Abstract:
A molded component or boot is removably fitted to the narrow edges of a commercial carpet cleaning wand otherwise in contact with carpet to be cleaned. Wider bearing surfaces of the attachment or boot allow for smoother action of the carpet cleaning wand over the carpet, without skip or chatter due to directional nap, such as associated with short nap carpets (e.g., berbers or indoor/outdoor carpet). Functional life of the carpet cleaning wand is extended indefinitely through removal and replacement of the attachment. Screw mounting or other simple removable elements facilitate rapid field service. Lightweight molded plastic contributes to ergonomic aspects without impeding any “spray down” or vacuum functions of the wand.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     Priority is hereby claimed to prior filed provisional application with the same title and same indicated inventorship as presently presented, filed on Oct. 8, 1999 and assigned U.S. Ser. No. 60/158,657. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to improved carpet cleaning operations generally and specifically to improved carpet cleaning wand performance and durability. 
     Commercial carpet cleaning equipment involves typically heavier gauge devices. For example, a main vacuum rod or wand may generally be made of metal, such as stainless steel, to prevent rust or other deterioration based on contact with water or cleaning chemicals. Such a carpet cleaning wand may, for example, have two separate hose arrangements, one for applying a cleaning liquid (cleaning chemicals, water, combinations of both, etc.), and a return vacuum hose for vacuuming dirt, debris and/or liquids. 
     A typical metal commercial carpet cleaning wand will have a head portion intended for contact with the floor surface (generally carpet) to be cleaned. Such wand head may have two separate sections for being respectively associated with the two respective hoses (liquid and vacuum) as referenced above. In other words, in one wand head section, various liquid components will be “sprayed down” onto the surface to be cleaned. Another wand head section may constitute a vacuum nozzle. Each wand head section is respectfully connected to, or associated with, its respective function. For example, the suction nozzle is directly associated with the vacuum hose and the “spray down” area is associated with one or more spray nozzles or ports associated with the liquid hose or line. Such liquid hose or line may itself be of metal construction, such as stainless steel, to prevent rust or other deterioration. The stem of the wand may constitute a rigid portion of the vacuum hose. As a central body or chassis member of the wand, a heavier gauge material is often used for such rigid vacuum hose portion. 
     The foregoing conventional arrangement collectively makes for an object of significant weight. In addition, a trigger control may be mounted on the wand for selective manual operation of spraying cleaning liquids or the like, adding to the weight and heft of the object. An adjustable handle may be mounted along the wand body (or rigid vacuum hose portion) to help with manipulation of the wand. The wand may also have a curved upper handle portion for improved handling. 
     The vacuum hose and liquid hose/line are connected with vacuum and spray power equipment, as well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, without additional discussion. The details of such features form no particular parts of the subject invention. 
     During use, the carpet cleaning wand is often pulled or drawn towards the user, who backs along a section of floor covering to be cleaned. Such an action causes a particular area to be first sprayed (if at all) with a liquid and then immediately subjected to the applied vacuum force. Alternatively, the wand may be moved in other directions, such as “forward”, or back and forth or side to side or combinations. 
     At its interface with the floor covering surface to be cleaned, the head of the typical carpet cleaning wand has fairly narrow walled surfaces defining the vacuum nozzle and “spray down” regions thereof. Such narrow walls are structurally adequate due to the strength of the metal, and at the same time are relatively thin to help minimize weight and cost. However, one result of such typical construction is that very narrow almost blade-like edges are presented for contact with the floor covering surface to be cleaned. This results in potential skip or chatter across the floor covering as the narrow bottom edges of the carpet cleaning wand are drawn or otherwise moved across the floor covering surface. The performance of the wand, and hence the carpet cleaning system, is diminished as the wand tends to want to skip or chatter across the carpet in such fashion. 
     The above referenced performance degradation is particularly prevalent with relatively shorter nap carpets, for example, berbers, or indoor/outdoor carpets or the like. Such exemplary short nap carpets tend to have a definite directional nap. Thus, the relatively narrow surface edges of a conventional carpet cleaning wand head in contact with such short nap carpets tend to want to skip or chatter across the carpet, depending on which way the wand head is being pulled or pushed relative to the nap. 
     Performance degradation as referenced above may manifest itself in different forms. First, spray and/or vacuum operations may be less than optimum. “Marking” on the floor covering surface (simply meaning the “combed” pattern of the floor covering nap), may take the form of multiple parallel lines appearing in varying degrees in the resulting path of the wand. 
     Such chatter or skip can induce excessive wand head wear, even in a metal object. As wear occurs, performance tends to lessen, and eventually the entire wand as an integral unit must be replaced simply to address damage and/or wear to the floor-contacting head portion. 
     Another aspect of degraded performance is the adverse ergonomic component of working with equipment which introduces vibrations during movement. In other words, vibrations from the wand head are transmitted along the rigid wand to the wand operator. Someone operating such equipment on a full time basis, or for at least hours at a time can tend to ergonomically feel affects from even mild vibrations, when so consistently repeated. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention recognizes and addresses various of the foregoing problems, and others, concerning carpet cleaning operations. Thus, broadly speaking, a principal object of this invention is improved carpet cleaning operations. More particularly, a main concern is improved carpet cleaning wand performance and durability, especially for commercial carpet cleaning systems. 
     It is therefore another particular object of the present invention to provide an improved carpet cleaning system having an improved carpet cleaning wand. Another more specific object is to provide an improved carpet cleaning wand head which has smoother operation, with less vibration while being translated over the floor covering surface to be cleaned. 
     Another general object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, the functional principles of which are adaptable to a wide range of conventional carpet cleaning wand configurations, for improved performance and durability thereof. 
     Still a further more particular object is to provide an improved attachment apparatus for conventional carpet cleaning wands, which is lightweight for ease of use and removable for ease of service. 
     Another present object is to provide a commercial carpet cleaning wand head attachment which presents a wider bearing surface against the floor coverings to be cleaned, for allowing easier motion of the carpet cleaning wand relative to such surfaces. It is another more particular object to allow the life of the conventional carpet cleaning wand to be extended indefinitely by replacement of such attachment, to prevent edges of the conventional carpet cleaning wand from wearing out. A still further more particular object is to provide such an improved attachment which may be quickly and easily replaced, even in the field, to greatly minimize any downtime for the associated carpet cleaning system. 
     Additional objects and advantages of the invention are set forth in, or will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from, the detailed description herein. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referenced and discussed features or materials and devices hereof may be practiced in various embodiments and uses of this invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, by virtue of present reference thereto. Such variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent means and features or materials for those shown, referenced or discussed, and the functional, operational or positional reversal of various parts, features, or the like. 
     Still further, it is to be understood that different embodiments, as well as different presently preferred embodiments, of this invention may include various combinations or configurations of presently disclosed features, elements, or their equivalents (including combinations of features or configurations thereof not expressly shown in the figures or stated in the detailed description). 
     One exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to an improved carpet cleaning wand head attachment or boot for smoother operation through wider bearing surfaces on the carpet to be cleaned, without impeding functions of the carpet cleaning wand in any way. Such attachment or boot is preferably removable and replaceable for wand durability and for rapid servicing. It may also comprise a molded component, such as a plastic material, in order to be of desired shape and relatively lightweight. 
     Another present exemplary embodiment concerns a collective carpet cleaning system incorporating a carpet cleaning wand having such an improved attachment. Such attachment may be integrally incorporated with a wand head manufactured for association therewith, or may be secured to a wand head modified, as needed, for receipt of such attachment. In such embodiment, a conventional wand head may have added screw holes for securement (for example) by screws of an attachment molded or shaped to securely interface or seat on the relatively narrow floor-contacting surfaces of the bottom of the conventional carpet cleaning wand. In such an arrangement, the attachment may have respective openings for corresponding use and association with the vacuum nozzle area and “spray down” regions of the conventional wand head. 
     Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of such embodiments and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary intended overall embodiment and carpet cleaning system configuration during use of the subject invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a generally front and right side elevational view of an exemplary conventional carpet cleaning wand head (marked “PRIOR ART”) without incorporation of the subject invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a generally bottom perspective view of the FIG. 2 exemplary conventional carpet cleaning wand head (also marked “PRIOR ART”); 
     FIG. 4A is a generally top perspective view, from one side end, of a boot or attachment in accordance with the subject invention, shown from the side which is intended to mate with a wand head or end; 
     FIG. 4B is a generally bottom perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention of  4 A, showing in detail the improved surface thereof for intended contact with a floor covering (i.e., carpet) to be cleaned; 
     FIG. 5A is a generally bottom perspective view (as in the same view generally as illustrated in FIGS.  3  and  4 B), but showing an exemplary embodiment of the subject invention assembled with a conventional carpet cleaning wand head (modified in accordance with the subject invention); 
     FIG. 5B is an exploded view of the subject matter of FIG. 5A; 
     FIG. 6 is an assembled view, as in present FIG. 5A, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the subject invention, generally in a top perspective view in a position as assumed generally during use thereof; and 
     FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the features illustrated in present FIG. 6, taken along section line  7 — 7  as indicated therein. 
     Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specification and appended drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary intended overall environment for practice of the subject invention. In general, a commercial carpet cleaning system generally  10  as represented includes a mobile or base unit  12  which is movable, such as through use of rollers  14  or their equivalents. The mobile unit  12  produces vacuum pressure as applied through a vacuum hose generally  16 . A rigid or metal portion generally  18  of such vacuum hose doubles as a main body (i.e., chassis) and handle for carpet cleaning wand generally  20 . 
     An operator  22  may manipulate wand  20 , such as by grasping at a handle end portion generally  24  and/or an adjustable handle attachment generally  26 , as well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art without discussing additional details thereof. By manipulating handle end  24  and adjustable handle attachment  26 , operator  22  may traverse the wand head generally  28  over floor covering surface generally  30  to be cleaned. 
     In the present exemplary illustration, an attachment boot generally  32  in accordance with the subject invention may be associated with the wand head  28 , for direct contact with floor covering surface  30 , interposed between such surface  30  and wand head  28 . As discussed hereinbelow, the addition and presence of attachment boot  32  improves performance and durability of wand  20 , and therefore generally overall improves that of the carpet cleaning system  10 , too. 
     As well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art without additional disclosure, a fluid or spraying line may be associated with wand  20 , such that desired fluids (such as cleaning fluids and/or water) may be directed from mobile unit  12  through an appropriate fluid line, along rigid portion  18 , and into wand head  28  for selected application onto floor covering surface  30 . Such line may typically traverse along a “backside” of wand  20 , and as such is not visible in the generally frontside perspective view of wand  20  as shown in present FIG.  1 . 
     Also, in some embodiments, such fluid line (not shown) may interconnect between wand  20  and mobile unit  12  internally of vacuum hose  16 , or external thereto (also not illustrated, but well known to those of ordinary skill in the art). The specific details of such hose interconnections form no particular aspect of the subject invention, though embodiments of the present invention do involve combinations of attachment boot  32  with carpet cleaning wands  20  as used in conjunction with commercial carpet cleaning systems, such as exemplary system  10 . It is to be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that variations may be practiced. For example, system  10  may incorporate a truck-mounted cleaning unit (vacuum and fluid handling) in place of the mobile unit  12 , as illustrated. In such an arrangement, as well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the interconnecting hoses are simply run over further extensions, between wand  20  and the truck-mounted cleaning unit. All such variations are intended to come within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a generally front and right side elevational view of an exemplary conventional carpet cleaning wand head (“PRIOR ART”) generally  34 . Such wand head  34  is different from wand head  28  in that it has not been modified in accordance with the subject invention for use with attachment boot  32  as illustrated in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 illustrates a generally bottom and perspective view of the FIG. 2 conventional (“PRIOR ART”) wand head  34  (again, not modified in accordance with the subject invention for association with attachment boot  32 ). 
     Collectively, FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate that conventional wand head  34  has a rigid vacuum hose portion generally  36  which may double as a body for the wand to which head  34  is attached. Rigid vacuum hose  36  terminates into a vacuum nozzle or return generally  38 . Opposing parallel surfaces generally  40  and  42  define a “spray down” region generally  44  into which fluid is selectively sprayed, such as through use of a manually operated trigger, actuated by operator  22  (FIG.  1 ). Such trigger is not seen in FIG. 1 due to a typical rear-mounted position thereof. Fluids such as cleaning fluids and/or water (possibly temperature controlled) are applied in such “spray down” region through use of spray nozzles  46  and  48 , which in turn are fed by respective hoses  50  and  52 , which are split from a primary fluid feeding hose, not shown in FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 2 illustrates the position of surface  42  in partial dotted line, to illustrate its continuing interaction as an edge surface generally  54  with the nap of exemplary carpet  56  across the width of wand head  34 . Conventional wand head  34  defines other edge surfaces generally  58  and  60  (see FIG.  3 ), which also contact the nap of carpet  56 . 
     As represented particularly in present FIG. 2, movement of wand head  34  back and forth along the generally axial direction  62  can result in chatter or bounce or skip across carpet surface  56  (see shudder lines generally  64  and  66 ). Such condition particularly occurs for carpets  56  having shorter naps, such as berber type carpets or indoor/outdoor carpets. Shorter nap carpets tend to have more defined directional naps. The skip or chatter of edge surfaces  54 ,  58  and  60  across such shorter nap carpets is particularly prevalent whenever such surfaces are drug or directed “against the grain” of the shorter nap. Such condition can lead to reduced effectiveness in performance, and excessive wear on the equipment (potentially resulting in the requirement that the entire wand be replaced). Also, such repetitive conditions can adversely impact ergonomic factors, resulting for example in excessive operator fatigue or other adverse consequences. 
     Dimensional dynamics of conventional wand head generally  34  and its associated wand (all of metal construction, such as stainless steel) relate also to the above-referenced chatter or skip problems, For example, the entire wand length may be approximately five feet, with the width of conventional wand head  34  about 12 inches between sides  68  and  70  thereof, and in a range from about 2 to 2½ inches deep between the front and back  72  and  74  thereof. Such dimensions may vary from one construction to another. Also, the referenced exemplary dimensions of wand head  34  are in relation to the vacuum nozzle area  38  and “spray down” region  44  thereof. 
     Also of importance is the general dimensions of edge surfaces  54 ,  58 , and  60 , in terms of thickness, especially relative to a direction perpendicular thereto (i.e., along the generally axial movement line  62 ). In such direction of width (perpendicular to axial arrow  62 ), the edge surfaces  54 ,  58  and  60  may typically be about {fraction (1/16)} of an inch or even down to {fraction (1/32)} of an inch. Such very narrow cleaning edges or edge surfaces in contact with carpet surfaces, particularly shorter nap carpets, results in the above-referenced problems in performance and durability. 
     FIG. 4A illustrates a device generally  76  in accordance with the subject invention, representing a top perspective view thereof (generally from one end) as it would mate to a wand head or end. FIG. 4B illustrates a bottom perspective view of such device  76 , as it would interface with a carpet or floor covering surface to be cleaned. 
     Device  76  constitutes an attachment boot, such as device  32  secured to a wand head  28  as represented in present FIG.  1 . As collectively illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, such boot  76  forms its own respective vacuum nozzle region  78  and “spray down” area  80  for respectively corresponding with regions on a wand head such as vacuum nozzle  38  and “spray down” area  44  as illustrated in present FIG.  3 . Thus, spray down and vacuum functions associated with a conventional wand head and carpet cleaning system generally, are not impeded in any manner by inclusion of attachment  76 . 
     FIG. 5A illustrates a bottom perspective view (generally like FIG. 4B) of attachment boot  76 , except as also assembled with an exemplary wand head  28  modified for association therewith. FIG. 5B provides a similar perspective view of boot  76  and wand head  28 , but in exploded view, with various securement devices or features (such as screws and/or nuts and bolts) removed for illustration purposes. 
     FIG. 6 illustrates an assembled view of an exemplary attachment boot  76  in accordance with the subject invention and a modified wand head  28 , but in a top perspective view thereof, as generally situated during use. FIG. 7 illustrates a cross section of FIG. 6, as taken along section line  7 — 7  indicated therein. 
     Collectively FIGS. 4A through 7 illustrate details of the construction and practice of an exemplary attachment boot  76  in accordance with the subject invention, while present FIG. 1 illustrates an overall view of use thereof and of a carpet cleaning system in accordance with the subject invention incorporating the improved features. 
     In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, attachment boot  76  defines a lip or abutment  82  against which an upper surface  54  of parallel surface member  42  of wand head  28  rests. Reference characters from FIGS. 2 and 3 for wand head  34  illustrated thereof are repeated in other figures of the subject application with reference to wand head  28 . They are intended to represent same or analogous features thereof, though wand  28  is otherwise modified as discussed herein for operation with attachment  76 . Thus, for the sake of brevity, discussion of such features are incorporated by reference, without complete repetition of such discussion with reference to figures discussing common elements as between wand heads  28  and  34 . 
     The illustration of present FIG. 5B does represent the main liquid feeding hose or line  84  which feeds both separated lines  50  and  52  via a splitter or diverter coupling generally  86 . It is main liquid line  84  which may run up the back side of wand  20  (i.e., in a position not seen in FIG.  1 ), and/or otherwise be passed into vacuum hose  16  for adjoining with mobile unit  12  (or some other unit used in substitution thereof). 
     As best illustrated by the top perspective view of present FIG. 4A, various channels or slots are formed for receipt of edge surfaces  58  and  60  of wand head  28 . Respective channels or slots  88  and  90  dimensionally match respective edge surfaces  58  and  60 , for mating therewith. Respective side slots or channels generally  92  likewise capture respective side edge surfaces  94  (only one visible in FIG. 5B) of wand head  28 . 
     As represented in present FIG. 7, the slots or channels  88  and  90  may comprise L-shaped receptors for the respective edges of parallel surface  40  and front surface  72  of wand head  28 . In such manner, they remain relatively open, and with minimum construction and weight, for maintaining relatively unimpeded a vacuum area generally  78 . 
     Various devices may be practiced for securing an attachment boot generally  76  to a wand head generally  28  (once modified in accordance with the subject invention). For example, threaded screws and/or bolts and nuts may be practiced, particularly for preferred embodiments, which are readily removable for replacement and/or service. Various interference fits or snap-ons or slide-on arrangements with securing elements may also be practiced. Again, the most preferred embodiments of the subject invention incorporate attachment features which are readily reversed, for ease of removing and servicing (or replacing) the attachment boot  76  and/or wand head  28 . 
     As represented in the present exemplary preferred embodiment, threaded screws generally  96  and  98  may be selectively associated with threaded or non-threaded screwholes  100  and  102 , respectively, formed in accordance with the subject invention through surface  42  of wand head  28 . Respective screws  96  and  98  are further seated in threaded screwholes  104  and  106  as respectively formed in the illustrated portion of attachment boot  76 . 
     A generally forward or leading edge of attachment boot  76  may likewise be secured (preferably removably) to wand  28 . Such an arrangement as illustrated gives a three point attachment support, for sufficient strength and securement with minimum weight. 
     As represented, attachment boot  76  may be formed with an extension or tab  108 , through which a securement opening  110  may also be formed. In such an arrangement, preferably a nut  112  and associated corresponding bolt  114  are utilized together. As represented in present FIG. 7, generally a smooth or jacketed portion  116  may be practiced within vacuum nozzle region  78 , to ensure that nothing impedes a desired vacuum flow. Corresponding openings  118  and  120  may be formed respectively in surfaces  40  and  72  of wand  28 , for cooperation with nut  112  and bolt  114 . 
     As shown in the illustrated examples, all of the attachment features are readily reversible, to permit attachment boot  76  to be removed. Boot  76  itself may be formed from various materials, preferably such as plastic molded components, to readily achieve the desired shape and low weight characteristics. For example, a black Acetal plastic molded component may be readily fitted in accordance with the subject invention to the cleaning edges of carpet cleaning wand generally  28  and attached thereto at the exemplary three points illustrated (once wand  28  is appropriately modified with the addition of holes  100 ,  102 ,  118  and  120 ). Other types of plastic or other generally lightweight and/or adequately strong components may be practiced. 
     With the removability feature, once attachment boot  76  is worn (or otherwise damaged, such as through an accident), it may be readily replaced by removing the attachment features as shown, removing the old boot, seating the new boot, and replacing the attachment features, all as will be well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the disclosure herewith. Such an arrangement protects the various edge surfaces, such as  54 ,  58 ,  60  and  94  of wand head  28  from excessive wear, thereby extending the life of wand head  28  and its associated wand. 
     FIG. 4B provides an illustration of the expanded surfaces which result from practice of the invention, for elimination of the chatter or skip problem of the prior art as illustrated in present FIG.  2 . For example, the relatively narrow edge surfaces  58  and  60  are replaced with broader carpet contact surfaces generally  122  and  124 , respectively. While variations may be practiced, resulting dimensions of about one-quarter of an inch in width (the direction along the generally axial arrow  62 ) is an example of a dimension which provides improvement in accordance with the subject invention. 
     A “heel” surface generally  126  may be provided for expanding edge surface  54  to a width generally of about one-half inch. Likewise, side surface regions  128  may preferably also be about one-half inch in width (though they appear smaller than surface  126  in present FIG. 4B generally due to the perspective nature of such view). 
     Still further, in the illustrated exemplary preferred embodiment, the width (along the generally axial arrow  62 ) of “spray down” area  80  may be about one-half inch wide, so as to generally not impede the spraying function of any associated wand. The width of vacuum nozzle or vacuum return region generally  78  may be about one-quarter of an inch, again without impeding overall vacuum performance of a system  10  into which the subject invention is incorporated to form a new improved carpet cleaning system. 
     It is to be understood that variations of all such dimensions and arrangements may be practiced, so long as in keeping with the broader principals in accordance with the subject invention. In general, those include providing wider cleaning edges for contact with floor covering surfaces to be cleaned, for smoother draw or other actions or movements with the wand head. With such arrangements, the chatter or skip otherwise associated with conventional wand heads (see FIGS. 2 and 3) may be effectively eliminated. At the same time, the representative attachment boot  76  may be removable for replacement to extend wand life, and may be quickly removed for minimal down time in the field for servicing. In such manner, both a carpet cleaning wand head attachment or boot as provided in accordance with the invention, and an improved carpet cleaning system incorporating such improved wand, are provided. 
     It should be further understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the foregoing exemplary preferred embodiments are exemplary only, and that the attendant description thereof is likewise by words of example rather than words of limitation, and their use does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations, and/or additions to the present invention as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.