Abstract:
A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation is provided. In one aspect of the invention, the cleaning apparatus includes a housing and a recovery tank removably mounted to the housing. A solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface is removably mounted to the housing. A suction nozzle is secured to the housing and is in fluid communication with the recovery tank. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank. A first latch is operatively connected to the solution tank to releasably latch the solution tank to the housing and a second latch is operatively connected to the recovery tank to releasably latch the recovery tank to said housing, wherein the second latch is in close proximity to the first latch.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to a tank latching arrangement for a cleaning apparatus.  
       BACKGROUND INFORMATION  
       [0002]     It is known to have a carpet extractor for cleaning a surface such as a carpet in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface into a recovery tank in a continuous operation. Generally, the carpet extractor includes a solution tank along with the recovery tank that are both removably mounted to the extractor. Latches are incorporated to releasably hold these tanks to the extractor. Often, the latches are operated differently and are also located far apart from each other. This requires some inconvenience or difficulty by the user in locating each of them and also ascertaining as to how to operate each of them. Further, the often protruding latches detract from the overall appearance of the carpet extractor.  
         [0003]     Hence, it is at least one object of the present invention to provide an improved cleaning apparatus that overcomes the above-mentioned problems, yet provides good cleaning performance.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     The foregoing and other objects of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following description and the attached drawings. A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a housing and a recovery tank removably mounted to the housing. A solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface is removably mounted to the housing. A suction nozzle is secured to the housing and is in fluid communication with the recovery tank. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank. A first latch is operatively connected to the solution tank to releasably latch the solution tank to the housing and a second latch is operatively connected to the recovery tank to releasably latch the recovery tank to the housing, wherein the second latch is in close proximity to the first latch.  
         [0005]     In another aspect of the invention, a cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a housing and a recovery tank removably mounted to the housing. A solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface is removably mounted to the housing. A suction nozzle is secured to the housing and is in fluid communication with the recovery tank. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank. A latching assembly is operatively connected to the solution tank and the recovery tank to releasably latch the tanks to the housing. An actuator is operatively connected to the latch assembly for engagement by a user to selectively simultaneously unlatch both of the recovery tank and the solution tank from the housing.  
         [0006]     In still another aspect of this invention, a cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a housing having a front portion, a rear portion, and a pair of opposite side portions. The housing further includes a base portion for movement along the surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. A solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface is removably mounted to one of the side portions and a recovery tank is removably mounted to other one of the side portions. A suction nozzle is secured to the base portion and in fluid communication with the recovery tank. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank. A latch assembly is operatively connected to the housing and one of the solution and the recovery tanks for releasably latching the tank to the housing, wherein the latch assembly is positioned between the recovery and solution tanks. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]     The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the attached drawings, of which:  
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a carpet extractor embodying the present invention;  
         [0009]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the lower portion of the base assembly and the lower portion of the handle with portions broken away therefrom of the carpet extractor of  FIG. 1  illustrating the principle elements thereof;  
         [0010]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the upper portion of the base assembly illustrating the principal elements thereof;  
         [0011]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the base assembly of the extractor with the wheels removed for illustrative purposes;  
         [0012]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the lower portion of the base assembly of the carpet extractor of  FIG. 1  illustrating the principle elements thereof;  
         [0013]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram showing the electrical circuit for the suction motor and pump used in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0014]      FIG. 7  is a front, side, and top partial perspective view of the lower portion of the base assembly shown in  FIG. 5  with the motor cover removed for illustrative purposes;  
         [0015]      FIG. 8  is a partial side sectional view of the base assembly of the carpet extractor of  FIG. 1 , vertically taken through the center of the base assembly with the brush assembly and suction motor removed for illustrative purposes;  
         [0016]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the handle assembly of the carpet extractor of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view of the carpet extractor of  FIG. 1  with portions broken away for illustrative purposes;  
         [0018]      FIG. 11  is rear and right side perspective view of the carpet extractor of  FIG. 1  but with the accessory hose assembly on the caddy and the upper handle portion folded down;  
         [0019]      FIG. 12  is a partial sectional view taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 10  with the brush assembly removed;  
         [0020]      FIG. 13A  is a partial sectional view taken along line  13 A- 13 A of  FIG. 11 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 13B  is a view similar to  FIG. 13A  except that the handle assembly is in the inclined use position;  
         [0022]      FIG. 14A  is a left side view of the right portion of the lower handle body of the handle assembly with the hose connector assembly fluidly connected to the lower handle body for the carpet extractor of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 14B  is view similar to  FIG. 14A  except that the hose connector assembly and solution discharge valve are removed, the accessory door is closed, and the recovery tank latch is moved rearwardly unlatching the recovery tank from the handle assembly;  
         [0024]      FIG. 15  is an exploded view of the recovery tank assembly and related elements for the carpet extractor of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 16  is an enlarged perspective view of the portion of the carpet extractor as indicated in  FIG. 11 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 17  is a top plan view of the separator of the recovery tank assembly of  FIG. 15 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 18  is a fragmentary right side perspective view of the recovery tank assembly with portions broken away for illustrative purposes;  
         [0028]      FIG. 18A  is a view similar to  FIG. 18  but with the float assembly in the closed position;  
         [0029]      FIG. 19A  is a fragmentary perspective view of the base assembly and handle assembly of the carpet extractor of  FIG. 1  showing the stop valve arrangement and related elements with the stop valve in the closed position;  
         [0030]      FIG. 19B  is a view similar to  FIG. 19A  but showing the stop valve in the open position;  
         [0031]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the frame of the base assembly with the air exhaust hose mounted to the standpipe for the carpet extractor of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0032]      FIG. 21  is an exploded view of the solution tank assembly of the carpet extractor of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0033]      FIG. 22  is an enlarged perspective view of the portion of the carpet extractor as indicated in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0034]      FIG. 23  is a right side view of the left portion of the lower handle body of the handle assembly for the carpet extractor of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0035]      FIG. 24  is an enlarged perspective view of the portion of the carpet extractor as indicated in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 25  is a right side section view of the portion of the carpet extractor as indicated in  FIG. 23 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the upper handle portion of the handle assembly with the right half shell exploded away;  
         [0038]      FIG. 27  is an exploded view of the upper handle position of the handle assembly of the carpet extractor of  FIG. 1   
         [0039]      FIG. 28  is a partial sectional view taken along line  28 - 28  of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0040]      FIG. 28A  is an enlarged section view of the portion of the carpet extractor indicated in  FIG. 28 ;  
         [0041]      FIG. 29  is a side view of the accessory hose assembly;  
         [0042]      FIG. 30  is a sectional view taken along line  30 - 30  of  FIG. 29  and also showing the ends of the hose assembly mounted to portions of the caddy;  
         [0043]      FIG. 31A  is a left partial side sectional view of the solution discharge valve and quick disconnect assembly of the carpet extractor of  FIG. 1 ; and  
         [0044]      FIG. 31B  is a view similar to  FIG. 31A  but with the solution discharge valve being in the open position. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0045]     Referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of an upright carpet extractor  60  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The upright carpet extractor  60  comprises an upright handle assembly  62  pivotally connected to the rear portion of the floor-engaging portion or base assembly  64  that moves and cleans along a surface  74  such as a carpet. The handle assembly  62  comprises an upper handle portion  252  pivotally connected to a lower handle body  254  so that the upper handle portion  252  can be folded rearwardly down to store the carpet extractor  60 . The base assembly  64  includes a brush assembly  70  having a plurality of rotating scrub brushes  72  for scrubbing the surface. A supply or solution tank  76  for holding cleaning solution is removably mounted to the handle assembly  62  of the extractor  60 . A combined air/water separator and recovery tank  80  is removably mounted to handle assembly  62  on the side opposite the solution tank  76 .  
         [0046]     Thus, the recovery and solution tanks  80 ,  76  are arranged in a side-by-side relationship. Both the recovery tank  80  and the solution tank  76  are moved in a transverse direction with respect to the cleaning path of the carpet extractor  60 , when they are mounted to and removed from their respective sides of the handle assembly  62 . Alternatively, the two tanks may be positioned in other ways such as a stacked arrangement, or nesting relationship in which one of the tanks is nested inside the other tank. Optionally, one tank having two compartments could be substituted for the two tanks.  
         [0047]     As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the base assembly  64  includes a generally unitary molded base frame  83  having two laterally displaced wheels  66 L,  66 R rotatably attached to the rear of the base frame  83  via axles  67 . An e-ring  69  is secured to each axle  67  to prevent inadvertent removal of the axle from the frame. Integrally molded into the bottom of the base frame  83  is a circular stepped basin  86  ( FIG. 20 ) receiving therein the motor/fan assembly  90  with motor cover  230 . A suitable motor/fan assembly is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,977, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. An air driven turbine  98  providing motive power for the brush assembly  70  is mounted on the front portion of the frame  83  as seen in  FIG. 5 . The base assembly  64  further includes an upper housing or hood portion  82  ( FIGS. 1 and 3 ) mounted atop the base frame  83  and air driven turbine  98 . The top portion of motor/fan assembly  90 , motor cover  230  and floor recovery duct  222  ( FIG. 3 ) extends through a cutout or opening  282  ( FIG. 3 ) in the hood portion  82  as seen in  FIGS. 8 and 12 .  
         [0048]     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the brush assembly  70  is contained in a brush assembly cavity  88  formed in the underside of the frame  83 . The brush assembly  70  comprises a brush support beam  130  having five spaced apart integrally molded, cylindrical bearings  134 . Rotatingly received within bearings are axial shafts (not shown but illustrated in previously mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,593; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference) of gear brushes  72 A,  72 B,  72 C,  72 D, and  72 E. The beam  130  further includes troughs  71 , for receiving a cleaning solution. The cleaning solution flows through inlet  105  ( FIG. 5 ) of distributor  107  ( FIG. 5 ) to supply conduits of the beam  130  and then outward toward the surface being cleaned through openings  81  in the bottom of brush cups  77 . Gear guards  79 A and  79 B are attached to the brush support beam  130  and are identical in construction so as to be interchangeable on either side of brush support beam  130 .  
         [0049]     Integral to and extending upward from the opposite lateral ends of brush support beam  130  are “T” shaped rails  135  and  137 . As best seen in  FIG. 5 , T-rails  135  and  137  are slidably received within vertical guide slots  138  ( FIG. 20 ) and  140  ( FIG. 20 ) integrally molded into the lower base housing or frame  83  whereby brush assembly  70  may freely move or float in the vertical direction within the brush assembly cavity  88  of base assembly  64 . Each T-rail includes front and rear hooks  142 ,  144  ( FIG. 2 ) with inwardly extending noses  146  ( FIG. 5 ) integrally molded on the upper portion of the hooks for removably mounting the brush assembly  70  to the frame  83 . To mount the brush assembly  70  to frame  83 , a user aligns the noses  146  of the hooks  142 ,  144  with the slots  138 ,  140  and pushes the brush assembly  70  towards the frame with sufficient force such that the noses  146  cam against the underside of the frame  83  at the inner edges of the slots  138 , 140  and deflect outwardly so that they can extend through the slots. After extending through the slots  138 , 140 , the resilient noses  146  deflect back and engage the top surface of the frame  83  to secure the brush assembly  70  to the frame  83 , when the base assembly  64  is lifted off the surface  74 .  
         [0050]     Each nose  146  of the hook members  142 ,  144  has an upwardly beveled bottom side  141  ( FIG. 5 ) going from the inner end to the outer end that aids in removing the brush assembly  70 . In particular, to remove the brush assembly  70 , a user pulls down on the brush assembly with sufficient force to cause frame  83  to cam against the bevel bottom sides  141  of the noses  146  so as to deflect the noses  146  outwardly a sufficient distance to allow the hooks  142 ,  144  to fall through the slots  138 ,  140 . Alternatively, a user can simply apply a lateral outward force on the hooks  142 ,  144  to disengage them from the frame  83 .  
         [0051]     Such a suitable brush assembly  70  with the exception of the previously described hooks used to mount the brush assembly to the frame  83  is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,867,857, the disclosure which is incorporated herein by reference. Brush assembly  70  is operated by a suitable gear train (or other known means), not shown, contained in transmission housing  100  ( FIG. 5 ). A suitable air turbine driven gear train is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,362, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. The brush assembly  70  can be a horizontal brush roll driven by a belt secured to the suction motor or driven by a separate motor.  
         [0052]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , integrally molded into the underside of the frame assembly  83  is a vacuum manifold  102 . Manifold  102  is completed by welding a bottom plate  101  to the bottom of the frame  83 . The manifold  102  includes a conduit  103  in fluid communication with the turbine  98  ( FIG. 5 ) that provides a vacuum source for the turbine  98 . The motor fan assembly  90  generally provides suction to the manifold  102  through the eye of the fan. Atmospheric air, driving a brush turbine rotor enters by way of turbine inlet  110  ( FIG. 5 ), passing through a screen  109  to filter out the dirt and then passing through the rotor. Positioned within inlet  110  is a throttle valve door  114  ( FIG. 5 ) for energizing or de-energizing brush turbine rotor. Such a suitable brush turbine  98  is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,188 which is hereby incorporated by reference.  
         [0053]     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a manual override mechanism  112  is provided whereby the operator, operating in the floor-cleaning mode, may selectively close throttle valve  114  thereby de-energizing brush drive turbine  98 . Alternatively, the operator may select an intermediate position whereby throttle valve  114  is partially closed thereby reducing the air flow through throttle valve  114  causing brush drive turbine  98  to rotate at a slower speed resulting in slower rotating brushes. Override mechanism  112  comprises a table  113  integrally molded to the body of brush drive turbine  98  and extending rearwardly having slide  116  slidingly attached thereto. Extending upwardly from slide  116  is lever arm  118  having a conveniently shaped finger cap  120  ( FIG. 1 ) atop thereof. Lever arm  118  extends upward through a suitable opening (not shown) in the hood  82  whereby cap  120  is received within recess  121  in hood  82  as seen in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0054]     Movement of the cap  120  ( FIG. 1 ) in turn moves the slide  118  to rotating a bell crank  117 , which in turn rotates the shaft of the valve  114 , attached thereto. In particular, projecting upward from slide  116  is an arcuate rib  119 . As slide  116  is moved rearward by the operator, the rib  119  engages the bell crank  117  rotating the bell crank  117  and throttle valve  114  counterclockwise thereby closing throttle valve  114  and de-energizing the brush drive turbine  98 . Upon return of the slide  116  to its original position (as illustrated in  FIG. 5 ), a spring  123 , secured between the bell crank  117  and the slide  116 , causes the bell crank  117  to rotate clockwise, thereby rotating throttle valve  114  to the full open position. Generally as the slide  116  moves from one position to the other, a cantilevered tab releasingly engages concavities in the surface of the table, which corresponds to the open and close position of valve  114 . A similar mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,188, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.  
         [0055]     Further, when the handle assembly  62  is pivoted in the upright storage position, an actuating rod  122  links with the bell crank  117  via linking member  125  to turn the brushes off. In particular, as shown in  FIG. 13A , a cam projection  271  formed on the outer surface of a right extension  256  of the handle assembly  62  cams against a rib  273  formed on the actuating rod  122  to cause the actuating rod  122  to close the throttle valve door  114  and turn the brushes off. However, when the handle assembly  62  is pivoted down to the incline working position, the cam projection  271  disengages from the rib  273 , thereby allowing a spring  127 , secured between the actuating rod  122  and trunnion bracket  262 R, to urge the actuating rod  122  rearwardly to the position of  FIG. 13B , which opens the throttle valve door  114  and turns on the brushes. Further details of this arrangement are disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,442, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.  
         [0056]     Turning to  FIG. 7 , the actuating rod  122  further has a downwardly depending cam projection  149  that cams against a lever  148  of a microswitch  150  to turn on a solenoid pump  152  when the handle assembly  62  is in the upright position and main power switch  154  ( FIG. 6 ) is on for upholstery or above the floor cleaning using the accessory hose. In particular, as seen in  FIG. 6 , the microswitch  150  is electrically coupled between solenoid  153  of the pump  152  and a power source  156  such as household current. Referring to  FIG. 7 , the microswitch  150  is captured by clips  158 , which are integrally molded to a table  160  of a holder  162 , which is mounted to the right side of the frame  83  adjacent the suction motor assembly  90 . The holder  162  includes a tubular support boss  164  depending downwardly from the table  160  that telescopingly receives an upwardly extending post  166  integrally molded to the frame  83 . As seen in  FIGS. 2 and 5 , the pump  152  is mounted in a compartment  168  of the frame  83  forwardly adjacent the microswitch  150 . The holder  162 , microswitch  150 , and pump  152  are covered by the motor cover  230 . The cam projection  149  of the actuating rod  122  extends into a slot  170  formed in the motor cover  230  for guiding the projection  149  to the lever  148  of the microswitch  150 .  
         [0057]     As best seen in  FIG. 7 , the microswitch  150  includes a spring-loaded pushbutton  172  aligned underneath the lever  148 . The microswitch  150  is normally open as seen in  FIG. 6 . When the handle assembly  62  is moved to the upright position, the cam projection  149  moves forward as indicated by the arrow A, guided by guide projection  151 , and cams against the lever  148 , which pushes the pushbutton  172  to close or complete the circuit between the power source  156  and pump  152 , thereby energizing the solenoid  153  ( FIG. 6 ) to turn on the pump  152 . When the handle assembly  62  is in the inclined or working position, the cam projection  149  is disengaged from the lever  148 , thereby allowing the pushbutton  172  to extend, which opens the circuit between the power source  156  and pump  152  thereby turning off the pump  152 . The pump  152  is designed and constructed to provide enough pressure to draw the cleaning solution to spray mechanism of accessory hose. Alternatively, other types of pumps can be used such as, for example, a centrifugal pump, gear pump, or air driven turbine pump.  
         [0058]     Turning to  FIGS. 1, 3 ,  4  and  8 , a floor suction nozzle assembly  174  is mounted to a depressed zone  176  ( FIG. 3 ) on the hood portion  82  of the base assembly  64 . In particular, as seen in  FIG. 8 , the floor suction nozzle assembly  174  includes a translucent front plate  178  removably mounted to a translucent rear plate  180  to form a flowpath going from its inlet  187  to outlet  189 . The rear plate  180  is fixedly mounted to the depressed zone  176  by any suitable mounting means such as, for example, screws. As seen in  FIG. 4 , integrally molded on the underside of the rear plate are stiffening ribs  196 R,  196 L oriented longitudinally with respect to the base assembly  64 , and a stiffening rib  198  oriented transverse to base assembly  64 . The rear plate  180  includes integrally molded translucent opposite side portions  182 R,  182 L, which extend rearwardly from the front of the rear nozzle plate  180 . The side portions  182  are located outwardly adjacent the brush assembly  70  and extend over or cover the side ends of the brush assembly  70  such that the brush assembly  70  can be viewed through them as seen in  FIG. 1 . Each side portion  182  includes a recessed portion  184  ( FIG. 3 ) that receives complimentary side portions  186 R,  186 L of the front plate  178  to aid in retaining the front plate  178  to the rear plate  180 , while also providing a relatively smooth appearance due to the front plate  178  being flushed with the rear plate  180 . As best seen in  FIG. 4 , a groove  188  is formed in the bottom edge  192  ( FIG. 3 ) of the recessed portion  184  for receiving a lateral inwardly extending projection  190  integrally molded on the corresponding side portion  186  of the front plate  178 . Each side portion  186  of the front plate  178  also has an inwardly extending rib  194  spaced forwardly of the projection  190  that abuts the bottom edge  192  ( FIG. 3 ) of the side portion of the rear plate  180 , which prevents the front plate  178  from pivoting down to the surface  74 .  
         [0059]     As depicted in  FIG. 8 , the upper or rear end of the front nozzle plate  178  defines a tab or hand grip  200  that has a downward depending rib or stop member  210 , which catches behind a raised portion  212  on the rear or upper portion  214  of the rear nozzle plate  180  to secure the front nozzle plate  178  to the rear nozzle plate  180 . To remove the front nozzle plate  178 , a user grasps the hand grip  200  and pulls upward to disengage the stop member  210  from the raised portion  212  and then slides the front nozzle plate  178  down to unseat the projection  190  ( FIG. 4 ) from the groove  188  ( FIG. 4 ). The front nozzle plate  178  then can be slid forward and removed. A rubber rope seal  216  is sandwiched between the front and rear nozzle plates  178 ,  180  to prevent fluid leakage.  
         [0060]     The outlet  189  of suction nozzle assembly  174  is fluidly connected to an inlet  218  ( FIG. 3 ) of a working air conduit, which is formed by the upper portion  214  of the rear nozzle plate  180  and the upper portion  220  of the depressed zone  176 . The upper portion  220  is raised so as to be flushed with the rear nozzle plate  180  and includes a seal  226  ( FIG. 3 ) secured therearound. The conduit is fluidly connected to an inlet  232  of a unitary, plastic, floor recovery duct  222 . The floor recovery duct  222  is mounted to the motor cover  230 . A seal  224  is secured around the connecting area of the conduit and floor recovery duct  222  to prevent fluid leakage. A corrugated flexible floor recovery hose  228  ( FIG. 9 ) is fluidly connected to the outlet  234  of the floor recovery duct  222  via a sleeve connector  236  ( FIG. 9 ).  
         [0061]     As best seen in  FIGS. 2 and 12 , the base assembly  64  further comprises a pedal  238  that operates the on/off power switch  154 . The switch  154  is a push-push type power switch, which is mounted in a pocket  242  of the frame  83  by an elongated holder  240  extending laterally from trunnion bracket or retainer  262 L. The pedal  238  is generally triangular shaped sloping and converging rearwardly and downwardly as best seen in  FIG. 1 . An integrally molded lateral leg  246  extends forwardly from the pedal  238  and terminates into an s-shaped spring arm  248 . As seen in  FIG. 12 , the spring arm  248  bears against the upper wall of the holder  240  to bias the leg  246  down so that cam projection  247  of the leg  246  does not press against the push button  250  of the power switch  154 . Pushing downwardly on the pedal  238  with sufficient force to overcome the elastic force of the spring arm  248  causes the cam projection  247  to push the push button  250  which causes the power switch  154  to close the circuit ( FIG. 6 ) between the power source  156  and suction motor  90  and also between the power source  156  and pump  152  (if the handle assembly  64  is in the upright position), thereby turning on the suction motor  90  and pump  152 . When the pedal  238  is released, the spring arm  248  urges the leg  246  down to allow the push button  250  to extend. The push button  250  is now in a position to open the circuit between the power source  156  and suction motor  90  upon being depressed. Thus, pushing the pedal  238  again causes the cam projection  247  to push the push button  250  and turn off the suction motor  90  and also power to the pump  152  (if the handle is in the upright position).  
         [0062]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the lower handle body  254  of the handle assembly  62  includes a pair of opposite side extensions  256 L,  256 R depending downwardly from a shelf or platform  257 , which supports the solution and recovery tanks  76 ,  80  ( FIG. 9 ). The side extensions  256  have integral trunnions  258 L,  258 R. The right trunnion  258 R is pivotally received in an aperture  260  through right trunnion bracket or retainer  262 R, which is mounted to the rear of the frame  83 . The left trunnion  258 L is pivotally mounted on the rear of the frame  83  by a left trunnion bracket or retainer  262 L, which has an arcuate portion  257  ( FIG. 12 ) covering the left trunnion  258 L. In essence, the trunnion brackets  262 L,  262 R are mounted over the trunnions to cover them, thereby pivotally securing the handle assembly  62  to the base  64 . As seen in  FIG. 12 , the left trunnion  258 L has a notch  259  that receives a stop projection  261  on the frame. If the handle assembly  62  is pivoted down too far, the rear end  263  of the notch strikes the stop, thereby preventing further pivoting of the handle assembly  62 .  
         [0063]     A handle release pedal  264  is pivotally connected to the axle  67  of the right wheel  66 R as seen in  FIGS. 2, 11 ,  13 A and  13 B. The pedal  264  is generally triangular shaped sloping and converging rearwardly and downwardly as seen in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . As depicted in  FIGS. 13A and 13B , a leg  266 , integrally molded to the pedal  264 , extends forwardly therefrom. An elongated hollow pivot rod  267  is attached at its outer end to the leg  266  and extends inwardly, telescopingly receiving the axle of the right wheel  66 R. The rod  267  is seated in an arcuate surface  268  of the frame  83  and is covered by an arcuate surface  261  of the trunnion bracket  262 R. A finger  270  is integrally formed with the rod  267  and extends rearwardly. An s-shaped spring arm  272 , integrally formed with the leg  266  and spaced rearwardly from the leg  266 , extends downwardly and bears against the frame  83 .  
         [0064]     As depicted in  FIG. 13A , the spring arm  272  urges the finger  270  upwardly such that it is positioned forwardly adjacent a stop  274 , integrally formed on the outer surface of the right extension  256 R of the lower handle body  254 . The finger  270  is also positioned in between integral guide walls  276  extending forwardly from the stop  274  to align the finger  270  with the stop  274 .  
         [0065]     In this position, the finger  270  engages the stop  274  thereby preventing the handle assembly  62  from pivoting down. However, when the pedal  264  is depressed, the elastic spring arm  272  bends to allow the finger  270  to pivot down and away from the stop  274  and thus, the handle assembly  62  is permitted to pivot down as seen in  FIG. 13B .  
         [0066]     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a lower handle cover  278  is mounted to the underside of the platform  257  and includes a skirt  280  that covers the exposed top portion of the motor/fan assembly  90  with cover  230  and floor recovery duct  222 , when the handle assembly  62  is in the upright position as seen in  FIG. 1 . The skirt  280  includes left and right symmetrical vent portions  284 L,  284 R formed on its opposite sides for venting the motor cooling air entering and exiting the suction motor  80 , when the handle assembly  62  is in the upright position. The lower handle cover  278  also includes upwardly extending left and right symmetrical lip portions  286 L,  286 R integrally molded with the skirt  280  and positioned on opposite side ends of the platform  257  that retain the lower portions of the solution and recovery tanks  76 ,  80  to the handle assembly  62 , when the tanks are mounted on the platform  257 . In particular, the platform  257  is formed by left and right symmetrical halves  282 L,  282 R secured to each other. The right lip portion  286 R is positioned on the outer end of the right half  282 R of the platform  257  for supporting the recovery tank  80 . The left lip portion  286 L is positioned on the outer end of the left half  282 L of the platform for supporting the solution tank  76 .  
         [0067]     Three integral locating ribs  288 R extend inwardly from the right lip portion  286 R into corresponding slits  279 R formed in the right half  282 R of the platform  257 . Similarly, three symmetrical integral locating ribs  288 L extend inwardly from the left lip portion into slits  279 L formed in the left half  282 L of the platform  257 . The ribs  288  include upper rounded ends  290  that extend above the height of the lips  286 . The upper ends  290  of the ribs  288  pivotally engage grooves  338 ,  500  ( FIGS. 16 and 22 ) formed on the underside of the bottom walls  318 ,  486  of their respective recovery tank  80  or solution tank  76  to guide the tank into the proper mounting position. The lower handle body  254  includes a spine  292  integrally molded to the platform  257 and positioned generally between the solution and recovery tanks  76 ,  80 . The spine  292  comprises right and left half shells  294 R,  294 L mounted to each other forming a clamshell type arrangement for ease of assembly of the components therein. The right half shell  294  is integrally molded to the right half  282 R of the platform  257  and the left half shell  294 L is integrally molded to the left half  282 L of the platform  257 . An inverted u-shaped opening  331  is formed near the middle of the spine  292  splitting the spine  292  into front leg  296  ( FIG. 1 ) and rear leg  298  ( FIG. 11 ) that define a wishbone type arrangement. The rear leg  298  curves rearwardly and down to the rear end of the platform  257  and the front leg  296  curves forwardly and down to the front end of the platform  257 .  
         [0068]     As seen in  FIGS. 14A and 14B , mounted within the right half shell  294 R at the rear leg  298  is the floor recovery hose  228 . Connected to the upper end of the floor recovery hose  228  by a sleeve connector  302  is a rigid, unitary, blow molded, main recovery duct  304 , which is also mounted within the right half shell  294 R. The main recovery duct  304  is in fluid communication upstream with the recovery tank  80 . The recovery tank  80  is in fluid communication downstream with a rigid, plastic, injection molded elbow duct  306 , when the recovery tank  80  is mounted to the handle assembly  62 . The elbow duct  306  is fluidly connected at its downstream end via a sleeve connector  308  to the corrugated air exhaust hose  300 . Each of the sleeve connectors  236 ,  302 ,  308  use a male and female snap type connection to their respective ducts  222 ,  304 ,  306 . Also, the sleeve connectors  236 , 302 ,  308  are encapsulated to the ends of the hoses  228 ,  300  as the connectors  302 ,  308  are being molded. Both the elbow duct  306  and air exhaust hose  300  are located forwardly adjacent the floor recovery hose  228  and main recovery duct  304  and also mounted within the right half shell  294 R.  
         [0069]     A hose mounting member  310  is attached to the downstream end of the air exhaust hose  300  and mounts the hose  300  to the frame  83  in fluid communication with a standpipe  312 , which is integrally molded to the frame  83  as seen in  FIG. 20 . The standpipe  312  has a semi-circular cross section, as depicted in  FIG. 19B , and is in fluid communication with the vacuum manifold  102  via conduit  303  ( FIG. 4 ). The main recovery duct  304 , elbow duct  306 , and the upper portions of the floor recovery hose  228  and air exhaust hose  300  are enclosed and captured by the left half shell  294 L at the rear leg  298 . The flexibility of the floor recovery hose  228  and air exhaust hose  300  allows the handle assembly  62  to pivot and also permits the hoses  228 ,  300  to bend and conform to the curved contour of the rear leg  298  of the spine  292 .  
         [0070]     Referring to  FIG. 15 , the recovery tank  80  comprises right and left side halves  314 ,  316  welded together to define a bottom wall  318 , an upstanding convexly curved right sidewall  320 , and a left sidewall  322  opposite the right sidewall  320 . The recovery tank  80  includes lid assembly  324  covering its open top. An inverted cup shaped handle  326  is attached to the upper end of a recessed area  328  ( FIG. 9 ) formed in the right sidewall  320  for grasping the recovery tank  80 . A portion of the left sidewall  322  of the recovery tank juts outwardly to define an additional inverted unshaped compartment  330  that fits into the complimentary opening  331  in the spine  292  and abuts against right sidewall  332  of the solution tank  76 , when the recovery tank  80  is mounted to the handle assembly  62 . Alternatively, the compartment  330  can be slightly spaced apart from the right sidewall  332  or a wall covering the opening can be positioned between the compartment  330  and right sidewall  332  to define a recess with the spine  292  for receiving the compartment  330 . Three vertical flexible support plates defining feet  334  depend downwardly from the bottom wall  318  of the recovery tank  80  and are received in complimentary grooves  336  ( FIG. 9 ) formed on the right half of the platform, when the recovery tank is mounted thereon. The feet  334  flex to absorb much of the impact force from the recovery tank  80  striking the platform  257  or other object, thereby minimizing breakage of the recovery tank  80 .  
         [0071]     To removably mount the recovery tank  80  to the handle assembly  62 , the recovery tank  80  is positioned such that the groove  338  of the bottom wall  318  pivotally engages the upper ends  290  of the ribs  288 R as seen in  FIG. 16 . The recovery tank  80  is then pivoted towards the spine  292  until a pair of lateral hooks  340  ( FIG. 15 ) integrally molded on the left sidewall  322  extend through apertures in the right half shell  294 R of the spine and releasably engage a right latch  510  connected to the right half shell  294 R as seen in  FIG. 14A . Also, with the recovery tank  80  in this position, a recess  346  ( FIG. 9 ) formed in the left sidewall  322  of the recovery tank receives a complementary integrally molded projection  347  ( FIG. 9 ) on the right half shell  294 R at the rear leg  298  of the spine  292  for additional support. The recovery tank  80  is generally positioned on the right half  282 R of the platform  257  except for part of the compartment  330  that extends over the left half  282 L.  
         [0072]     Referring to  FIG. 15 , the recovery tank lid assembly  324  has a generally triangular shaped body  354  with its right convexly curved sidewall  350  converging upwardly to an apex. An upper manifold  352  is mounted within the body and comprises an inlet chamber  356  and outlet chamber  358 , which is located forwardly adjacent the inlet chamber  356  at the front end  327  of the recovery tank  80 . The inlet chamber  356  has an inlet port  360  that is in fluid communication with the outlet  362  ( FIG. 9 ) of the main recovery duct  304 , when the recovery tank  80  is mounted to the handle assembly  62 . The outlet chamber  358  has an entrance opening  364  ( FIG. 18 ) to the tank  80  and a side exit opening  366  in fluid communication with inlet  402  the elbow duct  306 . A separator  368  is mounted to the underside of the manifold  352  and has an open top portion  372  in fluid communication with the inlet chamber  356 . A rope seal  370  is sandwiched between the separator  368  and manifold  352 . Another rope seal  371  is secured to the lid assembly  324  to seal it with the top of the recovery tank  80 , when the lid assembly covers the tank  80 . As seen in  FIG. 17 , the separator  368  includes a bottom wall  374 , a left upstanding sidewall  376 , a convexly curved right upstanding sidewall  378  located opposite the left sidewall,  376  a curved upstanding rear wall  380 , and a front wall  382 , which is beveled or inwardly and downwardly sloping with respect to the separator  368  as seen in  FIG. 18 . An inner raised baffle portion  384  is integrally formed with the bottom wall  374  and right sidewall  378  extends to the center of the separator  368 . As seen in  FIG. 18 , a cut out portion in the right sidewall  378  defines an outlet  386  of the separator  368 . A vertical groove  388  is formed on the right sidewall  378  for receiving a vertical baffle plate  390  ( FIG. 15 ) attached to the interior of the right sidewall  320  of the recovery tank  80  to guide the lid  324  to its proper mounting position on the top of the tank  80 .  
         [0073]     In operation, when the extractor  60  is operated in the floor cleaning mode, working air, including entrained fluid and dirt, is drawn into the floor suction nozzle assembly  174 , through the floor recovery duct  222 , floor recovery hose  228 , main recovery duct  304  and to the lid assembly  324  of the recovery tank  80  as seen by the arrows of  FIG. 14B . The recovered soiled liquid laden air enters the inlet port  360  of the inlet chamber  356  and is directed down to a channel  392  of the separator  368  by the downwardly curved top wall  394  of the inlet chamber  356  and curved rear wall of the separator  368 . As seen in  FIG. 17 , the channel  392  is formed by the baffle portion  384  and the front, rear, bottom, and sidewalls of the separator  368 . As the soiled liquid laden air flows down to the channel  392 , the liquid laden air impinges upon the beveled front wall  382  of the separator  368  as seen by the arrows, which further slows it down to aid in air/water separation. Side  396  ( FIG. 18 ) of the baffle portion  384  opposite the rear wall  380  slopes upwardly and away from the rear wall  380  to provide more area for the liquid to flow down to the channel  392  thereby slowing it down and aiding air/water separation. The liquid collects and flows through the channel  392  around the baffle portion  384  until it exits out the outlet  386  of the separator  368  and down to the bottom of the recovery tank  80 .  
         [0074]     Near the forward end of the outlet is a barrier wall  398  formed between the baffle portion  384  and right sidewall  378  of the separator  368 . The barrier wall  398  and the vertical baffle plate  390  deflect any liquid away from the outlet chamber  358  and prevent the liquid from entering the entrance opening  364  of the outlet chamber  358  and into the motor area. This serves to prevent the establishment of a “short circuited” working airflow from the outlet of the separator directly to entrance opening  364  of outlet chamber. Optionally, an inwardly extending curved baffle  400  ( FIG. 18 ) attached to the inner side of the right sidewall  320  directs flow of liquid forwardly to prevent rapid accumulation of the liquid at the rear portion of the recovery tank  80 . The deflection of the air from the baffles and walls and the re-circulation of the stream facilitates separation of the liquid from the air, due to the slowing of the stream, thereby allowing more time for the air to separate from the liquid. Further, when the stream of air is forced to turn, the relatively lighter air is able to negotiate the turn, where as the heavier liquid does not, thereby causing further separation. The working air separated from the liquid flows through the entrance opening  364  in the outlet chamber through the inlet  402  of the elbow duct  306  in fluid communication with the exit opening of the outlet chamber  358 . A seal or gasket  406  ( FIGS. 15 and 9 ) is provided between the ducts  304 ,  306  and manifold  352 . A plastic screen  404 , attached to the seal  406 , covers the inlet  402  of the elbow duct  306  to filter out small particles in the air stream.  
         [0075]     After traveling through the elbow duct  306 , the working air then travels through the air exhaust hose  300 , standpipe  312 , and conduit  303  of vacuum manifold  102  ( FIG. 4 ) to the eye of the fan  408  ( FIG. 2 ) of the suction motor  90 , which generates the suction to draw the air to the fan  408 . As indicated by the arrows depicted in  FIG. 20 , the working air flows out of the eye of the motor fan  408  into exhaust manifold  410 . The exhaust manifold  410  is formed by the lower housing or frame  83  and motor cover  230  ( FIG. 5 ), and a curved partition  414  which extends forwardly to an integrally formed wall  412  adjacent the brush assembly  70 . The working airflow is directed by the partition  414  to the front end of the exhaust manifold  410  at the entrance of a channel  416 .  
         [0076]     The channel  416  is formed by a top wall  418 , a front wall  420 , and a rear wall  422  of the lower housing  83 . A duct cover  424  ( FIG. 4 ), integrally molded with the bottom plate, is mounted over the channel  416 . A wall  428 , integral with and depending down from the frame  83  to the bottom plate  101 , separates or fluidly isolates the channel  416  from the conduit  303 . Going from the upstream end to the downstream end of the channel  416 , the top wall  418  tapers inwardly or downwardly within the channel  416  and the rear wall  422  tapers inwardly or forwardly within the channel  416  thereby causing the cross sectional area of the channel  416  to gradually decrease going downstream. The air flows at a relatively high velocity to the front end until it hits the wall  412 , which directs the air down through the channel  416  and across the length of the duct cover  424 , where the air exits out of openings  426  in the duct cover  424 . The decreasing cross sectional area of the channel  416  forces the air to flow faster as it travels downstream so as to counteract somewhat the frictional forces and gravity that cause the air to slow down. The channel  416  and openings  426  of the cover  424  also constrict the flow of air thereby increasing its temperature by transforming kinetic energy produced by the working fan into internal energy or heat, which is transferred to the warm, moist, separated exhaust air. Thus, additional heat is provided to the cleaning path.  
         [0077]     Referring to  FIGS. 15 and 18 , a float assembly  430  is slidably mounted to the separator  368  to choke the flow of working air when the recovery tank  80  is full. The float assembly  430  comprises a bottom float portion  432  connected by an elongated arm  434  to an upper portion defining a seal  436 . The arm  434  connects the seal  436  and float portion  432  at a rearward and downward slant or slope such that the float portion  432  is positioned slightly rearwardly offset the seal  436 . This positions the float assembly  430  closer to the higher portion of the liquid level, when the handle assembly  62  is inclined rearwardly, so as to keep the liquid from rising to a level that is in close proximity to the entrance opening  364  ( FIG. 18 ) of the outlet chamber  358  and possibly entering the motor area. The seal  436  is reawardly offset from the float portion  432  at a predetermined distance that allows the recovery tank  80  to have the same liquid capacity or volume, which causes the seal  436  to close the entrance opening  364 , when the handle assembly  62  is in the upright position for above the floor cleaning, or in the inclined position for floor cleaning. The arm  434  has a cross shaped cross section and is slidably received in a complementary slanted channel  440  defined by guide members  438 , which are attached to the front and bottom walls  382 ,  374  of the separator  368 . The guide members  438  align the seal  436  with the entrance opening  364  of the outlet chamber  358  as the arm slides through the channel  440 .  
         [0078]     The slope of the front wall  382  is substantially similar to that of the arm  434  to allow the seal  436  to move along the front wall  382  without interference. When the liquid level in the recovery tank  80  is not contacting the float portion  432 , the air flows through the entrance opening  364  and to the motor air as seen in  FIG. 18 . As the liquid level in the recovery tank  80  rises after contacting the float portion  432 , the float portion  432  and seal  436  move upward until the seal  436  closes the entrance opening  364 , when the liquid rises to a predetermine level indicative of a full tank as seen in  FIG. 18A . In this position, the seal  436  chokes off the flow of working air through the recovery tank  80  and prevents the liquid from entering the motor area. The spaced apart distance between the float portion  432  and seal  436  also prevents liquid from traveling to the seal  436  and entering the motor area due to, for example, sloshing of the liquid in the recovery tank  80  caused by moving the extractor  60  back and forth over the cleaning surface  74 .  
         [0079]     Referring to  FIGS. 19A and 19B , a stop valve  442  disposed in the standpipe  312  prevents liquid from entering the suction motor if the handle assembly  62  is pivoted down below a predetermined position. Such a near horizontal handle assembly  62  position results in the liquid collecting in the rear of the recovery tank  80  and rising to close proximity to the entrance opening  364 . The stop valve  442  includes a door  444  integrally molded with a pivoting shaft  446 . The shaft  446  is pivotally received in arcuate surfaces  448  ( FIG. 19B ) formed on opposite sides of the standpipe  312  near the front portion and captured therein by the hose mount  310  ( FIG. 20 ). A cam follower  450 , integrally molded to the shaft  446 , projects from the shaft  446 . The door  444  is generally semi-circular in shape, conforming to the semi-circular cross section of the standpipe  312 , and of a cross sectional area slightly smaller than that of the standpipe  312  so as to allow it to pivot within the standpipe  312 . When the handle assembly  62  is in the upright position or pivoted down to the inclined working position, as shown in  FIG. 19B , the force of the suction from the suction motor  90  pivots the door  444  down against straight front side  452  of the standpipe  312 , thereby opening the stop valve  442  and allowing suction generated by the suction motor to draw air through the standpipe  312 .  
         [0080]     However, when the handle assembly  62  is pivoted further down to a very low predetermined position, a downwardly extending offset portion  454  on the lower end of the left handle extension  256 L cams against the cam follower  450  and pivots the door  444  up to the inlet  456  of the standpipe  312  in a closed position as shown in  FIG. 19A . In this position, the door  444  extends across the interior of the standpipe  312  and blocks or substantially blocks the suction from the suction motor, thereby shutting or substantially shutting off suction through the flowpath to the floor suction nozzle assembly  174 . Thus, fluid is prevented from being drawn through the flowpath to the suction motor  90 . When the handle assembly  62  pivots back to the working position, the offset portion  454  disengages from the cam follower  450  so that the force of the suction from the suction motor  90  pivots the door  444  back down against the front side  452  of the standpipe  312  to the valve open position.  
         [0081]     Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 15 , the lid assembly  324  includes a right tab  458  and a left tab  460  to removably mount the lid assembly  324  and the attached float assembly  430  to the top of the tank. As seen in  FIG. 11 , the right tab  458  is integrally formed with the convexly curved right side  350  of the lid body  354  and depends downwardly from the lower end  462  of the lid body  354 . The right tab  458  fits into a complementary recess  464  of the right wall  320  of the recovery tank  80  and has a slot  459  ( FIG. 18 ) that receives a complementary rib  470  formed on the recess to releasably secure the lid assembly  324  to the recovery tank  80 . Grasping and pulling the right tab  458  upwardly and outwardly disengages the slot  459  from the rib  470  thereby allowing the lid assembly  324  to be removed, if the left tab  460  is also disengaged from the recovery tank  80 .  
         [0082]     As seen in  FIG. 15 , the left tab  460  is integrally formed with the left bottom end of the lid manifold  352  and depends downwardly from the bottom of the manifold  352 . The left tab  460  has a slot  476  that receives a rib  478  formed on the left sidewall  322  of the recovery tank  80 . The left tab  460  partially extends over a recess  480  formed in the left sidewall  322 . The recess  480  provides access to grasp the left tab  460  by a finger or thumb of a user and also abuts the left sidewall  376  of the separator  368 , thereby preventing deformation of the left sidewall  322  of the recovery tank  80 . Grasping and pulling the left tab  460  outwardly disengages the slot  476  from the rib  478  thereby allowing the lid assembly  324  to be removed, if the right tab  458  is also disengaged from the recovery tank  80 . The right and left tabs  458 ,  460  function together to properly seal the lid assembly  324  on the recovery tank  80 . Alternatively, the lid assembly  324  could include only one of the right and left tabs  458 ,  460  to removably mount the lid assembly  324  to the recovery tank  80 . Further, a reversal of these parts could be designed in that the recovery tank  80  includes the tabs and the lid assembly includes the recesses and ribs.  
         [0083]     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the solution tank  76  is removable mounted to the left platform half  282 L and the left half shell  294 L of the spine  292 . The solution tank  76  comprises two side halves  482 ,  484  ( FIG. 21 ) welded together to define a bottom wall  486 , an upstanding convexly curved left sidewall  488 , and a right sidewall  332  opposite the outer sidewall. An inverted cup shaped handle  490  is attached to the upper end of a recessed area  492  ( FIG. 1 ) formed in the left wall for grasping the solution tank  76 . The right sidewall  332  juts out in the right direction to define a compartment  494  that is received by a recess  496  ( FIG. 23 ) formed in the left side of the left half shell  294 L. Three vertical flexible support plates defining feet  498  ( FIG. 21 ) depend downwardly from the bottom wall  486  of the solution tank  76  and are received in complimentary grooves  499  formed on the left half  282 L of the platform, when the solution tank  76  is mounted thereon. The feet  498  flex to absorb much of the impact force from the solution tank striking the platform or other object, thereby minimizing breakage of the solution tank  76 .  
         [0084]     To removably mount the solution tank  76  with lid assembly  760  to the handle assembly, the solution tank  76  is positioned such that the groove  500  of the bottom wall  486  pivotally engages the upper ends  290  of the ribs  288 L as seen in  FIG. 22 . The solution tank  76  is then pivoted towards the spine  292  until a pair of lateral hooks  502  integrally molded on the right sidewall  332  extend through apertures ( FIG. 23 ) in the left half shell  294 L of the spine  292  and releasably engage a left latch  506  connected to the spine  292 . Also, with the solution tank  76  in this position, a recess  504  ( FIG. 21 ) formed in the right sidewall  332  of the solution tank  76  receives a complementary integrally molded projection  505  in the left half shell  294 L of the rear leg  298  of the spine  292  for additional support.  
         [0085]     A latch arrangement  508  ( FIG. 24 ) for releasably engaging the recovery tank  80  and solution tank  76  to the lower handle body  254  is mounted to the upper portion of the spine  292 . The latch arrangement  508  includes a right latch  510  slidably mounted in a track  513  formed in the inner side of the right half shell  294 R of the spine  292  for the recovery tank  80  as seen in  FIGS. 14A and 14B , and a left similar latch  506  slidably mounted in a track  540  formed in the left half shell  294 L of the spine  292  for the solution tank as seen in FIG.  23 . Turning to  FIG. 14A , the recovery tank latch  510  comprises a generally rectangular latch body  512  having a pair of square openings  514 . Integrally molded to the inner side of the right half shell  294 R are track rails  516  with four integrally molded retaining plates  518 , which extend partially over the latch body  512 , to retain the latch body  512  to the track  513 . The latch body  512  is assembled to the right half shell  294 R by aligning and inserting the retaining plates  518  through complimentary notches  520  formed on opposite ends of the latch body  512 . A metal coiled spring  522  mounts around a pin  524 , which is integrally molded to the rear side of the latch body  512 , and seats in a pocket of a retainer  526 , which is integrally molded to the right half shell  294 R.  
         [0086]     When mounting the recovery tank  80  to the handle assembly  62 , the beveled rearwardly facing noses  528  of the two hooks  340  cam against their respective rear edges of the openings urging the recovery latch  510  rearwardly until the noses  528  extend through the openings  514  and engage the latch body  512  as shown in  FIG. 14A . The spring  522  forwardly biases the latch body  512  urging it to maintain engagement with the hooks  340  of the recovery tank  80 , thereby preventing removal of the recovery tank  80 . A semi-circular push button  530  is integrally molded to the front side of the latch body and extends through a complimentary opening formed in the front side  532  of the right half shell  294 R for access by a user. To release the latch  510  from engagement, a user pushes rearwardly on the push button  530  to slide the latch  510  rearwardly a sufficient distance to disengage the hooks  340  from the latch body as seen in  FIG. 14B . This action allows removal of the recovery tank  80  from the handle assembly  62 .  
         [0087]     Referring to  FIG. 23 , the solution tank latch  506  comprises a generally rectangular latch body  534  having a pair of square openings  536 . Integrally molded to the inner side of the left half shell  294 L are track rails  538  with four integrally molded retaining plates  542 , which extend partially over the latch body  534 , to retain the latch body to the track  540 . The latch body  534  is assembled to the left half shell  294 L by aligning and inserting the retaining plates  542  through complimentary notches  544  formed on opposite ends of the latch body  534 . A coiled metal spring  546  mounts around a pin  548 , which is integrally molded to the rear side of the latch body  534 , and seats in a pocket of a retainer  550 , which is integrally molded to the left half shell  294 L. When mounting the solution tank  76  to the handle assembly  62 , the beveled rearwardly facing noses  552  of the two hooks  502  cam against their respective rear edges of the openings  536  urging the latch  506  rearwardly until the noses  552  extend through the openings  536  and engage the latch body  534 . The spring  546  forwardly biases the latch body  534  urging it to maintain engagement with the hooks  502  of the solution tank  76 , thereby preventing removal of the solution tank  76 . A semi-circular push button  554  is integrally molded to the front side of the latch body  534  and extends through a complimentary opening formed in the front side  556  of the left half shell  294 L for access by a user. To release the latch from engagement, a user pushes rearwardly on the push button  554  to slide the latch  506  rearwardly a sufficient distance to disengage the hooks  502  from the latch body  534  in a similar manner as that shown for the recovery tank latch  510  depicted in  FIG. 14B . This action allows removal of the solution tank  76  from the handle assembly  62 .  
         [0088]     A pair of stop pins  558 L,  558 R, integrally molded on opposite sides of the elbow duct  306 , extend into respective central slots  560 ,  562  formed in the latch bodies  534 ,  512  and cooperate to limit sliding movement of the latches to the range defined by the length of the slots  560 ,  562 . In particular, the pins  558 L,  558 R and forward ends of the slots  560 ,  562  prevent the latches  506 ,  510  from sliding rearwardly to a position in which the retaining plates  542 ,  518  align with the notches  544 ,  520 , causing the latch bodies  534 ,  512  to possibly disengage from the tracks  540 ,  513 .  
         [0089]     Referring to  FIG. 24 , when the right and left half shells  294 R,  294 L are mounted to each other to form the spine  292 , the straight inner ends of the semicircular push buttons  530 ,  554  are positioned adjacent each other, and thus the buttons  530 ,  554  together form an aesthetic circular shaped. Integrally molded to the straight inner end of the push buttons  530 ,  554  are respective forwardly extending ribs or partitions  564 ,  566  that delineate their respective push buttons  530 ,  554 , so that a user can easily distinguish between the two push buttons. The partitions  564 ,  566  also prevent the thumb or finger of a user, placed on the push button adjacent its partition, from inadvertently crossing over and pushing also on the other push button. However, if desired, a user can place his thumb or finger on the partitions  564 ,  566  and push both push buttons  530 ,  554  to simultaneously release both of the tanks  76 ,  80 . A user can also push both push buttons using two fingers or thumbs. In this respect, the compact latch arrangement can be selectively operated to release or disengage the recovery tank  80  from the handle assembly  62 , or release or disengage the solution tank  76  from the handle assembly  62 , or release or disengage both the solution and recovery tanks  76 ,  80  from the handle assembly  62  at the same time.  
         [0090]     As seen in  FIG. 23 , a cleaning solution reservoir assembly  568  is mounted to the left half shell  294 L of the rear leg  298  and surrounded by the left half of the platform. The reservoir  568  receives and holds a quantity of cleaning solution from the solution tank  76  for distribution to supply tubes  572  and  574  as further described below. Upon assembly of left half shell to the right half shell, the left half of reservoir  568  protrudes through the left platform half  282 L and left half shell  294 L. Cleaning solution reservoir  568  includes a bottom concave basin  570  having two supply tubes  572  and  574  exiting therefrom. The supply tube  572  is fluidly connected to the inlet of the pump  152 . Supply tube  572  provides a direct supply of cleaning solution, through discharge port  576 , from reservoir  578  ( FIG. 25 ) to the pump assembly  152 , which pressurizes the cleaning solution and draws it to through the cross over solution tube  580  for the above floor cleaning. Supply tube  574  provides a valved release of cleaning solution from reservoir  578  to the inlet  105  ( FIG. 5 ) of cleaning solution distributor  107  ( FIG. 5 ) and then to the brush assembly  70  ( FIG. 5 ). Optionally, the cleaning solution can be heated by a heater before being distributed on the surface. Also, an additional clean water tank may be incorporated into the system.  
         [0091]     Referring to  FIG. 25 , cover plate  582  is sealingly attached to basin  570  thereby forming reservoir volume  578  which the solution tank  76  floods with cleaning solution through inlet port  584 . Extending axially upward through inlet port  584  is pin  586  which acts to open solution tank valve  588  of the solution tank  76  as tank  76  is placed upon the left platform half  282 L and secured in place. The engagement of the left spine projection  505  ( FIG. 23 ) and tank recess  504  ( FIG. 21 ) also ensures that the pin  586  is aligned with a plunger  590  of the solution tank valve  588  and pushes the plunger  590  a sufficient distance to open the valve  588 . The structure and operation of solution tank valve  588  is described further below.  
         [0092]     Cleaning solution is released, upon operator demand, into tube  574  through solution release valve  592  which comprises valve seat  594  positioned in basin  596  of bowl  598  integrally formed with top cover  582 . The basin  596  of bowl  598  extends across discharge port  600  such that valve seat  594  is aligned to open therein. An opening  602 , within the wall of bowl  598 , permits the free flow of cleaning solution from reservoir  568  into bowl  598 . An elastomeric valve member  604  comprises an elongated piston  606  extending through valve seat  594  having a bulbous nose  608  at the distal end thereof within discharge port  600 . Valve member  604  is preferably made from Advanced Elastomer Systems “SANTOPRENE”  201 - 55  elastomeric material.  
         [0093]     The opposite end of piston  606  includes a downwardly sloped circular flange  610 , the peripheral end of which frictionally and sealingly engages the upper circular rim  612  of bowl  598  thereby preventing leakage of cleaning solution thereby. The elongated piston  606  is generally divided into three sections  608 ,  614 ,  615  of different diameters that correspond to different flow rates. The lower bulbous nose  608  is the largest diameter, followed by the middle section  614  and then the upper section  615  adjacent the flange  610 . Without any downward force upon it, flange  610  acts to bias piston  606  upward thereby urging nose  608  into sealing engagement with valve seat  594  preventing the flow of cleaning solution from bowl  598  into discharge port  600  and tube  574 .  
         [0094]     The solution release valve  592  is operated by pressing downward upon the elastomeric release valve member  604  by lower end  613  of lower push rod  616  thereby deflecting the center of flange  610  downward urging nose  608  downward and away from valve seat  594  permitting the passage of cleaning solution therethrough into discharge port  600  and tube  574  at one of two selected flow rates depending on which section of the piston is spaced from the valve seat  594 . The manner and mechanism for selecting the flow rate will be explained later. Limit projections  618  integrally molded on the lower end of lower push rod  616  will abut an opposing stop member  620  on the solution release valve to limit downward movement of the lower push rod. The limit projections  618  will abut an opposing stop member  622  on the left half shell  294 L of the spine  292  to limit upward movement of the lower push rod  616 . Energy stored within flange  610 , as a result of being deflected downward will, upon release of the force applied to push rod  616 , return the  592  valve to its normally closed position as illustrated in  FIG. 25 .  
         [0095]     Referring now to  FIG. 23 , extending upwardly and slidably received in a track  624  formed along the rear leg  298  of the left half shell  294 L of the spine  292  is the articulated lower push rod  616 . The lower push rod  616  is generally flexible to conform to the curved track  624 . In that regard, the rod  616  is composed of any suitable flexible material, such as, for example polypropylene. The lower end  613  is thicker or of a larger size than the rest of the lower push rod  616  so that it generates a pushing force that is spread evenly across the upper end of the flange  610 . A torsion spring  694  biases the lower rod  616  upwardly so that the valve  592  is closed. In particular, a pin  696 , integrally formed with left half shell  294 L rotatably receives the spring  694 , which has one end leg  698  secured to the left half shell  294 L and the other end leg  700  secured to the lower rod  616  to urge the rod  616  upwardly.  
         [0096]     As depicted in  FIGS. 26 and 27 , a similar flexible upper push rod  626  pushes against the lower push rod  616  when operated by a trigger  636  or a slide button  632  to move the upper push rod  626  down as indicated by arrow B. The upper push rod  626  is slidably received in a track  628  formed in the upper handle portion  252  of the handle assembly  62 . The upper handle portion  252  includes a left half shell  634 L mounted to a right half shell  634 R. A lateral opening is formed at the lower portion of the upper handle defined a looped portion  630  with front and rear legs  638 ,  640  for grasping by a user. The track  628  is formed inside the left half shell  634 L, extending upwardly from the rear leg  640  of the upper handle portion  252  to a loop hand grip  642 . The loop hand grip  642  of the upper handle portion  252  is for grasping by the hand of a user to move the carpet extractor over the cleaning surface  74 . The upper handle portion  252  is generally concavely curved, when viewed from the rear, such that the arm and hand of a user placed on the hand grip  642  is positioned in a more natural pushing and pulling position, thereby requiring less effort by the user to push and pull the carpet extractor over the cleaning surface when the handle assembly  62  is inclined and the upper handle portion  252  is folded up. The upper push rod  626  is generally flexible to conform to the curved track  628 . In that regard, the upper rod  626  is composed of any suitable flexible material, such as, for example polypropylene.  
         [0097]     The upper end of push rod  626  is connected to slide button  632 , which is slidably mounted to the front side  633  of the upper handle portion  252 . The slide button  632  includes integral head button portion  644 , neck  646  ( FIG. 27 ), and body  648 . The head portion  644  has a concavely curved upper side  650  for receiving a thumb of a user to slide the slide button  632  down. The neck  646  extends through a slot disposed in the front side  633  of the upper handle portion  252  with the head button portion  644  located on the front side  633  and the body  648  located just underneath it. The length of the slot  652  between its upper and lower ends  676 ,  674  defines the range of sliding movement of the slide button  632 . An L shaped leg  654  depends downwardly from the body  648  and together with the body  648  defines a notch  656  ( FIG. 27 ) that receives the upper push rod  626 . The leg  654  seats between a pair of integrally molded upper and lower retaining plates  658  of the upper push rod  626 , which together with the right and left half shells  634 R,  634 L retain the slide button to the upper push rod  626 . Thus, sliding the slide button  632  down in turn causes the upper and lower rods  626 ,  616  to slide down too.  
         [0098]     The trigger  636  is pivotally connected to the left half shell  634 L and cams against the upper retaining plate  659  to push the upper push rod  626 , when the trigger  636  is squeezed by a finger of a user. In particular, an integral front leg  662  of the trigger  636  depends downwardly and includes a pivot opening at its lower portion that receives a pivot pin  664 , integrally to the left half shell  634 L. The upper portion of the front leg  662  cams against the upper retaining plate  659  and pushes the upper push rod  626  down, when the trigger  636  is squeezed. A torsion spring  666  is mounted around an integral boss  668  of the left half shell  634 L and has one end leg  670  secured to the upper push rod  626  and the other end leg  672  secured to the left half shell  634 L. The spring  666  urges the upper push rod  626 , slide button  632 , and trigger  636  upwardly or towards the looped hand grip  642  and valve closed mode as illustrated in  FIG. 26 . The springs  666 ,  694  are engineered to support the combined weight of trigger  636 , slide button  632 , and push rods  616 ,  626  such that no force is applied to elastomeric valve member  604 .  
         [0099]     Referring to  FIGS. 23, 25 , and  26 , upon the operator squeezing the hand grip  642  and trigger  636  with his finger, the torsion springs  666 ,  694  yield thereby permitting clockwise rotation of trigger  636  (as viewed from the left side) about pivot pin  664  and downward movement of push rods  616 ,  626 , which push the elongated piston  606  down a predetermined distance so that the middle portion  614  of the piston  606  extends through the valve seat  594  and is spaced from the edges of the valve seat  594 . This results in opening the solution release valve  592 , causing gravitational flow of cleaning solution from reservoir  568  to tube  574  at a normal flow rate. Upon release of trigger  636  or slide button  632 , energy stored in the system returns valve  592  to the closed mode.  
         [0100]     Upon the operator sliding the slide button  632  down until the neck  646  abuts the lower end  674  of the slot  652 , the torsion springs  666 ,  694  yield thereby allowing the upper and lower rods  626 ,  616  to push the elongated piston  606  down a predetermine distance further than that accomplished by squeezing the trigger  636 , so that the upper portion  615  of the piston extends through the valve seat  594  and is spaced from the edges of the valve seat  594 . With the piston  606  in this position, the lateral distance between the upper portion  615  and valve seat  594  is larger than that between the middle portion  614  and valve seat  594 , thereby allowing more cleaning solution to flow to reservoir  568  and to the tube  574 . Thus, the cleaning solution flows between the upper portion  615  and valve seat  594  at a higher flow rate than that between the middle portion  614  and valve seat  594 . Alternatively, an operator could slide the slide button  632  down a predetermine distance so that the middle portion  614  is spaced from the valve seat  594  to obtain a normal flow rate cleaning solution. Upon release of the slide button  632 , energy stored in the system returns the valve  592  to the closed position.  
         [0101]     The upper handle portion  252  releasably locks to the lower handle body  254  for use and folds down behind the lower handle body  254  for storage as seen in  FIG. 11 . In particular as best seen in  FIG. 9 , the upper handle portion  252  includes trunnions  678 L,  678 R that are enclosed by caps  680 L,  680 R integrally molded to the rear upper end of the spine  292  and located on opposite sides of the spine  292 . The right cap  680 R has an inward extending pin  684  that is telescopingly received in an inward extending boss  686 . A bore  688  ( FIG. 26 ) formed through the trunnions  678 R,  678 L receives the pin  684  and boss  686 , thereby pivotally connecting the upper handle portion  252  to the lower handle body  254 . The upper push rod  626  extends through an aperture  690  ( FIG. 26 ) in the bottom side of the left half shell  634 L of the upper handle portion  252 . The lower push rod  616  extends through an aperture in the top surface of the left half shell  294 L of the spine  292 .  
         [0102]     Referring to  FIG. 28 , when the upper handle portion  252  is pivoted up to the upright position, the bulbous lower end  704  of the upper push rod  626  is aligned with an adjustable spacer  706  removably secured to the upper end  708  of lower push rod  616 . The spacer  706  is adjusted to be spaced at the proper alignment and distance below the lower end  704  of the upper push rod  626  so that the rods  616 ,  626  cooperate to push the piston  606  ( FIG. 25 ) to one of the above-mentioned predetermine distances corresponding to the cleaning solution flow rate. In particular as depicted in  FIG. 28A , the spacer  706  includes a notch  712  disposed on the bottom side that receives the upper end  708  of the lower push rod  616 . The upper end  708  has a multiple rows of circumferential ribs or threads  714  that are slidably receive by complimentary grooves  716  formed around the notch  712  to secure the spacer  706  to the upper end  708 . The spacer  706  can be adjusted closer to the lower end  704  of the upper rod  626 , by aligning and sliding spacer on the upper end  708  at a position higher than the previous position.  
         [0103]     As depicted in  FIG. 28 , a push button latch  718  releasably latches or locks the upper handle portion  252  to the lower handle body  254 . The latch  718  includes an opening at its lower end of its body that rotatably receives a pivot pin  720  integrally molded to the left half shell  294 L of the spine  292  to pivotally connect the latch to the front spine leg  296 . The latch  718  includes an upwardly extending hook  722  that engages or hooks upon a rearwardly extending rib  724 , integrally molded on the inner surface  726  of the front side  633  of the upper handle. A coiled metal spring  728  has one end securely seated in a pocket  730  formed in the rear side of the latch body  732  and the other end mounted around a pin  735  ( FIG. 14A ) of a retainer  734  ( FIG. 14A ), which is integrally molded to the right half shell  294 R of the spine  292 . The spring  728  forwardly biases the hook  722  urging it to maintain engagement with the rib  724 , thereby preventing the upper handle portion  252  from folding or pivoting down. A circular push button  736  is integrally molded to the front side of the latch body  732  and extends through a complimentary opening  738  formed in the front side  556  of the spine  292  for access by a user. The right half shell  294 R of the spine captures the latch to retain it and also forms part of the opening  738 .  
         [0104]     To release the latch  718  from engagement, a user grasps around the front leg  638  of the upper handle  252  and pushes rearwardly on the push button  736  to pivot the latch  718  rearwardly a sufficient distance such that the hook  722  disengages from the rib  724 . This action allows the upper handle portion  252  to be pivoted or folded down behind the lower handle body  254  for storage as seen in  FIG. 11 .  
         [0105]     Referring to  FIG. 25 , the solution tank valve  588  is provided in the solution tank for releasing solution from the solution tank. The solution tank valve  588  is normally in the closed position. However, as the solution tank is placed upon the reservoir  568 , the solution tank valve  588  opens permitting cleaning solution to flow into the reservoir  568 . Upon removal of the tank  76  from the reservoir  568 , the solution tank valve  588  closes prohibiting liquid from flowing out of the solution tank  76 . The solution tank valve  588  is incorporated into bottom wall  486  of the solution tank  76 . The solution tank valve  588  comprises a valve body  742  with the elongate plunger  590  extending coaxially upward therethrough. The plunger  590 , having an outside diameter less than the inside diameter of the valve body  742 , is provided with at least four flutes  745  ( FIG. 21 ) to maintain alignment of the plunger  590  within the valve body  742  as the plunger  590  axially translates therein and permits the passage of fluid therethrough when the plunger  590  is in the open position.  
         [0106]     The valve body  742 , integrally formed with the bottom wall  486  of the solution tank  76 , has a vertically extending bore  756  that slidingly receives therein the upper shank portion of the plunger  590 . An elastomeric circumferential seal  748  circumscribes plunger  590  for sealingly engaging valve body  742 . The seal  748  is urged against the valve body  742  by action of the compression spring  752 , circumscribing plunger  590 . The spring  752  is positioned between the body  742  and the plunger  590 . The solution tank valve  588  is normally in the closed position. However, as the solution tank  76  is placed upon the left platform  282 L of the handle assembly  62 , pin  586  of the reservoir  568  aligns with plunger  590 , thereby forcing plunger  590  upward to separate the seal  748  from the valve body  742  and compressing spring  752 , thereby opening the valve body  742  permitting cleaning solution from the solution tank to flow through bore  756  of the valve body  742  into the reservoir  568 . Also, a seal  753 , mounted on the top cover  582  of the reservoir  568  and surrounding the pin  586 , sealingly engages the bottom wall  486  of the solution tank  76  when the tank  76  is mounted on the left platform  282 L. Upon removal of the solution tank  76  from the left platform  282 L, the energy stored within compression spring  752  urges the seal  748  down against the valve body  742  to close the valve  746 .  
         [0107]     Referring to  FIG. 21 , the solution tank  76  includes an open top sealingly closed by a lid assembly  760 . The lid assembly  760  includes a generally triangular shaped body  762  with its convexly curve left side  764  (FIG.  9 ) converging upwardly to an apex. The lid assembly incorporates an inverted cup portion  766  depending downwardly from the bottom wall  768  of the body  762 , which serves as a convenient measuring cup for mixing an appropriate amount of concentrated cleaning solution with water in the solution tank  76 . Similar to the recovery tank lid assembly  324 , the solution tank lid assembly  760  includes a right tab  770  and a left tab  772  ( FIG. 10 ) to removably mount the lid assembly  760  to the top of the tank  76 . In particular as depicted in  FIG. 10 , the left tab  772  is integrally formed with the left side  774  of the lid body  762  and depends downwardly from the lower end of the body  762 . The left tab  772  fits into a complementary recess  780  ( FIG. 21 ) of the left wall  488  of the solution tank  76  and has a slot  776  that receives a complementary rib  778  formed on a recess  780  ( FIG. 21 ) to releasably secure the lid assembly  760  to the solution tank  76 . Grasping and pulling the left tab  772  upwardly and outwardly disengages the slot  776  from the rib  778  thereby allowing the lid assembly  760  to be removed, if the right tab  770  is also disengaged from the solution tank  76 .  
         [0108]     Referring to  FIG. 21 , the right tab  770  is integrally formed with the left end of the bottom wall  768  and depends downwardly therefrom. The right tab  770  has a slot  782  that receives a rib  784  formed on the right sidewall  332  of the solution tank. The right tab  770  partially extends over a recess portion  503  formed in the right sidewall  332 . The recess  503  provides access to grasp the tab by a finger or thumb of a user and also abuts the cup portion  766  of the lid assembly  760 , thereby preventing deformation of the right sidewall  332  of the solution tank  76 . Grasping and pulling the right tab  770  outwardly disengages the slot  782  from the rib  784  thereby allowing the lid assembly  760  to be removed, if the left tab  772  is also disengaged from the solution tank  76 . The right and left tabs  770 ,  772  function together to properly seal the lid assembly  760  on the solution tank  76 . Alternatively, the lid assembly  760  could include only one of the right and left tabs  770 ,  772  to removably mount the lid assembly  760  to the solution tank  76 . Further, a reversal of these parts could be present in that the solution tank  76  includes the tabs and the lid assembly  760  includes the recesses and ribs.  
         [0109]     The arrangement for above the floor or upholstery cleaning will now be described. As depicted in  FIGS. 14A and 14B , integrally molded to the main recovery duct  304  is an accessory duct  786  that extends to an opening in the rear side  788  of the rear leg  298  of the right half shell  294 R of the spine  292 . The accessory duct  786  includes an inlet  790  ( FIG. 10 ) for fluid connection to an accessory hose assembly  792  ( FIG. 29 ). A door  794  is pivotally connected to the rear side  788  of the right half shell  294 R of the spine  292 . Specifically, the rear side  788  includes a land portion  796  with a recess  798  in which the opposite sides of the recess have apertures that receive trunnions  800  ( FIG. 9 ) on the door  794  to form the pivotal connection.  
         [0110]     Integrally formed on the top surface of the door  794  are a pair of stop ribs  802  that frictionally engage the bottom of the recess  798  to keep the door  794  from falling or pivoting down due to gravity as seen in  FIG. 14A . The bottom end of the door has a convexly or curved portion that defines a handle  804 . A forward depending hook  806  is integrally molded on the front surface of the door  794  just above the handle  804 . The door  794  includes an inner circular wall  810 , integrally molded to the front or inner side of the door  794 , that extends forwardly into inlet  790  of the accessory duct  786 , when the door covers the opening in the closed position as seen in  FIG. 14B . An outer circular wall  808  ( FIG. 9 ), integrally molded to the rear side and concentric with the inner circular wall  810 , surrounds the inner circular wall  810  and extends forwardly a smaller distance than the inner wall  810 . A seal  812  is sealingly inserted around the accessory duct  786 , and sealingly engages the outer wall  808  and around the inner circular wall  810 , when the door  794  is closed as seen in  FIG. 14B . Thus, when the door  794  closes over the inlet  790  of the accessory duct  786 , particles and atmospheric air are prevented from entering the inlet  790 . Also, when the door  794  is closed, the hook  806  extends into a slot  814  ( FIG. 10 ) formed in the rear side  788  of the right half shell  294 R and engages the inner surface of the rear side  788  to releasably latch the door  794 .  
         [0111]     To open the door  794  for connection of an accessory hose assembly  792 , a user grasps the handle  804  and pulls with sufficient force to disengage the hook  806  from the inner surface of the rear side  788  and pivots the door  794  upwardly until the stop ribs  802  frictionally engage the bottom side of the recess  798 . The accessory hose assembly  792  cooperates with the inlet  790  of the accessory duct  786  so that the carpet extractor  60  can be used, for example, to clean upholstery and/or stairs.  
         [0112]     As seen  FIG. 14A , the accessory hose assembly  792  includes a hose connector assembly  816  that fluidly connects to the inlet  790  of the accessory duct  786  and cleaning solution discharge valve  817 , which is fluidly connected to the solution cross over tube  580  in fluid connection to the discharge port  813  of the pump  152 . As seen in  FIG. 30 , the hose assembly  792  includes a hose solution tube  820  that is received in a vinyl corrugated accessory suction hose  822 . The hose connector assembly  816  encapsulates the suction hose  822  so that suction hose  822  is in fluid communication with a suction conduit  824  of the hose connector assembly  816 . The hose solution tube  820  extends into the hose connector assembly  816  through a solution conduit  826 . The solution conduit  826  is generally integrally molded with the suction conduit  824  of the hose connector assembly  816 , but can alternatively be a separate piece secured to the suction conduit  824  by any suitable means such as for example, by welding or using screws.  
         [0113]     Turning now to  FIGS. 31A and 31B , the cleaning solution discharge valve  817  is mounted to the left half shell  294 L ( FIG. 23 ) and comprises a main body  832  having a downwardly directed inlet  834  and a rearwardly directed side outlet  836 . Inlet  834  fluidly communicates with the discharge port  813  of pump  152  via cross over tube  580  whereby pressurized cleaning solution is supplied to the main body  832 . Integral with and extending horizontally from main body  832  is discharge port  840  configured as a nipple for receiving thereon the cleaning solution supply hose quick disconnect coupling  910  further described below. The discharge port  840  extends to an opening  919  ( FIG. 10 ) formed in the rear side of the left half shell  294 L of the spine  292 . Axially aligned within discharge nipple  840  is axially translatable valve member  842  having a hollow core open at outlet end  844  thereof and closed at inlet  846  and having at least one opening  848 . Compression spring  858  acting upon circumferential flange  852  of valve member  842  biases valve member  842  toward the normally closed configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 31A  thereby sealingly compressing  0 -rings  854  between the main body  832  and flange  852 .  
         [0114]     Removably attachable to discharge nipple  840  is quick disconnect coupling  910 . Coupling  910  comprises a main cylindrical body  912  having a peripheral rim  916  of the cylindrical main body  912 . Closing off the opposite end of main body  912  is the axially extending tubulet  818  to which accessory solution supply tube  820  ( FIG. 30 ) is fluidly connected. Tubulet  818  extends axially inside main body  912  which when the main body  912  receives nipple  840  therein, axially aligns with valve stem  842  as illustrated.  
         [0115]     When the main body  912  of coupling  910  is advanced downward over discharge nipple  840 , the tubulet  818  penetrates the nipple bore  960  forcing valve member  842  downward, compressing spring  858  to the extent that opening  848  of valve member  842  enters the main body chamber  831  of valve  817  as seen in  FIG. 31B , thereby providing a fluid path through the valve member  842  and tubulet  818  into accessory solution tube  820  ( FIG. 30 ) and on to a spray mechanism  900  ( FIG. 30 ) located, at the hose end  902  ( FIG. 30 ) in which an accessory cleaning tool (not shown) is removably attached. O-rings  854  sealingly engage nipple  840  and the main body  912  of coupling  910 .  
         [0116]     A typical on-off trigger operated valve  904  ( FIG. 30 ) is provided to control the amount of solution dispensed. Further details of the valve are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,870,798; the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. The pump  152  pressurizes cleaning solution from the solution tank  76  through the reservoir  568 . Pressurized cleaning solution is supplied to valve  904  via supply tube  820  connected to the pump discharge valve  817  by quick disconnect coupling  910 . The solution pump  152  typically supplies the cleaning solution at a pressure of at least 7 psig.  
         [0117]     Referring to  FIG. 29 , the suction conduit  824  of the hose connector assembly  816  has a bevel outlet end  906 , which slopes forwardly and downwardly, so that bottom wall  908  of the suction conduit  824  extends forwardly beyond top wall  914  of suction conduit  824 . The width of the bottom wall  908  is generally slightly less than the interior width of the main recovery duct  304 . Thus, as seen in  FIG. 14A , when the hose connector assembly  816  is inserted into the accessory duct  786 , the bottom wall  908  extends across the interior of the main recovery duct  304 , thereby blocking or substantially blocking the suction from the suction motor  90  through the flowpath of the portion of the main recovery duct  304  below the accessory duct  786 , floor recovery hose  228 , floor recovery duct  222  and floor suction nozzle assembly  174 , and hence shutting or substantially shutting off suction through the flowpath to the floor suction nozzle assembly  174 . Yet, in this position, suction is created in the flowpath through the accessory duct  786 , and accessory hose assembly  792  via outlet end  906 . Thus, suction generated by the motor draws dirt and liquid through the accessory tool (not shown), suction hose  822 , suction conduit  824 , accessory duct  786 , the portion of the main recovery duct  304  above the accessory duct  786 , and into the recovery tank  80  as seen by the arrows.  
         [0118]     The hose connector assembly  816  is releasably connected to the right half shell  294 R as seen in  FIG. 14A . Specifically, as best depicted in  FIG. 29 , the hose connector assembly  816  includes a collar  916  secured around base  918  of the hose connector assembly  816 , located adjacent the suction hose  822 . For ease of assembly, the collar  916  is cut or split open, defining an elastic c-shaped clip, which allows a user to pull the free ends apart a distance larger than the diameter of the base  918  to fit it around the base  918 . After the user releases the pulling force on the collar, the elastic force of collar  916  urges the free ends toward each other to form a tight fit of the collar  916  around the base  918 . Integrally molded to the collar  916 , is a pair of opposite tangs  920  that extend forwardly and include hooks  922  integrally molded at the distal or free ends of the tangs  920 . The tangs  920  are received in notches formed in a flange  924 , which is integrally molded around the solution and suction conduits  826 ,  824  of the hose connector assembly  816 . The tangs  920  are mounted by screws  928  to respective bosses  926 , integrally molded on the suction conduit  824  and located rearwardly adjacent the flange  924 . The flange  924  is positioned along the tangs  920  in close proximity to the hooks  922  such that pushing the tangs  920  inwardly flexes the hooks  922  outwardly.  
         [0119]     When the hose connector assembly  816  is fluidly connected to the accessory duct  786  and solution discharge valve  817  as depicted in  14 A, the hooks  922  extend through respective upper and lower slots  811 ,  814  ( FIG. 10 ) formed in the rear side  788  of the right half shell  294 R and engage the inner surface of the rear side  788 . The elastic force in the elastomeric seal  812  urges the hooks  922  against the inner surface maintaining their engagement with it, thereby retaining the hose connector assembly  816  to the right half shell  294 R and in fluid communication with the accessory duct  786  and solution discharge valve  817 . To disconnect the hose connector assembly  816  from the right half shell  294 R, a user squeezes the tangs  920 , which flexes the hooks  922  outwardly and disengages them from the inner surface of the rear side  788  of the right half shell  294 R, and then pulls the hose connector assembly  816  rearwardly with sufficient force to remove the solution conduit  826  from the solution discharge valve  817  and the suction conduit  824  from the accessory duct  786 .  
         [0120]     The hose connector assembly  816  provides a single connection for both the suction hose  822  and the solution tube  820  to their respective accessory duct and cleaning solution discharge valve  817  of the handle assembly  62 . Such a single one-step connection results in a quick and convenient way for the user to connect the suction hose  822  and the solution tube  820  of the accessory hose assembly  792  to the handle assembly  62  for above the floor or upholstery cleaning.  
         [0121]     The accessory hose assembly  792  fits around a hose and tool caddy  930  that is removably mounted to the rear side of the spine  292  as seen in  FIG. 11 . In particular, the tool caddy  930  comprises a body  932  having a pair of downward extending posts  934  integrally molded to the bottom of the body  932  and received in pockets  974  of a holder  976  ( FIG. 10 ) integrally molded to the rear leg  298  of the spine  292 , when the caddy is mounted to the handle assembly  62 . An oval shaped hose support wall  936 , integrally molded with the body  932 , extends rearwardly from the rear side of the caddy  930  for supporting the accessory hose assembly  792  would therearound. The support wall defines u-shaped channel  938  ( FIG. 1 ) that receives the accessory hose  792 . The width of channel  938  is sized to receive two portions of the accessory suction hose  822  positioned side by side, resulting from the hose assembly  792  being wound around the hose support wall  936  twice. The bottom portion  940  of the support wall  936  extends rearwardly a distance further than the remaining portion of the support wall  936  to accommodate three portions of the accessory suction hose  822 .  
         [0122]     As best seen in  FIG. 10 , the body  932  includes a channel  938  formed in the rear side  942  adjacent the left portion of the support wall  936 . The channel  938  receives the hose connector assembly  816  as depicted in  FIG. 11 . The flange  924  of the hose connector assembly  816  seats into a recessed portion  944  ( FIG. 10 ) formed in the rear side of the body, when the hose connector assembly  816  is mounted to the caddy. A slot  946  ( FIG. 10 ), formed in the recessed portion  944 , receives a hook  948 , integrally molded to flange  924  and depending downwardly (or rearwardly when the hose connector assembly  816  is connected to the handle assembly  62 ), to retain the hose connector assembly  816  to the caddy  930  as best seen in  FIG. 30 . A cut out  950  is formed in the support wall  936 , so that the hose connector assembly  816  can be positioned in the channel  938 .  
         [0123]     A hook  952  ( FIG. 30 ) is also integrally formed with the hose end  902  for retaining the hose end  902  to the caddy  930 , after the accessory hose assembly  792  is wound therearound. The hook  952  extends through a slot  954  ( FIG. 10 ) formed in a rear upstanding flange  956  of the support wall  936  and engages the front surface of the flange  956  to retain the hose end  902  to the flange  956  as seen in  FIG. 30 . A pair of guide rails  957  ( FIG. 10 ) receive a bracket  958  ( FIG. 30 ) supporting the spray mechanism  900  to hold the hose end  902  in place, keeping it straight as seen in  FIGS. 11 and 30 . As depicted in  FIG. 10 , the body  932  of the caddy includes a cross shaped projection  960  that receives the suction conduit of an upholstery accessory tool (not shown) and a pair of pockets  962  that receive opposite side corners of the tool to retain the tool to the caddy  930 .  
         [0124]     Upper and lower cord holders  964 ,  966  ( FIG. 11 ) are attached to the flange  956  of the caddy  930  for receiving the electric cord wrapped around them. Upper and lower cord holders  978 ,  980  are also attached to the rear leg  298 , thereby giving the user two places to wrap the cord. A central opening  968  is formed in the caddy for access to the inlet  790  of the accessory duct  304  and solution discharge valve  368  by the hose connector assembly  816  as well as the lower cord holder  980 . A slot  970  is formed in the upper end of the opening and slidably receives a hook  972  integrally formed on the rear surface  788  of the left half shell  294 L. The caddy  930  is mounted to the handle assembly  62  by sliding the slot  970  on the hook  972  and the posts  934  in the pockets  974 . To remove the caddy from the handle assembly  62 , a user then pulls the caddy  930  upwardly and outwardly to slide the slot  970  off the hook  972  and the posts  934  out of the pockets  974 .  
         [0125]     As seen in  FIG. 11 , the curvature of the upper handle portion  252  and the overall design of the caddy and lower handle body  254  allows the upper handle portion  252  to fit into the caddy and abut or be in close proximity to the body  932  thereby providing a compact, sleek appearance, when the upper handle portion  252  is folded completely down.  
         [0126]     In use, the carpet extractor distributes the cleaning solution upon squeezing of the trigger or slide button as it substantially and simultaneously extracts it along with the dirt on the carpet in a continuous operation. Optionally, the carpet extractor can be self-propelled. The benefits of the tanks being positioned on opposite sides of the handle include the convenience of removing the tanks without moving to the front and bending over to do so, and having the handle positioned in the inclined position to remove the tanks. Also, the manipulative effort of the base assembly is improved, since the weight of recovery tank is off the base assembly. Further, the operator can better see the solution level in the recovery and solution tanks. The solution and recovery tanks  76 ,  80  including their outer walls  488 ,  320 , lids  760 ,  324 , handles  490 ,  326 , and tabs  772 ,  458  also have a pleasing symmetrical outer appearance when mounted to the handle assembly  62 .  
         [0127]     The present invention has been described by way of example using the illustrated embodiments. Upon reviewing the detailed description and the appended drawings, various modifications and variations of the embodiments will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. All such obvious modifications and variations are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention and of the claims appended hereto.  
         [0128]     In view of the above, it is intended that the present invention not be limited by the preceding disclosure of the embodiments, but rather be limited only by the appended claims.