BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates to extractor cleaning machines and, more particularly, to supply tanks for extractor cleaning machines.

[0002] An extractor cleaning machine typically includes a supply tank that dispenses premixed water and detergent for cleaning a surface. Some extractor cleaning machines include two separate tanks for water and for detergent such that the water and detergent are mixed at a preset ratio within the machine. Typically, the extractor includes a vacuum motor and fan assembly that generates suction to draw the mixture from the floor through a nozzle and into a recovery tank. The dirty mixture and air are separated in the recovery tank of the extractor and the dirty mixture is stored in the recovery tank and the air is discharged to atmosphere.

SUMMARY

[0003] In one embodiment, the invention provides an extractor cleaning machine including a main body movable along a surface to be cleaned. The main body includes a first distribution nozzle and a suction nozzle. The extractor cleaning machine further includes a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. The suction source is operable to draw a cleaning fluid from the surface through the suction nozzle. The extractor cleaning machine further includes a recovery tank in fluid communication with the suction source and the suction nozzle. The recovery tank stores the cleaning fluid drawn through the suction nozzle. The extractor cleaning machine further includes a supply tank assembly including a tank configured to store the cleaning fluid, a second distribution nozzle, and an actuator operable to selectively discharge the cleaning fluid from the tank to the surface through the second distribution nozzle.

[0004] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

1

INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art extractor cleaning machine.

[0006] Fig. 2 is a partially exploded view of the extractor cleaning machine shown in Fig. 1.

[0007] Fig. 3 is a partially exploded view of an extractor cleaning machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0008] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Fig. 1 illustrates an extractor cleaning machine 20 (hereinafter referred to simply as an "extractor"). In the illustrated embodiment, the extractor 20 is an upright extractor operable to clean a surface such as, for example, a floor. In other embodiments, the extractor 20 may be, for example, a canister-type extractor, a handheld extractor, or a portable carpet cleaner. In some embodiments, the extractor 20 is adapted to clean a variety of surfaces, such as carpets, hardwood floors, tiles, or the like. The extractor 20 distributes or sprays a cleaning fluid (e.g., water, detergent, or a mixture of water and detergent) onto the surface to clean the surface. The extractor 20 then draws the cleaning fluid and dirt off of the surface, leaving the surface relatively clean and dry.

[0010] The illustrated extractor 20 includes a main body 22 having a base or foot 24 and a handle 28 that is pivotally coupled to the base 24. A suction source is supported by the base 24, and a recovery' tank 36 is coupled to the base 24. A distributor is supported by the handle 28, and a supply tank 44 is coupled to the handle 28. The base 24 is movable along the surface to be cleaned and supports the other components of the extractor 20. Two wheels 48 (only one of which is shown in Fig. 1) are coupled to the base 24 to facilitate movement of the base 24 along the surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the wheels 48 are idle wheels. In other embodiments, the wheels 48 may be driven wheels.

2

INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) [0011] The base 24 includes a distribution nozzle, a suction nozzle 56, and a brush assembly. The distribution nozzle is coupled to the lower surface of the base 24 to direct cleaning fluid toward the surface. The suction nozzle 56 is also coupled to the base 24 to draw fluid and dirt from the surface into the recoveiy tank 36. The brush assembly is coupled to the lower surface of the base 24 adjacent the nozzle 56 to scrub the surface. In some embodiments, the brush assembly may be electrically or pneumatically rotated to agitate and scrub the surface.

[0012] The illustrated handle 28 is pivotally coupled to and extends from the base 24. The handle 28 is pivotable or tiltable relative to the base 24 from the generally vertical storage position shown in Fig. 1 to an infinite number of generally non-vertical inclined operating positions. Pivoting the handle 28 to an operating position facilitates moving the base 24 along the surface. In the illustrated embodiment, when the handle 28 is in the upright position, the supply tank 44 is above and over the recovery tank 36. The handle 28 supports a trigger 64 that is actuatable to spray cleaning fluid from the supply tank 44 through the distribution nozzle and onto the surface. The handle 28 also supports an accessory hose 68 that is connectable to a variety of hand-held tools.

[0013] The suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle 56 to draw fluid and dirt from the surface through the nozzle 56. In some embodiments, the suction source includes an electric motor that rotates a fan to generate a vacuum to draw the fluid and dirt through the nozzle 56.

[0014] The recovery tank 36 is in fluid communication with the suction source and the suction nozzle 56 to receive and store the fluid and dirt drawn through the nozzle 56. The illustrated recoveiy tank 36 is removably coupled to and supported by the base 24. In other embodiments, the recovery tank 36 may be supported by the handle 28.

[0015] The distributor is in fluid communication with the distribution nozzle and transports cleaning fluid from the supply tank 44 to the surface through the distribution nozzle. In some embodiments, the distributor may include a pump, a valve, and conduits connecting the supply tank 44, the valve, and the pump to transport and control the flow of cleaning fluid to the distribution nozzle. In some embodiments, the distributor may not include the pump such that cleaning fluid is gravity-fed from the supply tank 44 to the distribution nozzle.

3

INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) [0016] The supply tank 44 is supported on the handle 28 to supply the cleaning fluid to the distribution nozzle. The supply tank 44 is removable from the handle 28 to facilitate filling or emptying the tank 44. In other embodiments, the supply tank 44 may be supported on the base 24.

[0017] The tank 44 further includes an inlet aperture 60 that is covered by a cap 62 to allow selective access to the tank 44 and allow the user to fill and empty the tank 44. The tank 44 further includes a handle 64, and the illustrated handle 64 includes a latching mechanism 66 to releasably secure the supply tank 44 to the handle 28.

[0018] The tank 44 also includes an outlet valve 70 to selectively allow fluid flow out of the tank 44. In one embodiment, the outlet valve 70 is a poppet valve that is automatically opened when the supply tank 44 is connected to the main body 22 and automatically closes when the supply tank 44 is removed. In other embodiments, other suitable valves may also or alternatively be employed.

[0019] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the handle of the extractor includes a tank tray 72. The tank try 72 includes an inlet 74 for the fluid distribution system. A projection 76 extends from the inlet 74. The projection 76 contacts the poppet valve 70 to open the poppet valve 70 when the tank 44 is attached to the handle 28 as illustrated in Fig. 1. Therefore, the tank 44 and the fluid distribution system are in fluid communication when the tank 44 is attached to the handle 44.

[0020] Fig. 3 illustrates an extractor 120. The extractor 120 includes features similar to the extractor 20 of Figs. 1 - 2 and like components have been given like reference numbers plus 100 and only differences between the extractors 20 and 120 will be discussed in detail. The extractor 120 includes a supply tank assembly 144. The supply tank assembly 144 includes a tank 180, a second fluid distributor 182, and a pump 184.

[0021] The tank 180 includes an inlet 160 for filling the tank 180 and an outlet valve 170. The outlet valve 170 is similar to the outlet valve 70 described above and may be configured to automatically open when the tank 180 is attached to the handle 128.

[0022] The second fluid distributor 182 includes a coupling 186, a hose 188, an actuator 190, and a distribution nozzle 192. The coupling 186 is a threaded coupling in one embodiment and attaches the distributor 182 to the tank 180. The hose 188 extends from the

4

INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6) coupling 186 to the actuator 190. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 190 is a trigger that is squeezed by the user to open a valve or actuate the pump 184 or a combination thereof enabling the cleaning fluid to flow out of the second fluid distributor 182.

[0023] The pump 184 may be a hand operated piston or rotary pump. Alternatively, the pump 184 may be powered by a battery or other electrical connection. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the pump 184 is a hand operated pump that extends through the inlet 160 of the tank 180. The pump 184 includes a pump actuator 194 to selectively operate the pump, which is a handle in the illustrated embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 194 is movable relative to the tank 180 to operate the pump 184 to pressurize the tank 180. In other embodiments, the pump actuator 194 may be a switch operated by the actuator 190 to actuate an electric pump.

[0024] In operation, with the tank assembly 144 attached to the handle 128, the user squeezes the trigger 164 to spray cleaning solution from the tank 180 through a primary or main spray nozzle located on the base 124 of the extractor 120 adjacent the suction nozzle 156. The user can also use the second distribution nozzle 192 to selectively apply a spray to the surface to be cleaned, for example, to a particularly dirty spot on carpeting or the like. The supply tank assembly 144 may be detached or uncoupled from the main body 122 of the extractor 120 for portable use. In one embodiment, the tank assembly 144 is coupled to the main body 122 using a latch. Optionally, the user may unlatch the tank assembly 144 and remove the tank assembly 144 from the main body 122. Then, by lowering and raising the pump actuator 194 relative to the tank 180 the user pumps air into the tank 180 to pressurize the tank 180. Then, the user directs the nozzle 192 toward the surface to be cleaned and squeezes the trigger 190 to spray cleaning solution from the tank 180 onto the surface. When the user is finished, the user reattaches the supply tank assembly 144 to the main body 122. The user can recover the sprayed cleaning solution into the recovery tank 136 and dry the surface using the extractor 120 with or without the supply tank assembly 144 attached to the main body 122. In an alternative method with an electric pump, the user squeezes the trigger 190 to activate the pump and dispense cleaning solution from the nozzle 192.

[0025] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described.

5

INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (RULE 20.6)