US20220142440A1

US20220142440A1 - Surface cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20220142440A1
Application number: US17/584,047
Authority: US
Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad
Original assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property Inc
Current assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property Inc
Priority date: 2017-10-06
Filing date: 2022-01-25
Publication date: 2022-05-12

Abstract

A surface cleaning head is provided having a casing with a rotatably mounted cleaning brush associated with a brush opening and a drying roller operable in a drying mode. In the drying mode, the drying roller removes water from the rotatably mounted cleaning brush. The surface cleaning head also has a water collection container positioned to receive water removed from the rotatably mounted cleaning brush by the drying roller.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/754,114, filed on Apr. 6, 2020, which itself claims benefit of 35 U.S.C. 371 based on co-pending International Patent Application No. PCT/CA2018/051252, filed Oct. 4, 2018, which itself claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/569,057, filed on Oct. 6, 2017, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This application relates to the field of wet floor cleaning apparatus, such as carpet extractors and wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus.

INTRODUCTION

The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is part of the prior art or part of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art.
Various types of surface cleaning apparatus are known, including upright surface cleaning apparatus, canister surface cleaning apparatus, stick surface cleaning apparatus, central vacuum systems, and hand carriable surface cleaning apparatus such as hand vacuums. Further, various designs for dry, wet, and wet/dry surface cleaning apparatus are known in the art.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of this disclosure, which may be used by itself or one or more other aspects disclosed herein, there is provided a surface cleaning head having a cleaning brush, a drying roller, and a water collection chamber. The drying roller is operable in a drying mode wherein it removes liquid from the cleaning brush such that the liquid that is removed from the cleaning brush is received by the water collection chamber. For example, if the cleaning brush absorbs water, then the drying roller, which may optionally be heated, may compress the cleaning brush (e.g., the brush itself and/or fibers on the outside of the cleaning brush). An advantage of this design is that liquid may be removed from the cleaning brush at a more rapid rate than if the drying roller was not present. Removing the liquid more quickly may allow the cleaning brush to clean a surface more efficiently, since the dirty liquid is removed from the brush without further dirtying the surface to be cleaned. Alternately, or in addition, it may allow the cleaning brush to collect more water from a surface and thereby enhance the rate at which a surface may dry.
In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a surface cleaning head comprising:

a) a casing having a rotatably mounted cleaning brush associated with a brush opening;
b) a drying roller operable in a drying mode wherein, in the drying mode, the drying roller removes water from the rotatably mounted cleaning brush; and,
c) a water collection container positioned to receive water removed from the rotatably mounted cleaning brush by the drying roller.

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used by itself or one or more other aspects disclosed herein, there is provided a surface cleaning head having a drying roller drivingly connected to a rotatably mounted cleaning brush. The drying roller, which may optionally be heated, may therefore concurrently remove liquid from the cleaning brush and drive, or assist in driving, the cleaning brush. An advantage of this design is that the cleaning brush may be driven solely by the drying roller, thereby reducing the number of moving and mechanically powered components within the surface cleaning head. Accordingly, there may be a reduced likelihood of mechanical failure requiring maintenance or replacement.
In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a surface cleaning head comprising:

a) a casing having a rotatably mounted cleaning brush associated with a brush opening; and,
b) a drying roller operable in a drying mode wherein, in the drying mode, the drying roller removes water from the rotatably mounted cleaning brush and wherein the drying roller is drivingly connected to the rotatably mounted cleaning brush.

In any embodiment, when in the drying mode, at least one of the drying roller and the rotatably mounted cleaning brush may be heated.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used by itself or one or more other aspects disclosed herein, a kit is provided for cleaning a floor having an applicator apparatus and a cleaning apparatus. The applicator apparatus is used to dispense a cleaning fluid and, optionally, to clean a floor using the cleaning fluid applied there by the applicator apparatus. The cleaning apparatus may be used to collect the cleaning fluid from the floor and, optionally, to clean the floor using the cleaning fluid applied there by the applicator apparatus. An advantage of this design is that a user may apply the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned prior to using the cleaning apparatus.
Applying the cleaning fluid first allows the cleaning fluid to begin working on breaking down debris on the surface to be cleaned, before subsequently being collected by the cleaning apparatus. Another advantage is that the size and weight of each apparatus may be reduced, since each serves an independent purpose, which reduces the number of components in each apparatus.
In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a kit for cleaning a floor comprising:

a) an applicator apparatus comprising a cleaning fluid reservoir and a cleaning fluid dispenser wherein the applicator apparatus has an absence of a liquid collection system; and,
b) a cleaning apparatus comprising a floor cleaning head comprising a cleaning brush and a liquid collection system.

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used by itself or one or more other aspects disclosed herein, a surface cleaning apparatus is provided having a surface cleaning head having a cleaning fluid reservoir, a cleaning fluid dispenser, and a heater. The heater is operable when the surface cleaning apparatus is connected to household mains such that the cleaning fluid is pre-heated, or at least partially pre-heated, prior to the operation of the apparatus. An advantage of this design is that the cleaning fluid may be heated without depleting an on board energy source that is used to power other electrical components of the surface cleaning apparatus. Accordingly, the cleaning fluid may be heated using, e.g., 120V, to relatively rapidly heat the cleaning fluid (which may optionally just be water) to a desired temperature, without impacting the use duration of the surface cleaning apparatus. Accordingly, an on board energy source may be used to only power one or more on board electrical components, e.g., a dispenser apparatus, a drive motor for a cleaning brush and a light, or it may also be used to also energize a heating element to, e.g., maintain the temperature to which the cleaning fluid is pre-heated.
In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising a surface cleaning head, a cleaning fluid reservoir, a cleaning fluid dispenser, a heater, a cleaning brush and a liquid collection system wherein the heater is operable when the surface cleaning apparatus is connected to household mains whereby the cleaning fluid is pre-heated prior to operation of the surface cleaning apparatus.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used by itself or one or more other aspects disclosed herein, an applicator apparatus is provided having an applicator floor head, a cleaning fluid reservoir, a cleaning fluid dispenser, and a heater. The heater is operable when the applicator apparatus is connected to household mains. An advantage of this design is that the cleaning fluid may be pre-heated, or at least partially pre-heated, prior to use of the applicator apparatus, thereby improving the cleaning efficiency of the cleaning fluid.
In accordance with this aspect, there is provided an applicator apparatus comprising an applicator floor head, a cleaning fluid reservoir, a cleaning fluid dispenser and a heater wherein the heater is operable when the applicator apparatus is connected to household mains whereby the cleaning fluid is pre-heated prior to operation of the applicator apparatus.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used by itself or one or more other aspects disclosed herein, a surface cleaning head is provided having a cleaning brush and a drying roller, where at least one of the cleaning brush and the drying roller is heated. An advantage of this design is that heat applied to the cleaning brush and/or the drying roller may improve the removal of liquid from the cleaning brush and therefore it may improve the removal of liquid from the cleaning brush, thereby improving the efficiency of the surface cleaning head.
In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a surface cleaning head comprising:

a) a casing having a rotatably mounted cleaning brush associated with a brush opening; and,
b) a drying roller operable in a drying mode wherein, in the drying mode, the drying roller removes water from the rotatably mounted cleaning brush;

wherein at least one of the rotatably mounted cleaning brush and the drying roller is heated.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used by itself or one or more other aspects disclosed herein, there is provided a surface cleaning head having a cleaning brush, a drying roller, and a heat retaining member. The heat retaining member, e.g., a block of concrete or metal such as aluminum, may heat at least one of the cleaning brush and the drying roller, and may receive heat when the surface cleaning head is connected to household mains. An advantage of this design is that the heat retaining member may be heated using, e.g., 120V, without reducing the use duration of the surface cleaning head if the surface cleaning head is operated using an on board energy source. Additionally, the heat applied to at least one of the cleaning brush and the drying roller may improve the cleaning efficiency of the surface cleaning head.
In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

a) a surface cleaning head having a rotatably mounted cleaning brush associated with a brush opening;
b) a drying roller operable in a drying mode wherein, in the drying mode, the drying roller removes water from the rotatably mounted cleaning brush; and,
c) a heat retaining member which heats at least one of the rotatably mounted cleaning brush and the drying roller and the heat retaining member is heated when the surface cleaning head is connected to household mains.

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used by itself or one or more other aspects disclosed herein, a surface cleaning apparatus is provided having a cleaning fluid reservoir, a cleaning fluid dispenser, and a heat retaining member. The heat retaining member may be heated when the surface cleaning head is connected to household mains, such that the cleaning fluid dispenser can dispense heated cleaning fluid during use. An advantage of this design is that heated cleaning fluid may improve the cleaning efficiency of the surface cleaning head and/or improve the drying time of the floor. By heating the heat retaining member while the surface cleaning head is connected to household mains, the heat retaining member may be heated using, e.g., 120V, without impacting the use duration of the surface cleaning apparatus if the surface cleaning head is operated using an on board energy source.
In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising a surface cleaning head, a cleaning fluid reservoir, a cleaning fluid dispenser and a heat retaining member is heated when the surface cleaning head is connected to household mains whereby the cleaning fluid dispenser dispenses heated cleaning fluid.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used by itself or one or more other aspects disclosed herein, a kit is provided having a surface cleaning apparatus and a docking station. The surface cleaning apparatus has a surface cleaning head, a cleaning fluid reservoir, and a cleaning fluid dispenser and the docking station has a heating element. When the surface cleaning head is connected to the docking station, a cleaning fluid is heated. An advantage of this design is that the cleaning fluid may be pre-heated before use and the heat may be maintained by the heat retaining member during use. The use of a heated cleaning fluid may improve the cleaning efficiency of the surface cleaning apparatus.
In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a kit comprising:

a) a surface cleaning apparatus comprising a surface cleaning head, a cleaning fluid reservoir, a cleaning fluid dispenser: and,
b) a docking station including a heating element, wherein a cleaning fluid is heated when the surface cleaning head is connected to the docking station.

These and other aspects and features of various embodiments will be described in greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the described embodiments and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a top perspective view of a surface cleaning head of the surface cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a bottom perspective view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 1B, taken along the line 2A-2A in FIG. 1B;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 1B, taken along the line 2B-2B in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 1B, taken along the line 2C-2C in FIG. 1B;

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 1B with a heat retaining element removed;

FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 1B with a heat retaining element removed;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 1B with an upper casing removed;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 1B with a drying roller in a drying mode, taken along the line 5A-5A in FIG. 1B;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 1B with the drying roller not in the drying mode, taken along the line 5B-5B in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of another surface cleaning head with an upper casing removed;

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 6A, taken along the line 6B-6B in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 6A, taken along the line 6C-6C in FIG. 6B;

FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 6A, taken along the line 6D-6D in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of another surface cleaning head with an upper casing removed;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 7A, taken along the line 7B-7B in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is an elevational cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 7A, taken along the line 7C-7C in FIG. 7B;

FIG. 7D is a perspective cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 7A, taken along the line 7C-7C in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a front perspective view of another surface cleaning head with an upper casing removed;

FIG. 8B is a rear perspective cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 8A, taken along the line 8B-8B in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is an elevational cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 8A, taken along the line 8B-8B in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8D is a front perspective cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 8A, taken along the line 8B-8B in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is a front perspective view of another surface cleaning head with an upper casing removed and a heater;

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 9A, taken along the line 9B-9B

FIG. 10A is a front perspective view of another surface cleaning head with an upper casing removed and liquid applicators;

FIG. 10B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 10A, taken along the line 10B-10B in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10C is an elevational cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 10A, taken along the line 10B-10B in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is a front perspective view of another surface cleaning head with an upper casing removed, a liquid applicator and a heater;

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 11A, taken along the line 11B-11B in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of another surface cleaning head having a heater internal to a brush;

FIG. 12B is a front view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 12A with a casing removed;

FIG. 13A is a front perspective view of another surface cleaning head with an upper casing removed, a liquid applicator and a heater;

FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 13A, taken along the line 13B-13B in FIG. 13A;

FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view of another surface cleaning head having a heater internal to a drying roller;

FIG. 14B is a front view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 14A with a casing removed;

FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of another surface cleaning head having a heater internal to a drying roller;

FIG. 15B is a front view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 15A with a casing removed;

FIG. 16A is a front perspective view of another surface cleaning head having a heat retaining member;

FIG. 16B is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 16A with an upper casing removed;

FIG. 16C is a front perspective view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 16A with the heat retaining member removed;

FIG. 16D is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 16A, taken along the line 16D-16D in FIG. 16A;

FIG. 17A is a front perspective view of another surface cleaning head with an upper casing removed and a heat retaining element;

FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning head of FIG. 17A, taken along the line 17B-17B in FIG. 17A;

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus with a dock or docking station;

FIG. 19A is a cross-sectional view of the surface cleaning apparatus and dock of FIG. 18, taken along the line 19A-19A in FIG. 18;

FIG. 19B is a front perspective view of the dock of FIG. 18;

FIG. 19C is a bottom perspective view of the dock of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20A is a front perspective view of another dock with a removable heat retaining element;

FIG. 20B is a front perspective view of the dock of FIG. 20A with the heat retaining element removed; and,

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of an applicator apparatus.

The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of articles, methods, and apparatuses of the teaching of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Various apparatuses, methods and compositions are described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover apparatuses and methods that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses, methods and compositions having all of the features of any one apparatus, method or composition described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses, methods or compositions described below. It is possible that an apparatus, method or composition described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus, method or composition described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.
The terms “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” “embodiments,” “the embodiment,” “the embodiments,” “one or more embodiments,” “some embodiments,” and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention(s),” unless expressly specified otherwise.
The terms “including,” “comprising” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. A listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an” and “the” mean “one or more,” unless expressly specified otherwise.
As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be “coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, or “fastened” where the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate parts), so long as a link occurs.
As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be “directly coupled”, “directly connected”, “directly attached”, or “directly fastened” where the parts are connected in physical contact with each other. None of the terms “coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, and “fastened” distinguish the manner in which two or more parts are joined together.
Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the example embodiments described herein.
As used herein, the wording “and/or” is intended to represent an inclusive - or. That is, “X and/or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both, for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and/or Z” is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.
As used herein and in the claims, two elements are said to be “parallel” where those elements are parallel and spaced apart, or where those elements are collinear.

General Description of a Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus 100 is shown. The following is a general discussion of this embodiment which provides a basis for understanding several of the features which are discussed herein. As discussed in detail subsequently, each of the features may be used by themselves in a surface cleaning apparatus or in combination with one or more of the other features.
In the embodiment shown, the surface cleaning apparatus is a stick surface cleaning apparatus that can be operated in a floor cleaning mode and optionally in a vacuum mode. As exemplified, all of the operating components are in the surface cleaning head and the surface cleaning apparatus may be referred to as an all in the head surface cleaning apparatus. In alternate embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus may be another suitable type of surface cleaning apparatus, such as a canister type vacuum cleaner, and hand vacuum cleaner or an upright vacuum cleaner or a robot (autonomous) vacuum cleaner.
It will be appreciated that the surface cleaning apparatus may be a hard floor cleaning apparatus. In such a case, a cleaning fluid may be removed from the floor solely by mechanical means, such as a cleaning roller that absorbs water and/or drives water up a ramp to a collection chamber. Optionally, air flow (e.g., suction) may be used to draw water from the surface being cleaned. If the surface cleaning apparatus is used to draw a cleaning fluid from, e.g., carpet, then the surface cleaning apparatus may be an extractor. It will be appreciated that the surface cleaning apparatus may be sized so as to clean a surface above the floor, such as furniture.
In the illustrated example, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 includes a surface cleaning head 200 that is configured to travel (e.g., roll) across a surface to be cleaned, such as a floor. The surface cleaning head 200 includes at least one dirty fluid inlet 204, which may be positioned proximate the floor when the surface cleaning head 200 is in the surface cleaning position. The dirty fluid inlet 204 may be configured to receive liquids, such as water, cleaning solutions and other liquids that may be on the surface, as would any extractor. Dirty fluid inlet 204 may optionally be configured to receive relatively dry air, dirt, debris and the like, as would any vacuum cleaner.
Except as required by an embodiment using a particular feature disclosed herein, the surface cleaning head 200 may be of any suitable design (including any of those described herein), and may include a variety of features, such as rotating brushes, static brushes, squeegees, liquid application nozzles or sprayers, treatment units, motors, lights and the like.
Referring to FIG. 1B, in the illustrated example, the surface cleaning head 200 may include a body 202, a pair of rear wheels 206 connected to the body 202 to rollingly support the surface cleaning head 200 above a surface to be cleaned and, optionally a pair of front wheels 208 or glides. If the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is an upright or stick surface cleaning apparatus, then the surface cleaning head 200 may also include a support member 220 that is moveably (e.g., pivotally) connected to the body 202 by, e.g., a pivot joint 222 so as to be able to pivot between an upright, storage position and an inclined, surface cleaning position and an upright section 110 that is mounted to the support member 220. Upright section 110 may be optionally removably mounted to support member 220. It will be appreciated that any one or more operating component of the surface cleaning apparatus may be provided in upright section 110.
A fluid treatment unit may be provided in the surface cleaning head 200 and may include any suitable treatment apparatuses, including one or more non-cyclonic momentum separators, one or more cyclonic separators, one or more filters, bags and the like. Preferably, at least one treatment apparatus is provided in the fluid flow path upstream from the suction motor. As exemplified in FIGS. 2A-2C, the surface cleaning head 200 includes a cyclonic separator 326.

Drying Roller

In accordance with this aspect, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning head 200 has a rotatably mounted cleaning brush and a drying roller. The drying roller is utilized to remove water from the cleaning brush. Optionally, as discussed subsequently, the drying roller may be used to drive or assist in driving the cleaning brush.
In accordance with this aspect, the surface cleaning head 200 may have a drying mode in which the drying roller removes liquid from the rotatably mounted cleaning brush. An advantage of this aspect is that by using the drying roller to remove the liquid from the brush, the brush may more efficiently remove the liquid from the surface to be cleaned, thereby improving the overall cleaning process. For example, the drying roller may remove moisture from the cleaning brush in a manner similar to that of a squeegee. A drier cleaning brush can then more readily pick up more liquid from the surface to be cleaned. Another advantage is that the drying roller may operate as, or in conjunction with, a debrider to remove debris from the brush, further improving the cleaning efficiency of the brush.
In accordance with this aspect, in some embodiments, the surface cleaning head 200 has a casing 210 having a rotatably mounted cleaning brush 260, as exemplified in FIGS. 1A-2C. The casing 210 has a brush opening 212 that is associated with the brush 260. The surface cleaning head 200 has a drying roller 240 that is operable in a drying mode. When in the drying mode, the drying roller 240 removes water from the cleaning brush 260.
The cleaning brush 260 may be of any design known in the floor cleaning arts. For example, if the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is designed to clean only hard floors, then the cleaning brush 260 need not have bristles or fibers and may itself absorb water, such as a foam roller or the like. Accordingly, the foam roller may absorb water which may be removed by the drying roller 240 compressing the foam roller. If the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is designed to clean carpets or both carpets and hard floors, then the cleaning brush 260 may have a soft water absorbing core (e.g., a foam roller) or a hard core with brushes or fibers (e.g., microfibers) provided thereon. In such a case, the fibers (if the roller has a hard core) or the fibers and the foam core (if the roller has a sift or compressible core) may collect water which may be removed by the drying roller 240 compressing the cleaning brush 260.
As exemplified in FIGS. 2A-2C, the cleaning brush 260 rotates about a transversely extending axis. However, it will be appreciated that the cleaning brush 260 may have a rotational axis that rotates in any direction, such as a vertical axis.
It will be appreciated that the surface cleaning apparatus may have a separate cleaning member (e.g., roller) to apply and/or to clean a surface (e.g., floor) with a cleaning fluid and the cleaning brush 260 may optionally only be used for water collection from the surface being cleaned. Alternately, the cleaning brush 260 may be used to apply, clean the floor and collect water from the floor.
A water collection container 300 is provided to receive water removed from the cleaning brush 260. The water collection container 300 may be positioned to receive by gravity flow water that is removed from the cleaning brush 260. Alternately, the water collection container 300 may be provided at any location in the surface cleaning apparatus 100 and may be connected in fluid flow communication with the area at which water is removed by the drying roller 240 is removed. For example, a passage may extend from a brush chamber in which the cleaning brush 260 is provided to the water collection container 300 and, optionally, a pump or the like may be provided to move water through the passage to the water collection container 300. The upstream end of such a passage may comprise a funnel or hopper.
As exemplified in FIGS. 2A-2C, the surface cleaning head 200 has a water collection container 300. As exemplified, the water collection container 300 is positioned to receive liquid removed from the cleaning brush 260 by the drying roller 240. Together, the drying roller 240 and the water collection container 300 may be referred to as a liquid collection system. It will be appreciated that the water collection container 300 may be positioned anywhere in the surface cleaning head 200 such that liquid removed from the cleaning brush 260 is collected. For example, the water collection container 300 may be positioned reward of the drying roller 240, as exemplified in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, the water collection container 300 may be positioned below the drying roller 240.
The water collection container 300 may be fixed to the surface cleaning head 200 or may be removeable from the surface cleaning head 200, as exemplified in FIGS. 3A-3B. Accordingly, the water collection container 300 may be removed for emptying and cleaning. As shown, the water collection container 300 is removably mounted in the casing 210. If the water collection container is not removable, then it may have an openable drainage port to enable the water collection container 300 to be emptied in situ.
During operation, the drying roller 240 removes liquid from the cleaning brush 260, causing the liquid to travel to the water collection container 300. As exemplified in
FIGS. 2A-2C, the surface cleaning head 200 has a ramped surface 302 leading towards an opening 304 in the water collection container 300. The ramped surface 302 may operate to guide liquid removed from the cleaning brush 260 by the drying roller 240 pass rearward of the drying roller 240 and into the opening 304 to be collected by the water collection container 300. Accordingly, the drying roller 240 may drive water that is removed from the cleaning brush 260 up the ramp to the opening 304. Optionally, the opening 304 may be located at the rear end of the drying roller 240 or below the drying roller.
It will be appreciated that one or both of the drying roller 240 and the cleaning brush 260 may be moveable between a position in which the drying roller 240 does not engage the cleaning brush 260 and a position in which the drying roller 240 engages the cleaning brush 260. For example, the drying roller 240 may be movable between a drying position, in which it is operable in a drying mode, and a non-drying position, in which it does not remove water from the cleaning brush 260. As exemplified in FIG. 5A, when in the drying mode, the drying roller 240 is in a drying position in which the drying roller 240 contacts the cleaning brush 260. As exemplified in FIG. 5B, the drying roller 240 may be movable to an inoperable position in which the drying roller 240 is spaced from the drying position. In other words, as shown in FIG. 5B, the drying roller 240 may be moveable to the non-drying position in which the drying roller 240 is not in contact with the cleaning brush 260. In the inoperable position, the cleaning brush may be operated to clean a floor by, e.g., applying a cleaning solution to the floor and/or working a cleaning solution into the floor and/or contacting the floor to clean the floor using a cleaning solution. It will be appreciated that the drying roller 240 may be moveable manually or electronically, e.g., a solenoid. In either case, an actuator, such as a button on the handle or a foot pedal, may be operable to cause the drying roller 240 to move between the different positions.
It will be appreciated that, optionally, the drying roller 240 may not be moveable and may always be in the drying position.
The drying roller 240 may provide edge to edge drying of the cleaning brush 260. For example, as exemplified in FIGS. 4, 6A, 7A, 8A, 9A, 10A, 11A, 13A, 16B, and 17A, the drying roller 240 may extend the entire length of the cleaning brush 260. In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of drying rollers 240 at different axial locations along the brush 260. It will be appreciated that any number of cleaning brushes 260 and drying rollers 240 may be provided and each may extend part way or the entire transverse width of the surface cleaning head.
The drying roller 240 may be made of any material capable of removing liquid from the cleaning brush 260. For example, the roller may be made from, including, but not limited to, rubber, foam, plastic, a deformable material, a hard material, or any combination thereof. Accordingly, the drying rollers may not absorb any water and may merely squeeze water from the cleaning brush 260 as the cleaning brush 260 rotates relative to the drying roller 240. Alternately, the drying roller 240 may absorb water and optionally also squeeze water from the cleaning brush 260 as the cleaning brush 260 rotates relative to the drying roller 240. The drying roller 240 may have any texture that facilitates the removal of liquid from the cleaning brush 260. For example, the drying roller 240 may be smooth or may have a knurled surface.
The drying roller 240 may also operate as a debrider to debride the cleaning brush 260. In operation, as the cleaning brush 260 is rotated, the drying roller removes debris from the cleaning brush 260 by contacting the cleaning brush 260. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the drying roller 240 may operate both to dry the cleaning brush 260 and to debride the cleaning brush 260.
Optionally, as exemplified in FIGS. 2A-2C, the surface cleaning head 200 may include a debrider 230 separate from the drying roller 240. The debrider 230 may operate to debride the cleaning brush 260. In other words, the debrider 230 may be positioned to contact the cleaning brush 260 to remove debris from the cleaning brush 260. As exemplified in FIG. 4B, the debrider 230 may have a plurality of teeth 232 that are used to contact the cleaning brush 260. As the cleaning brush 260 is rotated, the teeth 232 removes debris from the cleaning brush 260.
Optionally, if a debrider 230 is provided, the debrider 230 may be operable between a debriding position (as exemplified in FIG. 5A) in which the debrider 230 contacts the cleaning brush 260 and a non-debriding position (as exemplified in FIG. 5B) in which the debrider 230 is spaced apart from the cleaning brush 260.
It will be appreciated that drying roller 240 may operate as a debrider and a debrider 230 may be provided.
The liquid collection system may use any technique to collect water and, if air is also drawn into the dirty air inlet, to separate water from an incoming air stream. Accordingly, the water collection container 300 may be any water collection member known in the arts. For example, it may rely upon gravity to collect water. Alternately, or in addition, air flow may be used to also collect water. In such a case one or more momentum separators may be used, which may be cyclonic or non-cyclonic.
For example, in some embodiments, the liquid collection system may also draw in an air stream and, accordingly it may include a water separator and a suction motor that is optionally positioned downstream from the water separator. For example, as exemplified in FIG. 2C the liquid collection system may include a cyclone 326 to separate liquid from an incoming air stream and a downstream suction motor (not shown) in the surface cleaning head. Accordingly, air and/or water may be drawn through the dirty air inlet 204, pass up the ramped surface 302, into the water collection container 300 through the opening 304. The air may then pass through a second opening 306 in the water collection container 300 into the cyclone 326. Alternately, for example, a non-cyclonic momentum separator that removes liquid from an incoming air stream, e.g., a tortuous flow path and/or a baffled flow path, may be used. An advantage of such an embodiment is that the surface cleaning apparatus may be used for both dry and wet pick up (e.g., it may be used as a vacuum cleaner and as a wet floor cleaner).
In some embodiments, the liquid collection system does not have a suction motor. For example, the water collection container 300 may not have an outlet port for flow downstream to a second stage separator. As such, the surface cleaning apparatus may be only a wet floor cleaner.
It will be appreciated that. Optionally, the drying roller 240 may not be driven by a drive motor. Instead, the cleaning brush 260 may be driven by a drive roller and the drying roller 240 is operable to remove water from the cleaning brush 260 when the drying roller 240 is in contact with the cleaning roller 260. Accordingly, one or both of the drying roller 240 and the cleaning brush 260 may be moveable between a position in which the drying roller 240 does not engage the cleaning brush 260 and a position in which the drying roller 240 engages the cleaning brush 260.

Drying Roller Drives the Cleaning Brush

In accordance with this aspect, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more other aspects, the drying roller 240 is operable to drive the rotation of the rotatably mounted cleaning brush 260. An advantage of this aspect is that a separate drive mechanism may not be needed to drive each of the drying roller 240 and the brush 260. Accordingly, the number of moving parts within the surface cleaning head 200 may be reduced, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and also reducing the likelihood of equipment failure. Another advantage is that the cleaning brush 260 does not need to be connected to any other drive mechanism, thereby allowing for easy removal and cleaning of the cleaning brush 260. For example, if the cleaning brush 260 is clogged with hair, the cleaning brush 260 may be easily removed to clean off the brush 260, without requiring detachment from other components. Further, the cleaning brush 260 may extend the full width of the surface cleaning head.
As discussed previously, the drying roller 240 may be movable between a drying position, in which it is operable in a drying mode, and a non-drying position, in which it does not remove water from the cleaning brush 260. Accordingly, in the drying mode, the drying roller 240 removes water from the cleaning brush 260 while also being operable to cause the rotation of the cleaning brush 260. In other words, when in the drying mode, the drying roller 240 is drivingly connected to the cleaning brush 260 such that the drying roller 240 causes rotation of the cleaning brush 260.
The surface cleaning head 200 may include a drive motor (not shown) that is drivingly connected to the drying roller 240. Accordingly, in the drying mode, the drying roller 240 contacts the cleaning brush 260 and the drying roller 240 is driven (e.g., rotated) by the drive motor, which in turn drives the rotation of the cleaning brush 260. The drive motor may be powered by one or more on board energy storage members 214. When the drive motor is in operation, it may be energized by the one or more energy storage members 214 such that the cleaning brush 260 may be rotated by the drying roller 240. When the drive motor is deenergized, the cleaning brush 260 may not be driven by the drying roller 240. In some embodiments, the cleaning brush 260 may still rotate with the motion of the surface cleaning head 200 as the surface cleaning head 200 is pushed along the surface to be cleaned or may be locked from rotation.
The drying roller 240 may drive the rotation of the cleaning brush 260 by any method. For example, the drying roller 240 may drive the cleaning brush 260 by frictional contact between the drying roller 240 and the cleaning brush 260. The surface of the drying roller 240 and the surface of the cleaning brush 260 may form a contact such that the friction force between the two is sufficient to cause one to rotate due to the rotation of the other. For example, driving the drying roller 240 to rotate in a first direction may cause the cleaning brush 260 to rotate in the opposite direction due to the frictional force between them. A frictional contact between the drying roller 240 and the cleaning brush 260 may allow the cleaning brush 260 to slip if needed, thereby protecting the components of the surface cleaning head 200 from being overloaded by force. For example, if the cleaning brush 260 gets clogged by hair or other debris, the contact between the drying roller 240 and the cleaning brush 260 may slip, rather than forcing the cleaning brush 260 to continue turning. This friction may also assist in removing water from the cleaning brush 260.
In some embodiments, the drying roller 240 and/or cleaning brush 260 may include one or more engagement members for driving relative rotation between them. The engagement members may rely only upon frictional force, inter-engagement of the engagement members or both.
As exemplified in FIGS. 4-5A, the drying roller 240 has a first engagement member 250 and the cleaning brush 260 has a second engagement member 270. The first engagement member 250 is engageable with the second engagement member 270 such that, upon rotation of the drying roller 240, the engagement of the first engagement member 250 and the second engagement member 270 induces the cleaning brush 260 to rotate. As shown in FIG. 4, the first engagement member 250 is a protrusion on the drying roller 240 that extends along the circumference of the drying roller 240 and the second engagement member 270 is a groove in the cleaning brush 260 that extends along the circumference of the cleaning brush 260. When in the drying mode, the first engagement member 250 is positioned in the second engagement member 270 such that there is a sufficient frictional force between the drying roller 240 and the cleaning brush 260 to cause rotation of the cleaning brush 260 when the drying roller 240 is rotated. In such an embodiment, the engagement members may have a non-slip surface, such as rubber or the like.
It will be appreciated that there may be a plurality of first engagement members 250 and/or a plurality of second engagement members 270.
Optionally, as exemplified in FIGS. 6A-6D, the drying roller 240 has a plurality of first engagement members 250 and the cleaning brush 260 has a plurality of second engagement members 270 that inter-engage. The first engagement members 250 may be male (e.g., teeth) while the second engagement members 270 are female (e.g., recesses or openings in the cleaning brush 260), as exemplified in FIGS. 6A-6D, or vice versa, as exemplified in FIGS. 7A-7D. In either case, the engagement members are spaced along the circumference of the drying roller 240 and the cleaning brush 260. In some embodiments, the first engagement members 250 and the second engagement members 270 may extend around the circumference of the drying roller 240 and the cleaning brush 260 in two different axial positions, as exemplified in FIGS. 8A-8D. In some embodiments, the engagement members may extend along the circumference of the drying roller 240 and the cleaning brush 260 in two axial positions, with the engagement members in each axial position being offset from one another so as to form an alternating pattern.
The engagement members may be any shape, size, and material that facilitate the drying and/or driving of the cleaning brush 260. The engagement members may be shaped and sized such that the drying roller 240 is operable to provide continuous torque to the cleaning brush 260. The provision of continuous torque may improve the cleaning efficiency of the cleaning brush 260. For example, the second engagement member 270 may be semi-rigid cleaning tufts or scrubbing members on the cleaning brush 260 and the first engagement members 250 may be recesses in the drying roller 240. The scrubbing members may be used by the cleaning brush 260 to clean the surface to be cleaned and may also be used by the drying roller 240 to drive the rotation of the cleaning brush 260. In other words, the scrubbing members 270 may enter the recesses 250 in the drying roller 240 as the drying roller 240 rotates, thereby driving the cleaning brush 260 to rotate while drying the cleaning brush 260.

Cleaning Fluid Application

In accordance with this aspect, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning head 200 may include one or more cleaning fluid applicators. The cleaning fluid applicator delivers a cleaning fluid to one or more of a surface to be cleaned, the drying roller 240, the cleaning brush 260 and directly to the surface to be cleaned. An advantage of this aspect is that the user can direct the application of cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned in the specific areas that need to be cleaned, thereby conserving cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid may be applied prior to the use of the cleaning brush 260 to provide time for the cleaning fluid to act on the debris on the surface to be cleaned and to improve the cleaning efficiency of the surface cleaning apparatus.
In accordance with this aspect, in some embodiments, the surface cleaning head 200 has a cleaning fluid applicator 320, as exemplified in FIGS. 2A-2C. The cleaning fluid applicator may also be referred to as the cleaning fluid dispenser. The cleaning fluid applicator 320 is in fluid communication with a cleaning fluid reservoir 322 that stores cleaning fluid. As exemplified, during use, the cleaning fluid passes from the cleaning fluid reservoir 322, through the cleaning fluid applicator 320, and out of one or more openings 324 in the body 202 to apply the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned.
It will be appreciated that the cleaning fluid applicator 320 may be positioned anywhere in the surface cleaning head 200. As exemplified in FIGS. 2A-2C and 4-9B, the cleaning fluid applicator 320 may be positioned behind the cleaning brush 260. Accordingly, as the user moves the surface cleaning head 200 along the surface to be cleaned, the cleaning fluid may be applied by the cleaning fluid applicator 320 without contacting the cleaning brush 260. Providing the cleaning fluid behind the cleaning brush 260 may allow the cleaning fluid to be applied without raising the cleaning brush 260, thereby avoiding immediate contact between the cleaning brush 260 and the cleaning fluid. In some embodiments, the cleaning fluid applicator 320 may apply the cleaning fluid to the drying roller 240 and/or the cleaning brush 260. As exemplified in FIGS. 9A-9B, the cleaning fluid applicator 320 is positioned above the cleaning brush 260 such that the cleaning fluid is applied directly to the cleaning brush 260. Optionally, the cleaning fluid applicator 320 may spray the cleaning fluid in front of the cleaning brush 260 and optionally in front of the surface cleaning head.
In some embodiments, the surface cleaning head 200 may have a plurality of cleaning fluid applicators 320, as exemplified in FIGS. 10A-17B. As shown, a first cleaning fluid applicator 320 is positioned forward of the cleaning brush 260 and a second cleaning fluid applicator 320 is positioned rearward of the cleaning brush 260. The cleaning fluid applicators 320 may be independently or jointly controlled by the user to release cleaning fluid. For example, if a user wants to use the cleaning brush 260 to clean the surface to be cleaned at the same time that the cleaning fluid is applied by the cleaning fluid applicator 320, the forward cleaning fluid applicator 320 may be used. Accordingly, as the user applies the cleaning fluid, the cleaning fluid is immediately used by the cleaning brush 260 to clean the floor. In another scenario, if the user wants to apply the cleaning fluid without immediately cleaning the surface to be cleaned (e.g., to let the cleaning fluid sit for a period of time before cleaning), the rearward cleaning fluid applicator 320 may be used.
In some embodiments, the surface cleaning head 200 may be operable in a cleaning mode in which the cleaning fluid applicator 320 delivers a cleaning fluid and the cleaning brush 260 operates in a brush off mode. For example, when the cleaning brush 260 is driven by the drying roller 240 and the surface cleaning head 200 is in the cleaning mode, the drying roller 240 is stationary and does not drive the cleaning brush 260 (e.g., the drying roller may be moved to the non-drying position and/or a drying roller drive motor may be deenergized). Accordingly, the cleaning fluid is applied to the surface to be cleaned but not agitated or picked up.
In some embodiments, the surface cleaning head 200 may be operable in a cleaning mode in which the cleaning fluid applicator 320 delivers a cleaning fluid and the cleaning brush 260 operates. For example, when the cleaning brush 260 is driven by its own drive motor, cleaning fluid has been or is being applied and the drying roller 240 is in the non-drying position, the drying roller 240 is stationary and does not drive the cleaning brush 260 and the cleaning brush 260 operates to use the cleaning fluid to clean the surface. Accordingly, the cleaning brush 260 may be used to help spread the cleaning fluid delivered by the cleaning fluid applicator 320 without removing the cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned. In other words, the cleaning mode may include delivering the cleaning fluid with the cleaning fluid applicator while the drying roller 240 is inoperable such that the cleaning fluid remains on the floor.
The cleaning mode may also include the operation of using the cleaning fluid applicator 320 to deliver a cleaning fluid and raising the cleaning brush 260 above the surface to be cleaned. Accordingly, the user may apply the cleaning fluid with the cleaning fluid applicator 320 without having the cleaning brush 260 exposed to the cleaning fluid.
The cleaning mode may allow the user to apply the cleaning fluid to soak the surface to be cleaned, without removal by the cleaning brush 260. In such an embodiment, the drying roller 240 may contact the cleaning brush 260 and rotate the cleaning brush while it is raised above the surface or the drive motor for the drying roller may be deenergized.

Applicator Apparatus

In accordance with this aspect, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more other aspects, an applicator apparatus 400 is used to dispense the cleaning fluid. The applicator apparatus 400 may be used in conjunction with a surface cleaning apparatus that has a surface cleaning head with a cleaning brush and a liquid collection system. An advantage of this aspect is that a user may operate the applicator apparatus 400 to apply the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned before the use of the surface cleaning apparatus, thereby providing time for the cleaning fluid to act on debris on the surface to be cleaned. Once a desired period of time has passed, the user may then use the surface cleaning apparatus with the liquid removal system to remove the liquid from the surface to be cleaned, thereby cleaning the surface. A further advantage is that the size of the surface cleaning apparatus may be reduced and, also, a lighter applicator apparatus, which is more readily carried by a user, may be provided.
In accordance with this aspect, in some embodiments, an applicator apparatus 400 may be used to apply a cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. The applicator apparatus 400 may be used with the surface cleaning apparatus 100 to remove the liquid applied by the applicator apparatus 400. The applicator apparatus 400 has a cleaning fluid dispenser 420 and cleaning fluid reservoir 422. The applicator apparatus 400 may not have a liquid collection system, instead relying on the liquid collection system of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 to remove the liquid from the surface to be cleaned after it has been applied by the applicator apparatus 400.
As exemplified in FIG. 21, the applicator apparatus 400 may have an applicator floor head 410, which includes the cleaning fluid dispenser 420 and a plurality of floor engaging wheels 430.
In some embodiments, the applicator apparatus 400 may include a liquid collection system and a cleaning brush, similar to the surface cleaning head 200. The liquid collection system may include a drying roller operable in a drying mode whereby the drying roller removes water from a cleaning brush. The removed water is collected in a water collection container that is positioned to receive the liquid removed from the cleaning brush by the drying roller.
The liquid collection system may include a water separator and a suction motor downstream from the water separator. As described previously with regard to the surface cleaning head 200, the water separator and/or suction motor may assist with the removal of liquid from an air stream entering the applicator apparatus. In some embodiments, the liquid collection system may not have a suction motor.
The applicator apparatus 400 may have one or more energy storage member 414. The energy storage member 414 may be used to energize the cleaning fluid dispenser 420 and/or the liquid collection system.
It will also be appreciated that the applicator apparatus 400 need not have an applicator floor head 410. Instead, it may be hand carriable. For example, it may comprise a cleaning fluid reservoir 422 having a carry handle and hose with a spry nozzle to apply the cleaning fluid. Alternately, a main body may be provided that houses the cleaning fluid reservoir 422.

Heating

In accordance with this aspect, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more other aspects, heat is used to improve the cleaning ability of the surface cleaning head 200. Heat may be provided to any component of the surface cleaning head 200 such that the temperature of the cleaning fluid is increased. For example, the cleaning brush 260 may be heated so that when the brush 260 contacts cleaning fluid that has been applied by the cleaning fluid applicator 320, the cleaning fluid is heated. An advantage of this aspect is that heated cleaning fluid may improve the ability of the surface cleaning head 200 to clean the surface to be cleaned. In other words, heating the cleaning fluid, either directly or indirectly, may improve the ability of the surface cleaning head 200 to remove debris (dirt, dust, oil, other spills, etc.).
In accordance with this aspect, in some embodiments, the surface cleaning head 200 has one or more heaters 340 for directly or indirectly heating the cleaning fluid, as exemplified in FIGS. 6B-6D. Alternately, or in addition, the cleaning fluid may be heated prior to being placed in a cleaning fluid reservoir and/or it may be heated when the surface cleaning apparatus is connected to household mains (e.g., it is plugged into a household electrical outlet) or it is docked at a charging or docking station (which may be connected to household mains and/or have one or more on board energy storage members).
Accordingly, for example, the heater 340 may be operable when the surface cleaning head 200 is connected to household mains (i.e., a source of power external to the surface cleaning head 200), such that the cleaning fluid may be pre-heated prior to the operation of the surface cleaning head 200. Accordingly, during use, the user pre-heats the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid reservoir 322 while the surface cleaning head 200 is connected to an external source of power. Once the cleaning fluid is heated to the desired temperature, the user may operate the surface cleaning head 200 to distribute the pre-heated cleaning fluid.
In embodiments with a separate applicator apparatus 400, the applicator apparatus 400 may include a heater 440 for heating the cleaning fluid. The heater 440 may be operable while the applicator apparatus 400 is connected to household mains, such that the cleaning fluid is pre-heated prior to operation of the applicator apparatus 400.
While the surface cleaning head 200 and/or the applicator apparatus 400 may include an energy storage member 214, it will be appreciated that the energy storage member 214 may not be operable to power the heater 340. The energy storage member 214 may be used to power any other component of the surface cleaning head 200, including, but not limited to, the cleaning brush 260, the drive motor, the drying roller 240 and/or the cleaning fluid applicator 320. Similarly, in embodiments with a separate applicator apparatus, an energy storage member 414 may be used to power the cleaning fluid dispenser 420, but not the heater 440.
It will be appreciated that, if the cleaning fluid is pre-heated, then the heater 340 may be used to maintain the temperature of the cleaning fluid at the pre-heated temperature or at a desired temperature, but not to raise the temperature of the cleaning fluid to a desired cleaning temperature. Accordingly, in such a case, the on board energy storage member may also be used to power the heater 340.
Alternately, or in addition, the charging or docking station may contain a heater to heat the cleaning fluid. Such a heater may be powered by the household mains and/or an on board energy storage member.
Alternately, or in addition, the surface cleaning head 200 and/or the applicator apparatus 400 may include a heater energy storage member that is used to power the heater 340 and 440, respectively.
During operation, or prior to operation, the cleaning fluid may be heated to a temperature that is below its boiling point, assuming the cleaning fluid reservoir is not pressurized, in which case a higher temperature may be used. In some embodiments, the cleaning fluid may be heated to a temperature that is greater than 35° C. For example, the cleaning fluid may be heated to a temperature in the range of 35° C. to 95° C., optionally 45 ° C. to 85° C., or optionally 50° C. to 70° C. Depending on the cleaning fluid used, the cleaning fluid may be heated to a temperature that is greater than 95° C.
Optionally, at least one of the cleaning brush 260 and the drying roller 240 is heated. For example, the heater 340 may be used to heat the cleaning brush 260 and/or the drying roller 240. The heater 340 may be internal or external to the cleaning brush 260 and/or the drying roller 240. For example, the heater 340 may be an electric heater, such as an infrared heater. The drying roller 240 may be heated externally (as exemplified in FIGS. 13A-13B), internally (as exemplified in FIGS. 14A-14B), or both. Similarly, the cleaning brush 260 may be heated internally (as exemplified in FIGS. 12A-12B), externally (as exemplified in FIGS. 11A-11B), or both.
When the drying roller 240 is heated by the heater 340, there may be heat transfer to the cleaning brush 260 from the drying roller 240. Accordingly, when in the drying mode with the drying roller 240 in the drying position, the heated drying roller 240 may operate to concurrently drive, heat, and remove liquid from the cleaning brush 260. When the cleaning brush 260 is heated by the heater 340, the cleaning brush 260 may operate to heat the cleaning fluid dispensed by the cleaning fluid applicator 320. This heating of the cleaning fluid may occur either when the cleaning fluid is applied directly to the cleaning brush 260 or when the cleaning fluid is applied to the surface to be cleaned and the cleaning brush 260 contacts the cleaning fluid. The cleaning brush 260 may also transfer heat to the drying roller 240, thereby assisting with the liquid removal from the cleaning brush 260.
In some embodiments, the heater 340 may operate to heat a heating fluid that subsequently passes interior of the drying roller 240 and/or the cleaning brush 260. As exemplified in FIGS. 15A-15B, the heater 340 is positioned interior of the drying roller 240 and has a fluid conduit 342 that extends through the drying roller 240. Accordingly, during operation, the heater 340 heats the heating fluid, which is cycled through the fluid conduit 342 to transfer heat from the heating fluid to the drying roller 240, thereby heating the drying roller 240. The heat from the drying roller 240 may be used to improve the transfer of liquid from the cleaning brush 260, which in turn may improve the cleaning of the surface to be cleaned by subsequently transferring heat to the cleaning fluid on the surface to be cleaned. In some embodiments, the heating fluid may be the cleaning fluid and the heater 340 may operate to heat the cleaning fluid.
The heater 340 may be used to raise the temperature of the drying roller 240 and/or cleaning brush 260 to any desired temperature. For example, the drying roller 240 and/or cleaning brush 260 may be heated to a temperature in the range of 35° C.-95° C., optionally 45° C.-85° C. or optionally 50° C.-70° C.
In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of heaters 340. For example, there may be a heater 340 that heats the cleaning fluid, a heater 340 that heats the cleaning brush, and/or a heater 340 that heats the drying roller 240. Heating one or more components of the surface cleaning head 200 may improve the cleaning process. For example, as noted above, heating the cleaning fluid, directly or indirectly, may improve the removal of debris from the surface to be cleaned. Heating the drying roller 240 and/or the cleaning brush 260 may improve the removal of liquid from the cleaning brush 260 by the drying roller 240, thereby allowing for a more efficient removal of the cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned.

Heat Retaining Member

In accordance with this aspect, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning head 200 and/or the applicator apparatus 400 may include a heat retaining member. The heat retaining member may be used to heat one or more of the drying roller 240, the cleaning brush 260, and/or the cleaning fluid. An advantage of this aspect is that the heat retaining member may be heated while the surface cleaning head 200 and/or the applicator apparatus 400 is connected to household mains (e.g., directly or via a charging or docking station) and may retain this heat while the cleaning device is put into operation. In other words, the heat retaining member may be heated prior to use and may provide a means to maintain the heat in the cleaning device throughout the operation of the cleaning device.
The heat retaining member 360 may be any object capable of retaining heat. For example, the heat retaining member 360 may be a solid material and may be in granular or block form, such as a block of metal, stone, or some combination thereof. The heat retaining member 360 may be aluminum or granite. Alternately, the heat retaining member may be a fluid that has a boiling point above that of water. An advantage of using a solid material as a heat retaining member is that it may be heated to, e.g., more than 200° C., 250° C., 300° C., 350° C., 400, or 450° C. Therefore, a small mass of material (e.g., 0.5-1 lb.) may retain a relatively large amount of heat that may be stored on board. The heat retaining member may be positioned in an insulated container.
It will be appreciated that the heat retaining member may provide heat by being in direct contact with a component to be heated (e.g., one or more of the drying roller 240, the cleaning brush 260, and/or the cleaning fluid) or by a fluid loop that circulates fluid from (e.g., through) the heat retaining member to the component to be heated. Accordingly, the heat retaining member (e.g., a solid block of material) may have one or more fluid flow channels therethrough which are connected, e.g., via a rigid and/or flexible conduit to one or more of the components to be heated. Alternately, or in addition, the heat transfer member, e.g., in an insulated container) may be positioned in the cleaning fluid reservoir.
As exemplified in FIGS. 16A-16D, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include a heat retaining member 360 positioned in the surface cleaning head 200. As exemplified, the surface cleaning head 200 has a heat retaining member 360 positioned adjacent the drying roller 240 in a heat retaining member recess 370. Accordingly, the heat retaining member may heat the drying roller 240 by contact therewith (i.e., conduction). When the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is connected to household mains, heat is provided to the heat retaining member 360. When the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is removed from household mains and put into operation, the heat retaining member 360 may retain the heat and continue transferring heat to the drying roller 240 throughout the operation of the surface cleaning apparatus 100.
It will be appreciated that one or more heat retaining elements 360 may be positioned adjacent the drying roller 240, the cleaning brush 260, the cleaning fluid reservoir 322, and/or the cleaning fluid applicator 320. By positioning the heat retaining member 360 adjacent the cleaning fluid applicators 320 and/or the cleaning fluid reservoir 322, the cleaning fluid may be heated. In other words, the heat retaining member 360 may be in thermal communication with the cleaning fluid reservoir and/or the cleaning fluid applicator 320.
It will be appreciated that if the heat retaining member is heated to a relatively low temperature, then the heat retaining member may be in direct contact with the component to be heated. Alternately, if the heat retaining member is in an insulated container, then heat may be transferred to the component by conduction from a heating fin or the like provided on the insulated container and in thermal communication with the heat retaining member and/or by use of a fluid that is heated by passage internal of the insulated container.
In some embodiments, the heat retaining member 360 may be positioned internally of the drying roller 240 and/or the cleaning brush 260. In such a case the drying roller 240 and/or the cleaning brush 260 may comprise the insulated container for the heat retaining member.
The heat retaining element 360 may be heated by one or more of conduction, convection, and radiation. For example, the heat retaining element 360 may be heated by an infrared heater, a resistive heating element in the heat retaining member and/or an insulated container therefor or as exemplified in FIGS. 17A-17B, by a heated fluid that is circulated internal of the insulated container and/or the heat retaining element 360, such as via a fluid conduit 362.
The heat retaining element 360 may be removable from the surface cleaning head 200, as exemplified in FIG. 16C. In such a case, an externally positioned heating element, which may be in a charging or a docking station, may be used to heat the heat retaining element 360. Alternately, if the heat retaining element 360 is resistively heated, then the heat retaining element 360 may be connected to, e.g., the household mains which energizes the resistive heating element.
If a heated fluid is utilized, then during a heating operation, the heated fluid may be heated and passed through the fluid conduit 362 such that the heat retaining element 360 is heated. The fluid conduit 362 may be made of a material with high heat transfer, such as copper. It will be appreciated that the heat retaining element 360 may be heated while in the surface cleaning head or when removed from the surface cleaning head. Accordingly, for example, the heat retaining element 360 may be removed from the surface cleaning head and the fluid conduit 362 connected to an externally positioned heating element, which may be in a charging or a docking station, and which provides heated fluid to the heat retaining element 360. Alternately, the surface cleaning head with the heat retaining element 360 positioned therein may be connected to an externally positioned heating element that supplied heated fluid to the fluid conduit 362.
Further, if a heated fluid is used, then during a cleaning operation, heated fluid may be circulated through the fluid conduit 362 to the component to be heated. It will be appreciated that one mechanism, e.g., resistive heating, may be used to heat the heat retaining element 360 and another, e.g., a heated fluid, may be used to heat the component.
If the heat retaining element 360 is heated while removed from the surface cleaning head 200, then a second heat retaining element 360 may be provided. During operation, the first heat retaining member 360 may be heated and placed in the surface cleaning head 200. While the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is used, the second heat retaining element 360 may be heated. Once the first heat retaining member 360 has cooled, it may be replaced with the second heat retaining member 360 in order to allow the user to continue cleaning.
As discussed previously, the energy storage member 214 may be operable to power any electrical component of the cleaning device but not a heating element in the cleaning device. By pre-heating the heat retaining member 360, smaller energy storage members may be used to power the rest of the electrical components of the surface cleaning head 200, without the need to provide large amounts of energy to the heat retaining element 360. Accordingly, the user may use the cleaning device for an increased period of time without having to power the heat retaining member 360.

Docking Station

In accordance with this aspect, which may be used by itself or in combination with one or more other aspects, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may be used with a docking station. The docking station may be operable to provide electrical and/or thermal charge to the surface cleaning apparatus 100 and/or to refill the cleaning fluid reservoir 322. For example, the docking station may be used to charge the energy storage member 214 and/or to thermally charge (i.e., heat) the heat retaining element 360. An advantage of this aspect is that there may be a single station that recharges all necessary elements of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 and refills the cleaning fluid reservoir 322. By providing the docking station with means to heat the heat retaining member 360, the heat retaining member 360 may be heated without the use of an onboard energy storage member, thereby lengthening the operational time of the surface cleaning apparatus.
In accordance with this aspect, in some embodiments, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is connectable to a docking station 500. As exemplified in FIGS. 18-20B, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is receivable in the docking station 500. As exemplified, the docking station 500 has a lower portion 510 and an upper portion 520, with a gap 530 therebetween for receiving the surface cleaning head 200. The docking station 500 has a heating element 540 operable to transfer heat to the cleaning fluid in the surface cleaning head 200. In some embodiments, the heating element 540 may be used to transfer heat to the heat retaining member 360 positioned in the surface cleaning head 200.
In some embodiments, the heating element 540 may be operable to indirectly heat the cleaning fluid in the surface cleaning head 200. For example, the heating element 540 may transfer heat to the heat retaining member 360 in the surface cleaning head 200 and the cleaning fluid may be passed through the fluid conduit 362, such that the cleaning fluid is heated. In other words, when the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is docked at the docking station 500, the cleaning fluid may be thermally connected with the heating element 540.
In some embodiments, as described previously, the heat retaining member 360 may be removable from the surface cleaning head 200. As exemplified in FIGS. 20A-20B, the docking station 500 has a recess 550 for receiving the heat retaining member 360. A user may operate the surface cleaning apparatus 100 while the heat retaining member 360 is positioned in the recess 550 and is being thermally charged. Once charged, the heat retaining member 360 may be removed from the recess 550 and positioned in the surface cleaning head 200.
While the above description describes features of example embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. For example, the various characteristics which are described by means of the represented embodiments or examples may be selectively combined with each other. Accordingly, what has been described above is intended to be illustrative of the claimed concept and non-limiting. It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

CLAUSE SET A

1. A kit for cleaning a floor comprising:

(a) an applicator apparatus comprising a cleaning fluid reservoir and a cleaning fluid dispenser wherein the applicator apparatus has an absence of a liquid collection system; and,
(b) a cleaning apparatus comprising a floor cleaning head comprising a cleaning brush and a liquid collection system.

2. The kit of clause 1 wherein the applicator apparatus further comprises a heater whereby the cleaning fluid dispenser dispenses heated cleaning fluid.
3. The kit of clause 2 wherein the heated cleaning fluid is heated to a temperature below its boiling point.
4. The kit of clause 2 wherein the heated cleaning fluid is heated to a temperature between 55° C. and 95° C.
5. The kit of clause 2 wherein the heater is operable when the applicator apparatus is connected to household mains whereby the cleaning fluid is pre-heated prior to operation of the applicator apparatus.
6. The kit of clause 5 wherein the applicator apparatus further comprises an energy storage member.
7. The kit of clause 6 wherein the energy storage member is operable to power the cleaning fluid dispenser but not the heater.
8. The kit of clause 1 wherein the applicator apparatus further comprises an applicator floor head which incorporates the cleaning fluid dispenser and includes a plurality of floor engaging wheels.
9. The kit of clause 1 wherein the liquid collection system comprises a drying roller operable in a drying mode wherein, in the drying mode, the drying roller removes water from the cleaning brush and a water collection container positioned to receive water removed from the cleaning brush by the drying roller.
10. The kit of clause 1 wherein the liquid collection system comprises a water separator and a suction motor downstream from the water separator.
11. The kit of clause 8 wherein the cleaning apparatus further comprises an energy storage member.
12. The kit of clause 11 wherein the liquid collection system has an absence of a suction motor.
13. The kit of clause 1 wherein the applicator apparatus further comprises a heater and a first energy storage member wherein the first energy storage member is operable to power the cleaning fluid dispenser but not the heater and the cleaning apparatus further comprises a second energy storage member.
14. The kit of clause 13 wherein the liquid collection system has an absence of a suction motor.
15. The kit of clause 13 wherein the applicator apparatus further comprises an applicator floor head which incorporates the cleaning fluid dispenser and includes a plurality of floor engaging wheels.
16. The kit of clause 13 wherein the heater is operable when the applicator apparatus is connected to household mains whereby the cleaning fluid is pre-heated prior to operation of the applicator apparatus.
17. The kit of clause 16 wherein the heated cleaning fluid is heated to a temperature below its boiling point.
18. The kit of clause 1 wherein the applicator apparatus further comprises a heat retaining member which is heated when the applicator apparatus is connected to household mains and cleaning fluid is heated by the heat retaining member prior to the cleaning fluid being dispensed.
19. The kit of clause 18 wherein the heat retaining member comprises a block of metal or stone.
20. The kit of clause 18 wherein the heat retaining member is in thermal communication with the cleaning fluid reservoir.

CLAUSE SET B

1. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a surface cleaning head, a cleaning fluid reservoir, a cleaning fluid dispenser, a heater, a cleaning brush and a liquid collection system wherein the heater is operable when the surface cleaning apparatus is connected to household mains whereby the cleaning fluid is pre-heated prior to operation of the surface cleaning apparatus.
2. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises an energy storage member.
3. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 3 wherein the energy storage member is operable to power the cleaning fluid dispenser and the liquid collection system but not the heater.
4. An applicator apparatus comprising an applicator floor head, a cleaning fluid reservoir, a cleaning fluid dispenser and a heater wherein the heater is operable when the applicator apparatus is connected to household mains whereby the cleaning fluid is pre-heated prior to operation of the applicator apparatus.
5. The applicator apparatus of clause 4 wherein the cleaning fluid dispenser dispenses heated cleaning fluid and the heated cleaning fluid is heated to a temperature below its boiling point.
6. The applicator apparatus of clause 5 wherein the heated cleaning fluid is heated to a temperature between 55° C. and 95° C.
7. The applicator apparatus of clause 5 wherein the applicator apparatus further comprises an energy storage member.
8. The applicator apparatus of clause 7 wherein the energy storage member is operable to power the cleaning fluid dispenser but not the heater.
9. The applicator apparatus of clause 8 wherein the applicator apparatus further comprises a liquid collection system and the energy storage member is operable to power the liquid collection system.
10. The applicator apparatus of clause 9 wherein the liquid collection system comprises a drying roller operable in a drying mode wherein, in the drying mode, the drying roller removes water from a cleaning brush and a water collection container positioned to receive water removed from the cleaning brush by the drying roller.
11. The applicator apparatus of clause 9 wherein the liquid collection system comprises a water separator and a suction motor downstream from the water separator.
12. The applicator apparatus of clause 10 wherein the liquid collection system has an absence of a suction motor.
13. The applicator apparatus of clause 4 wherein the applicator apparatus further comprises a liquid collection system.
14. The applicator apparatus of clause 13 wherein the liquid collection system comprises a drying roller operable in a drying mode wherein, in the drying mode, the drying roller removes water from the cleaning brush and a water collection container positioned to receive water removed from the cleaning brush by the drying roller.
15. The applicator apparatus of clause 13 wherein the liquid collection system comprises a water separator and a suction motor downstream from the water separator.
16. The applicator apparatus of clause 14 wherein the liquid collection system has an absence of a suction motor.
17. The applicator apparatus of clause 4 wherein the applicator apparatus further comprises a cleaning brush and a liquid collection system.
18. The applicator apparatus of clause 17 wherein the applicator apparatus further comprises an energy storage member.
19. The applicator apparatus of clause 18 wherein the energy storage member is operable to power the cleaning fluid dispenser, the cleaning brush and the liquid collection system but not the heater.
20. The applicator apparatus of clause 4 wherein the applicator apparatus further comprises a heat retaining member which is heated when the applicator apparatus is connected to household mains and cleaning fluid is heated by the heat retaining member prior to the cleaning fluid being dispensed.

CLAUSE SET C

1. A surface cleaning head comprising:

(a) a casing having a rotatably mounted cleaning brush associated with a brush opening; and,
(b) a drying roller operable in a drying mode wherein, in the drying mode, the drying roller removes water from the rotatably mounted cleaning brush; wherein at least one of the rotatably mounted cleaning brush and the drying roller is heated.

2. The surface cleaning head of clause 1 wherein the at least one of the rotatably mounted cleaning brush and the drying roller is externally heated.
3. The surface cleaning head of clause 2 wherein the at least one of the rotatably mounted cleaning brush and the drying roller is heated to a temperature between 35° C.-95° C., 45° C.-85° C. or 50° C.-70° C.
4. The surface cleaning head of clause 1 wherein the at least one of the rotatably mounted cleaning brush and the drying roller is heated by an infrared heater.
5. The surface cleaning head of clause 1 wherein the at least one of the rotatably mounted cleaning brush and the drying roller is internally heated.
6. The surface cleaning head of clause 5 wherein the at least one of the rotatably mounted cleaning brush and the drying roller is heated to a temperature between 35° C.-95° C., 45° C.-85° C. or 50° C.-70° C.
7. The surface cleaning head of clause 1 wherein the drying roller is drivingly connected to the rotatably mounted cleaning brush.
8. The surface cleaning head of clause 7 further comprising a drive motor drivingly connected to the drying roller and wherein, in the drying mode, the drying roller is in a drying position in which the drying roller contacts the rotatably mounted cleaning brush whereby the drying roller concurrently drives the rotatably mounted cleaning brush and removes water from the rotatably mounted cleaning brush.
9. The surface cleaning head of clause 7 further comprising an energy storage member wherein the energy storage member is operable to power the drive motor but not a heating element.
10. The surface cleaning head of clause 9 further comprising a heat retaining member which heats the at least one of the rotatably mounted cleaning brush and the drying roller and the heat retaining member is heated when the surface cleaning head is connected to household mains.
11. The surface cleaning head of clause 10 wherein the heat retaining member comprises a block of metal or stone.
12. The surface cleaning head of clause 7 further comprising a drive motor drivingly connected to the drying roller and wherein, in the drying mode, the drying roller is in a drying position in which the drying roller contacts the rotatably mounted cleaning brush and the drying roller is heated whereby the drying roller concurrently drives the rotatably mounted cleaning brush, heats the rotatably mounted cleaning brush and removes water from the rotatably mounted cleaning brush.
13. The surface cleaning head of clause 12 further comprising a heat retaining member which heats the drying roller and the heat retaining member is heated when the surface cleaning head is connected to household mains.
14. The surface cleaning head of clause 13 wherein the heat retaining member comprises a block of metal or stone.
15. The surface cleaning head of clause 1 wherein, in the drying mode, the drying roller is in a drying position in which the drying roller contacts the rotatably mounted cleaning brush and the drying roller is heated whereby the drying roller concurrently heats the rotatably mounted cleaning brush and removes water from the rotatably mounted cleaning brush.
16. The surface cleaning head of clause 15 further comprising a heat retaining member which heats the drying roller and the heat retaining member is heated when the surface cleaning head is connected to household mains.
17. The surface cleaning head of clause 16 wherein the heat retaining member comprises a block of metal or stone.
18. The surface cleaning head of clause 1 further comprising a drive motor drivingly connected to a drive roller wherein the drive roller drives the rotatably mounted cleaning brush.
19. The surface cleaning head of clause 18 wherein, in the drying mode, the drive roller drives the rotatably mounted cleaning brush while the drying roller removes water from the rotatably mounted cleaning brush.

CLAUSE SET D

1. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

(a) a surface cleaning head having a rotatably mounted cleaning brush associated with a brush opening;
(b) a drying roller operable in a drying mode wherein, in the drying mode, the drying roller removes water from the rotatably mounted cleaning brush; and,
(c) a heat retaining member which heats at least one of the rotatably mounted cleaning brush and the drying roller and the heat retaining member is heated when the surface cleaning head is connected to household mains.

2. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the at least one of the rotatably mounted cleaning brush and the drying roller is heated to a temperature between 35° C.-95° C., 45° C.-85° C. or 50° C.-70° C.
3. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the heat retaining member is positioned internally of at least one of the rotatably mounted cleaning brush and the drying roller.
4. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 3 wherein the at least one of the rotatably mounted cleaning brush and the drying roller is heated to a temperature between 35° C.-95° C., 45° C.-85° C. or 50° C.-70° C.
5. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the drying roller is drivingly connected to the rotatably mounted cleaning brush.
6. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 1 wherein the heat retaining member comprises a block of metal or stone.
7. The surface cleaning head of clause 1 further comprising an energy storage member wherein the energy storage member is operable to power a drive motor that is drivingly connected to at least one of the rotatably mounted cleaning brush and the drying roller but not a heating element.
8. The surface cleaning head of clause 1 further comprising a cleaning fluid reservoir and a cleaning fluid dispenser wherein the heat retaining member heats at least one of a cleaning fluid and the cleaning fluid dispenser whereby the cleaning fluid dispenser dispenses heated cleaning fluid
9. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a surface cleaning head, a cleaning fluid reservoir, a cleaning fluid dispenser and a heat retaining member is heated when the surface cleaning head is connected to household mains whereby the cleaning fluid dispenser dispenses heated cleaning fluid.
10. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 9 wherein the heated cleaning fluid is heated to a temperature between 35° C.-95° C., 45° C.-85° C. or 50° C.-70° C.
11. The surface cleaning head of clause 9 further comprising an energy storage member wherein the energy storage member is operable to power the cleaning fluid dispenser but not a heating element.
12. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 8 further comprising a cleaning brush and a liquid collection system.
13. The surface cleaning head of clause 12 further comprising an energy storage member wherein the energy storage member is operable to power the cleaning fluid dispenser, the cleaning brush but not a heating element.
14. The surface cleaning apparatus of clause 9 wherein the heat retaining member comprises a block of metal or stone.
15. A kit comprising:

(a) a surface cleaning apparatus comprising a surface cleaning head, a cleaning fluid reservoir, a cleaning fluid dispenser: and,
(b) a docking station including a heating element, wherein a cleaning fluid is heated when the surface cleaning head is connected to the docking station.

16. The kit of clause 15 wherein the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a rotatably mounted cleaning brush and an energy storage member wherein the energy storage member is operable to power a drive motor that is drivingly connected to the rotatably mounted cleaning brush but not a heating element.
17. The kit of clause 15 wherein the surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a rotatably mounted cleaning brush, a drying roller and an energy storage member wherein the energy storage member is operable to power a drive motor that is drivingly connected to at least one of the rotatably mounted cleaning brush and the drying roller but not a heating element.
18. The kit of clause 15 wherein the heated cleaning fluid is heated to a temperature between 35° C.-95° C., 45° C.-85° C. or 50° C.-70° C.
19. The kit of clause 15 wherein the docking station comprises a heat retaining member which is heated when the docking station is connected to household mains.
20. The kit of clause 15 wherein the cleaning fluid is thermally connected with the heat retaining member when the surface cleaning apparatus is docked at the docking station.

Claims

1. A surface cleaning head comprising:

(a) a casing having a rotatably mounted cleaning brush associated with a brush opening;

(b) a drying roller operable in a drying mode wherein, in the drying mode, the drying roller removes water from the rotatably mounted cleaning brush; and,

(c) a water collection container positioned to receive water removed from the rotatably mounted cleaning brush by the drying roller.

2. The surface cleaning head of claim 1 wherein, in the drying mode, the drying roller is in a drying position in which the drying roller contacts the rotatably mounted cleaning brush and the drying roller is moveable to an inoperable position in which the drying roller is spaced from the drying position.

3. The surface cleaning head of claim 1 wherein, in the drying mode, the drying roller is drivingly connected to the rotatably mounted cleaning brush.

4. The surface cleaning head of claim 3 further comprising a drive motor that is drivingly connected to the drying roller and, in the drying mode, the drying roller contacts the rotatably mounted cleaning brush whereby the drying roller drives the rotatably mounted cleaning brush due to the contact between the drying roller and the rotatably mounted cleaning brush.

5. The surface cleaning head of claim 3 wherein the drying roller has first engagement members and the rotatably mounted cleaning brush has second engagement members that are engageable with the first engagement members whereby upon rotation of the drying roller, the engagement of the first and second engagement members induces the rotatably mounted cleaning brush to rotate.

6. The surface cleaning head of claim 1 wherein, in the drying mode, the drying roller also debrides the rotatably mounted cleaning brush.

7. The surface cleaning head of claim 1 wherein, in the drying mode, at least one of the drying roller and the rotatably mounted cleaning brush is heated.

8. The surface cleaning head of claim 1 wherein the water collection container is removably mounted in the casing.

9. The surface cleaning head of claim 1 further comprising a cleaning fluid applicator which provides a cleaning fluid to at least one of the drying roller and the rotatably mounted cleaning brush.

10. The surface cleaning head of claim 9 wherein the cleaning fluid applicator delivers a heated cleaning fluid.

11. The surface cleaning head of claim 1 further comprising a cleaning fluid applicator and the surface cleaning head is operable in a cleaning mode in which the cleaning fluid applicator delivers a cleaning fluid and the drying roller is inoperable whereby cleaning fluid remains on the floor.

12. The surface cleaning head of claim 11 wherein, in the drying mode, the drying roller is in a drying position in which the drying roller contacts the rotatably mounted cleaning brush and, in the cleaning mode, the drying roller is moveable to an inoperable position in which the drying roller is spaced from the drying position and the rotatably mounted cleaning brush is rotated.

13. The surface cleaning head of claim 1 further comprising a cleaning fluid applicator and the surface cleaning head is operable in a cleaning mode in which the cleaning fluid applicator delivers a cleaning fluid and the rotatably mounted cleaning brush is in a brush off mode.

14. The surface cleaning head of claim 13 further comprising a drive motor wherein when the drive motor is energized, the rotatable mounted cleaning brush rotates and wherein, in the cleaning mode, the drive motor is deenergized.

15. The surface cleaning head of claim 1 further comprising a cleaning fluid applicator and the surface cleaning head is operable in a cleaning mode in which the cleaning fluid applicator delivers a cleaning fluid and the rotatable mounted cleaning brush is raised above a surface on which the surface cleaning head is positioned.

16. The surface cleaning head of claim 1 further comprising a drive roller that is drivingly connected to the rotatably mounted cleaning brush.

17. A surface cleaning head comprising:

(a) a casing having a rotatably mounted cleaning brush associated with a brush opening; and,

(b) a drying roller operable in a drying mode wherein, in the drying mode, the drying roller removes water from the rotatably mounted cleaning brush and wherein the drying roller is drivingly connected to the rotatably mounted cleaning brush.

18. The surface cleaning head of claim 17 wherein, in the drying mode, at least one of the drying roller and the rotatably mounted cleaning brush is heated.

19. The surface cleaning head of claim 15 further comprising a cleaning fluid applicator and the surface cleaning head is operable in a cleaning mode in which a cleaning fluid is provided to the floor and remains on the floor in the absence of being removed by the cleaning brush.

20. The surface cleaning head of claim 19 wherein the cleaning fluid applicator delivers a heated cleaning fluid that has a temperature of at least 55° C.