AU2798101A - Vacuum cleaner attachments for vacuuming liquids - Google Patents

Description

-1- Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT, 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor: Address for service in Australia: Invention Title: Wah Hang Alfred Yuen Wah Hang Alfred Yuen A J PARK, Level 11, 60 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra ACT 2601 Vacuum Cleaner Attachments for Vacuuming Liquids The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us -2- TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention broadly relates to vacuum cleaner attachments for vacuuming liquids and in particular relates to an invention which allows it to be connected to a standard vacuum cleaner via a standard suction hose of a domestic vacuum cleaner.

BACKGROUND ART There are vacuum cleaners designed to allow for the suction of liquids in existence. Such are normally large and bulky machines usually designed for commercial applications such as the removal of water from surfaces such as car parks, sports fields, warehouses or other places where casual or flood waters are to be removed.

S 5. Such vacuum cleaners are normally designed for commercial application and are impractical and expense for household applications.

The features of such commercial machines also do not allow for these to simply be incorporated with existing ordinary domestic vacuum cleaners and there is a need for domestic vacuum cleaners which have already been purchased by a consumer, to be adaptable to allow for these to function in wet applications.

In modem homes, nearly every household has a vacuum cleaner but the majority of them can only provide dry suction. In order to achieve a satisfactory result in carpet cleaning, whether for spot cleaning or wall-wall carpet cleaning, a wet vacuum cleaner must be used.

Wet vacuum cleaners normally available in the market come with wet and dry capability but they usually cost 2-3 times as much as the 'dry only' vacuums with the same capacity.

A lot of people would hesitate to spend the extra money in purchasing a wet/dry vacuum for the occasional application and make their existing dry vacuum redundant unless it has broken down beyond repair.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide vacuum cleaner attachment for vacuuming liquids that can be simply and quickly attached to a suction hose of a convention domestic vacuum cleaner for the use and vacuuming liquids and/or which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect the present invention consists in a vacuum cleaner attachment for attaching to a suction conduit of a domestic vacuum cleaner to collect and hold liquid sucked up from a surface by the vacuum cleaner, said attachment comprising: a container including a liquid collection chamber for holding the liquid and an exit chamber for said container located substantially above the liquid collection chamber a dividing means (preferably substantially horizontally extending plate) for dividing said container into said liquid collection chamber and said exit chamber, said inlet fitting including a pipe extending horizontally into said liquid collection chamber and having an end portion for diverting inward fluid flow vertically into said collection chamber, an outlet fitting in said exit chamber for fluid connection of said exit chamber 15 with a hose leading to a suction nozzle for suction of said liquid by said vacuum *cleaner at least one passage in said plate between said liquid collection chamber and .said exit chamber, a float-controlled valve including a float within said liquid collection chamber vertically guided and adapted to close said passage to thereby shut off said exit chamber from said liquid collection chamber when the liquid collected in said liquid collection chamber reaches a predetermined level wherein a first fluid deflection surface is provided extending downwardly from said plate into said liquid collection chamber at a location which would have been the shortest most flow path of fluid between the end portion of said pipe and said passage, and wherein a second fluid deflection surface is provided extending from said plate into said exit chamber at a location which would have been the shortest most flow path of between the outlet fitting and said passage.

Preferably said liquid collection chamber is of an outwardly tapered bucket shape having a base portion adapted to allow for the attachment to be supported on a ground surface.

Preferably said liquid collection chamber and said exit chamber are removable engagable from each other and wherein the plate there between is a separately removable member, removable upon the disengagement of the exit chamber from the collection chamber.

Preferably the end portion of said inlet fitting diverts the inward fluid flow vertically upward into said collection chamber.

Preferably said outlet fitting is provided to the exit chamber such that fluid exit from said exit chamber occurs at the upper most region of said chamber.

Preferably said float controlled valve is actuable by said float as a result of an intermediate connection rod therebetween.

Preferably said first fluid deflection surface is of an arcuate shape provided about at least that portion of the passage which resides on the same arc at which the inlet fitting is provided to the liquid collection chamber.

Preferably said first fluid deflection surface is of a semi-circular shape cylindrical member covering a 1800 arc about the passage.

Preferably the second fluid deflection surface extends at an acute angle to the substantially horizontally extending plate.

Preferably said liquid collection chamber and said exit chamber are threadingly 15 engagable with each other about a substantially vertical axis of rotation.

Preferably the attachment is substantially a closed bucket shape wherein the upper closure is of a substantially dome shaped nature.

Preferably a manifold baffle member is provided extending downwardly into the liquid collection chamber from the plate and provided about the passage.

Preferably said manifold baffle provides a vertical guide to provide the guided movement of the float controlled valve. Preferably said float is disposed on such a level that said sealing of said passage occurs when the liquid level in said chamber corresponds to about 60% of the height of the chamber.

Preferably fluid communication between said exit chamber and said suction 0 0: hose is controlled by a valve movable between a first and second condition wherein the first condition, will allow fluid to flow from said exit chamber, to a condition wherein such flow is prevented.

Preferably a pressure relief opening is provided downstream of said valve which is in an open condition when said valve is in said second condition, and is in a closed condition, when said valve is in said first condition.

Preferably said pressure relief opening is controlled by a pressure relief valve dependably moveable from said valve.

Preferably said pressure relief valve moves inside of said pressure relief opening and has a complementary perimeter surface thereto, save for a surface relief which becomes aligned with the perimeter of the opening to thereby allow fluid to flow to occur therethrough.

In a second aspect the present invention consists in a vacuum cleaner attachment for attaching to a suction conduit of a domestic vacuum cleaner to be moved by a person to a location where liquid is to be sucked up from a surface and to be collected thereby, said attachment comprising: a substantially cylindrical (tapered or not) body having an liquid collection chamber and an exit chamber located above and separated from said liquid collection chamber by a filter attachment means on said body for attaching a suction hose of a vacuum cleaner to said body for fluid communication of said vacuum cleaner to draw a vacuum within the body a rigid elongate tube having two distal end openings and extending substantially centrally from within said liquid collection chamber through the lower most region of said body to a suction nozzle at the lower most distal end opening of said tube said suction nozzle adapted to suck liquid from the surface to draw said 15 liquid into said liquid collection chamber S' wherein the other distal end opening of said tube is located above the lower most level of the liquid collection chamber and above the level at which the liquid level to be collected is allowed to rise, and wherein a fluid deflection surface is provided to be positioned at a location to intersect what would have been the shortest most flow path between the end portion of said pipe and said filter.

o oo ooo* Preferably said filter locates against a perforate body extending across the cylindrical body wherein said perforate member is located on the exit chamber side of 00. said body.

S 25 Preferably said liquid collection chamber and said exit chamber are threadingly engagable with each other but can be separate to thereby provide access to a removable of said filter.

Preferably the deflection surface extends from the distal end of the tube, or from the filter.

In a further aspect the present invention consist in an attachment for a vacuum cleaner as herein described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One preferred form of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Figure 1 is a transparent view of one preferred form of the present invention which is of a substantially cylindrical (preferably tapered) body having a lower inlet and upper air outlet for the connection to a suction hose of a vacuum cleaner, Figure 2 illustrates the upper opening of the pipe extending into the liquid .:ooo) collection chamber of the device of Figure 1, Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the upper regions of the liquid 15 collection chamber and filter to separate the chamber with an upper exit chamber with which an outlet for the connection to a suction hose of a vacuum cleaner can be provided, Figure 4 is a sectional view through the filter, Figure 5 is a perspective view of an altemrnative form of invention consisting of a bucket-type vacuum cleaner attachment means for the purposes of separating water from the airflow, Figure 6 is a sectional view through a vertical section of the bucket type vacuum cleaner attachment as shown in Figure 5 to illustrate the internal features and airflow, 25 Figure 6A is a sectional view through a vertical section of the bucket type vacuum cleaner attachment as shown in Figure 5 to illustrate the internal features and airflow wherein the relief opening is in an open condition, Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of the plate and inlet providing the fluid deflection surfaces and the float operated valve, Figure 8 is an alternative perspective view of the features of the present invention shown in Figure 7.

Figure 9 is an exploded view of the lower liquid collection chamber and the plate separating this lower chamber with the exit chamber, and Figure 10 is a sectional view through the upper regions of the attachment of Figure 1.

Figure 11 is an exploded view of one example of the attachment of the kind like Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference to Figure 1, there is provided in this form of the invention a vacuum cleaner attachment 1 which is adapted to be connected and to serve as the distal most end of a suction hose of a domestic vacuum cleaner. A suction hose is normally of a flexible nature having a rigid distal end which may, for example, be tapered to allow for its to be connected to utility providing features such as a nozzle for the purposes of vacuum cleaning. The attachment of the present invention will allow for such utility providing feature to be replaced at the end of the suction hose and accordingly the attachment as shown in Figure 1 has such attachment feature 2 to provide preferably at the uppermost end thereof. This attachment feature 2 is in essence the outlet for fluid flow of the attachment of the present invention through which air as a result of the suction created by the vacuum cleaner will pass to progress towards the vacuum cleaner. The outlet 2 is preferably of a circular nature and of a shape to receive the distal end of a suction hose.

The outlet may also be provided with a venting hole 3 which is preferably S adjustable and serves the purpose of providing a control over the suction or vacuum pressure provided to the attachment of the present invention. This opening 3 is preferably adjustable by way of a sliding mechanism to increase and decrease the size •of the opening.

The vacuum cleaner attachment 1 consists of a body 4 at the upper end of which the outlet 2 of airflow is provided.

S 25 The body is preferably of a cylindrical shape and may be of a tapered cylindrical shape to effectively be of a frusta-conical.

The body defines a lower liquid collection chamber 5. The lower region thereof is designed to collection liquid such as water.

Above the liquid containing chamber 5 there is provided an exit chamber 6 which is of a significantly smaller size than that of the liquid collection chamber Separating the two chambers is a filter providing means 7 which is air permeable but substantially dust and liquid impermeable.

Extending from the lower wall surfaces defining the body 4, at the liquid collection chamber, there is provided a rigid elongate tube 8 which extends in part into the liquid collection chamber 5. A certain portion of this tube also extends beyond the walls defining the body 4 and at the lower most end of this tube there is or can be -8provided a nozzle for the purposes of providing suction generated by the vacuum cleaner to the surface from which the liquid is to be drawn into the attachment of the present invention.

The rigid elongate tube 8 extends into the liquid collection chamber to a height where the upper distal end opening of the tube is positioned above a level from the lower most portions of the liquid collection chamber, (where it will be placed in the normal operation of the attachment), well above the level of the liquid which will be collected within this chamber.

At the same time however, this outlet is positioned a sufficient distance away from the filter so that the liquid which is drawn through the tube will be encouraged from being separated from the airflow so that a significant if not all of the quantity of liquid which has been drawn through the tube will be collected in the liquid collection reservoir. It will be appreciated that the positioning of the other distal end opening 9 of the elongate tube will proximate to the filter reduce the effectiveness of liquid 15 separation from the airflow proceeding to the vacuum cleaner.

There is therefore a trade off between ensuring that the height of the other outlet 9 above the liquid to be collected in the collection chamber is sufficient for a useful amount of liquid to be drawn and collected by the attachment yet still far enough away •from the filter to discourage water from proceeding to the vacuum cleaner. Hereinafter is listed a table of suitable dimensions as indicated on the accompanying drawings.

In order to encourage the liquid to be collected in the liquid collection reservoir, a deflection means 10 is provided between what would have been the shortest path of travel of fluid exiting the upper distal end 9 of the elongate member 8 and the filter 7.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, it can be seen how a suitable configuration of the S 25 other distal end 9 of the tube will allow for a placement of a mushroom shaped member on to the tube which has wall surfaces which will deflect the flow of fluid initially entering the chamber 5 from being directed towards the lower regions of a chamber 5. This encourages liquid drawn up through the tube from proceeding towards the lower regions of the chamber 5 whilst air, although also being deflected initially in this direction, can then divert in flow direction to the filter and vacuum cleaner.

Lighter particulate matter contained within the fluid flow drawn through the tube, such as dust or debris (which may have a tendency to migrate with the airflow) is separated from the airflow by the filter 7. This particulate matter may become entrapped within the filter, or may remain on the liquid collection chamber side of the filter and when the vacuum cleaner is turned off such particulate matter may drop into the fluid level from the inwardly facing surface of the filter.

-9- The fluid deflection surface 10 may in an alternative form be provided as an extension from the walls defining the fluid collection chamber, or as shown in figure extending from the filter embodiment, however for simplicity of manufacture it has been found that a tube 9 manufactured with or adapted to be able to receive separately, such a deflection surface (preferably in the shape of a mushroom) is simpler than having such extending from the body defining the fluid collection chamber. The arrangement as shown in Figure 10 allows, during emptying, the deflector to be separate to the liquid containing portion of the attachment. This means that during emptying (which is normally a pouring of the liquid, no liquid/particulate matter, and be caught by the deflector With reference to Figure 3, the fluid collection chamber 5 and the exit chamber 6 are preferably separable from each other. Such separation may preferably provided by means of a threaded engagement or snap-fit engagement. Immediate of the two chambers 5, 6, a separable filter 7 can be located. This filter may, for example, be 15 provided with tapered edges to locate complementary tapered edges provided in either or both of the members providing the chambers 5, 6.

*9 Figure 4 illustrates an example of such a tapered arrangement wherein the taper extends downwardly towards the collection chamber 5. An alternative form of ensuring location of the filter between the chambers 5, 6 may be by providing complementary ribs or lips or the like.

*"0The filter 7 and with reference to Figure 4, is preferably of a kind which provides a filtering material provided on a rigid filter material holding member 12 which provided apertures 13 through which air can flow.

The filter material 11 may be secured to the member 12 by securing means or S 25 adhesives or the like. It is preferably provided on the member 12 in a direction from which the flow originates. The suction force of the vacuum cleaner will hence also encourage this filter to remain with the member 12.

The version of the invention of Figure 1 also preferably includes a shut off valve 40. This valve allows the flow of fluid out to the attachment to be controlled and indeed shut off. This valve preferably consists of two parts each having openings which can be aligned and miss aligned to thereby allow fluid to be controlled.

Preferably this is achieved by a rotation of one of the portions of the valve relative to the other. A downstream opening 41 will then provide all the airflow that is being demanded by the vacuum when it remains operational.

In a second form the invention as herein described is of a kind as shown in Figures 5 8 and includes a container 14 which is designed to be positioned on a surface such as a floor or carpet. Hereinafter this type of container is referred to as the bucket.

In this form of the invention the bucket has an inlet fitting 15 for the connection to a hose 16 which has at its other distal end 17 a suitable means for sucking and drawing liquid and air there through and into the bucket. Such a nozzle 18 may include a flared mouth or inlet region.

The bucket 14 also provides an outlet fitting 19 which allows the bucket to be connected to a vacuum cleaner by a conventional suction hose. The outlet fitting may have a tapered engagement region to allow it to connect to the suction hose.

The bucket 14 includes a lower liquid collection chamber 20 and an upper exit chamber 21. The liquid collection chamber 20 defines a volume within which liquid such as water or other can collect in the lower regions thereof. Liquid is drawn through *eeoee the hose 16 and the inlet connection 15 into the chamber. It is encouraged to remain .o within this liquid collection chamber 20 by several features. Such features are designed o 15 to increase the flow path of fluid drawn into the chamber to thereby change the fluids momentum (thereby encouraging separation centrifugally) and to increase the average time that a fluid remains within this chamber (thereby enhancing the chances of separation of liquid from the airflow).

The forms in which the means to encourage such separation are provided include a vertically directed outlet to the inlet fitting and this may for example be seen in Figure 6 and 9 wherein the deflection of flow prior to exiting the inlet fitting is 0directed upwardly. As an alternative the deflection may also be downwardly but it is discouraged from being horizontally and towards the passage provided in the plate separating the chambers 20, 21.

4 25 In addition a first fluid deflection surface 22 is also provided at what would normally be the shortest flow path from the inlet 15 to the passage.

The separation of the chambers 20 and 21 is provided by a plate 23 which separates both chambers substantially save for at least one passage 24 provided to allow for fluid communication between the two chambers. This passage 24 is however closeable by a valve 25 dependably actuable by the level of fluid within the fluid connection chamber 20. This valve is actuable in response to fluid levels reaching a predetermined level whereupon the valve will be displaced as a result of its connection (whether directly or indirectly) with a float 26. The most preferred form of the float 26 is connected to the valve by a connection rod 27 which is vertically guided by a guide means extending from the plate 23. The vertical guidance of this connection rod 27 will result in a vertical displacement of the valve 25 when the fluid level rises and -11starts to influence the float 26. A region 28 which may be considered a valve seat region is provided preferably as part of or extending from the plate 23 with which a complementary engagable region of the valve can engage as a result of the displacement of the float 26 by the liquid level.

Once the liquid level rises to a predetermined level to move the float and hence displace the valve to close the passage, the operator of the apparatus will immediately learn of the bucket having filled to a level where emptying is required, as a result of an increase load on the vacuum cleaner motor which is an audible indication (ie; decreased rpm due to increase in suction loading).

A second fluid deflection surface 29 is provided immediately adjacent the passage and on the exit chamber side of the plate 23. The second deflection surface provides a further point at which liquid separation from the airflow is encouraged. The second deflection surface is preferably an inclined surface which encourages yet a further flow path deflection prior to the fluid from exiting the bucket. This deflection S15 surface 29 is preferably inclined so that water or other liquid can impinge onto it and ••go be encouraged from flowing back into the collection chamber 20. This has been illustrated in Figure 6 by the indication of water droplets forming towards the collection region in the chamber With reference to Figure 6 the upper outlet 29 may also be closeable by a 20 movable valve This valve can move between a first and second condition, wherein in the first condition, it allows flow to exit the exit chamber, and in the second condition, will close the outlet.

A pressure relief opening 36 is provided downstream of the movable valve and 25 is controlled by a pressure relief valve 34. This pressure relief valve is dependably "'.movable from the valve 29, and is preferably directly connected thereto via a connection rod 39. The control of the pressure relief opening, by the valve 34, is such that when the valve 29 moves towards the second (closed) condition, the relief valve moves towards a condition to open the relief opening. Preferably the pressure relief valve is substantially a complementary shape to the relief opening through which it moves, save for a surface relief 35 which becomes aligned with the relief opening to thereby open it. The shape of the relief surface may be such that a gradual opening of the relief opening occurs. Such is for example shown in Figure 6 where the relief opening is of an acruate shape. Other shapes may also be utilised.

The pressure relief valve may be manually operated by the user of the device who can pull on the valve (or an extension thereof) to move the valve 2 to a closed 12condition, and the pressure relief opening to an open condition. When the vacuum remains in operation, the overloading of the vacuum can be avoided as, when flow from the exit chamber is terminated (by moving the valve 29 to a closed condition) air flow can be drawn through the relief opening 36.

Preferably extending from the plate into the collection chamber 20 about the passage, is a passage manifold providing member 30. This manifold has openings to allow for fluid flow to pass there through but is of a nature which provides the vertical guide 31 for the connection rod 27 which operates the valve The first deflection surface as shown in Figure 7 is preferably of an arcuate form and positioned on that side of the passage which is in line with the inlet fitting Preferably the arcuate form extends through approximately 180 about the passage and extends downwardly into the collection chamber further than the inlet manifold of the passage.

S• The passage is preferably of a circular shape and has its centre of radius 15 coincident with the centre of curverture of the first deflection surface.

It is envisaged by the inventor that the fluid collection chamber may be of a replaceable or interchangeable nature to allow for the volume of liquid to be collected to varied. By way of example, a selection of different fluid collection chambers may be provided for which the maximum volume of fluid that can be collected in the 20 chamber before the valve closes ranges from 2 to 6.

With respect to the invention shown in Figure 1, the attachment is the attachment which is grasped by the user and is moved so that the suction nozzle at the lower most end of the tube 8, is moved across the surface from which the water is to be removed. It is therefore preferable for this attachment to have a general elongate S 25 nature extending sufficiently in length such that when the suction nozzle at the lower end of the tube 8 is in contact with the ground, a person can still conveniently and easily manipulate the movement of the entire attachment to place it in the appropriate positions for vacuuming the liquid. As a result of this general elongate nature the attachment of Figure 1 can be simply incorporated into a conventional and existing domestic vacuum cleaner.

The device of Figure 1 is made of a durable plastic which is preferably transparent or semi-transparent at least in the liquid collection region portions. With the removability of the exit chamber from the collection chamber 4 the apparatus can be easily cleaned. The apparatus preferably has a capacity for sucking of small liquid volumes of between .5 1.0 litres.

-13- S 15 oo.ee 0°° The bucket type invention can be supplied with a flexible hose between the bucket and the suction nozzle.

TABLE OF PREFERRED DIMENSIONS Dimension mm Dimension mm Dimension mm A 320-170 E 400-200 I 42-22 B 150-80 F 110-55 J 100-30 C 210-110 G 140-75 K 145-78 D 130-70 H 300-160 The explode view of Figure 11 illustrates how the attachment member may be conveniently manufactured and assembled in parts. In respect of the deflection of the fluid flow entering the collection chamber, an extension tube 88 directs the inward flow into a substantially concentrically shaped tube section of the deflection means which lies over the end opening of the extension tube 88. The member 12 with its deflection means 10, the filter means 7 are located intermediate of the two chamber 6 and where such chambers 5, 6 are preferably threadingly engaged to each other and clampingly locate the member 12 which carries the filter 7 therebetween.

Claims (19)

1. A vacuum cleaner attachment for attaching to a suction conduit of a domestic vacuum cleaner to collect and hold liquid sucked from a surface by the vacuum cleaner, said attachment comprising: a container including a dividing means to define within said container a) a liquid collection chamber for holding the liquid and b) an exit chamber located substantially above the liquid collection chamber a fluid flow inlet pipe, extending into said liquid collection chamber, said fluid flow inlet pipe having an outlet within said liquid collection chamber a fluid flow deflection surface positioned in said liquid collection chamber to change direction of the flow of fluid exiting from said outlet, *ev: an outlet fitting of said exit chamber for fluid connection of said exit chamber S 15 with a hose leading to a suction nozzle of said vacuum cleaner, at least one passage between said liquid collection chamber and said exit chamber provided through or defined at least in part by said dividing means a float-controlled valve including a float within said liquid collection chamber adapted to close said at least one passage to thereby shut off said exit chamber from 20 said liquid collection chamber when the liquid collected in said liquid collection chamber reaches a predetermined level .00 wherein said fluid deflection surface is provided within said liquid collection 0 S00. chamber at a location which would have been the shortest most flow path of fluid between the outlet of said pipe and said at least one passage, 25 and wherein said second fluid deflection surface is provided in said exit o chamber at a location which would have been the shortest most flow path of fluid between the outlet fitting and said at least one passage.

2. An attachment as claimed in claim 1 wherein said liquid collection chamber is of an outwardly tapered bucket shaped having a base portion adapted to allow for the attachment to be supported on a ground surface.

3. An attachment as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein said liquid collection chamber and said exit chamber are removable engagable from each other and wherein the dividing means is a separately removable member, removable upon the disengagement of the exit chamber from the collection chamber.

4. An attachment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the outlet of said inlet pipe diverts the fluid flow into said collection chamber, vertically upward into said collection chamber. An attachment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said outlet fitting is provided to the exit chamber such that fluid exit from said exit chamber occurs at the upper most region of said chamber.

6. An attachment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said float controlled valve is actuable by said float as a result of an intermediate connection rod therebetween.

7. An attachment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said fluid deflection surface is of an arcuate shape extending from said dividing means about at least that portion of the passage which resides on the same arc at which the outlet of said pipe is provided into the liquid collection chamber.

8. An attachment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said fluid .ooooi *15 deflection surface is of a semi-circular shape cylindrical member having a 180 arc o°about the passage. o*

9. An attachment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the second fluid deflection surface extends at an acute angle to the dividing means. An attachment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein said liquid 20 collection chamber and said exit chamber are threadingly engagable with each other •with a substantially vertical axis of rotation.

11. An attachment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the attachment is substantially a closed bucket shape wherein the upper closure is of a substantially dome shaped nature.

12. An attachment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein a manifold baffle member is provided extending downwardly into the liquid collection chamber from the dividing means provided about the passage.

13. An attachment as claimed in claim 12 wherein said manifold baffle provides a vertical guide to provide the guided movement of the float controlled valve.

14. An attachment as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein fluid communication between said exit chamber and said suction hose is controlled by an exit valve movable between a fist and second condition wherein the first condition, will allow fluid to flow from said exit chamber, to a condition wherein such flow is prevented.

16- An attachment as claimed in claim 14 wherein a pressure relief valve as part of said outlet fitting is provided on the suction nozzle side of said outlet fitting to said valve and which is moveable between an open condition when said exit valve is in said second condition, and a closed condition, when said exit valve is in said first condition. 16. An attachment as claimed in claim 15 wherein said pressure relief valve is controlled by said exit valve.

17. A vacuum cleaner attachment for attaching to a suction conduit of a domestic vacuum cleaner to be moved by a person to a location where liquid is to be sucked from a surface and to be collected thereby, said attachment comprising: a substantially cylindrical (tapered or not) body including an liquid collection chamber and an exit chamber located above and separated from said liquid collection chamber by a filter attachment means on said body for attaching a suction hose of a vacuum cleaner to said body, in use, to create a suction pressure within the body 9oo9o* 15 an elongate tube having two distal end openings and extending from within said 0 to liquid collection chamber through the lower most region of said body to a suction nozzle at the lower most distal end opening of said tube said suction nozzle adapted to suck liquid from the surface to draw said liquid into said liquid collection chamber wherein the other distal end opening of said tube is located above the lower 20 most level of the liquid collection chamber and above the level at which the liquid level to be collected is allowed to rise, and wherein a fluid deflection surface is provided to be positioned at a location to intersect what would have been the shortest most flow path between the distal end opening of said pipe within said liquid collection chamber and said filter.

18. An attachment as claimed in claim 17 wherein said filter locates with a perforate body extending across thecylindricall body wherein said perforate member S"is located on the exit chamber side of said body.

19. The attachment asclaimedd in claims 17 or 18 wherein said liquid collection chamber and said exit chamber are threadingly engagable with each other but can beseparatedd to therebyprovidee access to a removable of said filter. The attachment as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19 wherein the flow from said exit chamber is controlled by an exit valve, which can be moved between a condition to close the exitvalvee to stop flow and a condition to open the exit valve to allow flow. 17-

21. The attachment as claimed in claim 20 wherein said exit valve is manually actuable from exterior of said attachment means and displaces a valve element against and away from a valve seat to control the flow, wherein a flow allowing condition, said exit valve can be secured in that condition.

22. An attachment as claimed in anyonen or more of claims 17 to 21 wherein said deflection surface is provided extending from said tube.

23. An attachment as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 21 wherein said deflection surface is provided extending from said filter or perforate body. Dated: 13 March 2001 Wah Hang Alfred Yuen AJ PARK S• 15 Patent Attorneys for the Applicant *o oo* *oo*