GB2415362A

GB2415362A - Wet extraction cleaner

Info

Publication number: GB2415362A
Application number: GB0513056A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Timothy T Hertick; Michael A Durbin; Jonathan E Fawcett; Gary M Johns; Charles A Lang; Richard S Parr; Ryan S Steiner; Jr William H Theiss; Donald R Wright; Paul E Volkmann; David J Boles; Kenneth H Cooper; Frank D Fowler; Laura J Keiper; Kenneth L Sysmensma; Jason L Williams; Andrew C Budd; Bruce C Straslicka; Douglas C Barker; Gregg A Mcallise
Original assignee: Hoover Co
Current assignee: Hoover Co
Priority date: 2004-06-25
Filing date: 2005-06-27
Publication date: 2005-12-28
Anticipated expiration: 2025-06-27
Also published as: GB2450817B; GB2451009B; GB0817594D0; GB2450818B; GB2450816A; GB2450815A; GB0817595D0; GB0817601D0; GB2450817A; GB0817609D0; GB2451010A; GB2450819B; GB2415362B; GB2451010B; GB0817613D0; GB2450814A; GB0817607D0; GB2451011A; CA2510660A1; GB2450818A

Abstract

A wet extraction cleaner comprises a handle assembly 62 having a front portion 254, two side portions and a rear portion, and is characterised in that a recovery tank 80 and a solution tank 76 are each removably attached to an opposite one of the two sides of the handle such that when they are attached, the front portion 254 of the handle is exposed. Also claimed are 17 farther arrangements of a wet extractor cleaner having a base portion, a handle, solution and recovery tanks, and a suction nozzle, and being characterised as follows: <SL> <LI>[i] Handle has side platforms for supporting the two tanks; <LI>[ii] Provision of a suction conduit and a suction hose removably attached to the handle; <LI>[iii] Handle has upper and lower portions which are relatively collapsible for storage; <LI>[iv] Details of a valve assembly provided in the suction conduit; <LI>[v] Collapsible handle as in [iii] but also solution release valve and valve actuating assembly therefor; <LI>[vi] Provision of a suction shut-off device; <LI>[vii] Nozzle has front and rear portions with a hand grip on the front portion; <LI>[viii] Front nozzle portion has transparent brush viewing 'windows'; <LI>[ix] Front and rear nozzle portions detach from one another, and rear portion sides have recesses for receiving front portion sides; <LI>[x] Provision of latches for solution and recovery tank attachment, the latches being in close proximity to one another; <LI>[xi] Actuator for latches for attaching the two tanks, which actuates both latches simultaneously; <LI>[xii] Latch assembly for attachment of the two tanks is situated between them; <LI>[xiii] Provision of lid for recovery tank, and a separator secured to said lid; <LI>[xiv] Provision of lid for recovery tank with inlet and outlet, and a partition device between them; <LI>[xv] Provision of a float assembly and associates seals; <LI>[xvi] Combination of a partition device and a float assembly; <LI>[xvii] Apparatus for, and method of, floor cleaning with ref to all the drawings. </SL>

Description

241 5362

CLEANING APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a handle assembly for a cleaning apparatus. l

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IS It is known to have carpet extractor for cleaning a surface such as a carpet in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface into a recovery tank in a continuous operation. Carpet extractors in the upright form include a handle pivotally connected to a base portion, which moves along a 2 o surface. Generally, carpet extractors are bulkier and larger than conventional vacuum cleaners, since they require more parts to accommodate a solution distribution system. Thus, they can be more difficult to store. Hence, it would be dosireable to fold the handle so that the carpet extractor can be;sier to store.

Also, a valve is typically located between the fluid reservoir and the z fluid distributor to dispense the cleaning solution The valve is actuated by a remote actuator, such as a manually actuated trigger located in the hand grip of the machine Such an arrangement is illustrated in commonly owned U,S. Pat. Nos 5,500,977 and 5,867,857. It would be desireable to rnodifly the valve to selectively increase the flow of cleaning solution in order to clean heavily soiled 3 0 areas on carpeting. Such a valve and related parts must further be designed to accommodate the folding handle.

I

Henes,itisatleastonsobjoctofthe presentinvenionto provide an improved cleaning apparatus that overcomes the above-mentioned problems, yet provides good cleaning performance. s

The foregoing and other objects of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following description end the attached drawings. A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extra.cd along vith the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a base portion for movement along the surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. The handle includes a lower portion and an upper portion pivotally connected to the lower portion and pivoted between an upper position for use and a lower position for storage. A solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface is removably mounted to one of the base portion and the handle. A recovery tank is removably mounted to one of the base portion and the handle and is in fluid communication with a suction nozzle secured to the base portion. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and O liquid through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank, wherein one of the solution tank and the recovery tank is removably mounted to the! handle.

In another aspect of this invention,a cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially sirnultar,eously extracted along with the did on the surface in a continuous operation is provided; The cleaning apparatus includes a base portion for movement along a surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. The cleaning apparatus further includes a distributor for distributing cleaning solutior'to the surface and a solution tank for holding cleaning solution removably mounted to one of the base portion and the handle. A conduit is fluidly connected between the distributor and the solution tank for transporting the cleaning solution from the solution tank to the distributor. A recover tank is rennovably mounted to One of the base portion and the handle. A suction nozzle is secured to the base portion and is in fluid communication with the recovery tank for transporting air and liquid into the o recovery tank, A suction source is in fluid cornnunication with the recovery tank for providing suction to draw liquid and dirt from the surface through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank. A valve assembly is provided in the conduit and has a valve stem. The valve steno has a first ser:tibn of first size and En second section of a second size smaller than the first size. The valve stem being movable within the conduit to a first position in which the first section is spaced from the interior of the conduit such that the cleaning solution flows at a first rate. The valve stem being movable within the conduit to a second position in which the second section is spaced from the interior of the conduit such that the cleaning solution flows at a second ratio greater than 0 the first flow rate.

In stili another aspect of this invention, a cleaning apparatus for cleaning surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on thin surface in continuous operation is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a base 2 5 portion for movement along the surface and a handle pivotally doinooted to the

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base portion. The hardle includes a lower portion and an upper portion pivotally connected to the lower portion with the upper portion being pivoted between an upper position for use and a lower position for storage. A solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface is removably mounted to one of the base portion and the handle. , 4 distributor is Fluidly connected to the solution tank for distributing the cleaning solution on the surface. solution release valve is fluidly connected between tte distributor and the solution tank for selectively preventing the flow of Gleaning solution to the distributor. An actuating assernlly is operatively connected to the solution relapse valve for selectively opening and closing the solution release valve. The actuating assembly includes an upper mechanical member extending through the upper handle portion and a lower mechanical member extending through the lower portion A recovery tank is removably mounted to one of the base portion and the handle and is in fluid communication with a suction nozzle secured to the is base portion. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank, wherein the upper mechanical member and the lower mechanical member is constructed and arranged with respect to each other to allow the upper handle to pivot between the upper and lower positions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

- The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the attached drawings, of which; Flip. 1 is a perspective view of a carpet extractor embodying the present invention; FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the lower portion of the base assembly and the lower portion of the handle with portions broken away therefrom of the carpet extractor of FIG. 1 illustrating the principle elements thereof; FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the upper portion of the base assembly illustrating the principal elements thereof; FIG. is a bottom view of the base assembly of the extractor with the wheels removed for illustrative purposes; FIG, 5 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the base lo assembly of the carpet extractor of FIG. 1 illustrating the principle elements thereof; FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical circuit for the suction motor and pump used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a front, side, and top partial perspective ViE!W of the lower ls portion of the base assembly shown in FIG. with the motor cover removed for illustrative purposes, FIG. 8 is partial side sectional view of the base assembly of the carpet extractor of FIG. 1, vertically taken through the center of the base assembly with the brush assembly and suction motor removed for illustrative 2 0 purposes; FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the handle assembly of the carpet extractor of Fig. 1; FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the carpet extractor of FIG. 1 with portions broken away for illustrative purposes; FIG. 11 is rear and right side perspective view of the carpet extractor of FIG.1 but with the accessory hose assembly on the caddy and the upper handle portion folded down; FIG. 12 is a partial sectional view taken along line 1212 of FIG. 10 with the brush assembly removed; FIG. 13A is a partial sectional view taken along liner 13-13A of FIG. 1 1; FIG. 1aB Is a view similar to FIG. 13A except that the handle assembly is in the inclined use position; flG. 14A is a loft side view of the right portion of the lower handle body of the handle assembly with the hose connector assembly fluidly connected o to the lower handle. body for the carpet extractor of FIG. 1; FIG. 1 4B is view similar to FIG. 14A except that the hose connector assembly and solution discharge valve are removed, the accessory door is closed, and the recovery tank latch is moved rsaardly unlatching the recover tank from the handle assembly; ls FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the recover tank assembly and related elements for the carpet extractor of FIG, 1; FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the porkn of the carpet extractor as indicated in FIG, 11; FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the separator of the recovery tank 0 assembly of FIG. 15; FIG, 18 is fragmentary right side perspective view of the recovery tank assembly with portions broken away for illustrative putposr!s; FIG. 1 8A is a view similar to FIG. 18 but with the float assembly in the closed position; FIG. 1 9A is a fragmentary perspective View of the base assembly and handle assembly of the carpet extractor of FIG, 1 showing the stop valve arrangement and related elements with the stop valve in the closed position; FIG. t go is view similar to FIG. SA but showing the stop valve in the open position; FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the frame of the base assembly with the air exhaust hose mounted to the standpipe for the carpet extractor of FIG. 1; FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the solution tank assembly of the carpet extractor of FIG. 1; FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective view of the portion of the carpet extractor as indicated in FIG. 1, - FIG. 23 is a right side view of the left portion of the! lower handle body of the handle assembly for the carpet extractor of FIG. 1; FIG. 24 is an enlarged perspective view of the portion of the carpet extractor as indicated in FlGi. 1; 1S FIG. 25 is a right side section view of the portion of the carpet extractor as indicated in FIG. 23; FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the upper handle portion of the handle assembly with the right half shell exploded away; FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the upper handle position of the 2 o handle assenbly of the carpet extractor of FIG. 1 FIG. 28 is a parka! sectional view taken along line 23-28 of FIG 1; FIG. 28A is an enlargecl section view of the portion of the carpet extractor indicated in t:IG. 28, FIG. 29 is a side view of the accessory hose assenbly; As FIG. 30 is a sectional view taken along line 30-30 calf Fl&. 2g and also shoving to ends of the hose assembly mounted to portion; of the caddy; FIG. 31A is a left partial side sectional view of the solution discharge valve and quick disconnect assembly of the carpet extractor of FIG. 1, and Fig. 31B is a view similar to FIG. 31A but with the solution discharge valve being in the open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an upright carpet extractor 60 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The upright carpetextractor60 comprises an upright handle assembly SZ pivotally connected to the rear portion of the floor-engaging portion or base assembly 64 that moves and cleans along a surface 74 such as a carpet. The handle assembly 62 comprises an upper handle portion 252 pivotally connected to a lower handle body 254 so that the upper handle portion 252 can be folded rearwardly down to store the carpet extractor 60. The base assembly 64 includes a brush assembly 70 having a plurality of rotating scrub brushes 72 for scrubbing the surface. A supply or solution tank 76 for holding cleaning solution is removably mounted to the handle assembly 62 of the extractor 60. A combined airlwater separator and recovery tank 80 is removably mounted to 0 handle assembly 62 ore the side opposite the solution tank 76.

Thus, the recovery and solution tanks 80, 76 are arranged in a side-byside relationship, Both the recover tank 80 and the solution tank 76 are moved in a transverse direction with respect to the cleaning path of the carpet extractor 60, when they are mounted to and removed from their respective sides of the handle assembly 62. Alternatively, the two tanks may b, positioned in other ways such as a stacked arrangement, or nesting relationship in which one of the tanks is nested inside the other tank. Optionally, one tank having two compartments could be substituted for the two tanks.

As depicted in FIG. 2, the base assembly 61 includes a generally unitary molded base frame B3 having two laterally displaced wheels SOL, 66R rotatably attached to the rear of the base frame 83 via axles 67. An ering 69 is secured to each axle 67 tD prevent inadvertent removal of the axle from the frame. Integrally molded into the bottom of the base frame 83 is circular stepped basin 86 (FIG, 20) receiving therein the motor/fan assembly 90 with motor cover 230. A suitable motorman assembly is shown in U.S. patent lo 5,500,g77, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. An air driven turbine 98 providing motive power for the brush assembly 70 is mounted on the front portion of the frame 83 as seen in FIG. hi. The base assembly 64 further includes an upper housing or hood portion 82 (FIGS. 1 and 3) mounted atop the base frame 83 and air driven turbine 98. The top portion of motor/fan assembly gO, motor cover 230 and floor recovery duct 222 (FIG. 3) extends through a cutout or opening 282 (FIG. 3) in the hood portion 82 as seen in FIGS. 8 and 12.

As shown in FIGS. and 4, the brush assembly 70 is contained in a brush assembly cavity 88 formed in the urerside of the frame tl3. The brush assembly 70 comprises a brush support beam 130 having five spaced apart integrally molded, cylindrical bearings 134. Rotatingly received Within bearings are axial shafts (not shown but illustrated in previously mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,593; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference) of gear brushes 72A, 72B, 72t:, 72D, and 72E. The bean' 130 further includes troughs 71, for receiving a cleaning solution. The cleaning solution flows through inlet 1Q5 (FIG. 5) of distributor 107 (FIG: 5) to supply conduits of the beam 130 and then outward toward the surface being cleaned through openings 81 in the bottom of brush cups 77. Gear guards 79A and 79B am attached to the brush support beam 130 and are identical in Construction so as to be interchangeable on either side of brush support beam 130.

Integral to and extending upward front the opposite lateral ends of brush support bean, 130 are "T" shaped rails 13S and 137. As best seen in FIG. 5, T-rails 135 and 137 are slidably received within vertical guide Pilots 138 (FIG.

20) and 140 (FIG. 203 integrally molded into the lower base housing or ferns 83 whereby brush assembly 70 may freely move or float in the vertical direction within the brush assembly cavity 88 of base assembly 64. Each T-rail includes O front and rear hooks 142, 144 (FIG, 2) with inwardly extending noses 146 (Fl(;.5) integrally molded on the upper portion of the hooks for removably mounting the brush assembly 70 to the frame Bs. To mount the brush asserntly 70 to frame 83, a user aligns the noses 146 of the hooks 142, 144 with the slots 138, 140 and pushes the brush assembly.70 towards the frame Cavity sufficient fome such IS that the noses 146 cam againstthe underside of the frame 83 et the inner edges Of the slots 13B, 140 and deflect outwardly so that they can extend through the slots. After extending through the slots 138, 140, the resilient noses 146 deflect back and engage the top surface of the frame 83 to secure the brush assembly to the frame 83, when the base assembly 64 is lifted off the surface 74.

Each nose 146 of the hook members 142, 144 has an upwardly beveled bottom side 141 (FIG,5) going from the inner end to the outer end that aids in removing the brush assembly 70. In particular, to remove the brush assembly 70, a user pulls,down on the brush assembly with sufficient force to cause frame 83 to cam against the bevel buttons sides 141 of the noses 146 so as to deflect the noses 146 outwardly a sufficient distance to allow the hooks 142,144 to fall through the slots 138,140. Altematively, a user can singly apply a lateral outward force on the hooks 142, 144 to disengage them lrom the frame 83.

Such a Suitable brush assembly 70 with the exception of the previously described hooks used to mount the brush assembly to the frarre 83 is taught in patent 5,867,857, the disclosure which is incorporated herein by reference. Brush assembly 7Q is operated by a suitable gear train (or other known means), not shown, contained in transmission housing 100 (FIG. 5). A -suitable air turbine driven gear train is taught in U.S. Pat. No. Ei,44S, 362, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. The brush assembly 70 can be lo a horizontal brush roll driven by abelt secured to the suction motorardnven by separate motor.

Referring now to FIG. 4, integrally molded into the underside of the francs assembly 83 is a vacuum manifold 102. Manifold 102 is completed by welding a bottom plate 101 to the bottom of the frame 83. The manifold 102 includes a conduit 103 in fluid communication ravish the turbine 98 IFIG. 5) that provides a vacuum source for the turbine 98. The motor fan assembly 90 generally provides suction to the manifold 102 through the eye of the fan.

Atmospheric air, driving a brush turbine rotor enters by way of turbine inlet l To (FIG; 5), passing through screen 109 to filter out the dirt and there passing 2 0 through the rotor, Positioned within inlet 110 is a throttle valve door 114 (FIG. 5) foreriergizing or de-energizing brush turbine rotor. Such asulbl brush turbine 98 is disclosed in patent no. 5,860,188 which is hereby incorporated by Reference.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a manual override rnechanisrn 112 is provided whereby the operator, operating in the floor-cleanirg mode, may selectively close throttle valve 1 14 thereby de-energizing brush drive turbine 98.

Alternatively, the operator may select an intermediate position whereby throttle valve 114 is partially closed thereby reducing the air flow through throttle valve 114 causing brush drive turbine 98-to rotate at a slower speed resmelting in slower rotating brushes. Override mechanism 112 comprises a table 113 integrally molded to the body of brush drive turbine 98 and extending rearwardly having slide 1 16 slidingly attached thereto. Extending upwardly from slide 1 16 is lever arm 118 having a conveniently shaped finger cap 120 (FIG. 1l atop thereof.

Lear arm 118 extends upward through a suitable opening (not shown) in the hood 82 whereby cap 120 is received within recess 121 in hood 82 as seen in To FIG. 1.

Movement of the cap 120 (FIG. 1) in turn moves the slide 1 18 to rotating bell crank 117, which in tom rotates the shaft of the valve 114, attached thereto. In particular, projecting upward from slide 116 is an arcuate rib 119. As slide 116 is moved rearward by the operator, the rib 1 t 9 engages the bell crank 1 17 rotating the bell crarik 1.17 and throttle. valve 1 14 counterclockwise thereby closing throttle valve 114 and de- energizing the brush drive turbine 98.

Upon return of the slide 116 to its original position (as illustrated in FIG. 5), a spring.123, secured between the bell crank 117 and the slide 116, causes the bell crank 1 17 to rotate clockwise, thereby rotating throttle valve 114 to the full 2 0 open position. Generally as the slide 1 16 moves from one position to the other, a cantilevered tab releasingly engages concavities in the surface of the table, which corresponds to the open and close position of valve 114. A similar mechanism is disclosed in 5,360,188, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

Further, when the handle assembly 62 is pivoted in the upright storage position, an actuating rod 122 links with the bell crank 117 via linking member 1 Z5 to turn the brushes off. In padioular, as shown in Flip. t3A, a cam projection 271 formed on the outersurface of a right extension 253 of the handle assembly 62 canes against a rib 273 formed on the actuating rod 122 to cause the actuating rod 122 to close the throttle valve door 114 arid turn the brushes off. However, when the handle assembly 62 is pivoted down to the incline working position, the cam projection 271 disengages from the nit' 273, thereby allowing a spring 127, secured between the actuating rod 122 and trunnion bracket 262R, to urge the actuating rod 122 reanverdly to the position of FIG. 1 3B, which opens the throttle valve door 114 and turns on the brushes. Further 0 details of this arrangement are disclosed by V.S. Patent 5.983,442, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Tuming to FI(;. 7, the actuating rod 122 further has a dovnvardly depending cam projection 149 that cams against a lever 148 of a microswitch to turn on a solenoid pump 152 when the handle assembly 62 is In the upright position and main power switch 1 (FIG 6) is onfor upholstery or aboard the floor cleaning using the accessory hose. In particular, as seen in Fib. 6, the microswitch 150 is electrically coupled between solenoid 1SS of the pump 152 and power source 156 such as household current. Referring to FIG. 7, the microswitch 150 is captured by clips 158, which are integrally molded to a table o 160 of a holder 162, which is mounted to the right side of the frame 83 adjacent the suction motor assembly 90. The holder 62 includes a tubular support boss 164 depending downwardly from the table 160 that t01escopingly receives an upwardly extending post 166 integrally molded to the frame 83; As seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, the pump 1S2 is mounted in a compartment 168 ol the frame 83 forwardly adjacent the microswltch 150. The holder 162, microstcl, 150, and pump 152 are covered by the motor cover 230; The can, projection 149 of the : actuating rod 122 extends into a slot 170 formed in:the motor cover 230 for guiding the projection 149 to the lever 148 of the microswitch,11SO.

As best seen in FIG. 7, the tnicroswitch 150 includes spring- loaded pushbutton 172 aligned underneath the lever 14B. The nicroswitch 150 is normally open as seen in Fl(;. 6. When the handle assembly 62 is moved to the upright position, the earn projection 149 moves forward as indicated by the arrow A, guided by guide projection 1 5i, and cams Against the lever 148, which pushes the pushbutton 172 to close or cornplate the circuit between the power source 156 and pump 152, thereby energizing the solenoid 153 (FIG.6) to turn o on the pump 152, When the handle assembly 62 is in the inclined or working position, the cam projection 149 is disengaged from the lever 148, thereby allowing the pushbutton 172 to extend, which opens the circuit between the.

power source 156 and pump 152 thereby turning off the pump t52. The pump 152 is designed and constructed to provide enough pressure to draw the cleaning solution to spray mechanism of McKesson hose. Alternatively, other types of pumps can be used such as, for exernple, a centrifugal pump, gear pump, or air driven turbine pump.

Turning to PIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 8, afloorguction nozzle assembly 174 in mounted to depressed zone 176 (FIG. 3) on the hood portion 82 of the base 2 o assembly 64. In particular, as seen in FIG 8, the floor suction nozzle assembly 174 includes a translucent front plate 1 7B removably mounted to a translucent rear plate 180 to form flowpath going from its inlet 187 to outlet l 89. The rear plate 180 is fixedly mounted to the depressed zone i76 by any suitable mounting means such as, for example, screws. As seen in FIG. 4, integrally 2 5 molded on the underside of the rear plate are stiffening ribs 1 g6R, 1 96L oriented longitudinally with respect to the base assembly 64, and a stiffening rib t98 oriented transverse to base assembly 64; The rear plate 180 includes integrally Molded translucent opposite side portions 1 82R, 1 82L, which extend rearwardly from the front of the rear nozzle plats i80. lithe side portions 12 are located outwardly adjacent the brush assembly 70 and extend over or tearer the side Grids of the brush asserribly 70 such that the brush assembly 70 an be viewed . through them as seen in FIG. 1. Each side portion 182 includes a recessed portion 184 (FlGi. 3) that receives complimentary side portions 1 HER, 186L of the front plate 178 to aid in retaining the front plate 178 to the rear plate 180, while also providing a relatively smooth appearance due to the front plate 178 being o flushed with the rear plate 180. As best seen in FIG; 4, a groove 188 is formed - in the bottom edge 192 (FIG. 3) of the recessed portion B4 for receiving a lateral inwardly extending projection 190 integrally molded on the corresponding side portion 186 of the front plate 178, Each side portion 1 BS of the front plate 178 also has an inwardly extending rib 194 spaced forwardly at the projection ls 190 that abuts the bottom edge 192 (FIG. 3j of the side portion ol the rear plate - t8Q, which prevents the front plate 178 from pivoting down to this surface 74.

As depicted in FIG. 8, the upper pr rear end of the front nozzle -plate 178 defines a tab or hand grip 200 that has a downward depending rib or stop member 210, which catches behind a raised portiori 212 On the rear or so upper portion 214 of the rear nozzle plate 180 to secure.the frorit noble plate 178 to the rear nozzle plate 180. To tenors the front nozzle plate 178, a user grasps the hand grip 200.and.pulls upward to disengage the stop rnernber 210 from the raised portion 212 and then slides the front nozzle plate 178 down to -unseat the projection 190 (FIG. 4) from the groove 188 (FIG. 4). The front nozzle;plate 78 then can be slid forward and removed. A ru,bber rope seal 216 is sandwiched between the front and rear nozzle plates 178, 180 to prevent fluid 5 leakage.

The outlet 1;89 of suction nozzle assembly 174 is fluidly cornected to an inlet 218 (FIG. 3) of working air conduit, which 6 formed by the upper portion 214 of the rear nozzle plate 180 and the upper portion 220 of the depressed zone 176. The upper portion 220 is raised so as to be flushed with the rear nozzle plate t 80 and includes a seal 226 (FIG. 3) secured therearound.

The conduit Is fluidly connected to an inlet 232 of a unitary, plastic, floor recovery duct 222; The floor recovery duct-222 is mounted to the motor cover Z30. A seat 224 is secured around the connecting ama of the conduit and floor lD recovery duct 222 to preventfluid leakage. A corrugated flexible floor recovery hose 228 (FIG. 9) is fluidly connected to the outlet 234 of the floor recovery duct 222 via a sleeve connector 236 (FIG. 9).

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 12, the base asserr.bly 64 further comprises pedal 238 that operates the on/off power switch 1.4. The switch : s 154 is a push-puh type power switch, which Is mounted in a pocket 242 of the frame 83 by an elongated holder240 extending laterally from trunnion bracket or retainer 262L The pedal 238 is generally triangular shaped sloping arid converging rearwardly and downwardly as best seen in FIG. i. An integrally : molded lateral leg 246 extends forwardly from the pedal 238 and terminates into. ; an s-shapecl spring arm 248. As seen in FIG. 12, the spring arm 248 bears against the upper wall of the holder 240 to bias the leg 246 down so that cam projection 247 of the leg 246 does not press against the push.bu1ton 250 of the power switch 1$4. Pushing downwardly;on the pedal- Utah suffiasntiorce to overcome the elastic force of the spring arm Z48 causes the cam projection 247 - 25 to push the push button 2SO which causes the pier switch 154 to close the circuit (FIG. 6) between the power source 156 and suction motor 90 arid also between the power source 156 and pump i 52 (if the handle assembly 64 is in theupright positior), thereby turning an the suction motor 90 and pump 152.

When the pedal 238 is released, the spring arm 248 urges the leg 246 down to allow the push button 250 to exierd. The push button 250 is now in a position to open the circuit between the power source 156 and suction rnotor!3O upon being : depressed. Thus, pushing the pedal 238 again causes the cam projection 247 to push the push button 250 and turn off the suction motor 90 and also power to the pump 152 (if the handle is in the upright position).

Referring to FIG 2, the lower handle body 254 elf- the handle assembly 62 includes pair of oppositsideextensions 25OL, 253F] depending downwardly from a shelf or plafforrn 257, which supports the solution and recovery tanks 76, 80 (FIG. g). The side extensions 256 have integral trunnions 258L, 25BR. The right trunnion 258R is pivotally received in an aperture 260 through right trunnion bracket or retainer 262R, which is mounted to the rear of S the frame 83. The left trunnion 258L is pivotally mounted on tale rear of the frame 83 by a id tnnnion bracket or retainer 262L, which has an arcuate portion 257 (FIG.12) covering the left trunnion AWL. In essence, the trunnion brackets 262L, 262R are mounted over the trunnions to cover them, thereby pivotally securing the handle aseenib!y 62 to the base 64. As seen in FIE; 12, o the left trunnion 258L has a retch 259 that receives a stop projection 261 on the frame. If the handle assembly 62 is pivoted down too far, the rear find 263 of the : notch strikes the stop, thereby preventing further pivoting of the handle assenibly 62..

A handle release pedal 264 is pivotally connected to the axle 67 of the right wheel 66R as seen;ln FIGS. 2, 11, 13A and 13B. The pedal 264 is generally triangular shaped sloping and converging rearwardly and downwardly . as seen in FIGS. 10 and 11. As depicted in FIG.13A and 13B, a leg 266, integrally molded to the pedal 204! extends forwardly therefrom. An elongated -hollow pivot rod 967 is attached at its outer end to the leg 26; and extends inwardly, teiescopingly receiving the axle of the rightwhee! 66. The rod Z67 is - 5 seated in an arcuata surface 258 of the frarns 83 and is covered by an arcuate surface 251 of the trunnton bracket 262R. A finger 270 is integrally formed with the rod 267 and extends rearwardly An s-shaped spring ann:Z72, integrally formed Invite the leg 266 and spaced rearwardly from the leg 266, extends downwardly and bears against the frame 83.

lo: As depicted in FIG. 1 3A, the spring arm 272 urges the finger 270 upwardly such that it is positioned forwardly adjacent a stop "74, inteo, ralty formed on the outer surface of.the right extension 256R of the lower handle body 254. The finger 270 is disc positioned in between integral oxide walls 276 extending forwardly from the stop 274 to ailgn the finger 27Q with the stop 274.

In this position, the finger 270 engages the stop 274 thereby Preventing the handle assembly 62 from pivoting down. However, when the pedal 264 is depressed, the elastic.spring arm 272 bends to allow the finger 270 to pivot down and away from the stop 274 and thus, the handle assembly i32 is pent ittdd to pivot down as seen In FIG. 13B.

2 0 Referring to FIG. g, lower handle:cover 278 is mounted to the underside of the platform 257 and includes a skirt 280 that covers the exposed top portion of the motor/fan assembly go with cover 230 and floor recovery duct 222, when the handle assembly 62 is in the upright position as seen in Ff0, 1.

The skirt 280;includes left and right symmetrical vent portions 284L, 284R 2 5 founded orb its opposite sides for venting the motor cooling air antiquing and exiting the Suction motor 80, when the handle assembly 62 is in the upright position. :

The lower handle' coyer 273 also includes upwardly extending left and right symmetrical lip portions 286L, 286R integrally molded with the skirt ?80 and positioned on opposite sicle sods of the platform 257 that 'retain the lower portions of the solution end' recovery tanks '6' 80 to the handle assembly 62, when the tanks are mounted on the platform Z57. In particular, the platform 257. '' is formed by left and right symmetrical halves 282L, 282,R secured to each tether.

The right lip portion 286R is positioned on the outer end of the right half 282R of the platform 257 for supporting the recovery tank 80. The left Irp Abortion 286L is pesitionecl on the outer end of the left half 282L of the platform for supporting the lo solution tank 76 Three integral locating ribs 288R extend inwardly from the right lip portion 286R into corresponding slits 279R formed in the right half 282R of the platform 25J. Similarly, three symmetrical integral locating rib!, 288L extend inwardly from the left lip portion into slits 279L formed in the left half 282L of the :15 platform 257. The ribs 288 include upper rounded ends 2gO that extend above, the height of the ilps 286. The upper ends 290 of the ribs 268 pivotally engage grooves 338, 500 (FIGS. 18 and 223'formed on the underside of the bottom walls 31 B. 48B of their res,pectwe recovery tank 80 or solutiori,tank is to guide the tank into the proper mounting position. The lower handle body 254 includes a 2 0 spine 29o ir'tegrally molded to the plafforrn 257and positioned generally between the solution and. recovery tanks 76, 80. The spire 292 comprises right and left half shells 294F, '294L mounted to,esoh other forrni'ng.a clamshell' type arrangement for ease of assembly of the components therein; The fight half shall Zg4 is integrally n,Plded to the. righthalf 282R of the platoons 257 and the ' left half sheli 294L Is integrally molded to the leR half 282L of the platform 267.

An inverted u-shaped opening 331 is formed rear the;rn'iddle of the spine 292 ' - :LD splitting the spirie 292 Into front leg 296 (FIG, 1) and rear log 298 (FIG. 1 1) that define a wishbone type arrangement. The rear leg 298 curves recant ardly and down to the rear end of.the platform 257 and the front lag 296 curves forwardly and down to the front and of the platform 257.

As seen in FIGS 1 4A and 4B, mounted within the fright half shell 294R at the rear leg 298 is the floor recovery hose 2Z8. Connected to the upper end of the floor recover hose 228 by a sleeve connector 302 is a rigid, unitary, blow molded, main recovery duct 304, which is also mounted within the right half shell 294F{. The main recovery duct 304 is in fluid communication upstream with JO the recovery tank 80, The recovery tank 80 is in.fluid c'mrnunication.

downstrean.with a rigid, plastic, injection molded elbow duct 306, when the I recoveW tank 80 is mounted to the handle assembly 62. .The elbow duct 306 is fluidly connected at its downstream end via sleeve connector 308 to the corrugated air exhaust hose 300. Each of the. sleeve connectors 236, 302, 308 use a male and female snap type connection to their respective ducts 222, 304, 306. Also, the sleeve connectors 23G, 302, 308 are encapsulated to the ends of . the hoses 228, 300 as the connectors 302, 308 are being molded, Both the elbow duct 306 and air exhaust hose 300 are located forwards adjacent the floor I recovery hose 228 and main recovery duct 304 and also mounted within the right So half.shell 294R.

A hose mounting member 310 Is attached to the do''rnstrearn end of the air exhaust hose OQ and -rnou-nts the hose 300 to the frame 83 in fluid communication with standpipe 3i 2, which is integrally molded tt, the frame 83 as seen In FIG.. 20. The.standpipe.312 has a seni-circular cross section, as. ..

as depicted in FlGi. 19B, and is in fluid communication.with the vacuum manifold 102 Aria conduit SOS-(FIG. 4). The main recovery duct SO4, elbow duct 306, and - 20 the upper portions of the floor recovery hose 228 and air exhaust hose 300 are erclosed and captured by the left half shell 294L at the rear log 2gE3, The flexibility of the floor recovery hose 228 and air exhaust hose 300 allows the handle assembly 62 to pivot and also permits the hoses 228, 303 to bend and conform to the curved contour of the rear leg 298 of the spine '292.

Referring to FlG 5, the recovery tank 80 comprises right and left side halves 314, 316 welded together to define a bottom wall 318, tan upstanding convBxly curved right sidewall 320, and a left sidewall 322 opposite the right sidewall 320. The recovery tank 80 includes lid assembly 324 covering its open I o top, An inverted cup shaped handle 326 ifs attached to the upper end of a recessed area 328 (FIG. 9) Torrned in the right sidewall 320 to!- grasping the recover tank 80. A portion of the left sidewall 322 of the recovery tank juts outwardly to define an additional inverted unshaped compartment 330 that fits into the complimentary opening 331 in the spine 292 and abuts against right sidewall 332 of the solution tank 76, where the recovery tank 80 is mounted to the handle assembly 62. Alternatively, the compartment 330 can be slightly spaced apart from the right sidewall 332 or a wall covering the opening can be positioned between the cornpartrnent rS30 and right sidewall 3'32 to define a recess with the spine 292 for receiving the compartment 330. Three vertical o flexible support plates defining feet 334 depend downwardly from-the bottom wall 318 oi the recovery tank 80 and are received in conpiimentarS grooves 336 (FIG. 9) formed on the right half of the platform, whenthe rectory tank- is mounted thereon. The feet334 flex to absorb much of the impact force from the recovery tank 80 striking the platform 257 or other object, thereby minimizing 2S bkag0 of the recovery lank 80, To ren,ovally mount the recovery tank 80 to the handle assembly : . 62, the recovery tank-80 is positioned such that the groove 338 of the bottom wall 318 pivotally engages the upper ends 290 of the ribs 288R as seen in FIG. 16. The recovery tank 80 is then pivoted towards the spine 2gE until a pair of lateral hooks 340 (FIG. i 63 integrally molded on the leh sidewall 322 extend s through apertures in the right half shell 2g4R of the spine and rele.asably engage a right latch 510 connected to the right half shell 294R as seen in l-IG 1 4A. Also, - with the recovery tank 80 ir,-this position, a recess 34O (FIG. a) formed in the left sidewall 322 Of the recover tank receives a connplementary integrally molded protection 347 (FIG. 9) on the right. half shell g4R at the rear. leg ZOO of the IO spine 292 for additional support. The recovery tank 80 is generally positioned on the right half 282R.of the platform 257 except for pad of the compartment 330 that extends over the left half 282L.

. Referring to FIG. 16,. the recovery tank lid assembly 324 has a generally triangular shaped body 354 with its right convexly curved sidewall 350 converging upwardly to an apex.. An upper manifold 352 is mounted within the body.and comprises an inlet chamber 356 arid outlet chamber 358, which is located forwardly adjacent the inlet chamber 356 at the front end 327 calf the.

: recovery tank 80. The inlet chamber 356 has an inlet port 360 that Is in fluid cornrnuniátion with the outlet 362 (FIG 9) of the main recovery duct 304, when O the recovery tank 80 is mounted to the handle assembly 62. The gullet chamber. - . 350 has an entrance opening 364 (FIG. 16) to the tank 80 and a side eat - ,, : opening 366 in fluid conrnuniCion with inlet 402 the elbow duct 306. A separator 368 is mounted to the uriderside of the manifold.352 and has an open : - top portion 372 in fluid communication with the inlet chamber 35. A rope seal 37O is sandwiched between the.separator 368 and rnanifold:352. Another rope seal 371 is secured to the lid assembly 324 to seal It with the top of the recctery tank 80, when the lid assembly covers the tank 80. As seen ir' FlG. 17, the separator 308 includes a bottom wall 374, a lett upstanding sidewall 376, convexly cubed right upstanding sidewall 378 located opposite the left sidewall 376 a curved upstanding rear wall 380, and a front wall 382, which is beveled or inwardly and downwardly sloping with respect to the separator 3&8 as seen in FIG. 18. An inner raised baffle portion 384 in integrally formed with the bottom wall 374 and right sidewall 378 extends to the center of the separator 368. As seen.in FIG 18, a cut out portion in the right sidewall 378 defines an outlet 386 of the separator SOS; A vertical groove AS is formed on the right sidewall 37B for 1 o receiving a vertical bafFIs plate 390 (Fl G. TV) attached to the interior of the right sidewall 320 of the recovery tank ED to guide the lid 32*to its proper mounting position on the top of the tank 80.

In operation, when the extractor 60 is operated in the floor cleaning mode, working air, including entrained fluid and dirt, is drawn into the floor suction nozzle assembly 174, through the floor recovery due 222, floor recovery hose 228, main recovery duct 304 and to the lid assembly S24 of the recovery tank BO as seen by the arrows of FIG. 14B. The recovered soiled liquid laden air - enters the Inlet pod 36o of the irletchamber 356 and is directed down to a channel 392 of the separator 368 by the downwardly curved top wall 394 of the o -inlet chamber 356 and curved rear wall of the separator 368. A, seen in FIG. 17, the channel 392 is formed by the baffle portion 384 and the front, Fear bottom, and sidewalls of the separator 368. As the soiled liquid laden air flows down to the channel 392, the liquid laden air impinges upon the beveled front wall 383 of the separator S68 as seen by the arrows, which fumier- slows it down Q - to aid in airJwater separation. Side 396 (FIG. 18) of the baffle podion 384 -opposite the rear wall 380. slopes upwardly and away from the rear wall 380 to - 23 . provide more area for the liquid to flow down to the. channel 3g? ther-eb.y slowing it dQ and aiding air/waterseparation.. Th.e liquid collects and flows through the channel 392 arouncl the baffle portion 384 until it exits out the oul:let 366 of the separator 368 and down to the bottom of the recovery tank. 80.

5. ' Near the forward and of the outlet is a barrier Ivan 3gS formed between the baffle portion 384 and right sidewall 378 of the separator 368. The barrier wall 398 and the vertical baffle plate 3gO deflect any liquid way from the outlet chamber 358 and prevent the liquid from entering the entrance opening 364 of the outlet chamber 358.and into.the motor. area. This serves to prevent the establishment of a "short circuited" working airflow from the outlet of the separator directly to entrance opening 364 of outlet chamber. optionally, an inwardly extending curved baffle 400 (FIG. 18) attached to the inner side of the right sidewall 320 directs flow of liquid forwardly to prevent rapid accumulation of the liquid at the rear portion of the recovery tank 80. The deflection of the air : :s from the baffles and walls and the recirculation of.the strearn- facilitates separation of the.liquid from the air, due to.the slowing of the stream, thereby allowing more t;rms for the air to separate from the liquid. Further; when the stream of.air is forced to turn,.the relatively lighter air is.able to negotie.the turn, where -as the heavier liquid does not, thereby causing further separation.

2 o The working air separated from the liquid flows Trough the entrance opening - 364 in the outlet chamber through the inlet 402 of the elbow duct 306 in fluid communication with the exit opening of the outlet chamber 358; A sesi or gasket 406 (Fl( US. 15 and 9) is provided between the ducts 304, 305 arid manifold 362.

A plastic screen 404, attached to the seal 406, covers the inlet 402 of the elbow 2 s duct 306 to filter out small particles in tIte air stream.

. . After traveling through the elbow duct 306' the wcrkin air then

-

travels through the air exhaust hose 3 O1 standpipe 312, and conduit 303 oi vacuum manifold 102 (FIG. 4) to the eye of th& fan 408 (FIG. 2) Elf the suction motor 9Q, which.generates Ite suction to draw the air to the [an 408. As indicated by the arrows depicted in FIG, 20, the working air flows out of the eye of the motor fan 4Q into exhaust manifold 410. The exhaust rn.anifold 410 is formed by the lower housing or frame 83 and motor cover 230 (F IG. S), and a curved partition 414 which extends forwardly to an integrally formed wall 412 adjacent the brush assembly 70. The working.airflow is directed by the partition 414 to the front end of the exhaust rnanfold 410 at the entrance of a channel 416.

The channel 416 is formed by a top wall 418, afront wail 420, and a rear wall 422 of the lover housing 83, A duct cover 424 (FIG. 4), integrally.

molded with the bottom plate, is mounted over the channel 416. A wall 428, integral with and depending down from the frame 83 to the bottlers plate 101, separates or fluidly isolates the channel 4i 6 from the conduit 30. Going frofn.

the upstream end to the downstream end of the channel 416, the top wall 418: tapers inwardly or downwardly within the channel 416 and the rear wall 4Z2 -tapers inwardly or forvvardly. within the ctiannal 416 thereby causing the cross sectional area of the channel 416 to gradually decrease going downstream. The air flows at a relatively high velocity to the front end until. it hits the wall 412, which directs the air down through the channeJ-416 and across the length of the dust cover 424, where the air exits out of openings 426 in the duct cover 424.

The decreasing cross sectional area of the channel 416 forces the air to flow faster as it travels downstream so as to counteract sorr ewhat the frictional forces 2 5 and gravity that cause the air to slow down: The channel 416 and openings 426 of the cover 424 also constrict the flow of air thereby increaser its temperature - ' . by transformirig kirietic energy produced by the working fan into internal energy or heat' which is transforred to the warm; moist, separated exhaust air; Thus, . additions heat is provided to the cleaning path.

-Referring to Fl(3iS..15 and 18, a float assembly 430 is slidably: mounted to the separator 368 to choke the f1v of working air when the recovery tank 80 is full. The float assembly 430 comprises a bottom float portion 432 connected by art elongated arm 434 to an upper portion- defining a seal 436 The am, 434 connects the seal 436 and fIcat portion 432 at rearward and dowr.ward slant or slope such that the float portior. 432 is positioned slightly rearuardly offset the seal 436. This positions the float assembly 430 closer to the higher portion of the liquid level, when the handle assembly 52 is inclined reanuardly, so as to keep the. liquid from rising to a level that is in close proximity to the entrance opening 354 (FIG.18) of.the outlet chamber 358 and possibly - entering the motor.area. The seal 436 is reawardly offset from the float portion 432 at a-predetermined distance that allows the recovery tank 80 to have the same liquid capacity or volume, watch causes the seal 436;tc close the entrant opening 364, Veer the handle assembly 6Z is in the uptight position for above the floor cleaning' or in the inclined position for floor cleaning, This arm 434 has a cross shaped cross section and is slidably received in a complementary O slanted Ghannel 440-deflned by guide members 438 which are attached to the front and bottom walls 382, 374 of the separator 368. The guide members 438 align the seal 436 with the entrance opening 364 of the outlet chamber 358 as the arm slides. through the channel =0. - ; -.

- The slope of the front vvall 382 is substantially similar to that of the 2s arm 434 to allow the-seal 436 to mow along the front wall 382 without in;trterence. When-the liquid level in the -recovery tank 80 is not contacting the float portion 432, the air flows through the entrance opening 3;4 and to the! motor air as seen in FIG. 18. As the liquid level in the recovery tank 80 rises : . after contacting the float portion 432, the float portion 432 and seal 436 movie upward until the seal 436 closes the entrance opening 364, When the liquid rises to a predetermine level indicative of a full tank as seen in FIG. 18A. In this . . position, the seal 436 chokes off the flow of working air through the recovery tank BO and prevents the liquid from entering the motor area. The spaced apart distance between the float portion 432 and seal 436 also prevents liquid from.

traveling to the seal 436 and entering the Motor area due to, for example, sloshing of the liquid in the recovery tank 80 caused by moving the extractor 60 back and.forth over the cleaning surface 74.

Referring to FIGS, 1 9A and 1 9B, a stop valve 442 disposed in the standpipe 312 prevents liquid from entering the suction motor if the handle assembly 62 is pivoted down below a predetermined-po$ition. Such a near horizontal handle assembly 62 position results in the liquid ccileing in the rear Of the recovery tank BO and rising to close proximity to the entrance opening 364 The stop valve.442 includes a door 44 integrally molded with a pivoting Shaft 446, The shaft 446 is pivotally received in arcuate surfaces 448 (FIG. 19B) formed on opposite sides of the standpipe 31Z near the front portion and 20. Gapturecl therein by the hose mount 310 (FIG. 20. A cam follower 460, integrally molded to the shaft 446, projects from the shot 446.. The door 444 is generally serni-circlar in shape, cordorrning to the seni-circuiar, crtss section of the standpipe 312, and of a cross sectional area slightly smaller than that of the standpipe 312 so as to allovv it to pivot within the standpipe 31 Where the 2S handle assembly 62 Is in the upright position or pivoted down to the inclined . . workTng:position, as shown in FIG. 1 DB, the force of the suction from the suction motor DO pivots the door 444 down against straight front side 452 of the, standpipe 312, thereby openirg the stop valve 442 and alk'vvin suction generated by the suction motor to, draw air through the, standpipe! at 2.

However, when.the handle assembly 62 is pivoted further down to a very lout predetermined position, a downwardly extending offset portion 454 on the lower end of the left handle extension 256L cams against the cam follower 450 and pivots the door 444 up to the inlet 456.of the standpipe 312 in a closed position as shown in FIG. 1 9A. In this positior', the door 444 extends across the interior of the standpipe 312 and blocks or substantially blocks the suction from the suction motor, thereby shutting or substantially shutting off suction through the Towpath to the floor suction nozzle a.ssernbly 174. Thus, fluid is pre,vents,0 from being drawn through the flouvpath to the suction motor SO. When the handle assembly 62 pivots back to the working position, the offset portion 454 disengages from the cant follower 4SO so that the force of the suc1:ion front the 5 suction motor go pivots the door 444 back down against the front side452 of the standpipe 312.to the valve open position.

Reforring toiFl(;S. 1 1 and 1$, !he lid assembly 324 includes a right tab 4S8 and a left tab 4GO to removably mount the lid assembly:324 and.the attached ficat assembly 430 to the top of the tank. As seen In FIG. 11, the right CO tab 458 is integrally formed witty the convexly cubed right side 350 of the lid . body 354 and depends downwardly from the lower end 462 of the lid body 3S4.

The right tab 458 fits-into a complernentay recess 464 of the right Call 32D of the recovery tank 80 and has a slot 45g (FIG. t 83 that receives corrplernenta!y rib 470 formed on the recess to releasably secure the lid assemble, 32A to the -: 2 recovery tank 80. Grasping and pulling the right tab 458 upwardly and outwardly disengages the slot 45g from the rib 470 thereby aiiQwing the lid assembly 324 . to be removed if the left tab 460 is also disengaged from the recovery tank 80.

As seen in FIG. 15, the left tab 460 is integrallyforrned witlthe left bottom end of the lid manifold 352 and depends downwardly from the bosom of the rnanitold 352. The left tab 460 has slot 475 that receives a rib 478 formed on the left sidewall 322 of the recovery tank 80. The left tab 460 partially extends over a recess 4BO-fornod in the left sidewall 32Z. The recess 480 provides access to grasp the left tab 40 by a finger or thumb of a user and also abuts the left sidewall 376 of the separator 368, thereby preventing deformation of the left sidewall 322 of the recovery tank 80. Grasping and pulling the left tab To 460 outwardly disengages the slot 476 from the rib 478 thereby allowing the lid assembly 324 to be removed, it the right tab 458 is also disengaged from the recovery tank 80. The right and left tabs 458, 460 function together to properly seal the lid assembly 324 on the recovery tank 80. Altematively, the lid assembly 324.could include only one of the right and lett tabs 458, 460 to 5. removably mount the lid assembly 324 to the recovery tank A. Further, a reYersal of these parts could be designed inrthat the recovery tam; 80 includes the tabs and the lid assembly includes the recesses and ribs Referring to FIG. 97 the solution tank 76 is removable mounted to the left plafforrn half 282L- and the left half stroll 294L of the spine 292. The solution tank 76 comprises -two side halves 48Z, 484 (FIG. 21) welded together to define a bottom wall 486, an upstanding convexly curved left Sidewall 488, and a right sidewall 332.opposite the outer sidewall. An inverted cup shaped;- : handle 490 is attached to the upper end of a recessed area 49Z (FIG.1) formed in the left wall for grasping the solution tank 76. The right sidewall.2 juts out in - s the right direction to define a compartment 494 that is received by a recess 496 (FIG. 23) formed in the loft side of the left half shell 294L. Three vertical flexible 29 support plates defiring feet.498 (FIG. 21) de,end downwardly from the bottom wall 486 of the solution tank 76 and are received in complirnentar, grooves 499 formed on the left half 282L of the platform, when the solstice tank 76 is mounted thereon. The feet (g8 flex to absorb much of the impact 1 orce from the solution tank striking the platform or other object, thereby minimizing breakage of the solution tank 76.

To removably mount the solution tank 76 with lid assembly 760 to the handle assembly, the solution tank 76 is positioned such that tire groove 500 of the bottom wall 486 pivotally engages the upper ends 290 of the ribs 288L: as O seen in FlC;. 22. The solution tanlt 76 is then pivoted towards the Spine 292 until a pair of lateral hooks 502 integrally molded on the right sidewall 332 extend through apertures (FIG. Z3) in the left half shell 2Y4L of the alpine 292 and releasably engage a left-latch 506 connected to the spine 2g2. Also, with the solution tank 76 in this position, a recess 504 (FIG. 21) formed in the right ls sidewall 332 of the solution tank 76 receives a complementary integrally molded projection 505 in the left half shed 294L of the rear leg 298 of the spine 292 for; additional support. . Pi latch arrangenent 508 (FIG. 24) for releasably engaging the recover tank 80 and solution tank 76 to the lower handle body 2!j4 is mounted 2 to the upper portion of the spine 292. The latch arrangement 508 includes a right latch 510 slidably mounted in a track 5t formed in the inner side of the right half shelf 294R of the spine 292 for the recovery tank 80 as seen in FIGS. 14A and 1 HIS, and Icft similar latch 506 slidabTy mounted in retrack S40 formed in the left half shell 294L of-the spine 292 for the solution tank a:; seer in FIG. 23. Turning to FIG 14A, the recovery-tank latch 510 comprises a generally rectangular latch body 512 having a pair of square openings 514. Integrally molded to the inner side of the right half stroll 294R are track rails 516 with four integrally molded retaining plates 518, which extend partially over the latch body 512, to retain the latch body 51Z to the track 513. The latch body 512 is assembled to the right half shell g4R by aligning and inserting the retaining plates 5i 8 through complimentary patches 520 formed on opposite ends of the latch body 512. A natal coiled spring s22 mounts around a pin!24, which is integrally molded to the rear side of the-latch- body 512, and seats in a pocket of a retainer 526, which is integrally molded to the right half shell 294R. When mounting the recovery tankBO to the handle assembly 62, - the beveled

rearward-iy facing noses 528 of the two hooks 34 cam against their respective rear edges of the openings urging the recovery lash S lO rearwardly until the noses 528 extend through the openings 514 and engage the latch body 512 as shown in FIG. 1 4A. The spring 52Z forwardly biases the latch body 512 - urging it to maintain engagement with the hooks 340 of the recovery tank 80, thereby preventing removal of the recovery tank 80. A semi- circulrr push button 530 is integrally molded to the front side of the latch body and extends through a complimentary opening formed in the front side 832 of the right half shell 294R for access by a user. To release the latch 510 from engagement, c user pushes rearwardly on-the push button 530 to slide the latch 510 rearwardly a sufficient distance to disengage the hooks 340 from the latch body as seen in FIG.14B.

This action allows removal of the recovery tank 80 from the handle assembly 62.

Referring to FIG. 93, the solution tank latch 506 comprises a general!; rectangular latch body 534 having a pair of square openings 536.

Integrally molded to the inner side of the left half shell 2941 are track rails 538 with fout integrally molded retaining plates 542, which extend partially over the latch body 534, to retain the latch body to the track 540. The lash body 534 is , . . - ' : assembled to the left half shell 294L by aligning and inserting the retaining plates 542 through complimentary notches 544 formed orb opposite ends of the latch body 534. A coiled metal spring 546 mounts around a pin 548, which is . . . integrally molded to the rear side of the latch body 534, and seats in a pocket of retainer 550, which is integrally molded to the left half shed 294L. When cnounting the Solution tank 76 to the handle assembly 62, the beveled reanNardly facing noses 552 of the two hooks 502 cam against their respective rear edges of the openings s36 urging the 1. tch 506 rearwardly until the noses s52 exterd through the openings 536 and engage the latch body 534. The spnng 546 forwardly biases the latch body 534 urging it to maintain engagement with the hooks 502 of the solution tank 76, thereby preventing removal of the solution tank 76. serni-tTrcular push button 554 Is integrally molded to the front side of the latch body 534 and extends through a complimentary opening ferns in the front side 556 of the left half shell 2s4L for access by a user. Tc release the s latch fronn engagement, a user pushes rearwardly on the push button 554 to slid', the latch 506 rearwardly a sufficient distance to-disengage the hooks 502 from the latch body 534 in a similar manner as that shown for the; recovery tank latch 510 depicted in FIG. 143. This action allows removal Clothe solution tank 76 - : from the handle assembly 62.

o. A pair of stop pins 55BL, 555R, integálIy molded on opposite sides Bathe sibow duct 306, extend into respective central slots 560, 562 fOrmed in the Inch bodies 534, 512 and cooperate to limit sliding. rnovement of trio latches to the range defined by the length of the slots 560, ace. In particular, the pins 558L, 558R and forward ends of the slots 560, 562 prevent the latches 506, 510 2 s. from slidirg rearwardly to a position in which the retaining plates 642, 518 align with the notches $44, $20 causing the latch bodies 534, 612 to possibly :32 disengage from the tracks 540. 513. i Referring to FIG. 24, when the right and left half shells g4R, 2g4L are mounted to each other to form-the spine 292' the straight inner ends of the senicircular push buttons 530, 554 are positioned adjacent each other, and thus the buttons 530, 554 together form an Esthetic circular shaped. Integrally molded to the straight inner end of the push buttons 530, 554 are respective forwardly extending ribs or partitions 564, 566 that delineate their respective push buttons SSO, 554, so Shalt a user can easily distinguish between the two psh buttons. The partitions 864, 566 also prevent:the thumb or firger of a user' To placed on the push button adjacent its partition, from inadvertently crossing over and pushing also on the other push button. However, if desired, user can place his thumb or finger on the partitions 564, 566 and push both push b: ttons 530, 554 to sinultaneously release both of the tanks 76, 80 A-user can aIso push both push buttons using too fingers or thumbs. In this respect, the compact latch arrangement can be selectively operated to release or disengage the recovery tank 80 front the handle assembly 6z, or release or disengage the solution tank 76 front the handle assembly 62, or release or disengage both the solution and recover tanks 76, 80 from the handle assembly 6' at the same time.

O As seen in FIG. 23, a cleaning solution reservoir assembly 568 is mounted tc the left half shell 294L of the rear leg 298 and surrounded by the lefl half of the platforn. The reservoir 568 receives and holds a quantity of cleaning solution f rom the solution.iank 76 for distribution to supplytubes 5 r2 and 574 as further described below. Upon assembly of lets half shell to ths right hall shell, 5 the left half of reservoir 568 protrudes through the left platform half 282L and left half shell 294L. Clearirg-solution reserfoir 568 includes a bottom concave basin 570 having two supply tubes 572 and 574 exiting therefrom. The supply tube 572 is fluidly connected to the inlet of the pump 152. Supply tube 572 provides a direct supply of cleaning solution, through discharge port 576, front reservoir 57a (FIG. 25) to the pump assembly 152, which pressurizes the cisaning solution and draws it to through the cross over solution tube 580 for the above floor cleaning. Supply tube 574 provides a valved release of cleaning solution from reservoir- 578 to the inlet 105 (FIG. 5) of cleaning solution.

distributor 07 (FIG. 5) and thereto the brush assembly 70 (Fl O. .. Optionally, the cleaning solution can ba heated by a heater before being distributed on the O surface Also, an additiorial clean water tank may be incorporated into the - $ystern.

Referring to FIG. 25, Cover plate 582 is sealingly attached to basin 570 thereby Forming reservoir volume 578 which the solution tank 76 floods with : cleaning solution through.inlet port 584' Extending axially upwar] through inlet port 584 is pin 586 which acts to open-solution tank valve 588 elf the solution Tank 76 as tank 76 Is placed upon the left platform locals 282L and secured in.

place. The engagement of the left spine projection 505 (FIG. 23) and tank; - recess 504 (FIC;. 21) also ensures that the pin:86 is aligned with a plunder 59Q of. the solution tank valve 588 and pushes the plunger 5g0 a sufficient distance to open the valve 588. The.structure arid operation of solution tank valve 588 is described further below.

Cleaning soluton.is released, upon operator demand, into tube 574 through solution release valve 592 which- composes valve seat 594 positiored in basin 596 of bonsai. 698 integrally formed wish top cover 582-, Kohl; basin 596 of - 2 s. bowl 598 extends across discharge port 600 such that valve seat 594 is aligned to open therein. An opening 602, within the wan of bowl 598, permits the free . : flow of cleaning solution from reservoir 568 into bowl 598.. An elastomeric valve member 604 comprises an elongated piston 606 extending through valve seat - 694 having a bulbous nose 608 at the distal end thereof within discharge port 600. Valve member 604 is preferably made from Advanced Elastomer Systems "SANTO.PREI1E'' 201-65 elastomeric material.

The opposite end of piston 606 includes a downwardly sloped circularflange 810, the peripheral end of which frictionally and sealingly engages the upper circular rind 612 of bowl She thereby preventing leakage of cleaning solution thereby. The elongated piston 606. is generally dividend into three c sections 608, 614, 615 of iifferent diameters that correspond to different flovv rates. The lower bulbous nose 608 is the largest cliameter, followed by the middle seniors 614 and then.the upper section 615 adjacent the flange 610; Without any downward force upon it, flange 610 acts to bias piston 606 upward thereby urging nose 608 into sealing engagement with valve seat 594 preventing Is the flow of cleaning solution from bowl 5g8 info discharge port GOO and tube 574.

The solution release valve 592 is operated by pressing downward - . upon the elastomeric Please valve member604 by lower end 613 of lower push : rod 616 thereby deflecting the center of flange 610 downward urrirg nose COB downward and away from valve seat 594 permitting the passage of cleaning Co solutior therethrough into discharge port 600 and tube 574 cat one of two; selected flow rates depending on which section of the piston is spaced front the valve seat 594. The manner and mechanism for selecting the flagon rate will be -- explained later. Llrnit projections 618 integrally molded on the lower end of lower push rod 616 will abut an opposing stop member 620 on the solution release valve to limit downward movement of the louver push rod. The limit projections 618 will abut an opposing stop member 622 on the left half shrill 294L of the spine 292 to limit upward movement of the lower push rod 616. Energy stored Within flange 61 O. as a result of beirg deflected downward will, upon release of the fores applied to push rod 616, return the 592 valve to its normally closed position as illustrated in FIG. 25.

S Referring now to FIG. 23, extending upwardly and slid:bly received in a track 624 formed along the rear leg 298 of the let half shell 294L of the. I spine Z92 is the articulated lower push rod 616. The lower push rod 616 is - generally flexible to conform to the curved track 624. In that regard, the rod 616 is composed of any suitable flexible material, such as, for example o polypropylene. The lower end 61 is thicker or of a larger size than the rest of the lower push rod 616 so that lt generates a pushing force that is spread evenly across the upper end of the flange 610. torsion spring 6g4 biases the lower rod 616 upwardly so that the valve 592 is closed. In particular, a pin 696' integrally formed with left half shell 294L rotatably receives the spring 694, which has one end leg 698 secured to the left half shell 294L and-the otherend leg ROD secured to the lower rod 616 to Urge the rod 6i 6 upwardly.

As depicted in FIGS. 26 and 27' a singular flexible upper push rod 626 pushes against the-lower push rod 616 wheri operated by a trigger 636 or a slide button 632 to move the upper push rod 626 down as indict by arrow B. 2 The upper push rod 626 Is slidably received Ire a track 628 formed in the upper handle portion 252 of the handle assembly 62. The upper handle portion 252 includes a led hall shell 634L mounted to a right half shell 634R. A lateral opening is formed at the lower portion of the upper. handle defined a looped portion 630 with front and rear legs 638, 640; forgrasping by a users The track 628 is FQrmed inside the left half shell 634L? extending upwardly front the rear leg - 640 of the upper handle portion 252 to-a loop hand grip 642. The IODP hand grip - . . . . 642 of the upper handle portion 252 is for grasping by the hand of a user to STROVE the carpet extractor over the cleaning surface 74. The upper handle portion 252 is generally concavely curved when viewed from the rear, such that the arm and hand of a user placed on the hand grip 642 is positioned in a more S natural pushing and pulling position, thereby requiring less effort by the user to push and pull the carpet extractor over the cleaning surface when the handle assembly 62 is inclined and the upper handle portion 252 is folded up The upper push rod 826 Is generally flexible to conform to the curved track 628. In : that regard, the upper rod 826 is ccrnpo$ed of a.n3, suitable t1exible n,oterial, such as, for example polypropylene.

The upper end of push rod 628 is connected to slide button 632, Which is slidably mounted to the front side 633 of the upper handle portion 252.

The slide button 632 includes integral head button portion 644, neck 646 (FIG.

27), and body 648. The head portion 644 has a concavely curved upper side.

6513 for receiving thumb of a user to slide the slide button 632 down. The Deck 646 extends through a slot disposed in the front side 633 of the upper handle.

. . . portion 2SZ with the head button portior, 644 located on the front side 633 arid the body 648 located just underneath it. The length of the slot 652 behveen its upper and lower onds 676, 674 defines the range of sliding movement of the 2 o slide button 632; An shaped leg 654 depends downwardly from the body 648 and together with the body 648 cietines a notch 656 (FIG 27) that receives the . . . Upper push rod 625. The leg 654 seats between a pair of integrally nolded upper and tower retaining plates 658 of the upper push rod 526, which together - with the right and left half theirs B34Pt, 634L retain thsiide button to the upper push rod 626 Thus, sliding the slide button B32 down in tom causes the upper.

and lower rods 626' 616 to slide down too..

The trigger 636 is pivotally connected to the left hall shell 634L and Carrie against the upper retaining plate 659 to push the upper posh rod 626, when the trigger 636 Is squeezed by a finger of a user. In particular, an integral front leg S62 of the trigger; 638 deperds downwardly and includes a pivot opening at its lower portion that receives pivot pin B54, integrally to the left half shell 634L The upper portion of the front leg 662 cams against the upper retaining plate 659- and pushes the upper push rod &26 down, when the trigger 636 is squeezed torsion spring 666 is mounted around an integral boss 668 of:the left half shell 634L and has one end leg 670 secured to the upper push rod 626 and the other end leg 672 secured to the left half shell 634L. The spring -666 urges the upper push rod 626. slide bacon 632, and trigger 63 upwardly or towards the looped hand grip 642 and valve closed mode as illustrated in FIG' 26' The springs 666, 694 are engineered to support the combired weight of trigger 636, slide button 632, and push rods 616, 626 such that no force is applied to elastomeric valve member 604.

- Referring to FlGiS. 23, 25, and 26, upon the operator squeezing the hand grip 642 and trigger 636 with his finger, the torsion springs BOB, 694 yield fherel?y permitting clockwise rotation of trigger 636 (as viewed from the leh : ' '' ... ..

- side) about pivot pin 664 and downward movement of push rods 6'6, 6, which push the elongated piston 606 down a predetermined distanced so that the middle portion 614 of the.piston 606 extends through the valve seat 594 and is spaced from the edges of the valve seat S94. This- results in opening the solution release valve 592, causing gravitational flow of cleaning solution from reservoir 568 to tube 574 at-a normal flow rate. Upon release of trigger 636 or slide button 632, energy stored In the system returns valve 592 to the closed model Upon the operator sliding the slide button 632 down until the neck B46 abuts the lower end 674 of the slot 62, the torsion sprfr gs 6(i6, 694 yield thereby allowing the upper and lower rods 626, 61 O to push the elongated piston 60B down predetermine distance furtherthan that accomplished try squeezing - s the trigger 636' so that the i; pper portion 615 of the piston extends through the valve seat 594 and is spaced from the edges of the valve seat 5C,4 With the piston 606 in this position, the lateral distance between the upper podion 615 and valve seat 594 is larger than that be',ween the middle portion l 4 and valve seat 594, thereby allowing more cleaning solution to Pow to reservoir S68 and to 0 the tube 574. Thus, the cleaning solution flows between the upper portion 6.15 and valve seat 554 at a higher flow rate thah that between the middle portion 614 and valve seat 594. Alternatively, an operator could slide the slide button 632 down a predetermine distance so that the middle portion 614 TS spaced from the valve seat 594 to obtain a normal flow rate cleaning solution. Llpon release of the slide button 632, energy stored in the system returns the valve 592 to the i closed position.

The upper handle portion 252 releasably locks to the lower handle : body 2-54 for use and folds down behind the lower iiandle body 264 for storage as seen in FIG.-11. In particular as best seen in F)G.-9, the upper handle portion So 252 includes trunnicns 67BLI B78R that are erclosed by caps 680L, 680R integrally molded fo the rear upper end of the spine 292 and iocatecl on opposite sides of.the spine 292. The right cap 580R has an inward ectendin, pin 634 that is telescopingly received in an inward extending toss 685; A bore 688 (FIG. 26) formed through the truncheons 878R, 678L receives the pin 684 and boss 686, thereby pivotally.connecting the upper handle portion, 252 to the lower handle body 254. The upper push tod 636 extends through an aperture 690 (FIG. 26) in the bottom side of the left half shell 634L of the upper handle portion 252. The lower push rod 616 extends through an aperture in the top surface of the left half shell 294L of the spine 29Z.

Referring to FIG. 28, when the upper handle portion:252 is pivoted up to the upright position' the bulbous lower end 704 of the upper push rod 626 Is;aligned with an adjustable spacer 706 removably secured to tine upper end 708 of lower push rod 616. The spacer 706 Is adjusted to be Spaced at the proper alignnnent and distance below the lower end 704 of the upper push rod -626 so that the rods 616, 626cooperato to push the piston 606 (FIG. 25) to one of the above-mentioned predetermine distances corresponding till the cleaning solution flow rate. In particular as depicted in FIG. 28A, the spacer 706 includes notch 712 disposed on the bottom side that receives the upper end 708 of the lower push rod 616. The upper end 708 has a multiple rows of circumferential ribs or threads 714 that are stably receive by complimentary grooves 716 formed around the noh-712 to secure the spacer 706 to the upper end 708.

The spacer 706 can be Rousted closer to the lower end 704 of the upper rod 626, by aligning and sliding spacer on the upper end 708 at a position higher than the previous position As depicted in FIG. 2S, a push button latch 718 relecsably latches 2 0 or locks the upper handle portion 252 to the lower handle body 24. The. latch 718 includes an opening at its lower end of its body -at rotatahly- receives a pivot pin 720 integrally molded to the left half shell 294L of the spine 22 to pivotally connect the latch to the front spine leg 296; The latch 718 includes an upwardly extending hook 722 that ongages or hooks Upon a rearwardly extending rib 724, -integrally molded on the inner surface 726 of the front side 633 of the upper handle. coiled metal spring 728 has one end securely seated tin a pocket 730 formed in the rear side of the latch body 732 and the other end mounted around a pin 735 (FIG PA) of a retainer 734 (FIG. 1. 4A), which is integrally molded to the right half shell 294R of the spine 292. The spring 728 forwardly biases the hook 722 urger it to maintain engagement with-the rib 724, thereby preventing the upper handle portior, 252 from folding or pivoting down.

A circular push button 736 is integrally molded to the front side of the latch body 732 and extends through a complimentary opening 738 formed in the front side 556 of the spine 292 for access by a user. The right half shell 2s4F! of the spine Captures the latch to retain it and also forms part of the opening 738.

To release the latch 718 from engagement, a user grasps around I the front leg 638 of the upper handle 252 and pushes reaardly on the push button 736 to pivot the latch 718 rea'mardly a sufficient distance such that the hook 722 disengages front the rib 724. This action allows the upper handle portion 252 to be pivoted or folded down behind the lower handle body 254 for storage as seen in FlG. 11.

Referring to FIG; 25, the solutior tank valve 588 is pi ovided In the: solution tank for releasing solution from the solution tank. The solution tarik valve 588 is normally in the closed position. However, as the solution tank is; placed upon the reservoir 56S, the solution tank valve 588 opens permitting - cleans solution to flow into the reservoir 568. Upon removal of the tank 76 from the reservoir 568, the solution tank valve 588 closes prohibiting liquid from flowing out of the solution tank 76. The solution tank valve bB8 is incorporated ink boEtorn wall 486 of the solution tank 76. The solution tank valve 58B comprises a valve body 74Z with the elongate plunger 590 extending coaxially 2 S upward therethrough. The plunger 590, having an outside diameter less than the Inside diameter of the valve body 742, is provided with at least -fc,ur flutes 745 (FIG. 21) to maintain alignment of the plunger 5gO within the valve body 742 as the plunger 590 axially translates therein and permits the passage of fluid therethrough when the plunger 590 is in the open position.

Me valve body 742, integrally formed with the bottom wall 486 of the solution tank 76, has a;Yertically extending bore 756 that slidirgly receives therein the upper shank portion of the plunger 59. An elastomeric circumferential seal 748 circumscribes plunger 590 for sealingly engaging valve body 742. The seal 748 is urged against the valve body 742 by action of the compression spring 752, írcumscnbing plunger 590. The slurring 752 is To positioned between the body 742 arid the plunger EgO. The solution tank valve 588 is normally in the closed position. -However, as the solution tank 76 is placed upon the left platform Z82L of the handle assembly 62, pin 586 of the reservoir 568 aligns with plunger 590, thereby forcing plunger S90 upward.to separate the seal 748 from the \'alve body 742 and compressing spring 752, thereby opening the valve body 742 permitting cleaning solution from the solution tank to flow through bow 756 of the valve body 742 inib the reservoir 568 A!so, seal 753' mounted on the top cover 5BRof the reservoir 568 and surrounding the pin SOB, sealirigly engages the-bottom wall 486 of the solution tank 76 when the tank 76 is mounted on the left platform 282L. Upon removal of the solution tank 76 from the led platform 282L, the energy stoma within compression spring 752 urges the seal 748 down against the valve body 742 to close the valve '46.

Referring to FlG. 21, the solution tank 76 includes an,open top sealingly closed by lid assembly 760. The -lid assembly 760 includes a gerierally triangular shaped body 782 with its convexly curve left side 764 (FIG.

2 9) converging upwardly to an apex The lid assembly incorporates an inverted cup portion 766 depending downwardly from the bottom wad 763 of the body 762, which serves as a convenient.rnecasuring cup for mixing an appropriate anount of concentrated cleaning solution with water in the solution tank 76.

Sirnilarto the recovery tank Rd assembly 324, the solution tank lid assembly 760. : includes a right tab 770 and a left tab 772 (FIG. 10) to removably mount the lid assembly 760 to the top of the tank 76. In padioular as depicted in FIG. Q. the left tab 772 is integrally formed with the left side 774 of the lid body 762 and depends downwardly from the louver end of the body 762. The left tab 772 fits into a complementary recess 780 (FIG. 21) of the left mall 488 of the solution tank 76 and has a slot 6 that receives complementary rib 773. formed on recess 780 (FIG. 21) to- releasably secure the lid assembly 760 to the solution tank 76. Grasping and pulling the leh tab 772 upwardly and outwardly disengages the slot 776 from the rib 778 thereby allowing the lid assembly 760 to be removed, if the right tab 770 is also disengaged from.the solution tank 76.

Referring to FIG. 21, the right tab 770 is integrally formed with the left.end of the bottom wall 768 and depends downwardly therefrom. The right tab 770 has a slot 762 that receives a rib 784 formed on the right sidewall 332 of the solution tank. The right tab 770 partially extends over a recess portion 503 formed in the right sidewall 332. The recess 503 provides access to grasp the tab by a finger:or thumb of a user and also abuts the cup portion 766 of the lid 20. assembly 760, thereby preventing deforrncation of the right sidewall 332 of the solution tank 76. Grasping and pulling the right tab 0 outwardly disengages the slot 782:from the rib 784 thereby allowing the licl assembly 760 to be; removed, if the left tab-772 is also disengaged from the solution tank 76. The right. and left tabs TOO, 772 function together to properly seal the lid-assenbly 760 on-the solution tank 76. Alternatively, the lid assembly 760 could include . - . only one of the right and left tabs 770, 772 to removably mount the lid assembly 760 to.the solution tank 76. Further, a reversal of these parts could be present in that the solution tank 76 includes the tabs and the lid assembly 76C includes the reGesses and ribs.

The arrannernent for aborts the floor or upholstery cle'nirg will now be described. As depicted in FIGS. 4A and i 4B, integrally molds,] to the main recovery duct 304 is an accessory duct 78S that extends to an opening in the rear side 788 of the rear leg 2gH of the right half shell 294R of the spine 292.

The accessory duct 785 includes an inlet 7so (FlO O) for fluid connection to an accessory hose assembly 792 (FIG. 29). A door 74 is pivotally connected to 0 the rear side 788 of the right hall shell zs4R of the spire 292. Specifically, the rear side 788 includes a land portion 76 with a recess 7g8 in which the opposite Sides of the recess have apertures that receive trunnions 800 (FIG. g) on the door 794 to form the pivotal connection.

Integrally formed on the top surface of the door 7g4 are a pair of stop ribs 802 that frictionally engage the bottom of the recess 79E to keep the - door 794 from falling or pivoting down due to gravity as seen in FIG. t44. The bottom end of the door has a convexly or curved portion that deforms a handle 504 A forward depending hook 806 is integrally molded on the front surface of the door 794 Just above the handle 804.:- The door 7g4 includes an inner circular o avail 810; integrally molded tothe front or inner side of the door794' that extends forwardly into inlet I9O of the accessory duct 786, when the door covers the opening in the closed position as seen in Fly. 1 4B. An outer Circular wall 808 (FIG. 9), integrally molded to the rear side and concentric with the inner circular wall 810, surrounds the inter circular wall 810 arid extends fonnarrily a smaller distance then the inner wall 810. A seal 812 is ssalingly inserted around the.

accessory duct 786, and sealingly engages the outer wall Doe and around the Inner circular wall 810, when the door 794 Is closed as seen in FIG 1 4B. . Thus, when the door 794 closes overthe inlet 790 of the accessory duct 786, particles and atmospheric air are prevented from entering the inlet 790. Also, when the door 794 is closed, the hook 806 extends into a slot 814 (FIG.10) formed in the rear side 78g of the right half shall 94R and engages the inner surface of the rear side 788 to releasably latch the door 794.

To open the door 794 for connection of an accessory hone assembly 792, a user grasps the handle 8M and pulls with sufficient force to disengage the hook 806 from the inner surface of the rear side 788 and pivots O the door 794 upwardly until the stop ribs 802 frictionally engage the bottom side of the recess 798. The accessory hose assembly 792 cooperates with the Inlet 790 of the accessory duct 786 so that the carpet extractor 60 can be used, for example, to clean upholstery andlor stairs.

As seen FIG. 14A, the accessory hose assembly 792 includes a Us hose connector assembly 816 that fluidly connects to the inset -/'90 of the accessory duct 786 and cleaning solution discharge Valve 817, which is fluidly connected to the solution cross over tube 680 in fluid connection to the discharge port 813 of the pump 152. As seen in FIG. 30,-the hose assmbly792.

includes a hose -solution tube 820 that is received in vinyl corrugatedaccessory 2 0 suction hose 822. The hose connector assembly Bi encapsulates the suction hose 622 so that suction hose 822 is in fluid communication with a suction conduit 824 of the hose connector assombly 816. The hose solution tube 820 extends into the hose connector assembly 816 through a solution conduit 826.

The solution conduit-826 is generally integrally molded with the SUCtiOI1 conduit . . . . - . . .. . 824 of the hose connector assembly 816, but can qIternatively be a separate piece secured to the suction conduit 824 by any suitable rnean$ such as for 45; Example, by welding or using screws.

Turning now to FIGS. 31A and 31 B. the cleaning solution discharge valve 817 is mounted to the left half shell 294L (FIG. 23) and comprises a main body 832 having a downwardly directed inlet 834 and a reannardly directed side outlet 836. Inlet 834 fluidly communicates with the discharge port 813 of pump 152 via cross over tube 580 whereby pressurized cleaning solution is supplied to the main body 832. Integral with arid extending horizontally from main body 832 is discharge port 840 configured as a. nipple for receiving thereon the cleaning solution supply hose quick disconnect coupling 910 further described below.

O The discharge port 840 extends to an opening 919 (FIG. O) formed in the rear side of the left half shell 294L of the spine ng2. Axially aligned within discharge nipple 840 is axially translatable valve member 842 having a hollow core open at outlet end 844 thereof and closed at inlet 86 and having at least one opening . 848. Compression spring 858 acting upon circurnferental flange 852 of valve member 842 biases valve member 842 toward the normally closed configuration as illustrated in FIG. 31A thereby sealingly compressing Gorings 854 between the main body 832 and flange 852.

Removably attachable to discharge nipple 840 is quick disconnect coupling 910. Coupling 910 comprises a main cylindrical body 912 having a 2 0 peripheral rim 916 of the cylindrical main body 912. Closing oaths opposite end of main body 912 is the axially extending tubules 818 to Which accessory solution supply tube 820 (FIG. 30) is fluidly connected. Tubule! 818 extends axially inside main body 912 which when the main body g12 receivers nipple 840 therein, axially aligns with valve stem 842 as illustrated.

When the niacin body 912 of coupling910 is advanced downward over discharge nipple 840, the tubules 818 penetrates the nipple bore 960 forcing valve n,grnber 842 downward, compressing Upping 858 to the extentthat opening 848 of valve member 842 enters the main body chamber 831 of valve 817 as seen in FIG. 31 B. thereby providing fluid path through the valve member 842 and tubules 818 into accessory solution tube 820 (FIG. 30) and fin to a spray mechanism OOO (FIG. 30) located, at the hose end 902 (FIG. 30) in which an accessory cleaning tool (not shown) is removably attached. O- rinas 854 sealingly engage nipple 840 and the main body 912 of coupling cij o.

- A typical on-off trigger operated valve 904 (FIG. 30) is provided to control the amount of solution dispensed. . Further details of the valve are disclosed in patent number 5,8707; the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. The pump 152 presumes cleaning solution from the solution tank 16 through the resonroir 568. Pressurized eleanirg solution is supplied to valve 904 via supply tube 820 connected to the pump discharge valve 817 by quick disconnect coupling 910. The solution pump 1 S2 typically supplies the cleaning Solution at a pressure of at least psig.

Referring to FIG. 29, the suction conduit824 of the hose connector assembly 816 has a bevel outlet end 906, which slopes forwardly and downwardly, so that bottom wall 908 of the suction conduit 824 extends forviardly beyond top wall gl4 of suction conduit 824. The width of the bottom 0 wall 908 is generally slightly less than the interior width of the main recovery duct 304. Thus, as seen in FIG. 14A, when the hose connector assembly 816 is iriserted into the accessory duct 786, the bottom wall 908 extends across the interior of trio main recovery duct 304, thereby blocking or substantially blocking the suction from-the suction negator 90 through the Towpath of the? portion of the 2. main recovery aft: Of 304 below the accessory duct 786, floor recovery hose 228, floor recovery duct 222 and floor suction nozzle assenbly 14, and hence shutting or substantially shutting off suction through the flowpath to the floor suction noble assenbly 174. Yet, in this position, suction is created in the flowpath through ths accessory duct 786, and accessory hose assembly 792 Ma outlet end 906. Thus, suction generated by the motor draws dirt and liquid through the accessory tool (not shown], suction hose 822, suctior, conduit 824, accessory duct 786, the portion of the main recovery duct 3C'4 above the accessory duct 786i and into the recomb tank 80 as seen by the arrows.

The hose connector assembly 816 is releasably cornected to the right half shell 294R as seen in FIG. 14A Specifically, as best depicted in FIG l O fig, the hose connector assembly 816 includes a collar 916 secured around base 918 of the hose connector assembly 816, located adjacent the suction hose 822.

For ease of assembly, the collar 916 Is cut or split open, defining an elastic c shaped clip, which allows a user to pull the free ends apart a distance larger than the diameter of the base 918 to fit it around the base 918. Sifter the user releases the pulling force on the collar, the elastic force of collar.316 urges the free ends toward each other to form a tight fit of the collar 916 around the base 918. Integrally molded to tte collar Q16, is a pair of opposite tangs 920 that extend forwardly and include hooks 922 integrally molded at the distal or free ends of the tangs 920. The tangs 920 are received in notches founded in a flange ! 924. which is integrally molded around the solution and suction conduits 826, 824 of the hose connector assembly 816. The tangs g20 an; mounted by screws 928 to respective bosses g2G, integrally molded on the suction conduit 824 and located rearwardly adjacent the flange 924. The flange 924 is positioned along the tangs 920 in close proximity to the hooks 922 such that pushing the tangs 920 inwardly flexes the hooks g22 outwardly.

When the hose connector assembly 816 is fluidly connected to the . accessory duct 786 and solution discharge valve 817 as deplete'] in 14A, the hooks 922 extend through respective upper and louver slots 811, tli4 (FIG. 10) formed in the rear side 788 of the right had shell 294R and engage the inner surface of the rear side 788. The elastiforce in the elastoneric seal 812 urges the hooks 922 against the inner surface maintaining their engagement with it, thereby retaining the hose corinector assembly 81 G to the right half shell 294R and in fluid Communication with the accessory duct 76 and solution discharge valve 817. To disconnect the hose connector assembly 816 from the right half shell 294Ft, a user squeezes the tangs 920, Which flexes the hooks g22 O outwardly and disengages them from the inner surface of the rear side 788 of the right half shell 294R, and then pulls the hose connector assembly 816 rearwardly with sufficient force to rernovs the solution conduit 826 from the solution discharge valve 817 and the suction corrupt 821 from the accessory duct 786.

15. The hose connector assembly 816 provides a single connection for both the suction hose 822 and the solution tube 820 to their respective accessory duct and cleaning solution discharge vahre 817 of the hardily assembly B2. Such a single one-step connection results in a quick and convenient way for the user to connect the suction hose B22 and.the solution 2D tube 820 of the accessory hose assembly 792 to the handle assembly 62 for above the Floor or upholstery cleaning.

The accessory hose assembly 792 fits around a hose and tool caddy 930 that is removably mounted to the rear side of the spine 292 as seen in FLG. 1:. In particular, the tool caddy 930 comprises a body 932 having a pairof downward extending posts g34 integrally molded to the boRom of the body 932 and recensed tin pockets 974 of a holder 976 (FIG. 10) integrally molded to the rear leg 298 of the spine 29Z, when the caddy is mounted to the handle assembly 62. An oval shaped hose support Wall 936, integrally molded with the body 932, extends rearwardly from the rear side of the caddy 930 for supporting the accessory hose assembly 7gE would therearound. The support wall defines u-shaped channel 938 (Flak 1) that receives the accessory hose 79;2. The width of channel 938 is sized toceive two portions of the accessory suction hose 822 positioned side by side, resulting from the hose assembly 792 t,aing wound around the hose support mall 936 twice. The bottom portion 940 of the support ll 936 extends reenvartilya distance furtherthan the remaining portion of the support wall 936 to acoonmodate three portions of the accessory suction hose 822.

As best seen in FIG. 1O7 the body 932 includes a channel 938 formed in the rear side 942 adjacent the led portion of the support wall 936. The channel 938 receives the hose connector assembly 816 as depicted in FIG. 11.

The flange 924 of the hose conriector assembly 816 seats into a recessed portion 944 (FIG. 10) formed in the rear side of the body, when the hose cornector assembly 818. is mounted to the caddy. A slot 946 (FIG. 10), formed in the recessed portion 944, receives a hook g48, integrally molded thy flange 924 and depending downwardly (or rearwardly when the hose connector assembly 816 is connected to the handle assembly 82), to retain the hose connector assembly 816 to the caddy 930 as best seen in FIG. 30. A cut out 950 is formed in the support wall 936, so that the hose connector assembly [16 can be positioned in the channel 938.

, . . ; A hook 95? (FIG. 30) is also integrally formed with the hose end 2 5 902 for retaining the hose end 9 to the caddy 930, after the accessory hose assembly 7g2 is wound therearound. The hook 952 extends through a slot g54 so (FIG, 10) formed in a rear upstanding flange 956 of the support wall 936 and engages the front sudace of the flange 956 to retain the hose end 902 to the flange 956 as seen ir' FIG. 30. A pair of guide rails 957 (FIG. 10) receive a bracket 958 (FIG. 30) supporting the spray mechanism gOO to hold the hose end 902 in place, keeping it straight as seen in FIGS. 11 and 30. As depicted in FIG. 10, the body 932 of the caddy includes a cross shaped projeci:ion g60 that receives the suction conduit of an upholstery accessory tool (not '; hovfn) and a pair of pockets 962 that receive opposite side corners of the tool to retain the tool to the caddy 930.

Upper and loner cord holders 964, 966 (FIG. 11) are attached to the flanks 956 of the caddy 930 for receiving the electric cord wrapped around them. Upper and lower cord holders 97B, 980 are also attached to the rear leg 298, thereby giving the user two places to wrap the cord. A central opening 968 is formed in the caddy for access to the inlet 790 of the accessory duct 304 and l: solution discharge vahre 368 by the hose connector assembly 816 as well as the lower cord holder 980, A slot 970 is formed in the upper and of this operating and slidably receives a hook 972 integrally formed on the rear surface 788 of the left half shell 294L. The caddy 930 Is mounted to the handle assembly 62 by sliding the slot 970 on the hook 972 and the posts 934 in the pockets 974, To remove Zo the caddy from the handle assembly 62, a user then pulls the caddy 930 . . . upwardly and outwardly to slide the slot 970 off the hook g;72 anti the posts 934 out of the pockets 974.

As seen in FIG. 11, the curvature of the upper handle portion 252 and the overall design of the caddy and lower handle body254 allows the upper handle portion 252 to fit into the caddy and abut or. be in Close proximity to the body 932 thereby providing a compact, sleek appearance, When the upper 51 _. ._. "van v.vv r^^ ' oo LAIJA d; 1,AKKY LLP 21066 handis portion 252 is folded completely down.

In use, the carpet extractor distributes the cleaning solution upon squeezing of the trigger or slide button as it substantially and sirnuHaneously extracts it along with the dirt on the carpet in a continuous operatior'. Ophonally' the carpet extractor can be selfpropelled. The benefits of the tanks being positioned on opposite sides of the handle include the conveniences of removing the tanks without moving to the front and bending over to do so' and having the handle positioned in the inclined position to remove the tanks. Also, the manipulative effort of the base assembly is improved, since the weight of recovery tank is off the base assembly. I:urthor, the operator can better see the solution level in the recovery and solution tanks. The solution and recovery tanks 76, 80 including their outer walls 488, 320, lids 760, 324, handles 490, 326, and tabs 772, 458 also have a pleasing symmetrical outer appearance vvhen mounted to the handle assembly 62 The present invention has been described byway of example using the;illr;strated embodiments. Upon reviewing the detailed description and the appended drawings, various modifications and variations of the 3mbodirnents will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. All such obvious modifications and variations are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention and of the claims appended hereto.

In view of the above, it is intended that the present invention not be limitecl by the preceding disclosure of the embodiments, but rather be limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS: l. A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning

solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation 'comprising a) a base portion for movement along the surfa:e; b) a handle pivotally connected to said base portion, said handle having a front portion, a rear portion, and a pair of opposite aide portions; c) a solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface removably mounted.to one of said side portions; d) a recovery tank removably mounted to other one of said side-portions; e) a suction nozzle secured to said base portion and in fluid communication with said recovery tank; f) a suction source in fluid communication with said suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through said suction nozzle and into said recovery tank; and g) wherein said front portion is positioned between said solution and recovery tanks and is exposed when said solution tank and said recovery tank are removably mounted to said side portions of said handle.

2. The cleaning apparatus of claim l wherein one of said solution tank and said recovery tank is moved in a transverse direction with respect to the cleaning path to mount said one of said solution and recovery tanks to said one of said side portions. s

3. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein at least one of said side paxtions has a platform upon which one of said recovery tank and said solution tank are mounted, lo 4. The clearing apparatus of any preceding claim wherein said suction source is mounted to said base portion.

5. The cleaning apparatus of any preceding claim wherein said handle includes at least one locating member received in a IS groove from in said bottom portion of one of said recovery and solution tank for locating said tank for mounting to the handle.

6. The cleaning apparatus of claim 5 wherein said at least one locating rib include" a curved upper end for allowing said tank to pivot.

7. The cleaning apparatus of any preceding claim, including a suction conduit fluidly connected to said recovery tank and said suction nozzle, wherein at least a portion of said suction conduit being located between said solution and recovery tanks.

8. A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface arid substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation ccmprising: ss a) a base portion for movement along the surface; b) a handle pivotally connected to said base portion, said handle having a front portion, a rear portion, and pair of opposite first and second side portions, each of said side portions having a platform; c) a solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning.

0 solution to the surface removablymounted to said handle, said solution tank having at leapt a portion removably mounted on said platform of said first side portion; d) a recovery tank removably mounted to said handle, said recovery tank having at least a portion removably mounted on said platform of said second side portion; e) a suction nozzle secured to said base portion and in fluid communication with said recovery tank; an,i f) a suction source in fluid communication with said suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through said suction nozzle and into said recovery Lank.

9. The cleaning apparatus of claim wherein solid suction source is mounted to said base portion 10. The cleaning apparatus of claim 8 or claim 9 wherein one of the recovery and solution tanks has a bottom portion that receives a lip portion on said handle to retain the tank on the handl e, 11. The cleaning apparatus of claim wherein said handle includes at least one locating members received in a groove from in said bottom portion of one of said recovery and solution tank for locating said tank for mounting to the handle.

12. The cleaning apparatus of claim 11 wherein said at least one locating rib includes a curved upper end for allowing said tank to pivot.

13. The cleaning apparatus of any of claims 8 to 12 including a latch operatively connected to said handle and one of said solution and said recovery tank for releasably latching said tank to said handle.

14. The cleaning apparatus of any of claims 8 to 12 wherein said solution tank and said recovery tank are symmetrical.

15. A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation - ompising: a) a base portion for movement along the surface; b) a handle pivotally connected to said base portion; c) a solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface removably mounted to said handle; d) a recovery tank removably mounted to said handle; e) a auction conduit fluidly connected to said recovery tank; f) a suction nozzle secured to said base portion and fluidly connected to said conduit; g) a suction source in fluid communication with said Suction nozzle for generating auction to draw dirt and liquid through said suction nozzle and said suction conduit and into said recovery tank; and h) an accessory hose having a first end adapte'] to receive a cleaning tool and a second end removably connected to said handle in fluid communication with said suction conduit.

16. The cleaning apparatus of claim IS including a first solution conduit connected to said accessory hose, a second solution conduit fluidly connected to slid solution tank, said first solution conduit having a first end connected to a spray nozzle and a second eyed removably connect to said handle in fluid communication with said second solution conduit.

17. The cleaning apparatus of claim 16 including a hose connector secured to said first solution conduit and said accessory hose, said hose connector being removably mounted to said handle, a hose connector mounting the first end of the accessory hose and the first end of the first solution conduit such that the accessory hose is in fluid communication with-said suction conduit dad the fires solution conduit is in fluid communication with said second solution conduit when the hose connector is mounted to the handle 18. The cleaning apparatus of claim 17 wherein said hose connector includes a hook member secured thereto, maid hook member engaging a portion of acid handle to selectively mount said hose connector to said handle.

19. The cleaning apparatus of claim 17 or claim 18 wherein said hose connector includes portion at least substantially blocking the suction to said suction nozzle when said hose connector is mounted to said handle.

20. A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution in dispensed to the surface and IS substantially simultaneously extracted along witch the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation comprising: a) a base portion for movement along the surface; b) a handle pivotally connected to said base portion, said handle includes a lower portion and an upper portion pivotally connected to said lower portion, said upper portion being pivoted between an upper position for use and a lower position for storage; c) a solution tank for supplying flow of cleaning 2s solution to the surface, said eolution.tank beings removably mounted to said to one of said base portion and said handle; d) a recovery tank removably mounted to one of solid Base portion and said handle; e) a suction nozzle secured to said base portion and in fluid communication with said recovery tank; s f) a suction source in fluid communication with said suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through said suction nozzle and into said recovery tank; and g) wherein one of said solution tank and said recovery tank is removably mounted to said handle.

21. The cleaning apparatus of claim 20 wherein said solution tank is removably mounted to said handle.

22. The cleaning apparatus of claim 21 wherein said recovery tank is removably mounted to said handle.

23. The cleaning apparatus of claim 20 or claim 21 wherein said recovery tank is removably mounted to said hanclle, a suction conduit fluidly connected between said recovery tank and said suction nozzle, an accessory host having a first end adapted to receive a cleaning tool and a second end removably connected to said handle in fluid communication with said suction conduit.

24. The cleaning apparatus of claim 23 including a first solution conduit connected to said accessory hose, a second solution conduit fluidly connected to said solution tank, said first solution conduit having a first end connected to a spray nozzle and second end removably connect to said handle in fluid communication with said second solution conduit.

25. The cleaning apparatus of claim 24 including a hose connector secured to raid first solution conduit and said accessory hose, said hose connector being removably mounted to said handle, a hose connector mounting the first end of the accessory hose and the first end of the first solution conduit such that the accessory hose is in fluid communication with said suction conduit and the first solution conduit is in fluid communication with said second solution conduit when the hose connector is.

mounted to the handle.

26. The cleaning apparatus of claim 25 wherein said hose connector includes a hook member secured thereto, said hook member engaging a portion of said handle to selectively mount said hose connector to said Blandly.

27. The cleaning apparatus of claim 25 or claim 26 wherein said hose connector includes a portion at least substantially blocking the suction to said suction nozzle when said hose connector is mounted to said handle.

28. The cleaning apparatus of any of claims 20 to 27 wherein said suction source is mounted to said base portion.

29. The cleaning apparatus of any of claims 20 to 27 wherein said upper handle portion includes a latch assembly for releasably latching said upper handle to said flower handle in maid upper position.

3a. The cleaning apparatus of claim 29 wherein said latch assembly includes a push button.

31. A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution iG dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along pith the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation comprising: a) a base portion for movement along a surfacer b) a handle pivotally connected to said base portion; c) a distributor for distributing cleaning solution to the surface; d) a solution tank for holding cleaning solution removably mounted to one of said base portion and said handle; e) a conduit fluidly connected between said distributor I and said solution tack for transporking the cleaning solution from said solution tank to said distributor; f) a recovery tank removably mounted to one of said base portion and said handle; g) a suction nozzle secured to said base portion and in fluid communication with said recovery tank for transporting air and liquid into said recovery tank; h) a suction source in fluid communication with said recovery tank for providing suction to draw liquid and dirt from the surface through said suction nozzle and into said recovery tank; and il a valve assembly provided in said conduit, 'aid valve assembly having a valve stem, said valve stem I'aving a first section of a first size and a second suction of a second size smaller than said first size, said valve stem being movable within the conduit to a first position in which said first section is spaced from the interior of the conduit such that the cleaning solution flows at a first rate, said valve stem being movable within the conduit to a second position in which said second section is spaced from the interior of the conduit such that the cleaning solution flows at a second rate greater than the first flow rate.

32. The cleaning apparatus of claim 31 including a first actuator operatively connected to said valve assembly for selectively moving said valve stem to said first position.

33. The cleaning apparatus of claim 32 inclucLing a second actuator operatively connect to said valve assembly for selectively moving said valve stem to said second position.

34. The cleaning apparatus of claim 33 wherein said handle portion includes a hand grip, wherein E;aid main actuator is located adjacent to said hand grill for actuation by a finger of a hand grasping said hand grip.

35. The cleaning apparatus of claim 34 wherein said second actuator is located adjacent to said hand grip for actuation by a thump of hand grasping said Eland grip.

36. The cleaning apparatus of claim 35 wherein said first actuator comprises a trigger.

37. The cleaning apparatus of claim 36 wherein said second actuator is a elide button.

3. A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation comprising: a) a base portion for movement along the surt=.ce; b) a handle pivotally connected Lo said base portion, said handle includes lower portion and an upper portion pivotally connected to said lower portion, said upper portion being pivoted between an upper position for use and a lower position for storage; c) a solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface, said solution tank removably mounted to one of said base portion and said handle; d) a distributor fluidly connected to said so].ution tank for distributing the cleaning solution on the surface e) a solution release valve fluidly connected between said distributor and said solution tank for selectively preventing the flow of cleaning solution to said distributor; f) an actuating assembly operatively connecter! to said solution release valve for selectively opening and closing said solution release valve, said activating assembly including an upper mechanical member extending through said upper handle portion and a lower mechanical member extending through said lower portion: g3 a recovery tank removably mounted to one of said base portion and said handle; h) a suction nozzle secured to said base portion and in fluid communication with said recovery tank; i) a suction source in fluid communication with said suction nozzle for generating auction to draw dirt and liquid through said BUCtion nozzle and into said recovery tank; and j) wherein said upper mechanical member and said lower mechanical member being constructed and arrancred with respect to each other to allow said upper handle to pivot between said upper and lower positions.

39. The cleaning apparatus of claim 38 wherein said actuatlug assembly includes a trigger switch operatively connected to said upper handle to selectively move said upper and. lower mechanical members to close said valve.

do. The cleaning apparatus of claim 39 wherein said upper and lower mechanical members are spaced from each other,.

41. The cleaning apparatus of claim 40 wherein said actuating assembly includes an adjustable part. for varying the distance between said upper and lower mechanical members.

42. The cleaning apparatus of any of claims 39 to 41 wherein said solution release valve has a conduit for transporting the flow of cleaning solution and a valve stem, said valve stem having a first section of a first size and a second section of second size smaller than said first size, said actuating assembly moving said valve stem.to a first position in Milch said first section is spaced from the interior of the conduit such that the cleaning solution flows at a first rate, said actuating assembly moving said valve stem to a second position in which said second section is spaced from the interior of the conduit such that the cleaning solution flows at a second rate greater than the first flow rate.

43. The cleaning apparatus of any of claims 38 to 42 wherein said upper and lower mechanical members are spaced from each other.

44. The cleaning apparatus of claim 43 wherein said actuating assembly includes an adjusting part for varying the distance between said upper and lower mechanical members.

45. cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along smith the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation comprising: a) a base portion for movement along the surface; b} a handle pivotally connected to said base portion; . c) a solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface portions, said solution tank belug removably mounted to one of Said base portion and said handle; d) a recovery tank removably mounted to said handle; e) a suction nozzle secured to said base portion and in fluid communication with said recovery tank; f) a suction source in fluid communication with said JO suction nozzle for generating auction to draw dirt and liquid through said suction nozzle and into said recovery tank, said auction source being located downstream of arid recovery tank; . g) a suction conduit fluidly connected between said Is recovery tank and said suction source; and h) a suction shut off device operatively connected to said suction source' said shut off device shutting off suction through at least a portion of said suction conduit upon said handle being pivoted down a predetermined distance to a first position.

46. The cleaning apparatus of claim 45 wherein said solution tank is removably mounted to said handle, 47. The cleaning apparatus of claim 45 or claim 46 wherein said suction shut off device includes a valve dispceed in acid suction conduit, said valve being closed upon said handle being pivoted down to the predetermined distance.

48. The cleaning apparatus of claim 47 wherein said valve includes shaft for pivotally connecting said valve to said conduit, said valve part being secured directly to said shaft.

49. The cleaning apparatus of any of claims 45 to 48 wherein said suction source is mounted to said base portion lo 50. The cleaning apparatus of any of claims 45 to 49 wherein said Suction shut off device includes a valve dlepced in said suction conduit, said valve has a valve part, said handle including a cam portion camming against said valve part to place said valve in a closed position for substantially blocking the suction through the portion of the suction conduit.

51. The cleaning apparatlJsof claim 50 wherein said cam portion disengages from said valve part when said handle is at a position above said first position which places said valve in an open position allowing suction through said suction.

S2. The cleaning apparatus of claim 51 wherein said valve is pivotally connected to said conduit, said valve pivoting between said closed position and said. open position.

53. The cleaning apparatus of claim 52 wherein said valve includes shaft for pivotally connecting said valve to said conduit, said valve part being secured directly to said shaft.

54. The cleaning apparatus of claim 53 wherein said valve part is integrally formed with said shaft.

55. A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation comprising: a) a housing; h) a liquid distribution system operatively associated with said housing for distributing the cleaning solution to the surface; c) a recovery tank removably mounted to said housing; d) a suction nozzle secured to said housing and in fluid communication with said recovery tank' said suction nozzle including a front nozzle portion and a rear nozzle portion, said front nozzle portion being removably mounted to said rear nozzle portion) e? a suction source in fluid Communication with said suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and l.uid through said suction nozzle and into said recovery tank; and f) wherein said front nozzle portion includes an upper portion defining a hand grip for removing said front 2s nozzle portion from said rear nozzle portion.

56. The cleaning apparatus of claim 55 wherein said rear nozzle portion includes a raised portion, said hand grip has a part that engages behind said raised portion to retain said front nozzle portion to said rear nozzle portion.

57. The cleaning apparatus of claim 55 or claim 56 wherein said front nozzle portion includes opposite side portions, said rear nozzle portion comprising opposite side portions having bottom edges' each of Bald side portions of said front nozzle portion having a projection that fits under a said bottom edge of a said side portion of said rear nozzle portion when said front nozzle portion is mounted to said rear nozzle portion, said proj Action being design and constructed to prevent said front nozzle portion from pivoting on the bottom edge-of said side portion of said rear nozzle portion upon removal of said front nozzle portion from said rear nozzle portion.

58. The cleaning apparatus of any of claims 55 to 57 wherein said housing includes a base portion for movement along the surface and a handle pivotally connected to said base portion.

59. The cleaning apparatus of claim 58 wherein said : suction source is mounted to said base portion.

60. The cleaning apparatus of any of claims 55 to 59 including a brush assembly secured to said housing, said front nozzle portion including opposite side portions, said rear nozzle portion comprising opposite side portions, said side portions being translucent and at least partially covering said brush assembly suchthat said brush assembly can be viewed through said side portions.

61. A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation comprising: a) a housing; b) a liquid distribution system operatively associated with said housing for distributing the cleaning solution to the surface; JO c) a recovery tank removably mounted to said housing; d) a suction nozzle secured to said housing and in fluid communication with said recovery tank, said suction nozzle assembly including a front nozzle portion and a rear nozzle portion, said front nozzle portion being removably mounted to said rear nozzle portion; e) a suction source in fluid communication with said suction nozzle for generating auction to draw dirt and liquid through said suction nozzle and into said recovery tank; f) a brush assembly secured to said housing; and g) wherein said front nozzle portion includes opposite side portions, said rear nozzle portion comprising opposite aide portions, said side portions being translucent and at least partially covering said brush assembly such that said brush assembly can he viewed through said side portions.

62. The cleaning apparatus of claim 61 wherein said side portions of said rear nozzle portion have bottom edges, each of said side portions of said front nozz].e portion having a projection that fits under a said bottom edge of a said side portion of said rear nozzle portion when said front nozzle portion is mounted to said rear nozzle portion, said projection being design and constructed to

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prevent aid front nozzle portion from pi,otirg on- the bottom edge of said side portion of said rear nozzle 1 portion upon removal of said front nozzle portion from said rear nozzle portion.

63. The cleaning apparatus of claim 61 or claim 62 wherein said housing includes a base portion far movement caloric the surface and a handle pivotally connected to acrid base portion.

64 A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which clearing solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation comprising: a) a housing, b) a liquid distribution system operatively associated with said housing for dietributln the 'leaning solution to the surface; 2s c) z recovery tank removably mounted to said housings; d) a suction nozzle secured to said housing and in fluid communication with said recovery tank, said suction nozzle assembly including a front nozzle port:.on and rear nozzle portion, said front nozzle portion being removably mounted to said rear nozzle portion.

e) a suction source in fluid communication with said suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through said suction nozzle and into saicL recovery t ank; and f) wherein said front nozzle portion includes opposite side portions, saicL rear nozzle portion compri sing opposite side portions' each of said side portions of said rear nozzle portion having a recessed aria for receiving a said side portion of said front nczzle portion.

The cleaning apparatus of claim 64 wherein said front nozzle portion includes an upper portion, cLefining a hand grip for removing said front nozzle portion from said rear nozzle port ion.

66. The cleaning apparatus of claim 65 wherein said rear nozzle portion includes a raised portion, said hand grip has a portion that engages behind said raisecL portion to retain said front nozzle portion to said rear nozzle portion.

67. The cleaning apparatus of any of claims 64 to 66 including a brush assembly secured to said housing, wherein saicL side portions are translucent and at least partially covering.

said brush assembly such that said brush absently can be viewed through said side portions.

68. The cleaning apparatus of any of claims 64 to 67 wherein said housing includes a base portion for movement c.long the surface and a handle pivotally connected to sa.'d base portion.

69. A cleaning apparatus for Cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and Eubetantially simultaneously extracted along smith the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation comprising: a) a housing; c) a solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface, said solution tank being removably mounted to said housing; d) a recovery tank removably mounted to said tousingi e) a suction nozzle secured to said housing arid in fluid communication with said recovery tank; . . f) a suction source in fluid communication with said suction nozzle for generating auction to draw dirt-and 2 liquid through said suction nozzle and into fetid recovery tank; and g) a first latch operatively connected to said solution tank to releasably latch said solution tank from said housing, a second latch operatively connected to said recovery tank to releaahly latch said recovery tank to said housing, wherein sand second latch is in close proximity to said first latch.

70. The cleaning apparatus of claim 69 wherein said second latch is adjacent to said first latch.

71. The cleaning apparatus of claim 69 or claim 70 wherein said housing comprises a base portion and a handle pivotally connected to said base portion.

72. The cleaning apparatus of claim 71 wherein said solution tank and said recovery tank are removably mounted on said handle.

73. The cleaning apparatus of any of claims 69 to 72 wherein said first latch has an actuating portion for engagement by a user to selectively unlatch said solution tank from said housing.

74. The cleaning apparatus of claim 79 wherein said second latch has an actuating portion for engagement by a user to selectively unlatch said recovery tank from said housing. . 75. The cleaning apparatus of claim 74 including a partition separating said actuating portion of said first latch from said actuating portion of said second latch to prevent inadvertent actuation of both of said actuating portions upon a user actuating one of said actuating portions.

76. The cleaning apparatus of claim 75 wherein said partition defines an actuator operatively connected to said first. and second latches for engagement by a user to selectively simultaneously unlatch both of said recovery tank and said solution tank from said housing.

77. The cleaning apparatus of claim 76 wherein said actuator includes afires part secured to said actuating portion of said first latch and a second part secured to said actuating portion of said second latch. s

78. The cleaning apparatus of any of claims 74 to 77 wherein said actuating portions together define a circular shape.

79. The cleaning apparatus of any of claims 74 to 78 wherein said actuating lo portions are push buttons.

80. A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along wi th the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation c:ornprising; a) a hous ing; c) a solution tank for supplying a flow of clecaniIlg solution to the surface, said solution tank being removably mounted to said housing; d) a recovery tank removably mounted to said housing; e) a suction nozzle secured to said housing and in fluid conrnunication with said recoverer tank; f) a suction educe in fluid communication with maid Suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt arid liquid through said suction nozzle and into said recovery tank; g) a latching assembly operatively corrected to said solution tank and said recovery tank to releaE;ably latch said tanks to said housing; and h) an actuator operatively connected to maid latch assembly for engagement by a user to selectively' simultaneously unlatch both of said recovery tank and s said solution tank from said housing.

al. The cleaning apparatus of claim so wherein said housing comprises a base portion and handle pivotally connected to said base portion.

lo 82. A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation comprising: a) a housing, said housing having a front portion, a rear portion, and pair of opposite side portions; b) said housing including a base portion for movement along the surface and a handle pivotally connected to said base portion; c) a solution tank for supplying flow of cleaning solution to the surface removably mounted to one of said side portions; d) a,recovery tank removably mounted to other one of said side portions; e) a suction nozzle secured to said base portion and in fluid communication with said recovery tank; f) a suction source in fluid communication with said suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through said suction nozzle and into said recovery tank; and g) a latch assembly cgeratively connected to said housing and one of said solution and said recovery tank fox releaaably latching said tank to said housing, said latch assembly being positioned between said recovery and solution tanks.

83. The cleaning apparatus of claim 82 wherein said latch assembly comprises a first latch operatively connected to said solution tank to releasably latch said solution tank to said housing, a second latch cooperatively connected Co said recovery tank to releasably latch said recovery tank to said housing, said second latch being in close proximity to said first latch.

84. The cleaning apparatus of claim 83 wherein said second latch is adjacent to said first latch.

85. The cleaning apparatus of claim 83 or claim 84 wherein said first latch has an actuating portion for engagement by a user to selectively unlatch said Solution tank from said housing, said second latch has an actuating portion for engagement by a user to selectively unlatch said recovery tank from sa id housing.

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86 The cleaning apparatus of claim as wherein said actuating portions are push buttons 87. The cleaning apparatus of claim 85 or claim 86 including a partition separating said actuating portion of aid first latch from said actuating portion of said second latch to prevent inadvertent actuation of both of said actuating portions 88. A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface comprising: a hoes iilg b) a recovery tank removably mounted to said housing; c, a lid covering said recovery tank, said lid having an inlet opening for directing dirt and liquid into said recovery tank, said lid having an outlet open.

a suction nozzle fluidly communicating with said inlet opening of said lid; d) a suction source fluidly communicating with said outlet opening for drawing dirt and liquid from the surface through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank; and e) a separator secured to said lid and fluidly connected to said inlet opening, said separator having a bottom wall and an upstanding peripheral wall, said peripheral want having an outlet, a baffle portion provided on said bottom wall, said baffle portion and said peripheral wall defining channel for directing dirt and liquid out of said outlet of said periphera1 wall, said peripheral wall including a beveled wall portion positioned below said inlet opening such that the flow of liquid and dirt from said inlet opening impinges upon at least a portion of said beveled wall portion.

B9. The cleaning apparatus of claim 88 wherein said- recovery tank includes a float assembly slidabl mounted to said beveled wall portion said float assembly having a seal portion for sealing said outlet opening Of said recovery tank to prevent air and liquid from entering said suction source when the liquid in said recovery bank reaches a predetermined volume 90. The cleaning apparatus claim 89 wherein said float assembly includes a lower float portion and an elongated member, said lower float portion being connected to said seal by said elongated member, said elongated Exertion being slidably mounted to said beveled wall portion and being substantially parallel to said beveled wall portion for sliding along said beveled wall portion.

91.- The cleaningapparatus of claim 90 including a solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution removably mounted to said housing.

92. The cleaning apparatus of any of claims 88 to 9O, wherein said housing includes a base portion for movement along the surface and a handle pivotally connected to said base 2s pOrtion- 93. A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface comprising: a) a base portion for movement along the surface; b) a handle pivotally connected to said base portion; c) a recovery tank removably mounted to said hard Le. said s recovery tank having front end; d) a lid covering said recovery tank, said lid Irving an inlet opening for directing dirt and liquid into said recovery tank, said lid having an outlet opening located at the front end of said recovery tank, e) a suction nozzle secured to said base portion and fluidly communicating with said inlet opening of said lid; f) a suction source fluidly communicating with said outlet opening for drawing dirt and liquid from the surface through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank;-and g) a partition device positioned between said cutlet opening and said inlet opening and extending down within 2 said recovery tank a sufficient distance to prevent the liquid from flowing from said inlet opening to said outlet opening. . g4. The cleaning apparatus of claim 93 wherein said recovery tank includes a float assembly slitlabLy mounted to said partition device, said float assembly Slaving a seal portion for sealing said outlet operating of said recovery tank to prevent air and liquid from entering said suction source when the liquid in said reccvery tank reaches a predetermined volume.

95. The cleaning apparatus claim 94 wherein said float assembly includes a lower float portion and an <elongated member, said lower float portion being connecter! to said seal by said elongated member, said elongated portion being slidably mounted to said partition device and being substantially parallel to said partition device for eliding along said partition device.

96. The cleaning apparatus of any of claims 93 to 95 including a solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface removably mounted to said handle.

97. A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface comprising: a) a baas portion for movement along the surface; b) a handle pivotally connected to said base portion, said handle pivoting between an upright position and an inclined position for floor cleaning; c) a recovery tank removably mounted to said handle, said recovery tank having an inlet opening and an outlet opening; d) a suction nozzle associated with said base portion and fluidly communicating with said inlet opening of said recovery tank; e) a suction source fluidly communicating with said outlet opening for drawing dirt and liquid from the surface through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank; f) a float assembly having a seal portion for sealing said outlet opening of said recovery tank to prevent air and liquid from entering said suction source when the liquid in said recovery tank reaches a predetermined volume, and g) wherein said seal portion seals said outlet opening upon the recovery tank reaching said predetermined volume when the handle is positioned in one of the upright position and the inclined position for floor cleaning.

9B. The cleaning apparatus of claim Go wherein said float assembly includes a lower float portion and an elongated member, said lower float portion being connected to said seal by said elongated member.

99. The cleaning apparatus of claim 97 or claim 98 including a Is solution tank for supp1:riny a flow of cleaning solutior to the surface removably mounted to said handle.

I 00. The cleaning apparatus of any of claims 97 to 99 wherein said 2Q recovery tank includes a lid covering said recovery tank, said outlet opening being formed in said lid.

101. A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surf;;ce comprising.

a) a base portion for movement along the surface; by handle pivotally connected to said base portion; cl a recovery tank removably mounted to said handle; 83 ' d) a lid covering said recovery tank, said lid leaving an inlet opening for directing dirt and liquid into said recovery tank and an outlet opening; e3 a suction nozzle secured to said base portion and fluidly communicating with said inlet opening of said lid; . f) a suction source fluidly communicating with said outlet opening for drawing dirt and liquid from the surface through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank; and 8)-a partition device positioned between said outlet opening and said inlet opening and extending dcwn within said recovery tank a sufficient distance to prevent the liquid from flowing from said inlet opening to said outlet opening; h) a float assembly slidably mounted to said partition device, said float assembly having a seal portion for sealing said outlet opening of said recovery tank assembly to prevent air and liquid from entering said suction source when the liquid in said recovery tank reaches a predetermined volume.

102. The cleaning apparatus of ciaiw 101 wherein said float assembly includes a lower 10at portion and an elongated member, said lower float portion being 2s connected to said seal by said elongated member, said elongated portion being slidably mounted to said partition device and being substantially parallel to said partition device for sliding along said partition device.

103. The cleaning apparatus of claim 101 or claim 102 including a solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface removably mounted to said handle.

104. The cleaning apparatus of any of claims 101 to 103 wherein said seal portion seals said outlet opening upon the recovery tank reaching said predetermined volume when the handle is positioned in either the upright position or the inclined position for floor cleaning.

lo 105. Cleaning apparatus substantially as described hereinabove with reference to Figures 1 to 31 B of the accompanying drawings.

l 06. method of cleaning a floor surface substantially as described hereinabove with reference to Figures 1 to 31 B of the accompanying drawings.