Patent ID: 6968594
Filing Date: 2005-11-29
Classification: A47L,B60D,B62B

Abstract:
1. An extraction machine for cleaning a floor surface, the extraction machine having a front and a rear and being movable by an operator relative to the floor surface in a forward direction of travel to clean the floor surface, the extraction machine comprising: a cleaning solution dispenser capable of dispensing a cleaning solution onto the floor surface; a recovery system for extracting a dirty solution from the floor surface, wherein the cleaning solution dispenser being nearer the front of the extraction machine than the recovery system such that as the extraction machine is moved over a segment of the floor surface in the forward direction of travel of the machine the cleaning solution dispenser passes over the segment and dispenses cleaning solution onto the floor surface to promote the removal of dirt therefrom and the recovery system subsequently passes over the segment of floor surface to extract dirty solution from the floor surface; and a tow assembly for use by the operator to pull the machine in the forward direction of travel, the tow assembly comprising a towline connected at one end to the extraction machine and configured for being supported by the operator at an opposite end thereof such that movement of the operator in the forward direction of travel causes tensioning of the towline whereby the tension in the towline applies a pulling force to the extraction machine to move the extraction machine in the forward direction of travel to clean the floor surface, wherein the one end of the towline is connected to the front of the extraction machine and wherein the towline is configured for being supported by the operator at the opposite end thereof at a height substantially greater than the height at which the one end of the towline is connected to the front of the extraction machine such that the towline angles upward from the extraction machine upon tensioning of the towline, whereby the tension in the towline further applies a lifting force to the front of the extraction machine, the extraction machine being configured such that the lifting force applied to the front of the machine urges the recovery system down against the floor surface being cleaned.