Abstract:
An upright extractor for delivering cleaning fluid to a cleaning member, removing the cleaning fluid and entrained soil from the cleaning member, and damp wiping dirt and debris off of a surface to be cleaned. A roller assembly for wiping dirt and debris off a cleaning surface is reversible. The roller assembly and a centrifugal pump are driven simultaneously and at independent speeds necessary for preferred operation with a common motor. A vented spray tip assembly delivers cleaning fluid to the cleaning member. An improved accessory tool delivers a variety of metered cleaning chemicals while also extracting the soiled fluid and debris from a surface to be cleaned.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/036,620, filed Mar. 14, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention relates to an upright extractor for delivering cleaning fluid to a surface to be cleaned and removing the cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned. In one of its aspects, the invention relates to a reversible roller assembly for applying cleaning solution and wiping dirt and debris off a surface to be cleaned in a manner that reduces carpet wetness and drying time. In another of its aspects, the invention relates to a means for driving a roller assembly and a centrifugal pump simultaneously and at independent speeds. In yet another of its aspects, the invention relates to a user-removable vented spray tip assembly that improves performance of the fluid delivery system. In still another aspect, the invention relates to an improved accessory tool capable of delivering metered cleaning chemicals targeted at specific cleaning requirements while also providing means to extract the soiled fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Upright extractors are known for deep cleaning carpets and other fabric surfaces, such as upholstery. Most carpet extractors comprise a fluid delivery system, a fluid recovery system, and optionally an agitation system. The fluid delivery system typically includes one or more fluid supply tanks for storing a supply of cleaning fluid, a fluid distributor for applying the cleaning fluid directly to the surface to be cleaned or to an intermediate cleaning member that subsequently contacts the surface to be cleaned, and a fluid supply conduit for delivering the cleaning fluid from the fluid supply tank to the fluid distributor. The fluid recovery system typically comprises a recovery tank, a nozzle adjacent the surface to be cleaned (or in contact with an intermediate cleaning member in direct contact with the surface to be cleaned) and in fluid communication with the recovery tank through a working air conduit, and a vacuum source in fluid communication with the working air conduit to draw the cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned through the nozzle and the working air conduit to the recovery tank. The agitation system can include an agitator element for scrubbing the surface to be cleaned, an optional drive means, and selective control means. The agitation system can include a fixed or driven agitator element that can comprise a brush, pad, sponge, cloth, and the like. The agitation system can also include driving and control means including motors, turbines, belts, gears, switches, sensors, and the like. An example of an upright extractor is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,237 to Kasper et al. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,662,402 to Giddings et al. discloses a soil transfer extraction cleaning method employing a roller assembly including a soil transfer cleaning medium to mechanically remove soil from the surface to be cleaned. The method includes the steps of successively and repeatedly wetting a portion of the cleaning medium with a cleaning liquid, extracting any soil and at least some of the cleaning liquid from the previously wetted portion of the cleaning medium, and wiping the surface to be cleaned with the cleaning medium so as to transfer soil from the surface to be cleaned to the cleaning medium. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,735,812 to Hekman et al. discloses an apparatus having a cleaning implement in selective wiping contact with the surface to be cleaned; a cleaning solution dispenser that selectively wets a portion of the cleaning implement, a portion of the surface to be cleaned, or both; a first selectively controllable vacuum extractor tool to remove some of the dispensed cleaning solution and soil from the cleaning implement; and a second selectively controllable vacuum extractor tool which removes soil and some of the cleaning solution directly from the surface to be cleaned. 
         [0008]    Traditionally, carpet extractors deliver cleaning fluid directly to a surface to be cleaned or onto an agitation system which subsequently delivers the cleaning solution to the surface to be cleaned. In both cases, the surface to be cleaned is saturated with cleaning fluid and allowed to dwell a sufficient amount of time in order to maximize the efficiency of the chemical process. In a second step, the cleaning solution together with any entrained debris is removed from the surface to be cleaned and collected via the fluid recovery system. This extraction process commonly leaves behind significant residual moisture in the surface to be cleaned, which is undesirable to the user because the cleaned surface is unusable until sufficiently dry. Further, if residual moisture remains in the surface to be cleaned for an extended time, mold, mildew, and the like can form and thus creates a new set of issues for the user. The present invention employs an alternative fluid distribution, agitation, and extraction system that reduces the amount of fluid applied to the surface to be cleaned, thus minimizing the residual moisture. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    According to the invention, an upright extractor comprises a foot assembly including base housing for movement along a surface to be cleaned, a fluid supply system mounted to the base housing and including a fluid tank, a fluid distributor for depositing fluid onto the surface to be cleaned, and a fluid conduit between the fluid tank and the fluid distributor. A fluid recovery system is mounted to the base housing and includes a suction nozzle, a recovery tank, a working air conduit between the suction nozzle and the recovery tank, and a motor/fan assembly adapted to draw liquid through the suction nozzle and deposit the liquid in the recovery tank. 
         [0010]    The distributor comprises a spray tip housing having an inlet opening connected to the fluid conduit; and an outlet opening connected to a spray nozzle, a chamber formed in the spray tip housing in communication with the inlet opening and the outlet opening; and a vent opening in communication with the atmosphere and with the chamber; a float valve mounted in the chamber and moveable from a sealing position in sealing relationship with the vent opening to seal the chamber from the atmosphere when fluid under pressure is delivered to the chamber from the fluid conduit and a vent position in spaced relationship with the vent opening to vent the chamber to the atmosphere when the fluid in the fluid conduit is unpressurized. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, the spray tip housing has a cap opening between the atmosphere and the chamber and a cap removably mounted in the cap opening, and wherein the vent opening is formed in the cap. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment, a removable panel mounted in the base housing directly above the spray tip housing for user access to the spray tip housing. Further, the cap can be positioned directly adjacent the removably panel. Further, at least a portion of the removable panel is at least translucent for user visibility to the spray tip housing. The spray tip assembly can be removably mounted in the base housing. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment, a roller having an outer layer of a soft cleaning medium mounted to the base housing for contact with a surface to be cleaned and the spray tip housing is mounted in the base housing in a position to distribute cleaning fluid from the spray nozzle onto the surface of the roller cleaning medium to apply cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. A deflection wall can be mounted above the roller and in registry with the spray nozzle, whereby cleaning fluid sprayed from the spray nozzle impinges on the deflection wall and drips onto the soft cleaning medium of the roller. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment, the suction nozzle can have a suction opening positioned in contact with the soft cleaning medium of the roller to remove fluid and debris therefrom. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment, the roller can be mounted to the base housing for selective placement in two mutually exclusive positions 180 degrees perpendicular to the axis of the roller. A drive motor operably can be connected to the roller, and brush gears can mount the roller to the base housing for providing slippage between the roller and the drive motor in the event that a resistance created by the roller exceeds a predetermined limit. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment, the roller has brush gears at each end that interfaces with a drive mechanism for driving the roller about a longitudinal axis. 
         [0017]    Still further according to the invention, an upright extractor comprises a foot assembly including base housing for movement along a surface to be cleaned, a fluid supply system mounted to the base housing and including a fluid tank, a fluid distributor for depositing fluid onto the surface to be cleaned, and a fluid conduit between the fluid tank and the fluid distributor. A fluid recovery system is mounted to the base housing and includes a suction nozzle, a recovery tank, a working air conduit between the suction nozzle and the recovery tank, and a motor/fan assembly adapted to draw liquid through the suction nozzle and deposit the liquid in the recovery tank. A roller element is removably and reversibly mounted in base housing for contacting the surface to be cleaned. 
         [0018]    In one embodiment, the roller can have an outer layer of a soft cleaning medium mounted to the base housing for contact with a surface to be cleaned. Further, the roller can have brush gears at each end that interfaces with a drive mechanism for driving the roller about a longitudinal axis. 
         [0019]    In another embodiment, an accessory stain tool assembly is removably attached to a handle assembly, the accessory stain tool including a suction nozzle fluidly connected to the recovery tank and to the motor/fan assembly, and an accessory fluid distributor that is fluidly connected to the fluid tank, a pump between the accessory fluid distributor and the fluid tank, a solution reservoir adapted to hold a stain remover composition, and a venturi connected to the solution reservoir and to the accessory fluid distributor to supply the stain remover composition from the solution reservoir to the accessory fluid distributor. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    In the drawings: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an upright extractor according to the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the upright extractor of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a partial exploded perspective view of a foot assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a partial exploded perspective view of the foot assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a base housing as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the foot assembly of  FIG. 1  taken along line  6 - 6  with a roller assembly in a rest position. 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the foot assembly of  FIG. 6  with the roller assembly in an in-use position. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of a spray tip assembly as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the spray tip assembly of  FIG. 4  taken along line  9 - 9  showing a fluid flow position. 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the spray tip assembly of  FIG. 4  taken along line  9 - 9  showing an at rest position. 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an accessory tool according to the invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the accessory tool taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a roller assembly for use with the foot assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  is a partial exploded perspective view of the roller assembly of  FIG. 13 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0035]    Referring to the figures, and in particular to  FIGS. 1-4 , an upright extractor  10  comprises a foot assembly  12  and a handle assembly  14  pivotally mounted to the foot assembly  12  for directing the upright extractor  10  across a surface to be cleaned. An accessory stain tool assembly  16  is removably attached to the handle assembly  14 . The upright extractor  10  comprises commonly known components of a fluid distribution system and a fluid extraction system, including a recovery tank assembly  20  and a fluid supply tank assembly  22  in the foot assembly  12 . The foot assembly  12  further comprises a base assembly  18  having a base housing  24  mounted to a base housing cover  26 . The various housing and structural elements of the upright extractor  10 , including the handle assembly  14 , base housing  24  and base housing cover  26 , can be formed of any material or combination of materials suitable for the purposes described herein, such as a durable and relatively rigid molded plastic. An example of an upright extractor is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,237 to Kasper et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
         [0036]    Referring also to  FIG. 5 , the base housing  24  comprises a supporting tray structure  28  having a bottom wall  30  and a plurality of vertically-oriented fluid barrier ribs  32  that collectively form an electrical component cavity  34  and a fluid component cavity  36 . The various housing and structural elements of the upright extractor  10 , including the supporting tray structure  28 , can be formed of any material suitable for the purposes described herein, such as a durable and relatively rigid molded plastic. A roller housing  38  can be formed at a forward portion of the base housing  24 . The electrical component cavity  34  comprises a motor cavity  40  that receives a conventional motor/fan assembly  42 . The electrical component cavity  34  also receives conventional electrical components, for example but not limited to motors, switches, and wiring. The fluid component cavity  36  receives conventional fluid handling components, for example but not limited to tubing, valves, pumps, and fluid fittings. A plurality of relief apertures  44  are formed in the bottom wall  30  of the supporting tray structure  28  throughout the fluid component cavity  36  and electrical component cavity  34  to drain or remove liquid that may leak from any of the fluid handling components within the interior of the supporting tray structure  28 . 
         [0037]    Referring also to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a working air path can be formed through the base housing  24  via a nozzle insert housing  46 . The nozzle insert housing  46  forms a nozzle inlet  48 , a nozzle outlet  50 , and a first flowpath  52  therethrough. The nozzle inlet  48  further comprises a leading nozzle wall  54  and a trailing nozzle wall  56 . The trailing nozzle wall  56  can be longer than the leading nozzle wall  54  and facilitates the extraction process as is more fully described in the operation description below. The nozzle insert housing  46  can be assembled to the base housing  24  in any suitable manner, such as by using conventional fasteners or by a snap fit. 
         [0038]    The first flowpath  52  can be oriented at an angle relative to vertical such that the nozzle outlet  50  is positioned slightly forward of the nozzle inlet  48 . In one embodiment, the nozzle outlet  50  is 13 degrees forward of the nozzle inlet  48  relative to vertical. The orientation of the nozzle outlet  50  to nozzle inlet  48  can range from 45 degrees forward to 45 degrees rearward relative to vertical. 
         [0039]    The nozzle insert housing  46  further comprises plurality of integrally-formed raised stiffening ribs  58  (see also  FIG. 4 ) that protrude from a front side  60  of the trailing nozzle wall  56 . The stiffening ribs  58  mate to an inside surface of the front of the roller housing  38  ( FIG. 5 ) and increase the rigidity of the first flowpath  52 . The first flowpath  52  is in fluid communication with a corresponding second flowpath  62  formed in the recovery tank assembly  20  in a well-known manner. A resilient gasket  64  seals the second flowpath  62  within the base housing  24 . The second flowpath  62  terminates in an air/separation chamber  66  comprising features to effectively separate liquid from the working air stream as are well-known. Such features can include but are not limited to structural elements such as projections or ribs within the air/separation chamber  66  configured to direct moisture downwardly within the air/separation chamber  66 . A suitable recovery tank assembly incorporating a second flowpath and a liquid separation means is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,237 to Kasper et al. and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
         [0040]    The nozzle insert housing  46  further comprises a deflection wall  70  and a back wall  72  with a receiving aperture  74  formed therein that together form a portion of a spray distribution compartment  68 . The spray distribution compartment  68  is further bounded by a compartment top wall  76  and a bottom opening  78  formed by the nozzle insert housing  46 . The spray distribution compartment  68  is in fluid communication with the interior of the roller housing  38 . The spray distribution compartment  68  can be received within a spray cavity aperture  80  ( FIG. 5 ) formed in the roller housing  38 . The nozzle insert housing  46  top wall  76  engages with a mating rib  82  that protrudes from a spray tip cover  86 . 
         [0041]    Referring also to  FIGS. 8 through 10 , a spray tip assembly  84  can be removably received in a mounting pocket formed in part by the base housing cover  26  and secured by the spray tip cover  86 . In one embodiment, the spray tip cover  86  can be molded from a transparent material and can be removed by disengaging the rib  82  from the top wall  76  of the nozzle insert housing  46  to remove the spray tip assembly  84  to clean any accumulated debris from the spray tip nozzle  94  and in the spray distribution compartment  68 . 
         [0042]    The spray tip assembly  84  comprises a spray tip housing  88 , a float  90 , a vented cap  92 , and a spray tip nozzle  94 . The spray tip housing  88  forms a fluid chamber  96  and further comprises a fluid inlet  98  and a fluid outlet  100 . The fluid inlet  98  comprises a downwardly-extending and hollow neck-like portion of the spray tip housing  88 . A plurality of conventional sealing rings  101  are adapted for placement about the fluid inlet  98  so as to prevent the migration of fluid to the exterior of the fluid inlet  98 . The spray tip nozzle  94  can be sealingly mated to the fluid outlet  100  in any suitable manner, such as by a friction fit in an opening formed by the spray tip housing  88 . The fluid chamber  96  further comprises inlet slots  102  formed between two pegs  103  and configured to selectively receive the float  90  therein. The pegs  103  are generally rectangular in shape with a slight curve and are spaced apart in a parallel relationship to form the inlet slots  102  therebetween. The float  90  comprises a flat circular disk  104  and a downwardly protruding rim  106  around the perimeter. The vented cap  92  is fitted into an opening  89  at an upper portion of the housing  88  and covers the fluid chamber  96 . The cap  92  can be sealed within the opening  89  in any suitable manner, such as by sonic welding, a press-fit, an adhesive, or the like. Alternatively, the cap  92  can be removably mounted in the opening in any suitable manner, such as by a threaded connection. The cap  92  has a vent aperture  110  open to the ambient atmosphere. 
         [0043]    The spray tip nozzle  94  comprises a V-shaped aperture  112  and extends horizontally along a centerline of the outlet face resulting in a conventional “cat-eye” orifice for the distribution of fluid in a horizontal fan-shaped spray pattern. Referring to  FIG. 7 , the fluid can be sprayed through the receiving aperture  74  formed in the back wall  72  of the nozzle insert housing  46  and can be deflected downward by the front spray deflection wall  70 . In this configuration, a single spray tip assembly  84  can distribute fluid across the width of the entire spray distribution compartment  68 . 
         [0044]    The float  90  can be moveable between a downward position and an upward position. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , the spray tip assembly  84  is shown in a position where fluid is flowing. The fluid distribution system is pressurized by a fluid pump  114  which delivers fluid to the inlet opening  98 . When fluid reaches the float  90 , the float  90  rises until a top surface of the float  90  contacts the bottom surface of the vented cap  92  and effectively seals the fluid distribution system from the atmosphere. 
         [0046]    When air is present in the fluid distribution system, as during start up or when new liquid is added to the fluid supply tank  20 , the float  90  drops down shown in  FIG. 10 . A bottom surface of the float  90  rests on the pegs  103  so that a partial lower section of the inlet slots  102  are open and are in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere through the fluid chamber  96 , around the rim  106 , and through the vent aperture  1   10 . When fluid again fills the inlet  98 , the fluid pushes the float  90  up to seal the cap vent aperture  110 , and a steady stream of fluid flows out of the spray tip nozzle  94 . 
         [0047]    The fluid pump  114  is driven by a drive motor  116  via a shaft (not shown) that is directly coupled to the pump  114 . The pump  114  draws fluid from the fluid supply tank  20  and delivers it under pressure to the spray tip assembly  84 . Cleaning fluid is distributed from the fluid supply tank assembly  22  to the spray tip assembly  84  in a conventional manner. A suitable fluid distribution system incorporating a fluid supply tank is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,237 to Kasper et al. and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 7 , a roller assembly  118  is mounted under the roller housing  38  formed in the forward portion of the base housing  24  and comprises a roller element  120  that is rotatably driven by a the drive motor  116  via a drive belt  122  through a planetary gear box  124 . The gear box  124  is positioned on a side of the drive motor  116  opposite the fluid pump  114  and is driven by a conventional motor shaft (not shown) in a well-known manner. A drive gear  126  is fixedly attached to the drive motor  116  shaft as is well-known and drives the belt  122 . The roller assembly  118  further comprises a roller axle  128  and a pair of opposed end arms  130 . The roller element  120  further comprises a generally cylindrical roller frame  132  surrounded by a cleaning medium  134 . The roller frame  132  can be comprised of a chemically resistant, substantially rigid thermoplastic material such as PVC. Alternatively, the roller frame  132  can be manufactured using alternate materials, including but not limited to polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, and the like. 
         [0049]    The roller cleaning medium  134  surrounds the roller frame  132  and can comprise a relatively soft and compressible material. In a preferred embodiment, the roller cleaning medium  134  material is Denier Nylon with a nominal pile outer diameter of 78.5 mm and nominal nap depth of ¾″ and is preferably bonded to the roller frame  132  with epoxy adhesive. Alternatively, the roller cleaning medium  134  can be tufted, fibrous, flocked, smooth, ribbed, nubbed, or otherwise textured and can comprise alternate materials such as fabrics, foams, brush bristles, rubber or any other material suitable for soil transfer and cleaning surface agitation. The cleaning medium  134  further comprises an outer peripheral surface  136  and working region  138  is defined as a portion of the cleaning medium  134  part way between the outer peripheral surface  136  and the roller frame  132 . The working region  138  is particularly pliable and is the primary interface between the surface to be cleaned and the fluid extraction system. 
         [0050]    The roller element  120  further comprises end caps  140  fixedly inserted into complementary receiving ends  142  of the roller frame  132 . A through-hole extends along a central axis of each end cap  140  through a bushing (not shown) fixedly mounted thereto and provides a bearing surface for the roller axle  128 . The end cap  140  can be keyed to the roller frame  134  in a conventional manner to prevent the roller frame  132  from rotating about the end caps  140 . In one embodiment, the end caps  140  are permanently affixed to the roller frame  132  with epoxy adhesive. The roller assembly  118  further comprises a pair of brush gears  144  that interface with the end caps  140  at an inner portion. Each end cap  140  is permanently coupled to one of the brush gears  144 , such as by using an adhesive. An outer portion of the brush gears  144  comprise a plurality of conventional gear teeth  146  that interface with the drive belt  122 . 
         [0051]    The axle  128  further comprises a key  148  at each end that interfaces with the end arms  130 . The axle keys  148  prevent the axle  128  from rotating within the end arm  130 . The end arms  130  are positioned on both ends of the roller element  120  and connect the roller assembly  118  to the foot assembly  12 . The end arms  130  each comprise a roller mounting end  150  and a base mounting end  152 . The roller mounting end  150  incorporates a belt guard  154  formed by a raised peripheral wall that protrudes towards the roller element  120  and extends around the periphery of the end arm  130 . The base mounting end  152  comprises a rectangular beam section with a first raised cylindrical protrusion  156  forming a bearing surface on an outboard side thereof and a second larger diameter protrusion  158  forming a bearing surface on the inboard side. These cylindrical protrusions  156 ,  158  form inner and outer bearing surfaces, respectively. The end arms  130  are pivotally secured to the foot assembly  12  via corresponding half circular receivers  160  formed partially in corresponding sidewalls of both the base housing  24  and a sole plate  162 . The mating surfaces of the base housing  24  and sole plate  162  receive the base mounting end  152  creating a pivoting “clamshell” mounting configuration that secures the end arms  130  and roller assembly  118  to the foot assembly  12  while allowing the roller assembly  118  to pivot, thus providing the roller element  120  with a vertical displacement that effectively disengages the roller element  120  from the nozzle housing insert  46  leading nozzle wall  54  and trailing nozzle wall  56  at the suction nozzle inlet  48  when the extraction cleaner  10  is stored. 
         [0052]    A second embodiment of the roller assembly  170  that is similar in part to the roller assembly  118  of the first embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . Like parts will be identified with like numerals, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the first embodiment applies to the second embodiment, unless otherwise noted. One side of the roller assembly  170  is substantially identical to the sides of the roller assembly  118  and includes identical elements, such as an end arm  130 , a belt guard  154 , and a second protrusion  158 . The roller assembly  170  also includes roller element  120  comprising soft cleaning medium  134 . 
         [0053]    The roller assembly  170  further comprises a combination brush gear and end cap  172 , a belt cover  174 , a drive belt  176 , and an elongated belt guard  178 . The combination brush gear and end cap  172  combines the end cap  140  and brush gear  144  of the first embodiment into a single part. The combination brush gear and end cap  172  can be integrally formed and includes a plurality of gear teeth  182  that are illustrated as being slightly larger than the gear teeth  146  of the first embodiment in order to accommodate the drive belt  176 , which is illustrated as being wider than the drive belt  122  of the first embodiment but is otherwise similar to the drive belt  122 . The combination brush gear and end cap  172  as well as a conventional bushing  184  are adapted to be received by the roller element  120  on the roller axle  128  and over the axle key  148 . 
         [0054]    The brush cover  174  comprises an elongated member having rounded ends and is configured for coupling to the elongated belt guard  178 . The brush cover  174  comprises a roller opening  186  and a driving opening  188  extending therethrough and positioned adjacent the roller element  120  and drive gear  26 , respectively, when the upright extractor  10  is assembled. 
         [0055]    The elongated belt guard  178 , in effect, combines the end arm  130  and belt guard  154  of the first embodiment by extending the belt guard  154  to surround and include the end arm  130 . The elongated belt guard  178  comprises an inwardly-extending flange  180  about a perimeter thereof and also includes two openings  190  therethrough. Each opening is configured to receive one of two conventional screws  192 . The screws  192  are configured for receipt by each of two corresponding bosses (not shown) positioned on an interior surface of the belt cover  174 . The elongated belt guard  178  further comprises a recess  194  configured to receive a bearing  196 . The bearing  196  is adapted to receive a tip of the shaft of the drive motor  116 . 
         [0056]    When assembled, the screws  192  extend through the openings  190  and into the bosses on the interior of the brush cover  174  to couple the brush cover  174  and elongated belt guard  178  and to define a belt chamber (not shown) therebetween. The roller element  120  receives the bushing  184  and combination brush gear and end cap  172  such that the gear teeth  182  extend outside the interior of the roller element  120  and through the roller opening  186  for engagement with the drive belt  176 , which is contained in the belt chamber. The axle key  148  is also received by the elongated belt guard  178  in a manner preventing rotation of the roller axle  128  within the belt chamber. At the same time, the end of the shaft of the drive motor  116  having the drive gear  126  thereon extends through the driving opening  188  of the brush cover  174 , and the tip of the shaft is received within the bearing  196 . The shaft  116  can then rotate the drive gear  126  within the belt chamber to drive the drive belt  176 . The drive belt  176  then transmits the rotations to the roller element  120  via the gear teeth  182  of the combination brush gear and end cap  172 . 
         [0057]    In order to provide reversibility of the roller element  120  in the second embodiment as discussed hereinafter, a brush gear (not shown) and end cap (not shown) on the side of the roller assembly  170  substantially identical to the sides of the roller assembly  118  can have a size and configuration identical to the brush gear portion of the combination brush gear and end cap  172 . This provides both sides of the roller element  120  with gear teeth  182  of the size and configuration necessary for proper engagement with the drive belt  176 . 
         [0058]    The roller element  120  can be removed for cleaning and replacement. To complete such an operation, the sole plate  162  can be accessed by the user from beneath the foot assembly  12  and can be removed via commonly known mechanical fasteners, such as screws or snaps. The sole plate  162  can be removed, thus releasing the roller assembly  118 ,  170  from the foot assembly  12  at the base mounting end  152 . The end arms  130  can be removed from the axle  128  by releasing the key  148 . In the second embodiment, the screws  192  can also be unscrewed to separate the brush cover  174  and the elongated belt guard  178 , and the key  148  can be released to remove the axle  128  from the elongated belt guard  178 . The roller element  120  can then be removed and rotated 180 degrees to reverse the direction of orientation. Reversing the roller element  120  can extend the life of the cleaning medium  134  by forcing the flattened, settled fibers in the working region  138  to rise and expand to a like-new condition. Providing identical brush gears at both end caps further simplifies the roller element  120  reversal process. 
         [0059]    When the extraction machine  10  is in the use position, the roller assembly  118 ,  170  is compressed between the surface to be cleaned and the nozzle insert housing  46 . As previously described, the nozzle insert housing  46  trailing nozzle wall  56  is longer than the leading nozzle wall  54  and extends below the leading nozzle wall  54 . In the use configuration, the leading nozzle wall  54  interfaces the cleaning medium  134  at the outer peripheral surface  136 . The trailing nozzle wall  56  penetrates the pliable working region  138  of the cleaning medium  134 . 
         [0060]    In operation, the user engages a conventional fluid distribution actuator (not shown) on the upright extractor  10  to start the flow of fluid from the fluid supply tank  22  to the fluid pump  114  and into the spray tip assembly  84 . Fluid passes through the spray tip nozzle  94  of the spray tip assembly  84  where the stream is converted to a fan-shaped pattern that impacts the deflection wall  70 . The fluid drips down the deflection wall  70  under gravity and is absorbed by the working region  138  of the cleaning medium  134 . The cleaning medium  134  is rotated in a forward or counter-clockwise direction via the drive belt  122 ,  176  drive as previously described. Sufficient fluid is delivered to the working region  138  to saturate the cleaning medium  134 . The saturated working region  138  passes under the suction nozzle inlet  48  where the trailing wall  56  acts like a squeegee to remove excess fluid from the working region  138 . The slightly damp portion of the working region  138  continues to rotate and contacts the surface to be cleaned where residual fluid is transferred to the surface to be cleaned and loose debris is transferred from the surface to be cleaned to the working region  138 . 
         [0061]    The debris-embedded working region  138  continues to rotate and passes beneath the deflection wall  70  where additional cleaning fluid is applied. The debris- and fluid-embedded working region  138  then passes beneath the suction nozzle inlet  48  where both loose debris and excess fluid are removed. This cycle is repeated at a rate sufficient to wipe the surface to be cleaned. In the preferred embodiment, the cleaning medium  134  completes about 200 rotations per minute. Alternatively, the cleaning medium  134  can be configured to complete between 100 and 400 rotations per minute. 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the accessory tool  200  can be attached to a conventional upholstery hose fitting (not shown) for selective fluid delivery and fluid extraction through a conventional upholstery hose as controlled by user-operable valve means. The accessory tool  200  comprises a tool body assembly  202  encasing a solution reservoir assembly  204 , a brush assembly  208  of the well-known variety, a nozzle window  210 , and a bottom cover  212 . The solution reservoir assembly  204  can contain any suitable cleaning or surface treatment fluid, such as but not limited to detergent, stain repellant, water, oxygen bleaching formulas, and anti-stain/anti-soil treatments. 
         [0063]    The suction nozzle window  210  can be mounted to a front surface of the tool body  202  and is spaced apart from a front forward wall of the tool body  202  to form a suction nozzle flow path  214  therein that terminates in a suction nozzle inlet  216  at one end. The suction nozzle flow path  214  extends upwardly and rearwardly and joins a suction conduit  218  formed within the tool body  202 . A suction conduit outlet  220  is shaped to the upholstery hose fitting for transporting fluid and entrained debris from the surface to be cleaned back to the recovery tank assembly  20 . 
         [0064]    The fluid delivery system comprises a fluid inlet  222 , tubing  224 , the solution reservoir assembly  204 , a venturi injector assembly  228 , and a spray nozzle assembly  230 . The solution reservoir assembly  204  is encased between the tool body  202  and the bottom cover  212  and further comprises a fluid container  232 , a removable fill cap  234 , an injector orifice and an umbrella vent valve  238 . The venturi injector assembly  228  further comprises an inlet  240 , an outlet  242 , and a siphon channel  244 . The venturi injector assembly  228  is retained in the injector orifice by an injector assembly seal  246 . A siphon tube  248  is fluidly connected to the injector assembly  228  through the injector assembly seal  246 . The siphon tube  248  is oriented downwardly from the injector assembly seal  246  toward the umbrella valve  238  and approaches the fill cap  234 . Both the umbrella valve  238  and the siphon tube  248  are oriented in an upward position and away from the surface of the water line in the fluid container  232  when the accessory tool  200  is in either a filling orientation or when stored on the handle  14  so as to minimize leakage. The siphon tube  248  remains below the water line when the accessory tool  200  is oriented for use. 
         [0065]    In operation, the extraction machine  10  is powered to energize the drive motor  116  to drive the fluid pump  114  and the fluid extraction system. The fluid pump  114  pressurizes the fluid distribution system and provides pressurized fluid to the stain tool  200 . Upon actuation of a conventional fluid distribution actuator (not shown) on the upholstery hose, fluid is delivered from the extraction machine  10  to the stain tool inlet  222 . Pressurized fluid then flows via inlet tubing  224  through the venturi injector assembly  228 , over the injector siphon channel  244 , through the outlet  242 , and out the spray nozzle assembly  230  to the surface to be cleaned. As the fluid passes over the injector siphon channel  244 , fluid in the fluid container  232  is drawn up and into the outlet tubing  224  due to the venturi effect and mixes with the fluid being delivered from the extraction machine  10 . 
         [0066]    During extraction, fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned are drawn from the surface to be cleaned through the accessory tool suction nozzle inlet  216 , into the working air conduit  214 , into the upholstery hose, and finally to the recovery tank  20  where the fluid and entrained debris are collected for eventual disposal. 
         [0067]    While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation, and the scope of the appended claims should be construed as broadly as the prior art will permit.