with respect to FIG. 6, the sectional view, in particular, shows the recovery system of the handheld extraction cleaner 10. As discussed above, the recovery system illustrated herein includes the suction inlet 16, the separator 24, the recovery tank 20, the suction source 18, the exhaust vents 28 (FIG. 6), and optionally additional conduits, ducts, tubing, hoses, connectors, etc., fluidly coupling the components of the recovery system together and providing the above-described recovery path RP from the suction inlet 16 to the outlet port 102, and the contiguous working air path WP from the housing inlet 100 to the exhaust vents 28. As shown, the recovery path is configured to direct a fluid flow inward through the suction inlet 16 and into the nozzle portion 54 of the interior of the recovery unit 126 by way of the reduced pressure along the recovery path RP generated by the suction source 18. In this manner, the recovery system is configured to remove fluid in the form of liquid, as well as debris, from the surface to be cleaned. The liquid may be the result of a spill or other accidental dispensing of such liquid and/or may be in the form of a cleaning fluid intentionally dispensed onto the area to be cleaned. The term “debris” as used herein may include dirt, dust, soil, hair, and other debris, unless otherwise noted, which may be suspended or mixed in a spilled liquid or the like or may be otherwise present on the surface prior to the presence of the liquid. The term “cleaning fluid” as used herein primarily encompasses liquids and may include steam unless otherwise noted. In this manner, the fluid flow entering the nozzle portion 54 through the suction inlet 16 may include such fluid and entrained debris, along with air. In this manner, the above-described separator 24, is present and generally configured to cause turbulence in the recovery path RP which acts to separate dirty liquid (i.e., liquid with entrained debris) from the air within the recovery path RP and to direct the dirty liquid into the collection chamber 114 (e.g., under force of gravity) such that only the air exits the recovery unit 126 through the outlet port 102 and enters the housing inlet 100. In one implementation, this separation can be achieved by separator 24 being coupled with the lid 38 and extending downwardly past an upper edge 48 of the front face 32 when the lid 38 is positioned over the open top side 30 of the tank 20.

Still referring to the cross section of FIG. 6, the nozzle portion 54 of the recovery assembly 126 defines a narrow suction pathway 138 therebetween, with an opening forming the suction inlet 16 at a lower end thereof and partially defined on respective portion of each of the lid 38 (i.e., on the front portion 40 of the lid 38) and the lower edge 48 of the tank 20. The suction pathway 138 is in fluid communication with the separator 24 leading to the tank 20. As with the sides 74 and 76 of the tank 20 the front portion 40 of the lid 38 can include a transparent or translucent window or can be formed by a transparent or translucent material, so the user can see liquid being taken up through the nozzle portion 54 and/or determine if nozzle portion 54 is clogged. As further shown, the recovery path RP continues past the separator 24 toward the outlet port 102 where the recovery path RP joins with the working path WP to draw the air into the suction source 18 and to direct air out of the unitary body 112.

Some variations of the handheld extraction cleaner 10 described herein, can additionally include a fluid delivery system comprising a supply reservoir or supply tank for storing a supply of fluid, such as the above-referenced cleaning fluid. The fluid can comprise one or more of any suitable cleaning fluids, including but not limited to, water, compositions, concentrated detergent, diluted detergent, etc., or mixtures thereof. For example, the fluid can comprise a mixture of water and concentrated detergent. In the illustrated embodiment, the extraction cleaner 10 does not include an internal fluid delivery system such that, if the use of a cleaning fluid is desired, the user can dispense such fluid from a spray bottle or the like before using the present handheld extraction cleaner 10.

Referring to FIGS. 11-14, (in which like numerals increased by 300 represent like features, with features not specifically described herein being otherwise the same as disclosed above) in a variation of the recovery assembly 126 discussed above, the illustrated recovery assembly 426 includes a lid 338 that defines a lower wall 384 that partially encloses the collection chamber 414 when lid 338 is in place on the tank 320. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the tank 320 also includes a partial upper wall 386 with an opening 388 defined therein. In this manner, the partial upper wall 386 partially encloses the collection chamber 414 by extending over a portion of the open top side 330 thereof, while the opening 388 allows communication of the recovery path RP with the collection chamber 414. A variation of a perimeter seal 446 may be disposed around the opening 388. As further shown, the separator 324 can be defined in a conduit 390 formed in and extending from the lower wall 384 of the lid 338. In this configuration, liquid and debris drawn through the nozzle portion 358 is removed from the recovery path RP and directed into the collection chamber 414 through the conduit 390. The air within the recovery path RP can pass over the separator 324 before moving into a diffuser conduit 398 that is in communication with the tank 320. The diffuser conduit 398 has a gradually increasing cross-sectional area to decrease the speed of the air and increase its pressure. In this respect, it is noted that some of the air drawn through the nozzle portion 358 may pass through the separator conduit 390 in the turbulent flow generated by the separator 324, but that such air will be generally separated from the liquid and debris that will settle within the collection chamber 414 such that the residual air will be drawn back through the conduit 390 and into the diffuser conduit 398.

As further shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the recovery assembly 426 of the present example can be configured such that the nozzle portion 358 is fully enclosed and defined within the lid 338 with the suction inlet 316 being similarly defined by an opening along the lower edge of the lid 338. In this arrangement, the lid 338 shown in connection with the recovery assembly 426 of FIGS. 11-14 can comprise an upper portion 338a and a lower portion 338b, with the lower portion 338b including an interior surface 392 that extends over the bottom portion 344 of the lid 338 and along the interior side of the nozzle portion 358, with the remainder of the lid 338 being defined on the upper portion 338a. The upper portion 338a and the lower portion 338b can be rigidly coupled together, such as by ultrasonic or laser welding (as both portions may be of a meltable plastic material), or by adhesives or the like.

Referring to FIG. 11, an agitator can be provided adjacent to the suction inlet 316 for agitating the surface to be cleaned so that any debris is more easily ingested into the suction inlet 316. As shown, the agitator comprises a brush 434. The brush 434 can be coupled to the lower surface 382 of the forward portion 378 of the tank 320, rearward of the suction inlet 316. The depicted brush 434 is generally stationary, i.e., fixedly mounted and non-rotating. In another embodiment, the agitator for the handheld extraction cleaner 310 can comprise a powered, rotating, brush roll. In some examples, the brush 434 can be removably mounted on the tank 320 for cleaning and/or replacement of the brush 434. Optionally, the brush 434 can be exchanged for another agitator. In some implementations, multiple agitators can be provided with the handheld extraction cleaner 310 and can be interchangeably mounted to the tank 320. Any such brush 434, or brushes, can include a brush mount 436 configured to fit within a brush receiver 438 and an agitation element 440 supported by the brush mount 436. In the implementation of the brush 434 shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the agitation element 440 is a plurality of bristles 442. The pattern, shape and type of bristles 442 can vary from the pattern, shape, and type shown herein. The bristles 442 can be constructed of nylon, or any other suitable synthetic or natural fiber. The bristles 442 may be arranged in a plurality of tufts or in a unitary strip. The bristle tufts can be arranged in a single or multiple rows, optionally with the tufts staggered between rows to maximize the density of bristles on the brush mount 436.

The brush receiver 438 can comprise any structure suitable to mount the brush 434. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, the receiver 438 comprises a substantially closed pocket on the extraction cleaner 10, with a downward-facing opening 248 through which the agitation elements 240 can project to engage a surface to be cleaned and through which the brush 434 can be inserted or removed, if applicable. As shown in FIG. 11, the present receiver 438 can be defined as an indentation or cavity within the lower surface 382 of the forward portion 378 of the tank 320. Referring to FIG. 11, the agitation element 440, such as bristles 342, may extend below the lower surface 380 and below the guide surface 570, such that, with the lower surface 382 and the guide surface 570 pressed against the surface S, the agitation element 340 can dig into the surface S, providing enhanced scrubbing action. In a variation, the recovery assembly 126 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1-11 can include such an agitator received in a similarly-configured receiver.

To the extent not already described the different features and structures of the various embodiments of the invention, may be used in combination with each other as desired, or may be used separately. That one handheld extraction cleaner 10 is illustrated herein as having all of these features does not mean that all of these features must be used in combination, but rather done so here for brevity of description. Furthermore, while the extraction cleaner 10 shown herein is handheld, some features of the invention can be useful on a conventional upright or stick cleaner. Still further, the extraction cleaner 10 can additionally have steam delivery capability. Thus, the various features of the different embodiments may be mixed and matched in various extraction cleaner configurations as desired to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are expressly described.

The above description relates to general and specific embodiments of the disclosure. However, various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. As such, this disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the disclosure or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. Any reference to elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.

Likewise, it is also to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to express and particular components or methods described in the detailed description, which may vary between particular embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims. With respect to any Markush groups relied upon herein for describing particular features or aspects of various embodiments, different, special, and/or unexpected results may be obtained from each member of the respective Markush group independent from all other Markush members. Each member of a Markush group may be relied upon individually and or in combination and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

Further aspects of the disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

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

1. A handheld extraction cleaner includes a unitary body including a carry handle and a suction source positioned within the unitary body and defining a front side and a receiving cavity extending inwardly from the front side and a recovery unit defining a recovery path extending between a suction inlet defined on a first end of the recovery unit and an outlet port positionable in communication with the suction source. The recovery unit includes a tank defining a collection chamber having an open top side and a front face on an exterior of the collection chamber and a lid positionable over the open top side of the tank to enclose the collection chamber and having a front portion extending along the front face of the tank. The suction inlet is defined between and edge of the front portion and an adjacent portion of the front face of the tank. The recovery unit is receivable within the receiving cavity of the unitary body with the lid positioned over the open top side of the tank.

2. The handheld extraction cleaner of clause 1, wherein the recovery unit further includes a separator positioned within the recovery path and being positioned to separate dirty liquid from the recovery path and direct the dirty liquid into the collection chamber.

3. The handheld extraction cleaner of clause 1 or 2, wherein the separator is coupled with the lid and extends downwardly past an upper edge of the front face when the lid is positioned over the open top side of the tank.

4. The handheld extraction cleaner of any preceding clause, wherein the recovery unit includes a nozzle portion defined between the front wall of the tank and the front portion of the lid, the recovery path extending through the nozzle portion.

5. The handheld extraction cleaner of any preceding clause, wherein the recovery unit includes a forward portion external to the cavity and a rearward portion configured to be received within the cavity, the forward portion defining an L-shape with the rearward portion.

6. The handheld extraction cleaner of clause 5, wherein the unitary body defines a bottom surface and the forward portion of the recovery unit defines a lower surface that extends contiguously from the bottom surface.

7. The handheld extraction cleaner of any preceding clause, wherein the unitary body further defines first and second lateral sides, the receiving cavity being open at the first and second lateral sides.

8. The handheld extraction cleaner of clause 7, wherein respective side portions of the recovery unit are visible on an exterior of the unitary body when received within the receiving cavity.

9. The handheld extraction cleaner of clause 8, wherein at least the side portions of the recovery unit are transparent such that a fluid level within the collection chamber can be viewed on an exterior of the unitary body.

10. The handheld extraction cleaner of any preceding clause, wherein the recovery unit and the receiving cavity define inter-engaging tapered profiles such that the unitary body exerts a compressive force on the recovery unit when received therein to maintain the lid in engagement with the tank over the top side thereof.

11. The handheld extraction cleaner of any preceding clause, wherein the suction opening has a first portion defined on the tank and a second portion defined on the lid, and the unitary body defines a suction opening within the receiving cavity, the outlet port being positionable in communication with the suction source by receipt of the recovery unit within the receiving cavity such that the air flow path extends to the suction source.

12. The handheld extraction cleaner of any preceding clause, wherein the lid defines an open bottom side surrounded by a perimeter edge, and at least a portion of the perimeter edge aligns with an edge surrounding the open top side of the tank when the lid is positioned over the open top side of the tank.

13. The handheld extraction cleaner of any of clause 1 through 11, wherein the lid defines a lower wall that partially encloses the collection chamber, including by extending over a portion of the open top side of the collection chamber.

14. A handheld extraction cleaner includes a unitary body including a carry handle and a suction source positioned within the unitary body and defining a front side, first and second lateral sides, and a receiving cavity in the form on a notch extending inwardly from the front side and being open at the first and second lateral sides, and a recovery unit defining a recovery path extending between a suction inlet defined on a first end of the recovery unit and an outlet port positionable in communication with the suction source. The recovery unit includes a tank defining a collection chamber having an open top side and a front face on an exterior of the collection chamber and a lid positionable over the open top side of the tank to enclose the collection chamber. The recovery unit is receivable within the receiving cavity of the unitary body with the lid positioned over the open top side of the tank such that the respective side portions of the recovery unit are visible on an exterior of the unitary body when received within the receiving cavity.

15 The handheld extraction cleaner of clause 14, wherein at least the side portions of the recovery unit are transparent such that a fluid level within the collection chamber can be viewed on an exterior of the unitary body.

16. The handheld extraction cleaner of either clause 14 or 15, wherein the recovery unit and the notch define inter-engaging tapered profiles such that the unitary body exerts a compressive force on the recovery unit when received therein to maintain the lid in engagement with the tank over the top side thereof.

17. A handheld extraction cleaner includes a unitary body including a carry handle and a suction source positioned within the unitary body and defining a front side, a receiving cavity extending inwardly from the front side and a recovery unit having an exterior defining a forward portion and a rearward portion arranged in an L-shape. The rearward portion is receivable in the cavity with the forward portion external to the cavity. The recovery unit further has an interior defining recovery path extending between a suction inlet exposed on the exterior on a first end of the recovery unit and an outlet port positionable in communication with the suction source. The recovery unit includes a tank defining a collection chamber having an open top side and a front face on an exterior of the collection chamber, and a lid positionable over the open top side of the tank to enclose the collection chamber. The receipt of the rear portion of the recovery unit retains the lid over the open top side of the tank.

18. The handheld extraction cleaner of clause 17, wherein the unitary body defines a cleaning angle guide surface external to the cavity, and the forward portion of the recovery unit defines a lower surface that extends contiguously from the bottom surface.

19 The handheld extraction cleaner of clause 17 or 18, wherein the recovery unit and the receiving cavity define inter-engaging tapered profiles such that the unitary body exerts a compressive force on the recovery unit when received therein to maintain the lid in engagement with the tank over the top side thereof.

20 The handheld extraction cleaner of any of clause 17 to 19, wherein respective portions of the forward and rearward portions of the recovery unit are defined on each of the tank and the lid.

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.

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.

HANDHELD CLEANER WITH L-SHAPED SUCTION NOZZLE & RECOVERY TANK ASSEMBLY

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