Abstract:
A system for applying a vacuum to a floor structure, a platform assembly for allowing a user to extract fluids from a floor structure, a system for extracting invasive liquids from a floor structure, a drive system for allowing a user standing on a platform assembly to displace the platform assembly along a floor surface, and/or A method of applying a vacuum to a floor structure.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/845,012 filed Sep. 14, 2006, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to systems and methods for extracting fluids from flooring materials and, more particularly, to self-propelled extraction systems and methods adapted to carry the operator. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Water and other liquids are often introduced into buildings by floods, sprinkler systems, plumbing and sewer leaks, and the like. In the following discussion, the term “invasive liquid” will refer to any liquid that inadvertently or undesirably enters or remains in a building. 
         [0004]    In many cases, if the invasive liquid is not immediately removed, permanent damage to the building or its contents may occur. For example, a carpet that is soaked with water may create an environment that nurtures the growth of molds and mildew. Such molds and mildew can, at a minimum, create undesirable odors and in some situations can pose health risks for the building&#39;s occupants. Conventionally, if a floor covering, wall covering, or building structure became damaged because of inadequate drying, the damaged item must be removed and replaced, often at considerable expense. 
         [0005]    To avoid the expense of repairing water damaged buildings and their contents, a number of systems and methods have been developed for use by restorative drying professionals to remove invasive liquids from buildings. Restorative drying systems can be as simple as a blower that forces air over a surface to be dried or as complex as a dehumidifier that extracts water from air to enhance conditions conducive to drying. Often, a number of systems are used together in one complete system that is tailored to a specific situation. 
         [0006]    The present invention relates to the specific problem of removing invasive liquids from floor coverings such as carpets, rugs, hardwood, linoleum, vinyl, and the like. Often, the floor covering can trap the invasive liquid in a manner that prevents or slows down the drying of the overall floor structure using conventional restorative drying systems and methods. 
         [0007]    The need thus exists for improved systems and methods for extracting water and other invasive liquids from floor coverings such as carpets. 
       RELATED ART 
       [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,355,112 to Bartholomey discloses systems and methods of extracting fluid from a floor surface comprising an extraction tool, an extraction head, a drive roller assembly. The extraction tool has a frame assembly defining a support surface. The extraction head is mounted to the frame assembly and includes an extraction opening that engages with the floor surface. The drive roller assembly is mounted to the frame assembly and engages the floor surface. The operator stands on the support surface between the extraction head and the drive roller assembly such that the weight of the user on the support surface is transferred to the extraction head or the drive roller assembly. The drive roller assembly is operated to propel the extraction tool along the floor surface. Fluid is extracted from the floor surface through the extraction opening. The speed of the extraction tool across the floor surface is controlled by shifting the user&#39;s weight on the support surface such that movement of the user&#39;s weight towards the extraction head increases friction between the floor surface and the extraction head resulting in a decrease in speed of the extraction tool and movement of the user&#39;s weight towards the drive roller assembly results in an increase in speed of the extraction tool across the floor surface. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,650 to Finley discloses a carpet water extractor employing two rear wheels, a front roller, and a vacuum chamber having an inlet arranged immediately behind the front roller. The Finley device is pulled along a wet carpet such that water pools up behind the roller and enters the vacuum chamber inlet. Weights are arranged above the front roller to assist in forcing or squeezing water out of the carpet. The rear wheels are preferably powered to assist movement of the device. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,151 to Bolden discloses a carpet water extractor employing a roller enclosed within a vacuum chamber. The roller compresses the carpet such that water therein may be removed by air flowing through the vacuum chamber. Holes are preferably formed in the roller purportedly to prevent waves in front of the roller by allowing water to enter the interior of the roller. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,463,791 to Roden discloses a floor surface cleaner that may be used to remove water from floor materials. The Roden device employs two heads that rotate about vertical axes such that the coverage of the heads overlaps. This device is preferably configured as a cleaning device with spray nozzles in addition to vacuum nozzles. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,264,999, 4,441,229, 4,692,959, 4,333,204, and 4,339,840 to Monson all disclose a carpet cleaner that could be used to remove water from carpets and the like. The Monson device employs an internal head assembly mounted within a shroud. Vacuum nozzles are mounted on the head assembly and rotate relative to the floor surface. 
         [0013]    The Applicant is also aware of a number of other systems and methods for removing invasive liquids from floor coverings. Some of these systems and methods are not designed for restorative drying while other have been developed specifically for use by restorative drying professionals. 
         [0014]    Carpet cleaning wands are connected to a vacuum and may be used to extract water from carpets. The assignee of the present invention sells a roller that is pushed across a carpet to force water out of the carpet for removal by a separate system such as a carpet cleaning system or wet/dry vac. Rollers are also used to push water into a fixed pan from which the water may be removed by vacuuming or dumping. 
         [0015]    Another type of device comprises platform defining a plenum formed between upper and lower sheets of material such as plastic. Holes are formed in the lower sheet of material, and the plenum is connected to a vacuum device. The platform is placed on the floor, and the user stands on the platform and operates the vacuum device. The user&#39;s weight forces water from the carpet through the holes into the plenum where it is removed by the vacuum device. This type of device does not have wheels and must be lifted to be moved from place to place. 
         [0016]    The Applicant is also aware of a device employing a solid roller arranged within a housing. A vacuum is established within the housing. The device is pushed across the floor such that the roller squeezes water out of the carpet for extraction by the vacuum within the housing. This device is similar to the device disclosed in the Bolden patent cited above but does not employ holes formed in the roller to prevent waves by allowing water to flow into the interior of the roller. 
         [0017]    One class of water extraction devices not specifically designed for use by restorative drying professionals includes industrial and residential carpet cleaning devices. Carpet cleaning devices spray water and detergent onto a carpet adjacent to a suction head. The suction head is drawn or pushed over the sprayed section of carpet to remove the water, detergent, and dirt or debris in the carpet. The suction head is normally a hollow member that defines a plenum adjacent to an elongate slot. The plenum is connected to a vacuum device that causes air and entrained invasive liquid to be drawn through the slot and the plenum and into a reservoir of the vacuum device. Carpet cleaning devices thus differ from devices used by restorative drying professionals in that the carpet cleaning devices first introduce liquids into the floor covering before removing this liquid. 
         [0018]    A similar structure is used by a class of products commonly referred to as wet/dry vacs; wet/dry vacs are general purpose devices not specifically designed for use by restorative drying professionals. A conventional wet/dry vac comprises a suction head and a vacuum device defining a reservoir for containing liquids entrained in the air drawn through the suction head. Except for the liquid reservoir and the materials used in bringing the air/liquid to the reservoir, the basic design of a wet/dry vac is similar to that of a canister-style vacuum cleaner. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    The principles of the present invention may be embodied as a system for applying a vacuum to a floor structure, comprising a vacuum system, a vacuum hose, and a vacuum accessory. The vacuum system creates at least a partial vacuum. The vacuum hose is operatively connected to the vacuum system. The vacuum accessory comprises a platform assembly and a drive system. The platform assembly comprises at least one inlet opening directed to a portion of the floor structure and an outlet opening operatively connected to the vacuum hose. The drive system comprises a control member and first and second drive wheels. Displacement of the control member causes movement of the first and second drive wheels which in turn causes the platform assembly to move in at least one of a forward direction, a reverse direction, a first pivot direction, and a second pivot direction. As the platform assembly moves in at least one of a forward direction, a reverse direction, a first pivot direction, and a second pivot direction, the inlet opening moves along a path relative to the floor structure. 
         [0020]    The principles of the present invention may also be embodied as a platform assembly for allowing a user to extract fluids from a floor structure, comprising a deck structure, a frame structure, and an inlet assembly. The deck structure defines a surface on which the user stands. The frame structure supports the deck structure and at least one drive wheel for propelling the platform assembly. The inlet assembly comprises an inlet housing defining a housing chamber, an inlet pipe defining a pipe chamber, and an inlet member defining a plurality of inlet openings. The inlet housing is supported by the deck structure. The inlet pipe is supported in a fixed position relative to the inlet housing. The inlet member is supported in a fixed position relative to the inlet housing. An inlet passageway extends through the inlet openings, the housing chamber, and the pipe chamber. In a use mode, the at least one drive wheel and the inlet member are in contact with the floor structure. 
         [0021]    The principles of the present invention may also be embodied as a system for extracting invasive liquids from a floor structure comprising a platform assembly, a handle assembly extending from the platform assembly, and a drive system. The drive system comprises first and second drive wheels supported by the platform assembly and a control member supported by the handle assembly. Displacement of the control member causes the first and second drive wheels to rotate to cause the platform assembly to move in at least one of a forward direction, a reverse direction, a first pivot direction, and a second pivot direction. 
         [0022]    The principles of the present invention may also be embodied as a drive system for allowing a user standing on a platform assembly to displace the platform assembly along a floor surface comprising at least first and second drive wheels and a joystick. The first and second drive wheels are supported by the platform assembly such that the first and second drive wheels engage the floor surface. The joystick is arranged such that the user standing on the platform assembly can displace the joystick in one or more of a forward direction, a reverse direction, a first side direction, and a second side direction. Displacement of the joystick in the forward direction causes the platform assembly to move in the forward direction. Displacement of the joystick in the reverse direction causes the platform assembly to move in the reverse direction. Displacement of the joystick in the first side direction causes the platform assembly to move in the first pivot direction. Displacement of the joystick in the second side direction causes the platform assembly to move in the second pivot direction. 
         [0023]    The principles of the present invention may also be embodied as a method of applying a vacuum to a floor structure comprising the following steps. A vacuum system for creating at least a partial vacuum is provided. A platform assembly is provided that defines an outlet opening and at least one inlet opening directed to a portion of the floor structure. The vacuum hose is operatively connected to the vacuum system and the outlet opening. A drive system comprising a control member and first and second drive wheels is provided. The control member and the first and second drive wheels are arranged such that displacing the control member causes rotation of the first and second drive wheels. The first and second wheels are supported on the platform assembly and the first and second wheels are engaged with the floor structure such that rotation of the first and second drive wheels causes the platform assembly to move in at least one of a forward direction, a reverse direction, a first pivot direction, and a second pivot direction. Displacing the control member such that the platform assembly moves in at least one of a forward direction, a reverse direction, a first pivot direction, and a second pivot direction relative to the floor structure causes the inlet opening to move along a path relative to the floor structure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an extraction system of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of a first example extraction device of the first example extraction system in a use mode; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of the first example extraction device in a storage mode; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of the first example extraction device is a transportation mode; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a bottom plan view of the first example extraction device; 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation section view taken along lines  6 - 6  in  FIG. 5  depicting a platform assembly and a drive system of the first example extraction device; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a detail of a portion of  FIG. 6  depicting an example inlet portion that may be used by the first example extraction device; 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an extraction system of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  is a side elevation view of a second example extraction device of the second example extraction system in a use mode; 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  is a bottom plan view of the second example extraction device; 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  is a side elevation section view depicting a platform assembly and a drive system of the second example extraction device; and 
           [0035]      FIG. 12  is a detail of a portion of  FIG. 12  depicting a first example inlet portion that may be used by the second example extraction device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0036]    Referring initially to  FIGS. 1-7  of the drawing, depicted therein is a first example extraction system  20  constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention. The first example extraction system  20  comprises an extraction device  22 , a vacuum system  24 , and a vacuum hose  26 . The vacuum system  24  and hose  26  are or may be conventional and will be described herein only to the extent necessary for a complete understanding of the present invention. 
         [0037]    The first example extraction device  22  comprises a platform assembly  30 , a handle assembly  32 , a drive system  34 , and a control system  36 . The example extraction device  22  is shown in  FIG. 2  in a use configuration. In this use configuration, the extraction device  22  may be placed in a use mode in which a user  38  stands on the platform assembly  30  and grips the handle assembly  32  while operating the control system  36  to cause the drive system  34  to displace the extraction device  22  along a surface A. When connected to the vacuum system  24  by the hose  26 , liquids are extracted from flooring materials defining the surface A. 
         [0038]      FIG. 3  illustrates the example extraction device  22  in a folded configuration in which an angle between the handle assembly  32  and the platform assembly  30  is changed. In this folded configuration, the extraction device  22  may be placed in a storage mode in which the device  22  effectively occupies a volume that is significantly smaller than that occupied by the extraction device  22  in the use configuration. When placed in the storage configuration, the extraction device  22  may be stored more conveniently than in the use configuration. 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  illustrates the example extraction device  22 , when placed in the folded configuration, may be placed in a transportation mode in which the device  22  may be easily displaced along the surface A while not operating. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , it can be seen that the example platform assembly  30  comprises a frame structure  40 , a deck structure  42 , and inlet assembly  44 . The frame structure  40  provides structural integrity to the platform assembly  30 . The details of the frame structure  40  are not important so long as the frame structure  40  is sufficiently rigid to allow the platform assembly  30  effectively to bear the loads to which the platform assembly  30  is subjected (e.g., the loads transmitted from the deck structure  42  to the drive system  34 ). Typically, but not necessarily, the frame structure  40  is formed by welded metal components. 
         [0041]    The deck structure  42  forms the surface on which the user  38  stands while the extraction device  22  is in the use mode. The example deck structure  42  further supports the inlet assembly  44  and covers the moving parts of the drive system  34 . Again, the details of the deck structure  42  are not important so long as the functions thereof as defined herein are effectively performed. Typically, but not necessarily, the deck structure  42  is made of molded plastic. 
         [0042]    The example inlet assembly  44  extends through the deck structure  42  to allow moisture on the surface A to be carried through the hose  26  to the vacuum system  24  by air flowing towards the vacuum system  24 . 
         [0043]    The example platform assembly  30  further comprises a pair of handle supports  46  and a pair of secondary wheels  48 . The handle supports  46  are connected to the frame structure  40  and are configured to support the handle assembly  32  as will be described in further detail below. The example secondary wheels  48  are connected to the frame structure  40  through the handle supports  46 . The secondary wheels  48  freely rotate and are sized, dimensioned, and located to engage the surface A when the extraction device  22  is displaced along the surface A in the transportation mode. The secondary wheels  48  reduce friction between the extraction device  22  and the surface A in the transportation mode. 
         [0044]    The example handle assembly  32  comprises a pair of upright members  50  rigidly connected to a control support  52 . The upright members  50  define handle portions  54  that are located adjacent to the control support  52  during the use mode. 
         [0045]    Each of the upright members  50  defines a hinge portion  60  connected to one of the handle supports  46  by a hinge pin  62 . In addition, a lock pin  64  extends through the hinge portion  60  of the upright members  50  and into one of a plurality of lock holes  66  formed in each of the handle supports  46 . By displacing the lock pins  64  out of the lock holes  66 , the upright members  50  may be rotated about a hinge axis defined by the hinge pins  62  relative to the platform assembly  30  between the use and folded configurations as illustrated by a comparison of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Inserting the lock pins  64  into selected lock holes  66  allows the extraction device  22  to be locked into either the use configuration or the folded configuration. 
         [0046]    As perhaps best shown in  FIG. 5 , the example drive system  34  comprises first and second drive wheels  70   a  and  70   b  operatively connected to first and second drive motors  72   a  and  72   b , respectively, by a transmission assembly  74 . The transmission assembly  74  operatively connects the first and second drive motors  72   a  and  72   b  to first and second drive sprockets  80   a  and  80   b . The first and second drive sprockets  80   a  and  80   b  are in turn connected to first and second drive gears  82   a  and  82   b  by first and second drive chains  84   a  and  84   b , respectively. The first and second drive gears  82   a  and  82   b  are rigidly connected to first and second drive axles  86   a  and  86   b . The drive axles  86   a  and  86   b  are in turn rigidly connected to the drive wheels  70   a  and  70   b . A plurality of drive bearings  88  support the drive axles  86   a  and  86   b  along a drive axis for axial rotation relative to the frame structure  40 . 
         [0047]    The drive motors  72   a  and  72   b  are operatively connected to the control system  36  such that the user  38  may cause the drive motors  72   a  and  72   b  to drive the drive wheels  70   a  and  70   b  to change a direction of travel of the extraction device  22 . In particular, the control system  36  comprises a control box  90  that supports a joystick member  92  that is operatively connected to control electronics  94 . The control electronics  94  are in turn operatively connected to the drive motors  72   a  and  72   b.    
         [0048]    The control electronics  94  convert movement of the joystick member  92  into movement of the extraction device  22 . Pushing the joystick member  92  forward causes the drive motors  72   a  and  72   b  to rotate both of the drive wheels  70   a  and  70   b  in a forward direction F 1  to cause the extraction device  22  to move along a forward vector F 2  as shown in  FIG. 2 . On the other hand,  FIG. 2  shows that pulling the joystick member  92  back causes the drive motors  72   a  and  72   b  to rotate both of the drive wheels  70   a  and  70   b  in a reverse direction R 1  to cause the extraction device  22  to move along a reverse vector R 2 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 1  illustrates that pushing the joystick member  92  to the right side causes the drive motors  72   a  and  72   b  to rotate or pivot the left drive wheel  70   a  in the first forward direction F 1  and the right drive wheel  70   b  in the first reverse direction R 1  to cause the extraction device  22  to move in a right lateral direction L 1 . Similarly, pushing the joystick member  92  to the left side causes the drive motors  72   a  and  72   b  to rotate or pivot the right drive wheel  70   a  in the first forward direction F 1  and the left drive wheel  70   a  in the first reverse direction R 1  to cause the extraction device  22  to move in a left lateral direction L 2 . 
         [0050]    Similarly, pushing the joystick member  92  to the forward left, forward right, back left, and back right will cause the extraction device  22  to move in forward left, forward right, reverse left, and reverse right vectors. The design of the control electronics  94  is well within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art and need not be described herein in detail. 
         [0051]    Turning now to  FIG. 6 , the construction and operation of the inlet assembly  44  will now be described in further detail. The inlet assembly  44  comprises an inlet housing  120  that is supported by the deck structure  42 . The inlet assembly  44  further comprises an inlet support  122  that maintains an inlet pipe  124  in a fixed position relative to the inlet housing  120 . An inlet coupler  126  maintains an inlet bracket  128  in a fixed position relative to the inlet housing  120 . The inlet bracket  128  supports an inlet member  130  relative to the inlet housing  120 . Coupler screws  132  extend through the inlet member  130  to secure the inlet member  130  relative to the inlet bracket  128 . 
         [0052]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 7 , it can be seen that the example inlet member  130  defines a plurality of inlet openings  140  ( FIG. 5 ) in fluid communication with an inlet plenum  142 . The inlet coupler  128  is milled such that the inlet plenum  142  comprises an inlet plenum comprising a first plenum portion  144  and a second plenum portion  146  in fluid communication with each other. The first plenum portion  144  is in fluid communication with the inlet openings  140 , while the second plenum portion  146  is in fluid communication with a housing chamber  150  defined by the inlet housing  120 . The housing chamber  150  is in turn in fluid communication with a pipe chamber  152  defined by the inlet pipe  124 . 
         [0053]    The inlet opening  140 , inlet plenum portions  142  and  144 , housing chamber  150 , and pipe chamber define an inlet passageway  160 . When a vacuum is established by the vacuum system  24 , air is drawn through the inlet opening  140  and along the inlet passageway  160  and to the vacuum system  24 . 
         [0054]    Referring for a moment back to the use mode,  FIG. 2  illustrates that the drive wheels  70   a  and  70   b  and inlet member  130  engage the surface A. With the user  38  standing on the platform assembly  30 , the user&#39;s weight is transferred to the drive wheels  70   a  and  70   b  and the inlet member  130 . The user&#39;s weight thus applies a downward force on the surface A at the inlet member  130  that squeezes fluids out of the materials defining the surface A. 
         [0055]    Accordingly, as fluids are squeezed out of the materials defining the surface A, a stream of air drawn through the inlet opening  140  by the vacuum system  24  entrains these fluids such that the fluids are also carried to the vacuum system  24 . The fluids can be removed from the stream of air by the vacuum system  24  (e.g., wet/dry vacuum) and/or, possibly, ancillary equipment such as heaters, dehumidifiers, and the like. 
         [0056]    Referring initially to  FIGS. 8-12  of the drawing, depicted therein is a second example extraction device  220  constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention. Like the first example extraction device  22  described above, the second example extraction device  220  is adapted to be used as part of an extraction system comprising a vacuum system and a vacuum hose. The vacuum system and hose are or may be conventional and may be used in substantially the same manner as the vacuum system  24  and vacuum hose  26  described above. 
         [0057]    The second example extraction device  220  comprises a platform assembly  230 , a handle assembly  232 , a drive system  234 , and a control system  236 . The example extraction device  220  is shown in  FIG. 9  in a use configuration. In this use configuration, the extraction device  220  may be placed in a use mode in which a user  238  stands on the platform assembly  230  and grips the handle assembly  232  while operating the control system  236  to cause the drive system  234  to displace the extraction device  220  along a surface A. When connected to the vacuum system by the hose, liquids are extracted from flooring materials defining the surface A. 
         [0058]    As with the first extraction device  22  described above, the second example extraction device  220  may also be used in a folded configuration in which an angle between the handle assembly  232  and the platform assembly  230  is changed. In this folded configuration, the extraction device  220  may operated in a storage mode in which the device  220  effectively occupies a volume that is significantly smaller than that occupied by the extraction device  220  in the use configuration. When placed in the storage configuration, the extraction device  220  may be stored more conveniently than in the use configuration. Also, when placed in the folded configuration, the extraction device  220  may be operated in a transportation mode in which the device  220  may be easily displaced along the surface A while not operating. 
         [0059]    Referring now to  FIGS. 10 and 12 , it can be seen that the example platform assembly  230  comprises a frame structure  240 , a deck structure  242 , and inlet assembly  244 . The frame structure  240  provides structural integrity to the platform assembly  230 . The details of the frame structure  240  are not important so long as the frame structure  240  is sufficiently rigid to allow the platform assembly  230  effectively to bear the loads to which the platform assembly  230  is subjected (e.g., the loads transmitted from the deck structure  242  to the drive system  234 ). Typically, but not necessarily, the frame structure  240  is formed by welded metal components. 
         [0060]    The deck structure  242  forms the surface on which the user  238  stands while the extraction device  220  is in the use mode. The example deck structure  242  further supports the inlet assembly  244  and covers the moving parts of the drive system  234 . Again, the details of the deck structure  242  are not important so long as the functions thereof as defined herein are effectively performed. Typically, but not necessarily, the deck structure  242  is made of molded plastic. 
         [0061]    The example inlet assembly  244  extends through the deck structure  242  to allow moisture on the surface A to be carried through the hose to the vacuum system by air flowing towards the vacuum system. 
         [0062]    The example platform assembly  230  further comprises a pair of handle supports  246  and a pair of secondary wheels  248 . The handle supports  246  are connected to the frame structure  240  and are configured to support the handle assembly  232  as will be described in further detail below. The example secondary wheels  248  are connected to the frame structure  240  through the handle supports  246 . The secondary wheels  248  freely rotate and are sized, dimensioned, and located to engage the surface A when the extraction device  220  is displaced along the surface A in the transportation mode. The secondary wheels  248  reduce friction between the extraction device  220  and the surface A in the transportation mode. 
         [0063]    The example handle assembly  232  comprises a pair of upright members  250  rigidly connected to a control support  252 . The upright members  250  define handle portions  254  that are located adjacent to the control support  252  during the use mode. 
         [0064]    Each of the upright members  250  defines a hinge portion  260  connected to one of the handle supports  246  by a hinge pin  262 . In addition, a lock pin  264  extends through the hinge portion  260  of the upright members  250  and into one of a plurality of lock holes  266  formed in each of the handle supports  246 . By displacing the lock pins  264  out of the lock holes  266 , the upright members  250  may be rotated about a hinge axis defined by the hinge pins  262  relative to the platform assembly  230  between the use and folded configurations as described above with reference to the first example extraction device  22 . Inserting the lock pins  264  into selected lock holes  266  allows the extraction device  220  to be locked into either the use configuration or the folded configuration. 
         [0065]    As perhaps best shown in  FIG. 10 , the example drive system  234  comprises first and second drive wheels  270   a  and  270   b  operatively to first and second drive motors  272   a  and  272   b , respectively, by first and second transmission assemblies  274   a  and  274   b . The transmission assemblies  274   a  and  274   b  operatively connect the first and second drive motors  272   a  and  272   b  to the first and second drive axles  280   a  and  280   b . The drive axles  280   a  and  280   b  are in turn rigidly connected to the drive wheels  270   a  and  270   b . A plurality of drive bearings  288  support the drive axles  280   a  and  280   b  along a drive axis for axial rotation relative to the frame structure  240 . 
         [0066]    The drive motors  272   a  and  272   b  are operatively connected to the control system  236  such that the user  238  may cause the drive motors  272   a  and  272   b  to drive the drive wheels  270   a  and  270   b  to move the extraction device  220  and in particular to steer or otherwise change a direction of travel of the extraction device  220 . In particular, the control system  236  comprises a control box  290  that supports a joystick member  292  that is operatively connected to control electronics  294 . The control electronics  294  are in turn operatively connected to the drive motors  272   a  and  272   b.    
         [0067]    The control electronics  294  convert movement of the joystick member  292  into movement of the extraction device  220 . Pushing the joystick member  292  forward causes the drive motors  272   a  and  272   b  to rotate both of the drive wheels  270   a  and  270   b  in a forward direction to cause the extraction device  220  to move along a forward vector. On the other hand, pulling the joystick member  292  back causes the drive motors  272   a  and  272   b  to rotate both of the drive wheels  270   a  and  270   b  in a reverse direction to cause the extraction device  220  to move along a reverse vector. 
         [0068]    Pushing the joystick member  292  to the right side causes the drive motors  272   a  and  272   b  to rotate or pivot the left drive wheel  270   a  in the first forward direction and the right drive wheel  270   b  in the first reverse direction to cause the extraction device  220  to move in a right lateral direction. Similarly, pushing the joystick member  292  to the left side causes the drive motors  272   a  and  272   b  to rotate or pivot the right drive wheel  220   b  in the first forward direction and the left drive wheel  270   a  in the first reverse direction to cause the extraction device  220  to move in a left lateral direction. 
         [0069]    Similarly, pushing the joystick member  292  to the forward left, forward right, back left, and back right will cause the extraction device  220  to move in forward left, forward right, reverse left, and reverse right vectors. The design of the control electronics  294  is well within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art and need not be described herein in detail. 
         [0070]    Turning now to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the construction and operation of the inlet assembly  244  will now be described in further detail. The inlet assembly  244  comprises an inlet housing  320  that is supported by the deck structure  242 . The inlet assembly  244  further comprises an inlet pipe  322  that is held in a fixed position relative to the inlet housing  320 . 
         [0071]    As perhaps best shown in  FIG. 12 , an inlet bracket  324  comprises first and second bracket portions  326  and  328  that supports first and second inlet members  330  and  332  relative to the inlet housing  320 . In particular, the bracket portions  326  and  328  comprises first and second engaging portions  340  and  342  that rigidly engage front and rear walls  344  and  346  of the inlet housing  320 . 
         [0072]    The first and second bracket portions further comprise rounded portions  350  and  352 . The first and second inlet members  330  and  332  have a generally circular cross-sectional shape that is sized and dimensioned to allow the inlet members  330  and  332  to be detachably attached to the rounded portions  350  and  352 . The inlet members  330  and  332  may be made of a material that reduces friction between the rounded portions  350  and  352  and the surface A. The inlet members  330  and  332  may be subject to wear, and thus may be replaced as necessary by detaching them from the rounded portions  350  and  352  and replacing them with new inlet members  330  and  332 . 
         [0073]    The example inlet members  330  and  332  define an inlet opening  360  ( FIGS. 10 and 11 ) in fluid communication with a housing chamber  362  defined by the inlet housing  320 . The housing chamber  362  is in turn in fluid communication with a pipe chamber  364  defined by the inlet pipe  322 . 
         [0074]    The inlet opening  360 , housing chamber  362 , and pipe chamber  364  define an inlet passageway  370 . When a vacuum is established by the vacuum system, air is drawn through the inlet opening  360  and along the inlet passageway  370 . The vacuum hose is connected to the inlet pipe  322  such that the vacuum system is in fluid communication with the inlet passageway  370 . 
         [0075]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the drive wheels  270   a  and  270   b  and inlet members  330  and  332  engage the surface A. With the user  238  standing on the platform assembly  230 , the user&#39;s weight is transferred to the drive wheels  270   a  and  270   b  and the inlet members  330  and  332 . The user&#39;s weight thus applies a downward force on the surface A at the inlet members  330  and  332  that squeezes fluids out of the materials defining the surface A. 
         [0076]    As fluids are squeezed out of the materials defining the surface A, a stream of air is drawn through the inlet opening  360  by the vacuum system; the stream of air entrains these fluids such that the fluids are also carried through the inlet passageway  370  to the vacuum system. The fluids can be removed from the stream of air by the vacuum system (e.g., wet/dry vacuum) and/or, possibly, ancillary equipment such as heaters, dehumidifiers, and the like. 
         [0077]    In the example extraction device  220 , the inlet pipe  322  is formed of a clear material. In addition, an opening  380  is formed in the deck structure  242  that allows the user to see the inlet pipe  322  and thus into the pipe chamber  364 . The user can thus monitor the flow of fluids through the pipe chamber  364  and thus determine when the extraction process is complete. 
         [0078]    In addition, in the example extraction device  220 , two or more cord brackets  382  are adhered to the handle assembly  232  to allow storage of electrical cords. In particular, two such brackets are secured to the control box  290 , and one is attached to each of the upright members  250 . 
         [0079]    Given the foregoing, it should be apparent that the present invention may be embodied in forms other than those described above. The scope of the present invention should thus be determined by the claims appended hereto and not the foregoing detailed descriptions of example embodiments of the present invention.