SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS

BACKGROUND

Extraction cleaners are well-known surface cleaning apparatuses for deep cleaning carpets and other fabric surfaces, such as upholstery. Most carpet extractors comprise a fluid delivery system and a fluid recovery system. The fluid delivery system typically includes at least one fluid supply tank storing a supply of cleaning fluid, a fluid distributor that applies cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned, and a fluid supply conduit for delivering the cleaning fluid from the fluid supply tank to the fluid distributor. The fluid recovery system usually includes a recovery tank, a nozzle adjacent the surface to be cleaned that is in fluid communication with the recovery tank, and a source of suction in fluid communication with the working air conduit to draw the cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned, through the nozzle, and into the recovery tank. The recovery tank may be removable from a housing of the apparatus for easy emptying.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the invention, a surface cleaning apparatus is provided with routing features for at least one fluid conduit and at least one wiring harness.

In one embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus has, an upright body comprising a handle and a yoked spine section having a first leg and a second leg, a base coupled with the upright body and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned, a fluid delivery system comprising a fluid delivery pathway, a supply tank supported by the upright body, and a fluid distributor on the base, the fluid distributor in fluid communication with the supply tank via the fluid delivery pathway, the fluid delivery pathway comprising a fluid conduit, a fluid recovery system comprising a recovery tank, a suction nozzle, and a suction source, and a wiring harness configured to supply power to at least one electrical component in the base, wherein the fluid conduit is routed through one of the first leg and the second leg, and wherein the wiring harness is routed through one of the first leg and the second leg.

In some embodiments, the wiring harness is isolated from the fluid conduit.

In some embodiments, the fluid conduit is routed through the first leg and the wiring harness is routed through the second leg.

In some embodiments, a recovery tank is removably mounted on the base, with the first and second legs straddling the recovery tank.

In some embodiments, the recovery tank is removably mounted in a recovery tank receiver provided on the base, and a recovery tank latch secures the recovery tank to the recovery tank receiver. In these and other embodiments, the recovery tank latch is a biased latch configured to release the recovery tank upon application of a sufficient force to overcome the biased latching force of the latch. More specifically, the latch can be a spring-biased latch.

In some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus is an upright extraction cleaner.

These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of particular embodiments, when viewed in accordance with the accompanying drawings and appended claims.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components. Any reference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a surface cleaning apparatus, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 in the form of an upright extraction cleaner, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the extraction cleaner of FIG. 2, showing a supply tank and a recovery tank exploded from the cleaner, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the extraction cleaner of FIG. 1, schematically showing the routing of fluid and wiring through the cleaner, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the extraction cleaner taken through line V-V of FIG. 2, showing a tank latch, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a section of FIG. 5 showing the tank latch securing the recovery tank in a latched position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of another section of FIG. 5 showing a pocket securing a rear portion of the recovery tank within a tank receiver, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views showing one method of installing the recovery tank on a base of the extraction cleaner, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to a surface cleaning apparatus for cleaning floor surfaces such as carpets, area rugs, wood, tile, and the like, as well as upholstery, fabric, and textile surfaces, such as furniture, drapery, vehicle interiors, and the like, and arrangements for securing a tank on a housing of the apparatus.

FIGS. 1-3 show a surface cleaning apparatus 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. As discussed in further detail below, in one aspect, the apparatus 10 is provided with improved tank latching. In another aspect, the apparatus 10 is provided with improved routing of cleaning fluid and electrical wiring between components of the apparatus 10.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of various functional systems of a surface cleaning apparatus in the form of an extraction cleaner 10. The functional systems of the extraction cleaner 10 can be arranged into any desired configuration, such as an upright extraction device having a base and an upright body for directing the base across the surface to be cleaned, a canister device having a cleaning implement connected to a wheeled base by a vacuum hose, a portable extractor adapted to be hand carried by a user, or a commercial extractor. Any of the aforementioned extraction cleaners can be adapted to include a flexible vacuum hose, which can form a portion of the working air conduit between a nozzle and the suction source.

The extraction cleaner 10 can include a fluid delivery system 12 for storing cleaning fluid and delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and a recovery system 14 for removing the spent cleaning fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and storing the spent cleaning fluid and debris.

The recovery system 14 is configured to remove liquid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and store the liquid and debris on the apparatus 10 for later disposal, and can include a recovery pathway having at least a dirty inlet and a clean air outlet. The pathway can be formed by, among other elements, a suction nozzle 16 defining the dirty inlet, a suction source 18 in fluid communication with the suction nozzle 16 for generating a working air stream, and at least one exhaust vent 19 (FIG. 5) defining the clean air outlet, and the recovery tank 20. The recovery tank 20 can define a portion of the recovery pathway, and can be disposed fluidly downstream of the suction nozzle 16 and upstream of the suction source 18. An optional separator 21 can be formed in a portion of the recovery tank 20 for separating fluid and entrained debris from the working airstream. Other arrangements for the recovery pathway are possible.

The suction source 18, such as a motor/fan assembly, is provided in fluid communication with the recovery tank 20. The suction source 18 can be electrically coupled to a power source 22, such as a battery or by a power cord plugged into a household electrical outlet. A suction power switch 24 between the suction source 18 and the power source 22 can be selectively closed by the user, thereby activating the suction source 18.

The recovery system 14 can also be provided with one or more additional filters upstream or downstream of the suction source 18. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a pre-motor filter 25 is provided in the recovery pathway downstream of the recovery tank 20 and upstream of the suction source 18. A post-motor filter (not shown) can be provided in the recovery pathway downstream of the suction source 18 and upstream of the exhaust vent 19.

The suction nozzle 16 can be provided on a base or cleaning head adapted to move over the surface to be cleaned and/or placed on the surface to be cleaned (such as in the embodiment of a portable extractor). An agitator 26 can be provided adjacent to the suction nozzle 16 for agitating the surface to be cleaned so that the debris is more easily ingested into the suction nozzle 16. Some examples of agitators include, but are not limited to, a horizontally-rotating brushroll, dual horizontally-rotating brushrolls, one or more vertically-rotating brushrolls, or a stationary brush.

In some embodiments, the extraction cleaner 10 can be provided with above-the-floor cleaning features. A vacuum hose 28 can be selectively fluidly coupled to the suction source 18 for above-the-floor cleaning using an above-the floor cleaning tool 30 having its own suction inlet configured to be coupled with the recovery tank 20 and its own fluid distributor configured to be coupled with the fluid delivery system 12. A diverter assembly 32 can be selectively switched between on-the-floor and above-the floor cleaning by diverting fluid communication between the suction source 18 and either the suction nozzle 16 or the vacuum hose 28. In other embodiments, the extraction cleaner 10 is not provided with above-the-floor cleaning features.

The fluid delivery system 12 is configured to deliver cleaning fluid from at least one supply tank 34 to a surface to be cleaned, and can include a fluid delivery or supply pathway. The supply tank 34 includes a supply chamber for holding cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid can comprise one or more of any suitable cleaning liquids, including, but not limited to, water, compositions, cleaning compositions (concentrated or diluted), treatment compositions (concentrated or diluted), pre and/or post-treatment compositions (concentrated or diluted), concentrated detergent, diluted detergent, etc., and mixtures thereof. For example, the liquid can comprise a mixture of water and concentrated detergent. Alternatively, supply tank 34 can include multiple supply chambers, such as one chamber containing water and another chamber containing a cleaning or treatment agent. As yet another alternative, the apparatus 10 can comprise multiple supply tanks. As still another alternative, the supply tank 34 can be a bladder inside the recovery tank 20. It is noted that while the apparatus 10 described herein is configured to deliver a cleaning liquid, aspects of the disclosure may be applicable to a cleaning apparatus that is configured to deliver steam and/or heated fluid to a surface to be cleaned. Thus, the term “cleaning fluid” may encompass both liquid and steam, and combinations thereof, unless otherwise noted.

The fluid delivery system 12 can further comprise a flow control system 36 for controlling the flow of fluid from the supply tank 34 to a fluid distributor 38. In one configuration, the flow control system 36 can comprise a pump 40 that pressurizes the system 12 and a flow control valve 42 that controls the delivery of fluid to the distributor 38.

An actuator 44 can be provided to actuate the flow control system 36 and dispense fluid to the distributor 38. The actuator 44 can be operably coupled to the valve 42 such that pressing the actuator 44 will open the valve 42. The valve 42 can be electrically actuated, such as by providing an electrical switch 46 between the valve 42 and the power source 22 that is selectively closed when the actuator 44 is pressed, thereby powering the valve 42 to move to an open position. In one example, the valve 42 can be a solenoid valve. In another example, the actuator 44 may be coupled with the valve 42 by a mechanical mechanism. The pump 40 can also be coupled with the power source 22.

The fluid distributor 38 can include at least one distributor outlet 48 for delivering fluid to the surface to be cleaned. The at least one distributor outlet 48 can be positioned to deliver fluid directly to the surface to be cleaned, or indirectly by delivering fluid onto the agitator 26. The at least one distributor outlet 48 can comprise any structure, such as a nozzle or spray tip; multiple outlets 48 can also be provided. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the distributor 38 can comprise two spray tips 48 that distribute cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. Other embodiments of fluid distributors are possible, such as a spray manifold having multiple outlets or a spray nozzle configured to spray cleaning fluid outwardly in front of the apparatus 10.

Optionally, a heater 50 can be provided for heating the cleaning fluid prior to delivering the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, an in-line heater 50 can be located downstream of the supply tank 34 and upstream of the pump 40. Other types of heaters 50 can also be used. In yet another example, the cleaning fluid can be heated using exhaust air from a motor-cooling pathway for the suction source 18.

As another option, the fluid delivery system can be provided with an additional tank 52 for storing a cleaning fluid. For example, the first supply tank 34 can store water and the second tank 52 can store a cleaning agent such as detergent. The tanks 34, 52 can, for example, be defined by a rigid container and/or a collapsible bladder. In one configuration, the first supply tank 34 can be a bladder that is provided within the recovery tank 20. Alternatively, a single container can define multiple chambers for different fluids.

In the case where multiple tanks 34, 52 are provided, the flow control system 36 can further be provided with a mixing system 54 for controlling the composition of the cleaning fluid that is delivered to the surface. The composition of the cleaning fluid can be determined by the ratio of cleaning fluids mixed together by the mixing system. As shown herein, the mixing system 54 includes a mixing manifold 56 that selectively receives fluid from one or both of the tanks 34, 52. A mixing valve 58 is fluidly coupled with an outlet of the second tank 52, whereby when mixing valve 58 is open, the second cleaning fluid will flow to the mixing manifold 56. By controlling the orifice of the mixing valve 58 or the time that the mixing valve 58 is open, the composition of the cleaning fluid that is delivered to the surface can be selected.

In yet another configuration of the fluid delivery system 12, the pump 40 can be eliminated and the flow control system 36 can comprise a gravity-feed system having a valve fluidly coupled with an outlet of the tank(s) 34, 52, whereby when the valve is open, fluid will flow under the force of gravity to the distributor 38. The valve can be mechanically actuated or electrically actuated, as described above.

The extraction cleaner 10 shown in FIG. 1 can be used to effectively remove debris and fluid from the surface to be cleaned in accordance with the following method. The sequence of steps discussed is for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to limit the method in any way as it is understood that the steps may proceed in a different logical order, additional or intervening steps may be included, or described steps may be divided into multiple steps, without detracting from the invention.

In operation, the extraction cleaner 10 is prepared for use by coupling the extraction cleaner 10 to the power source 22, and by filling the supply tank 34, and optionally the second tank 52, with cleaning fluid. Cleaning fluid is selectively delivered to the surface to be cleaned via the fluid delivery system 12 by user-activation of the actuator 44, while the extraction cleaner 10 is moved back and forth over the surface. The agitator 26 can simultaneously agitate the cleaning fluid into the surface to be cleaned. During operation of the recovery system 14, the extraction cleaner 10 draws in fluid and debris-laden working air through the suction nozzle 16 or cleaning tool 30, depending on the position of the diverter assembly 32, and into the downstream recovery tank 20 where the fluid debris is substantially separated from the working air. The airstream then passes through the suction source 18 prior to being exhausted from the extraction cleaner 10. During or after a cleaning operation, it may be desired to empty the recovery tank 20 of collected fluid and debris. To facilitate emptying the collected fluid and debris, the recovery tank 20 is removably mounted on a housing of the apparatus 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the apparatus 10 can be an upright extraction cleaner having a housing that includes an upright handle assembly or body 60 and a cleaning head or base 62 mounted to or coupled with the upright body 60 and adapted for movement across a surface to be cleaned. The various systems and components schematically described for FIG. 1, including the fluid delivery system 12 and fluid recovery system 14 can be supported by either or both the base 62 and the upright body 60.

For purposes of description related to the figures, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inner,” “outer,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 2 from the perspective of a user behind the apparatus 10, which defines the rear of the apparatus 10. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary.

The upright body 60 is pivotally mounted to the base 62 by a joint assembly (not shown). The upright body 60 can pivot about an axis between an upright or storage position, an example of which is shown in FIG. 2, and a reclined or use position (not shown) in which the upright body 60 is pivoted rearwardly relative to the base 62 to form an acute angle with the surface to be cleaned. In this position, a user can partially support the apparatus by holding a hand grip 68. The joint assembly can alternatively comprise a universal joint, such that the upright body 60 can pivot about at least two axes relative to the base 62. Wiring and/or conduits can optionally supply electricity, air and/or liquid (or other fluids) between the base 62 and the upright body 60, or vice versa, and can extend though the joint assembly.

The upright body 60 includes a main support section or frame 64 supporting components of the fluid delivery system 12, including, but not limited to, the supply tank 34. The upright body 60 also has an elongated handle 66 extending upwardly from the frame 64 that is provided with a hand grip 68 at one end that can be used for maneuvering the extraction cleaner 10 over a surface to be cleaned. The upright body 60 is moveable with respect to the base 62. More specifically, the upright body 60 can be pivoted with respect to the base 62. The hand grip 68 can include an actuator 44 in the form of a trigger operably coupled with the switch 46 (FIG. 1) to control the dispensing of fluid. Other actuators for the fluid delivery system, such as a thumb switch, can be provided instead of the trigger.

Referring to FIGS. 3-4, the frame 64 can have a yoked spine section or a yoke section 70 with an inverted U-shape, having first and second legs 72, 74. The legs 72, 74 are spaced apart, and can extend generally parallel to each other as shown in the figures. In other embodiments, the legs 72, 74 can extend away from each other in a direction toward the base 62. The lower ends of the legs 72, 74 can couple with the base 62, and can pivot up and down as previously described. The handle 66 can generally extend upwardly from the yoke section 70.

The yoke section 70 can include a power button 76 operably coupled with the switch 24 (FIG. 1) to selectively activate the suction source 18. Other actuators for the suction source 18, such as a toggle, can be provided instead of the power button 76. The power source 22 can comprise a power cord extending from the yoke section 70. The power cord can emerge from a location above the legs 72, 74 on a rear side of the apparatus 10. Other locations for the power cord are possible. In some aspects, the apparatus 10 may include a battery system in addition to or instead of a power cord.

A receiver 78 for the supply tank 34 can be disposed at the top of the yoke section 70 and supports the supply tank 34 on the upright body 60. In the illustrated example, the tank receiver 78 is configured to support the supply tank 34 on the upright body 60 and above the recovery tank 20, which is located on the base 62. The tank receiver 78 includes a platform that is provided on top of the yoke section 70 for supporting the tank 34 thereon and can optionally nest a lower portion of the tank 34, but leaves a majority of the tank 34 visible to the user. The handle 66 may also provide support for the supply tank 34. The tank receiver 78 may further include features for fluidly coupling the supply tank 34 with the fluid delivery system 12. For example, the tank receiver 78 may include a valve seat 80 that receives and open a valve 81 on the supply tank 34.

Referring to FIG. 5, the base 62 includes a base housing 82 supporting components of the fluid delivery system 12 and the recovery system 14, including, but not limited to, the suction nozzle 16, the suction source 18, the recovery tank 20, the agitator 26, the pump 40, and the fluid distributor 38. Wheels 84 at least partially support the base housing 82 for movement over the surface to be cleaned.

The suction nozzle 16 can be provided at the front of the base 62 and is adapted to be adjacent the surface to be cleaned as the base 62 moves across a surface. The agitator 26, which in the embodiment shown is a horizontally-rotating brushroll, is positioned behind the suction nozzle 16, within an agitator chamber 86. The suction nozzle 16 is positioned to recover liquid and debris directly from the floor surface. In other embodiments, the brushroll 26 can be inside the recovery pathway, for example with the suction nozzle 16 positioned to recover liquid and debris from the brushroll 26.

The brushroll 26 can be operatively coupled with a motor 88 of the suction source 18 via a transmission 90, which can include one or more belts, gears, shafts, pulleys, or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, a separate brush motor can be provided to drive the brushroll 26.

The pump 40 may also be operatively coupled with the motor 88 of the suction source 18 via the same transmission 90 driving the brushroll 26, or a separate transmission. In the embodiment shown, the pump 40 is located in a pump chamber 92 between the agitator chamber 86 and the suction source 18, although other locations for the pump 40 are possible. In other embodiments, a separate pump motor can be provided to drive the pump 40.

The fluid distributor 38 includes a spray bar having a plurality of distributor outlets 48 that dispense cleaning fluid onto the brushroll 26. A delivery pathway for the delivery system can extend from the fluid distributor 38 to the supply tank 34 in the upright body 60. The pump 40 may form a portion of the delivery pathway.

Referring to FIGS. 3-4, in one embodiment, the delivery pathway for the fluid delivery system 12 can extend through the first leg 72 of the yoke section 70. The delivery pathway can include a conduit 94 carrying cleaning fluid from the valve seat 80 to the pump 40 in the base 62. The conduit 94 may be made up of one or more flexible and/or rigid sections, including at least one section of a flexible hose or tubing that flexes as the upright body 60 is pivoted relative to the base 62. The first leg 72 can comprise a chase or other routing features large enough to accommodate the conduit 94.

A wiring harness 96 supplying power and/or control signals to at least one electrical component in the base 62 can extend through the second leg 74 of the yoke section 70, thereby isolating the wiring harness 96 from the fluid conduit 94 routed through the other leg 72. The wiring harness 96 can, for example, electrically couple the motor 88 to the switch 24, and delivers electricity to the motor 88 from the power source 22. The second leg 74 can comprise a chase or other routing features large enough to accommodate the wiring harness 96. In other embodiments, the wiring harness 96 can alternatively or additionally deliver power and/or control signals to other electrical components in the base 62, including, but not limited to, the pump 40, a brush motor for the agitator 26, and/or a headlight.

The recovery tank 20 can include a tank body 98 defining a recovery chamber and optionally the separator 21 comprising an air/liquid separator assembly within the recovery chamber. At least a portion of the tank body 98 can be formed of a transparent or tinted translucent material, which permits a user to view the contents of the recovery tank 20. A handle 102 can be provided on the tank body 98, which facilitates removing and carrying the recovery tank 20. The handle 102 can be provided near the top of the tank body 98, although other locations are possible.

The tank body 98 has an opening through which the separator 21 is inserted into and removed from the recovery chamber. The opening can be provided on a bottom wall of the tank body 98, such that the separator 21 is inserted through the opening and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The tank body 98 can be provided with a separate opening for emptying the tank body 98, so that the separator 21 does not have to be removed every time the recovery tank 20 is emptied. The opening for emptying the recovery tank 20 in the illustrated embodiment is provided on an upper portion of the tank body 98 and is covered by a removable cover 104.

When present, the separator 21 is configured to be easily removable from the tank body 98 by a user. This permits the separator 21 to be disassembled and cleaned more thoroughly as needed. A coupling between the tank body 98 and the separator 21 can be provided for facilitating easy separation of the two components. As shown herein, the coupling comprises a threaded collar 106, which screws onto a threaded neck on the bottom wall of the tank body 98 which defines the opening through which the separator 21 is inserted.

The separator 21 includes a stack 108 for guiding air and liquid through the tank body 98 and a float assembly 110 for selectively closing the suction path through the tank body 98. The stack 108 includes an inlet column 112 that receives recovered air and liquid from the suction nozzle 16 through a lower inlet port 114 and opens into the interior of the tank body 98, and an outlet column 116 that passes substantially clean air, and substantially no liquid, to the suction source 18 through a lower outlet port 118. The outlet column 116 includes an air entrance port 120 at an upper end of the outlet column 116, and which is blocked by the float assembly 110 when a liquid level in the tank body 98 reaches a predetermined level.

Referring to FIGS. 3-4, a receiver 122 for the recovery tank 20 can be disposed at a top of the base 62 and supports the recovery tank 20 on the base 62. The yoke section 70 straddles the tank receiver 122, with the legs 72, 74 on either side of the tank 20. In the illustrated example, the tank receiver 122 is configured to support the recovery tank 20 generally below the supply tank 34, which is located on the upright body 60. In the upright or storage position (FIG. 2), the recovery tank 20 is below the supply tank 34, with legs 72, 74 extending alongside the lateral sides of the recovery tank 20. In a reclined or use position (not shown) in which the upright body 60 is pivoted rearwardly relative to the base 62, the recovery tank 20 remains in the same position, while the supply tank 34 travels rearwardly with the upright body 60.

The tank receiver 122 includes a platform 124 that is provided on top of the base housing 82 for supporting the tank 20 thereon and can include an upwardly-extending perimeter 126, which may be integral with the base housing 82, that nests a lower portion of the tank 20, but leaves a majority of the tank 20 visible to the user. The perimeter 126 may extend around at least a portion of a perimeter of the tank 20, when the tank 20 is nested with the tank receiver 122.

The tank receiver 122 may further include features for fluidly coupling the recovery tank 20 with the recovery system 14. A tank port 128 and a suction port 130 can be formed in the tank receiver 122, such as in the platform 124, and fluidly couple with the inlet port 114 and outlet port 118, respectively, of the separator 21 when the recovery tank 20 is seated within the tank receiver 122. A first seal 132 can provide a fluid-tight interface between the tank port 128 and the inlet port 114. A second seal 134 can provide a fluid-tight interface between the suction port 130 and the outlet port 118.

The suction nozzle 16 can fluidly communicate with the recovery tank 20 through the tank port 128. At least a portion of the recovery pathway between the suction nozzle 16 and the tank 20 can be formed by a conduit 136 extending through the base housing 82. The conduit 136 be routed above the pump 40 and/or suction source 18 to the tank port 128 in the receiver 122.

The recovery tank 20 can fluidly communicate with the suction source 18 through the suction port 130. The suction port 130 can include a grid or latticework that allows working air to flow therethrough, and which prevents large objects from falling into the motor housing when the tank 20 is removed.

A recovery tank latch 138 can be provided on the recovery tank receiver 122 and secures the recovery tank 20 to the base 62. The recovery tank latch 138 can be configured to releasably latch or retain, but not lock, the recovery tank 20 to the base 62, such that a user can conveniently apply sufficient force to the tank 20 itself to pull the tank 20 off the base 62. The latch 138 is arranged to operate so that a user can, if desired, grab the tank 20 in one hand, for instance by the handle 102, and pull the tank 20 away from the base 62. Similarly, the user can install the tank 20 one-handed. In various aspects, the recovery tank latch 138 can facilitate alignment, correct installation, and/or better sealing of the recovery tank 20. The recovery tank latch 138 can be disposed on the tank receiver 122 such that the latch 138 is hidden when the tank 20 is seated in the receiver 122.

In the embodiment shown, where the recovery tank 20 sits atop the base housing 82, the latch 138 can be mounted to the base housing 82 in a position to interact with a portion of the tank 20. More specifically, the latch 138 can be provided on the platform 124 and/or perimeter 126 of the tank receiver 122 to interact with a lower portion of the tank 20 that nests within the receiver 122, which conceals the latch 138 when the tank 20 is mounted. In the embodiment shown, the receiver perimeter 126 includes a front wall 140 and the latch 138 is provided on an inwardly-facing side of the front wall 140. Other locations for the latch 138 are possible. For example, the latch 138 can be provided on an inwardly facing side of a side wall of the receiver perimeter 126 or an intersection between a side wall and the front wall 140. In addition, while only a single latch 138 is described, in some aspects, multiple latches 138 may be provided.

Referring to FIG. 6, the perimeter 126 can include a latch receptacle 142 formed therein for mounting the latch 138. More specifically, the receptacle 142 can be provided below an upper rim of the perimeter 126, and can include an opening 144 through the inwardly-facing side of the front wall 140. The latch 138 can be at least partially retained within the latch receptacle 142, with a portion of the latch 138 projecting through the opening 144 to interact with the recovery tank 20. With the latch receptacle 142 below the upper rim of the perimeter 126, the latch 138 is hidden when the tank 20 is seated in the receiver 122.

The bottom of the tank body 98 can be shaped to rest on the platform 124 of the receiver 122. A catch 146 can project from a portion of the body 98 at or generally adjacent to the bottom of the body 98. The catch 146 is retained by the latch 138 to hold the recovery tank 20 in the tank receiver 122. The catch 146 can be disposed on the tank body 98 (such as, on the bottom of the tank body 98, for example), such that the catch 146 is hidden when the tank 20 is seated in the receiver 122. In one example, the catch 146 can be formed integrally with the tank body 98. For example, the recovery tank 20 can have a blow-molded tank body 98 with the catch 146 formed integrally with the tank body 98. In another example, the catch 146 may be formed separately from the tank body 98 and coupled with tank body 98 by a mechanical or non-mechanical fastener. In one example, the catch 146 can be an injection molded part, separate from the tank body 98. The catch 146 can be hook-shaped, with an angled end 148 projecting toward the inwardly-facing side of the front wall 140.

The latch 138 can include a latch member 150 moveable along a latch axis 152 and a biasing member 154 configured to bias the latch member 150 outwardly from the receptacle 142 in a generally lateral or horizontal direction, along the latch axis 152. The latch 138 can include a spring-biased latch, and the biasing member 154 can specifically comprise a spring, such as a coil spring.

The latch receptacle 142 can define a cavity in which the latch member 150 moves back and forth along the latch axis 152. The biasing member 154 is retained between the latch member 150 and the latch receptacle 142.

The latch member 150 can be constrained by the latch receptacle 142 for axial movement along the latch axis 152. In one example, the latch axis 152 is disposed above the seals 132, 134, and may intersect a lower portion of the stack 108, and can further intersect the collar 106. With the latch axis 152 disposed above the seals 132, 134, the latching of the tank 20 may help compress the tank ports 114, 118 against the seals 132, 134.

At its outer end, the latch member 150 comprises a first or upper angled surface 158 and a second or lower angled surface 160, with the surfaces 158, 160 being angled relative to the latch axis 152. The first or upper angled surface 158 acts as a lead-in portion for engaging the end 148 of the catch 146 during installation of the tank 20. The second or lower angled surface 160 can overlie the end 148 of the catch 146 to retain the tank 20 once installed. It is also contemplated that the first and/or second surfaces 158, 160 of the latch member 150 can include horizontally or laterally projecting portions that extend parallel to the latch axis 152, rather than being oblique to the latch axis 152 as shown.

The latch member 150 or latch receptacle 142 can include a stop to prevent the latch member 150 from projecting beyond a predetermined extended position. In the embodiment shown, the latch member 150 includes a shoulder 162 that interacts with an edge of the opening 144 to limit the extension of the latch member 150 under the biasing force of the biasing member 154. The shoulder 162 can be disposed inwardly of the angled surfaces 158, 160, relative to the latch axis 152, such that the angled surfaces 158, 160 project beyond the opening 144 in the predetermined extended position of the latch member 150.

During latching, the front of the tank 20 is pushed shown and the catch 146 rides over the upper angled surface 158 of latch member 150 and forces the latch member 150 to retract and compress the biasing member 154. Forcing the catch 146 past the upper angled surface 158 releases the biasing member 154, which forces the latch member 150 to extend back out and into a latched position with the catch 146. One non-limiting example of the latched position is shown in FIG. 6, in which the outer end of the latch member 150 overlies the hooked end 148 of the catch 146.

To unlatch the recovery tank 20, the tank 20 is pulled up, the catch 146 rides over the lower angled surface 160 of the latch member 150 and forces the latch member 150 to retract and compress the biasing member 154. The catch 146 eventually clears the latch member 150, thereby releasing the tank 20 from the latch 138.

Referring to FIG. 7, a pocket 164 can be provided on the recovery tank receiver 122 and can help center and secure a rear portion of the recovery tank 20 within the tank receiver 122 during installation. More specifically, the pocket 164 can be provided on a rear portion of the platform 124 and/or perimeter 126 of the tank receiver 122 to interact with a lower rear portion of the tank 20 that nests within the receiver 122, which conceals the pocket 164 when the tank 20 is mounted. In the embodiment shown, the receiver perimeter 126 includes a rear wall 166 and the pocket 164 is provided on an inwardly-facing side of the rear wall 166 in a position to interact with a rear portion of the tank 20. Other locations for the pocket 164 are possible.

A protrusion 168 can project from the rear of the tank body 98. The protrusion 168 is shaped and configured to seat within the pocket 164 to hold the rear of the recovery tank 20 in place on the tank receiver 122, and prevents dislocation of rear of the tank 20 during installation of the tank 20 on the base 62 and during operation of the apparatus 10. With the protrusion 168 on the rear of the tank body 98, the protrusion 168 is hidden when the tank 20 is seated in the receiver 122. In one example, the protrusion 168 can be formed integrally with the tank body 98. For example, the recovery tank 20 can have a blow molded tank body 98 with the protrusion 168 integrally formed with the tank body 98. In another example, the protrusion 168 may be provided as part of a separate component that is coupled with the tank body 98 through a mechanical fastener (e.g., snap-fit, interference fit) or non-mechanical fastener (e.g., an adhesive or weld).

The pocket 164 can include an undercut 170 that overlies the protrusion 168. With the tank 20 installed as shown in FIG. 7, the protrusion 168 on the tank 20 seats within the pocket 164 and is at least partially retained by the undercut 170, with the undercut 170 blocking the rear of the tank 20 from lifting up.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, installation of the recovery tank 20 is shown. During installation of the recovery tank 20, the tank 20 is initially held at angle as shown in FIG. 8, and the protrusion 168 on the rear of the tank 20 slides back and down into the rear pocket 164 of the receiver 122, generally as indicated by arrow A. This helps to center the tank 20 and provides tactile feedback to the user that the tank 20 has been inserted far enough for latching. The front of the tank 20 is pushed downward, as shown in FIG. 9 and generally as indicated by arrow B, to engage the catch 146 with the latch 138 and secure the tank 20 to the base 62. One non-limiting example of the latched position is shown in FIG. 6.

To remove the recovery tank 20, the user can apply sufficient force to the tank 20, such as by gripping the handle 102, and pulling the tank 20 up and out of the receiver 122. As the tank 20 is pulled up, the latch 138 releases the tank, allowing the tank 20 to be lifted away from the base 62. As the recovery tank 20 is lifted upward and the latch 138 disengages the catch 146, the recovery tank 20 can be slid in a forward direction to disengage the protrusion 168 from the pocket 164.

In some embodiments, the location of the latch 138 and the pocket 164 and the location of the catch 146 and the protrusion 168 may be reversed. For example, the latch 138 can be provided rear wall 166 and the pocket 164 can be provided in the front wall 140 of the receiver 122, while the catch 146 is provided on a rear side of the body 98 and the protrusion 168 is provided on a front side of the body 98. Such a configuration may be useful in embodiments in which the recovery tank 20 is removed from the receiver 122 by pulling the recovery tank 20 upward and then in a rearward direction.

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 surface cleaning apparatus 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. Thus, the various features of the different embodiments may be mixed and matched in various vacuum cleaner configurations as desired to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are expressly described.

Furthermore, while the various embodiments illustrated herein show and describe the apparatus 10 as an upright extraction cleaner, aspects of the invention may be used on other types of extraction cleanings, including canister devices, portable extractors, or commercial extraction cleaners. Still further, aspects of the invention may also be used on surface cleaning apparatus other than extraction cleaners, such as a vacuum cleaner or steam cleaner. A vacuum cleaner typically does not deliver or extract liquid, but rather is used for collecting relatively dry debris, which may include dirt, dust, stains, soil, hair, and other debris from a surface. A steam cleaner generates steam for delivery to the surface to be cleaned, either directly or via cleaning pad. Some steam cleaners collect liquid in the pad, or may extract liquid using suction force.

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 compounds, compositions, 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.

SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS

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