Patent Abstract:
A hand-held nozzle is attached to the end of a vacuum and fluid delivery hose of an upright deep cleaner. The nozzle includes a reservoir to contain a solution to be applied to a surface. When a solution delivery system of the deep cleaner is pressurized, water from the upright cleaner clean water tank is routed through the hose to the handheld nozzle. The water is routed through a venturi valve connected to the reservoir, which draws the solution to the valve to mix with the water stream. The resultant mixture flows from the hand-held nozzle for application to a surface being treated. One embodiment of the solution reservoir includes a retainer cap bonded to the reservoir and utilizing a bayonet-type mounting arrangement for mounting the reservoir to a nozzle assembly.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application no. 60/262,154 filed Jan. 17, 2001, and U.S. provisional application no. 60/285,179 filed Apr. 20, 2001. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The invention relates to protectant application to carpets and fabrics. In one of its aspects, the invention relates to a hand-held nozzle attachment for an upright deep cleaner or extractor. In another of its aspects, the invention relates to an upright deep cleaner or extractor with spray applicator for applying a solution, such as stain repellant or other treatment, to a surface. In another of its aspects, the invention relates to a method for applying a liquid protectant to a carpet or fabric surface.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0005]    Upright deep cleaners or extractors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,041,472 and 6,081,962. These prior art upright deep cleaners include an above-floor cleaning nozzle fluidly connected to the cleaner by vacuum and fluid delivery conduits, for applying a cleaning solution to an above-floor surface being cleaned and for extracting fluid from the surface being cleaned after application of the cleaning solution. The cleaning solution applied to the surface being cleaned is generally a mixture of water and a detergent. The mixture is either combined in a mixing valve in the body of the deep cleaner or in a clean solution tank of the deep cleaner. The solution is then pumped through the fluid delivery conduit either to the floor or to an above-floor surface being cleaned. The operator of the upright deep cleaner also has the option of omitting the detergent solution so that only water is pumped through the fluid delivery conduit.  
           [0006]    After deep cleaning of a floor or above-floor surface with a deep cleaner, such as an upright deep cleaner, it is desirable in many cases to apply or refresh a protective coating, such as a stain repellant or other treatment, to the surface cleaned. Scotchgard™ by 3M™ is one such known treatment. Prior art devices, separate from the upright deep cleaner, are known for this purpose.  
           [0007]    It would be advantageous to remove the requirement for a separate protectant-applying machine and take advantage of the capabilities of the upright deep cleaner that is already in use, and already at the location of the surface to be treated, to apply a protectant or other treatment to the cleaned surface.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    According to the invention, a portable surface cleaning apparatus comprises a base housing adapted for movement along a surface to be cleaned, an upright handle pivotally mounted to the base housing, a liquid dispensing system mounted at least in part to the base housing and including a fluid supply tank, a liquid recovery system including an above-floor hose fluidly connected at one end to a recovery tank and having an open end, the above-floor hose carrying a liquid supply conduit and mounting an above-floor liquid dispenser including a spray nozzle at the open end thereof. According to the invention, a fluid reservoir is mounted to the above-floor liquid dispenser for dispensing a fluid onto a surface and a fluid reservoir pump is mounted to the above-floor liquid dispenser for drawing fluid from the reservoir and for spraying the fluid onto the surface along with fluid from the liquid supply tank.  
           [0009]    The liquid dispensing system typically can be the type that includes a floor liquid dispenser associated with the base housing for applying liquid to a floor surface to be cleaned, a liquid supply tank for holding a supply of cleaning liquid, a liquid supply conduit fluidly connected to the liquid supply tank and to a floor liquid dispenser for supplying a cleaning fluid to the floor dispenser.  
           [0010]    The liquid recovery system is typically of the type that includes a recovery tank mounted on the base housing and having a liquid recovery chamber for holding recovered liquid, a suction nozzle associated with the base housing and adapted to draw dirty liquid from the surface to be cleaned, a working air conduit extending between the recovery chamber and the suction nozzle and a vacuum source in fluid communication with the recovery chamber for generating a flow of working air from the nozzle through the working air conduit, or alternatively from the open end of the above-floor hose, and through the recovery chamber to thereby draw dirty liquid from the surface to be cleaned through the nozzle and working air conduit, or from the open end of the above-floor hose and into the recovery chamber to thereby recover the dirty liquid from the surface to be cleaned.  
           [0011]    In one embodiment, the liquid recovery system further comprises a switch for selectively operating the vacuum source independent of the pump.  
           [0012]    Preferably, the fluid reservoir pump is an aspirator. Further, the above-floor liquid dispenser is without a suction nozzle opening and preferably has a vent opening for venting suction in the hose to the atmosphere.  
           [0013]    In a preferred embodiment, the above-floor liquid dispenser and the reservoir have a quick connect mechanism for removably mounting the reservoir to the second liquid dispenser. The quick connect mechanism includes an open neck on an upper portion of the reservoir. Further, a cap is adapted to mount to the open neck of the reservoir when the reservoir is removed from the above-floor liquid dispenser for sealing the reservoir when the reservoir is removed from the above-floor liquid dispenser. In one embodiment, the neck is threaded and the cap is threaded onto the neck. Further, the reservoir is vented through the threads on the neck. The quick connect can take a number of different forms and in a preferred embodiment is a bayonet connection.  
           [0014]    The invention is designed to spray a liquid surface protectant composition onto a carpet or fabric surface. To this end, a body of a liquid surface protectant composition is in the reservoir. The liquid surface protectant can be a liquid stain repellent composition or a liquid miticide composition.  
           [0015]    Further according to the invention, a spray applicator for attachment to a portable surface cleaning apparatus having a combination vacuum hose and fluid delivery conduit comprises a unitary body having a suction opening at one end adapted to mount to an open end of the vacuum hose and further having a nozzle pressure conduit that is adapted to fluidly connect to a fluid delivery conduit at one end thereof, a reservoir mounted to the unitary body, a spray nozzle connected to another end of the nozzle pressure conduit, and a fluid reservoir pump in the nozzle pressure conduit and connected to the reservoir for drawing fluid from the reservoir and mixing the reservoir fluid with liquid in the nozzle pressure conduit for spraying a mixture of fluid from the reservoir and fluid from the fluid delivery line onto a surface.  
           [0016]    The unitary body preferably includes a vent connected to the suction opening for venting suction in the vacuum hose to atmosphere and is void of a suction nozzle. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid reservoir pump is an aspirator.  
           [0017]    A body of liquid protectant is within the reservoir. The liquid protectant can be a liquid stain repellent composition or a liquid miticide composition.  
           [0018]    The unitary body and the reservoir have a quick connect mechanism for removably mounting the reservoir to the second liquid dispenser. In a preferred embodiment, the quick connect mechanism includes an open neck on an upper portion of the reservoir and the quick connect is a bayonet connection. Further, a cap is adapted to mount to the open neck of the reservoir when the reservoir is removed from the second liquid dispenser for sealing the reservoir when the reservoir is removed from the second liquid dispenser. Desirably, the neck is threaded and the cap is threaded onto the neck. Further, the reservoir is vented through the threads on the neck.  
           [0019]    The reservoir can take a number of different shapes. In one embodiment, the reservoir has a generally cylindrical sidewall, a bottom wall and a top wall. A portion of the bottom wall extends at an acute angle to the side wall at a position beneath the spray nozzle. Preferably, the acute angle is in the range of about 30 to 60 degrees. In a specific embodiment, the acute angle is about 45 degrees.  
           [0020]    Still further according to the invention, a portable surface cleaning apparatus has a housing, a first tank connected to the housing has a body of a liquid protectant composition therein, a second tank mounted to the housing has a body of water therein, and a spray nozzle in fluid communication with each of the first and second tanks for applying a mixture of the liquid protectant and water to a surface. Preferably, a fluid delivery system has an inlet in fluid communication with each of the first and second tanks and an outlet in fluid communication with the spray nozzle spray nozzle for delivering the mixture of protectant and water to the spray nozzle for spraying a mixture of the liquid protectant and water onto the surface to be treated. In one embodiment of the invention, the fluid delivery system is an aspirator  
           [0021]    In a preferred embodiment, a mixing valve has a pair of inlets in fluid communication with each of the first and second tanks and an outlet in fluid communication with the fluid delivery system. In one embodiment, the mixing valve is selectively adjustable to control the relevant amount of protectant composition in the mixture delivered to the spray nozzle.  
           [0022]    The protectant composition can be a stain repellant, a miticide composition or a mildew repellant, or any mixture thereof.  
           [0023]    In one embodiment, the first tank is connected to the housing through a suction hose. In another embodiment of the invention, the first tank is mounted on the housing. In the latter embodiment, the fluid delivery system includes a pump that is mounted on the housing and supplies water under pressure to the spray nozzle.  
           [0024]    The portable surface cleaning apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention is the type that has a fluid recovery system which includes a suction nozzle mounted to the housing, a recovery tank mounted to the housing, a working air conduit extending between the recovery chamber and the suction nozzle; and a vacuum source in fluid communication with the recovery tank for generating a flow of working air from the nozzle through the working air conduit and through the recovery chamber to thereby draw dirty liquid from the surface to be cleaned through the nozzle and working air conduit and into the recovery tank.  
           [0025]    Still further according to the invention a method of applying a liquid protectant solution to a surface comprises the steps of:  
           [0026]    placing the liquid protectant solution into a dispensing tank in an extraction cleaning machine which includes the dispensing tank, a dispenser for applying a fluid to a surface to be cleaned in fluid communication with the dispensing tank, and wherein the extraction cleaning machine further includes a liquid recovery system for recovering soiled liquid from a surface on which a liquid cleaning solution had been applied; and  
           [0027]    dispensing the liquid protectant solution in the dispensing tank onto the surface through the dispenser as the extraction cleaning machine is moved over the surface.  
           [0028]    Preferably, the liquid protectant solution is applied to a carpeted floor. The liquid protectant solution is preferably a liquid stain, mildew repellent composition, a miticide composition or mixtures thereof.  
           [0029]    In one embodiment, the method of applying a liquid protectant solution to a surface further comprises the step of disabling the liquid recovery system prior to the dispensing step. Preferably, the dispensing step comprises spraying. In one embodiment, the dispensing step includes pumping the liquid protectant solution under pressure to the dispenser.  
           [0030]    In yet another embodiment of the invention, a portable surface cleaning apparatus comprises a base housing adapted for movement along a surface to be cleaned, an upright handle pivotally mounted to the base housing, a liquid dispensing system mounted at least in part to the base housing and a liquid recovery system. The liquid dispensing system includes a liquid dispenser associated with the base housing for applying liquid to a surface to be cleaned, a liquid supply tank with a body of a liquid protectant solution and connected to the liquid dispenser for supplying the liquid protectant solution to the liquid dispenser; and a fluid pump for delivering the liquid protectant solution from the liquid supply tank to the liquid dispenser.  
           [0031]    The liquid recovery system comprises a recovery tank mounted on the base housing and having a liquid recovery chamber for holding recovered liquid, a suction nozzle associated with the base housing and adapted to draw dirty liquid from the surface to be cleaned, a working air conduit extending between the recovery chamber and the suction nozzle and a vacuum source in fluid communication with the recovery chamber for generating a flow of working air from the nozzle through the working air conduit through the recovery chamber to thereby draw dirty liquid from the surface to be cleaned through the nozzle and working air conduit, and into the recovery chamber to thereby recover the dirty liquid from the surface to be cleaned. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0032]    In the drawings:  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 1 is a spray applicator according to the invention attached to an upright deep cleaner.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the spray applicator of FIG. 1.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the spray applicator of FIGS.  1 - 2 .  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a solution reservoir and spray applicator assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the solution reservoir and spray applicator assembly of FIG. 4.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 6 is a top view of the solution reservoir of FIGS.  4 - 5 .  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken through line  7 - 7  of FIG. 6.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 8 is a top view of a retainer cap for the solution reservoir of FIGS.  6 - 7 .  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken through line  9 - 9  of FIG. 8.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 10 is a side view of the retainer cap of FIGS.  8 - 9 .  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 11 is a top view of the solution reservoir assembly with installed retainer cap of FIGS.  4 - 10 .  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken through line  12 - 12  of FIG. 11.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the solution reservoir assembly of FIG. 12 assembled to the nozzle assembly of FIGS.  4 - 5 .  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the nozzle assembly of FIGS.  4 - 5 .  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a lower portion of the nozzle assembly taken through line  15 - 15  of FIG. 14.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view taken through line  16 - 16  of FIG. 13.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a solution reservoir assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 18 is a plan view of the solution reservoir of FIG. 17.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken through line  19 - 19  of FIG. 18.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 20 is the cross-sectional view of FIG. 19 with a seal and siphon tube installed in the reservoir.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the seal and siphon tube of FIG. 20.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle assembly mounted on the solution reservoir of FIGS.  17 - 21  according to the third embodiment of the invention.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 23 is a schematic view of yet another embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0056]    Referring to the drawings and to FIG. 1 in particular, an upright deep cleaner  10  has a floor-traveling head  12  with wheels and a floor suction nozzle (not shown) and an upright handle  14 , pivotally mounted to the floor-traveling head  12 . An above-floor cleaning hose  16  includes vacuum and fluid delivery conduits connected to deep cleaner  10  at one end and to a handle  18  of the hose  16  at another end. Accessory tools can be removably mounted onto the handle for selectively cleaning above-floor surfaces, such as upholstery. The deep cleaner has a fluid delivery system, including a cleaning fluid or clean water tank, a pump and a spray nozzle on the floor-traveling head  12  to spray cleaning fluid onto the floor. The deep cleaner further includes a vacuum source, typically a motor and an impeller to draw suction on the floor nozzle and a recovery tank connected to the nozzle and to the vacuum source, typically between the two, to collect soiled liquid recovered from the floor nozzle. A conversion device or valve selectively connects the above-floor hose  16  with the vacuum source and with the spray pump for above-floor cleaning. Deep cleaners of this nature are well known and are disclosed more completely in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,041,472 and 6,081,962, which are both incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0057]    According to the invention, a spray applicator  100  is mounted to the handle  18  in lieu of an above-floor cleaning tool for selectively spraying onto a floor or upholstery surface a liquid, such as a protectant, stain repellant, and/or other treatment. The treatment can include oxygen bleaching formulas, or one of numerous known solvent/water based miticides, fungicides or mildewcides, to help achieve a cleaner, more protected and/or lower allergen containing home environment. The material of the spray applicator is preferably a polyethylene or a polypropylene, as these provide maximum chemical compatibility. The spray applicator  100  connects to the fluid delivery system of the deep cleaner  10  to spray a liquid onto the floor when the deep cleaner  10  is converted to the above-floor mode. To this end, the spray applicator has a solution reservoir for the protectant and a venturi or other suction device to mix the protectant with the water from the fluid delivery system and spray the mixture on the floor or other surface to be treated.  
         [0058]    Referring now to FIG. 2, the spray applicator  100  comprises a solution reservoir  110  for holding a liquid solution such as a protectant or stain repellant. A nozzle assembly  120  is assembled to the solution reservoir  110  in a removable fashion, the nozzle assembly  120  being fluidly connected to the solution reservoir  110 . The nozzle assembly  120  includes an opening  126  for mounting of the spray applicator  100  to the above-floor handle  18  of the upright deep cleaner  10 . The nozzle assembly  120  also includes a vent opening  134  which vents the suction in the hose  16  from the vacuum source in the deep cleaner  10 . In some known deep cleaners, the vacuum source is selectively operable independent of other power-operated systems of the deep cleaner, such as a solution pump. A spray applicator  100  for use with such a deep cleaner can omit vent opening  134 . The spray applicator  100  is attached at the opening  126  to the above-floor attachment handle  18  in a removable fashion, a resiliently mounted projection (not shown) of the above-floor attachment handle  18  acting as a detent in a retention aperture  132  of the nozzle assembly  120 . A nozzle opening  128  is at the forward end of the nozzle assembly  120  opposite from the opening  126  for projection of a dispensing nozzle tip  162  therefrom.  
         [0059]    Referring now to FIG. 3, the spray applicator  100  according to the invention is shown in exploded form to more definitively show the details of the invention. Solution reservoir  110  includes a reservoir neck  112  for receiving the nozzle assembly  120 . Solution reservoir  110  is enclosed except for the reservoir neck  112 . The reservoir neck  112  includes a pair lugs  114  projecting outwardly from the surface of the neck  112 .  
         [0060]    The nozzle assembly  120  as shown in FIG. 3 includes an upper housing  130 , a lower housing  140 , a water supply tube  122 , a nozzle supply tube  124 , a venturi  150  and a dispensing nozzle  160 . The lower housing  140  includes a first attachment end  146  corresponding to the attachment opening  126  of the overall nozzle assembly  120  and a second dispensing nozzle end  148  corresponding to the nozzle opening  128  of the nozzle assembly  120 . The lower housing  140  further includes a solution suction tube fitting  144  depending from the lower housing  140  within a sleeve  142 . Sleeve  142  is adapted to connect nozzle assembly  120  to reservoir  110  at reservoir neck  112 , such that when the nozzle assembly  120  is assembled to the solution reservoir  110 , the solution suction tube fitting  144  lies within the reservoir neck  112  and a solution suction tube (not shown) fluidly connected to the solution suction tube fitting  144  reaches to the bottom of the solution reservoir  110  for fluidly connecting the lower housing  140  to solution at the bottom of the solution reservoir  110 . The solution suction tube fitting  144  is further fluidly connected to a venturi-receiving well  145  in the interior of the lower housing  140 . Lower housing  140  further includes a number of alignment bosses  143  for aligning lower housing  140  with upper housing  130 .  
         [0061]    The upper housing  130  of the nozzle assembly  120  includes a first end  136  corresponding to the opening  126 , forming the opening  126  in concert with the first end  146  of the lower housing  140  and a second dispensing nozzle opening end  138 . The dispensing nozzle end  138  in concert with the dispensing nozzle end  148  of the lower housing  140  forms the nozzle opening  128  of the nozzle assembly  120 .  
         [0062]    The venturi  150  includes a water supply tube fitting  154 , a nozzle supply tube fitting  156  and a solution suction fitting  152 . The venturi  150  is inserted in the lower housing  140  so that the solution suction fitting  152  is fluidly and sealingly connected to the solution suction tube fitting  144  and thus the solution within the solution reservoir  110 . The solution suction fitting  152  is inserted in the well  145  and includes an outer resilient surface forming a leak-tight seal in the well  145 . The venturi  150  is supported by a pair of support cradles  147  in the lower housing  140  and secured in place by corresponding projections (not shown) in the upper housing  130 .  
         [0063]    The water supply tube fitting  154  is connected to the water supply tube  122 . The nozzle supply tube  124  is fluidly connected to the nozzle supply tube fitting  156  of the venturi  150  in the lower housing  140 . The nozzle supply tube  124  is further fluidly connected to the nozzle supply tube fitting  164  of the dispensing nozzle  160 . The dispensing nozzle  160  is configured to be fixed in the nozzle end  148  of the lower housing  140  so that the dispensing nozzle tip  162  is directed toward the dispensing nozzle opening  128  of the nozzle assembly  120 .  
         [0064]    The water supply tube  122 , fluidly connected to the water supply tube fitting  154  of the venturi  150 , is further affixed to the lower housing  140  so that an opposite end of the water supply tube  122  is presented at the opening  126  of the nozzle assembly  120 . When the nozzle assembly  120  is attached to the handle  18  of the hose  16 , the water supply tube  122  fluidly and sealingly connects to the fluid delivery conduct of the above-floor cleaning hose  16 . The water supply tube  122 , venturi  150 , nozzle supply tube  124  and dispensing nozzle  160  are further mechanically secured by integral projections within the nozzle assembly  120  upon assembly of the upper housing  130  to the lower housing  140 . The upper and lower housing  130 ,  140  are configured and contoured to present a continuous outer surface upon assembly of the nozzle assembly  120 .  
         [0065]    The assembled nozzle assembly  120 , including a solution suction tube (not shown) can then be assembled to the solution reservoir  110  (containing a protectant solution). The lugs  114  cooperate with a ramped groove and slots (see, for example, ramped groove  298  and slot  294  in FIG. 5) on an interior surface of sleeve  142  depending from the nozzle assembly  120  for a bayonet connection. The sleeve  142  is lowered over the reservoir neck  112  with the slots aligning with the lugs  114 , with the nozzle assembly  120  aligned at an angle to the left or right of the longitudinal axis of the solution reservoir  110 . As the nozzle assembly  120  is rotated to be in alignment with the solution reservoir  110 , the ramp on the interior surface of the sleeve  142  draws the nozzle assembly  120  down onto the solution reservoir  110 . The end of each ramp engaging the lugs  114  includes a detent portion for engaging the lugs  114  and resisting rotation of the nozzle assembly  120  out of alignment with the solution reservoir  110 . The assembled spray applicator  100  is further adapted to connect to the above-floor attachment handle  18  of the above-floor cleaning attachment of the deep cleaner  10 . The nozzle assembly  120  can also be attached to the above-floor attachment handle  18  without the solution reservoir, with the solution reservoir  110  being attached thereafter.  
         [0066]    Referring now to FIGS.  4 - 16 , a second embodiment of the spray applicator  200  comprises a solution reservoir assembly  210  and a nozzle assembly  220 . Spray applicator  200  connects to and operates with the upright deep cleaner  10  in the same fashion as the first embodiment of the spray applicator  100 , in that opening  226  and water supply tube  122  are fluidly connected to the above-floor attachment handle  18  of the upright deep cleaner  10 , and are held to the handle  18  by a projection on the handle  18  engaging retention aperture  132 .  
         [0067]    Referring to FIG. 5, the spray applicator  200  comprises the nozzle assembly  220  having upper and lower housings  230 ,  240  and further comprising a resilient seal  300 . Upper housing  230  displays on an outer face thereof bosses  238  having an internal function of aligning and securing upper housing  230  and lower housing  240 . Upper housing  230  further includes vent openings  234  for venting suction in the hose  16  from the vacuum source of the cleaner  10 . As in the previous embodiment, when used with a deep cleaner having an independently selectively operable suction source, spray applicator  200  can omit vent opening  234 . The solution reservoir assembly  210  includes a solution reservoir  211  having a reservoir neck  212 , a retainer cap  270  and a siphon tube  290 .  
         [0068]    [0068]FIGS. 6 and 7 disclose solution reservoir  211  further including a key  214  projecting from a rear face of reservoir neck  212  on a longitudinal centerline of solution reservoir  211 . Solution reservoir  211  further comprises an over-rotation projection  216  projecting from an upper surface of solution reservoir  211  and aligned on a longitudinal centerline. A lower portion  217  of front face  219  of reservoir  211  is truncated, so that when reservoir  211  is directed downwardly during use, lower portion  217  presents an effectively flat bottom of reservoir  211  to siphon tube  290 . Reservoir  211  is further configured in plan view to conform to the outline of nozzle assembly  210  (see FIGS. 4, 6 and  14 ).  
         [0069]    Turning now to FIGS.  8 - 10 , the retainer cap  270  includes a central body  272  and a collar  274  attached to an upper portion of the body  272 , forming an annular recess  276  therebetween. The body  272  includes first and second well portions  278 ,  280  and a depending neck  282  for receiving siphon tube  290 . Depending neck  282  is fluidly connected to second well  280  through aperture  283 . First well  278  is wider than second well  280 , a shoulder  284  being formed therebetween. Shoulder  284  includes a vent aperture  286  passing therethrough.  
         [0070]    Collar  274  includes on an outer surface  292  a standard thread  288  for receiving a sealing cap (not shown) having a matching thread. The sealing cap is threaded onto the collar  274  and tightened to prevent spillage of the liquid contents in the reservoir  211  during storage and transport, and is removed prior to attachment of reservoir assembly  210  to nozzle assembly  220 . Collar  274  further includes a pair of opposing axial grooves  294  extending from an upper surface  296  of the collar  274  to a partial circumferential groove  298  having a detent  302 . Collar  274  further includes a key slot  304  adjacent to recess  276 .  
         [0071]    Referring now to FIGS.  11 - 12 , retainer cap  270  is joined to siphon tube  290  and inserted over neck  212  of solution reservoir  211 . Retainer cap  270  is bonded to solution reservoir  211 . Retainer cap  270  is installed on solution reservoir  211  in a specific orientation, facilitated by the interaction of key  214  on solution reservoir neck  212  (FIG. 7) and key slot  304  on retainer cap  270  (FIG. 9).  
         [0072]    Referring now to FIGS.  14 - 15 , the lower housing  240  of the nozzle assembly  220  includes a venturi well  245  for receiving the solution suction fitting of a venturi (see FIGS. 3, 13,  16 ) for fluidly and sealingly connecting the venturi  150  to a solution suction conduit  252 . The venturi  150  is further supported by a venturi cradle  254 . Lower housing  240  includes a number of alignment bosses  243  for aligning lower housing  240  with upper housing  230 . Dispensing nozzle end  248  is configured to receive a dispensing nozzle  160 . Solution supply tube groove  222  is configured to receive solution supply cube  122 . The solution suction conduit  252  depends from lower housing  240 . Lower housing  240  further includes a depending skirt  242  forming an annular recess  350  between skirt  242  and solution suction conduit  252  on the lower face of lower housing  240 . Annular recess  350  is configured to receive retainer cap  270  of the solution reservoir assembly  210 , so that the solution suction conduit  252  is received in second well  280  and venturi well  245  is received in first well  278 . Lower housing  240  further comprises a pair of opposing radial projections  352  projecting inwardly from skirt  242  and adapted to be axially received in grooves  294  of retainer cap  270 , such that upon full insertion of retainer cap  270  into annular recess  350 , projections  352  are fully engaged in grooves  294  such that rotation of lower housing  240  with respect to retainer cap  270  will direct projections  352  into circumferential grooves  298 . Lower housing  240  further comprises an over-rotation stop  354  having a face parallel to and offset from a longitudinal centerline of lower housing  240 . Over-rotation stop  354  is positioned to align with over-rotation projection  216  to limit the amount of rotation of the solution reservoir  210  with respect to the nozzle assembly  220 .  
         [0073]    Solution suction conduit  252  includes on an outer surface thereof an annular groove  356  and inner recess portion  358  for receiving a retaining seal  300  on the end of suction conduit  252 . Referring to FIG. 13, seal  300  forms a sealed fluid connection between aperture  283  of retainer cap  270  and solution suction conduit  252 . Siphon tube  290 , received in neck  282  of retainer cap  270 , is therefore in fluid communication with venturi  150  through solution suction conduit  252  and aperture  283 .  
         [0074]    Referring now to FIGS.  13 - 16 , the nozzle assembly  220  is mounted to the solution reservoir assembly  210  by lowering the nozzle assembly  220  over the solution reservoir assembly  210  with the annular recess  350  centered over the retainer cap  270  and the solution suction conduit  252  over the second well  280  of the retainer cap  270 . As the nozzle assembly  220  is lowered onto the solution reservoir assembly  210 , the solution suction conduit  252  with attached seal  300  enters the second well  280  in a sealing fashion. The projections  352  are aligned over the axial grooves  294  until the projections  352  reach the circumferential grooves  298 . A relative rotation of the nozzle assembly  220  with respect to the solution reservoir assembly  210  of approximately 40° will direct the projections  352  into the circumferential grooves  298  past detents  302  until projections  352  reach the end of the circumferential grooves  298 . Nozzle assembly  220  is further prevented from rotating past alignment with the solution reservoir assembly  210  by over-rotation stop  354  abutting over-rotation projection  216 . In the preferred embodiment shown, each of the axial grooves  294  is different in length so that the circumferential grooves  298  are at different distances from the top of retainer cap  270 . Projections  352  are likewise placed at different elevations within annular recess  350  to each align with one of the circumferential grooves  298 , thereby preventing incorrect installation of the solution reservoir assembly  210  onto the nozzle assembly  220 . Nozzle assembly  220  and reservoir assembly  210  are configured so that when assembled they present a continuous exterior surface, as a perimeter skirt  246  depends from lower housing  240  to closely conform to an upper edge of reservoir  211 .  
         [0075]    With the solution reservoir assembly  210  assembled to the nozzle assembly  220 , venturi  150  is fluidly connected to the interior of solution reservoir  211  through siphon tube  290  and suction conduit  252 . A fluid is supplied to venturi intake port  155  from supply tube  122  fluidly connected to supply tube fitting  154 . As the fluid passes through the venturi  150 , suction is generated in suction channel  158  and solution suction conduit  252 , thereby drawing fluid through siphon tube  290  from solution reservoir  211 . The mixture of fluids is expelled from venturi  150  at output port  157  through nozzle supply tube  124  fluidly connected to nozzle supply tube fitting  156 .  
         [0076]    A vent aperture  286  passes through the shoulder defined between first well  278  and second well  280 , fluidly connecting the interior of solution reservoir  211  with first well  278 . First well  278  is further fluidly open to the atmosphere through gaps found between retainer cap  270  and annular recess  350 . The interior of solution reservoir  211  is therefore fluidly connected to the atmosphere, so that a vacuum is not created in solution reservoir  211  as fluid is drawn by siphon  150 . It is further anticipated that a notch can be provided in an upper portion of retainer cap  270  to allow a greater flow of air at atmosphere pressure to the vent aperture  286  to prevent formation of a vacuum inside solution reservoir  211 .  
         [0077]    FIGS.  17 - 22  disclose a third embodiment of the solution spray assembly  400  according to the invention. The solution reservoir assembly  410  comprises a unitary blow-molded solution reservoir  411  having an upper surface  414  and a front face  419  having a truncated lower portion  417 . A reservoir neck  412  projects upwardly from upper surface  414 . Solution reservoir  411  is integrally molded with solution reservoir neck  412 . The exterior of solution reservoir neck  412  is molded to include standard threads  488  for receiving a cap for sealing the reservoir assembly  410  during storage and transport. The exterior of solution reservoir neck  412  is further molded to include axial grooves  494 , circumferential grooves  498 , and detent  502 , analogous to the axial grooves  294 , circumferential grooves  498  and detent  302  as described above with reference to FIGS.  8 - 10  depicting retainer cap  270 . Reservoir neck  412  further comprises an integrally formed insert  472  having an upper annular wall  496  flush with the upper end of neck  412 . Annular wall  496  extends inwardly from neck  412  to a depending proximately cylindrical wall  474  that forms a well  480  with a lower annular wall  476 . Insert  472  includes a vent aperture  486  passing through annular wall  496  to the interior of solution reservoir  411 . Solution reservoir  411  further includes an over-rotation projection  416  projecting upwardly from upper surface  414  along a longitudinal axis of reservoir  411 .  
         [0078]    Referring to FIGS.  18 - 20 , the interior of solution reservoir neck  412  comprises a solution reservoir neck channel  470 . Channel  470  is covered at the upper end of reservoir neck  412  by insert  472 , which, in the preferred embodiment, is integrally molded with reservoir neck  412 . Insert  472  includes an upper annular wall  496 , a depending cylindrical wall  474 , a lower annular wall  476 , and an aperture  478  in lower annular surface  476 . Upper annular surface  496  is configured for alignment with the top of solution reservoir neck  412 , with depending cylindrical wall  474  depending into channel  470 . Depending cylindrical wall  474  and lower annular wall  476  define well  480 , centered in solution reservoir neck  412 . Aperture  478  fluidly connects well  480  with the interior of solution reservoir  411 . Insert  472  further includes a vent aperture  486  in upper annular wall  496  fluidly connecting the interior of solution reservoir  411  to atmosphere.  
         [0079]    Referring now to FIGS.  20 - 21 , a siphon tube  490  has a first end  512  and a second end  514 . Annular seal  500  has a lower surface  506 , an upper surface  508 , and a central passage  504  having a perimeter wall  510 . The first end  512  of siphon tube  490  cooperates with perimeter wall  510  of seal  500  to retain siphon tube  490  within central aperture  504  of seal  500 . The assembly comprising siphon tube  490  and seal  500  is inserted into well  480 , with siphon tube  490  passing through aperture  478  and into reservoir  411  such that second end  514  of siphon tube  490  is arranged proximate truncated lower portion  417  of reservoir  411 . Seal  500  is inserted into well  480  such that lower surface  506  sealingly contacts lower annular wall  476  of well  480 . Preferably, an adhesive secures seal  500  to lower annular wall  476  of well  480  to prevent removal. Aperture  478  is thus sealed, fluidly isolating well  480  from the interior of reservoir  411  except through siphon tube  490 .  
         [0080]    Solution reservoir assembly  410  can now be pre-filled with a solution, a standard cap applied to neck  412 , and the sealed assembly  410  transported to the end user. In a further embodiment of the manufacturing process, the solution reservoir  411  can be pre-filled with a solution prior to the insertion of the siphon tube  490  and seal  500 .  
         [0081]    When the user is ready to employ the solution reservoir assembly  410 , the user removes the standard cap from the reservoir neck  412  and attaches the assembly  410  to a nozzle assembly  420 , as shown in FIG. 22. Lower housing  440  of nozzle assembly  420  includes a skirt portion  446  for matching the outer contour of reservoir  411 , as in the second embodiment. Lower housing  440  further includes depending concentric cylindrical walls  442 ,  452 , arranged so that cyclindrical wall  452  is lowered into well  480  as nozzle assembly  420  is assembled onto reservoir assembly  420 . Simultaneously, cylindrical wall  442  surrounds reservoir neck  412  so that reservoir neck  412  enters a cavity  550  defined between walls  442 ,  452 . Cylindrical wall  442  includes inwardly directed projections (not shown) for engaging axial and circumferential grooves  494 ,  498  of the reservoir neck  412 , as in the second embodiment, to prevent displacement of the nozzle assembly  420  from reservoir neck  412 .  
         [0082]    As nozzle assembly  420  is lowered onto reservoir neck  412 , cylindrical wall  452  descends into well  480  until it abuts upper surface  508  of seal  500 . Venturi  150  is mounted within nozzle assembly  420  so that venturi solution suction fitting  152  depends within a cavity  445  formed by cylindrical wall  452  and is flush with the bottom edge thereof. The venturi solution suction fitting  152  therefore abuts upper surface  508  of seal  500  to form a fluid-tight seal with siphon tube  490  and the solution in the solution reservoir  411 . As the nozzle assembly draws solution from the solution reservoir  411 , the interior of solution reservoir  411  is vented through vent aperture  486  to prevent creation of reduced pressure within solution reservoir  411 . The nozzle assembly also includes openings  422 ,  426  for connecting the spray assembly  400  to the deep cleaner  10 . The nozzle assembly otherwise functions substantially as described in the previous embodiments illustrated in FIGS.  1 - 16 .  
         [0083]    The operation of the spray applicator  100 ,  200 ,  400  in combination with the upright deep cleaner  10  (also known as an extractor) will now be further discussed. The spray applicator  100 ,  200 ,  400  is attached to the above-floor cleaning hose  16 , so that it is fluidly connected to at least the fluid delivery conduit of the above-floor cleaning hose  16 . If the upright deep cleaner  10  is supplying only water, the reservoir of the spray applicator  100 ,  200 ,  400  can be filled with a surface treatment for mixing with the supplied water. In an alternative method of use, a clean solution tank on the upright deep cleaner  10  can be filled with a pre-mixed surface treatment and the reservoir of the spray applicator  100 ,  200 ,  400  need not be used.  
         [0084]    The upright deep cleaner  10  is energized to provide a pressurized flow of water or solution through the above-floor cleaning hose  16 , or specifically, the fluid delivery conduit of the above-floor cleaning hose  16 . The above-floor handle  18  of the upright deep cleaner  10  generally includes a dispensing actuator mechanism for the operator to initiate fluid dispensing at the above-floor cleaning attachment  16 . This actuator can take the form of a spring-biased clamp that is releasable by a trigger-like mechanism on the handle  18 . Therefore, the spray applicator  100 ,  200 ,  400  according to the invention does not require an additional actuation mechanism in the form of a water supply cutoff.  
         [0085]    Upon actuation of the liquid supply from the deep cleaner  10 , the liquid flowing through the water supply tube  122  and venturi  150  creates a low-pressure region in the venturi  150 . The low-pressure region within the venturi  150  draws the surface treatment into the venturi  150  from the solution reservoir of the spray applicator  100 ,  200 ,  400 . The surface treatment is then mixed in the venturi valve  150  with the water being supplied through the water supply tube  122  for dispensing through the nozzle supply tube  124  and dispensing nozzle  160  for application to a surface being treated.  
         [0086]    Each of the embodiments of the spray applicator  100 ,  200 ,  400  disclosed includes an opening for receiving the suction conduit of the above-floor cleaning hose  16 . When attached to an upright deep cleaner  10  having a suction source that is activated whenever the deep cleaner is activated, the spray applicator  100 ,  200 ,  400  must provide venting for the suction conduit to prevent the suction source from overheating. In the alternative, a further embodiment of a spray applicator (not shown) can connect to the fluid supply conduit without engaging the suction conduit of the above-floor cleaning hose  16 . The spray applicator  100 ,  200 ,  400  is also adapted to be used with an upright deep cleaner  10  having a suction source operable independently of a solution pump.  
         [0087]    Referring now to FIG. 23, there is shown a schematic representation of a solution delivery system which forms a part of an upright water extraction cleaning machine  30  which is disclosed in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,472, which is incorporated herewith in its entirety by reference. FIG. 23 shows only the solution distribution portion of that water extraction cleaning machine although the water extraction cleaning machine  30  has all of the features disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,472.  
         [0088]    The solution distribution system comprises a clean water tank  32  having a neck  34  and a valve  36  which dispenses water from the water tank  32  into a receptacle  38  when the clean water tank  32  is mounted on the extraction cleaning machine  30  in a receptacle  38 . A water line  40  extends from the receptacle  38  to an inlet of a mixing valve  42 . The mixing valve has a knob  44  which adjusts the mixing of components in the mixing valve  42  in a manner disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,472.  
         [0089]    A solution tank  46  has a neck  48  and a valve  50  which releases solution in the solution tank  46  to a receptacle  52  when the solution tank is mounted to the receptacle in the extraction cleaning machine  30 . Solution passes from the receptacle  52  through solution line  54  to an input port to the mixing valve  42 . The knob  44  controls the relative amount of clean water in line  40  mixed with solution in line  54  in the mixing valve  42 . The output from the mixing valve  42  passes through line  56  to a pump  58  and from pump  58  through line  60 , branch line  62 , through valve  64  to spray nozzle  66  which applies the water/solution mixture to a floor surface. The valve  64  is controlled by a trigger (not shown) in the handle of the upright extraction cleaning machine  30 .  
         [0090]    A branch line  68  is connected to a spring-biased valve  70  which has a fitting  72 . The foregoing is a description of the upright water extraction cleaning machine as disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,472. According to the invention, a connector  72  is mounted to the fitting  72  to open the valve  70 . The connector  74  is connected to a spray wand  78  through a tube  76 . The spray wand  78  is adapted to spray the solution onto a carpet  80 .  
         [0091]    According to the invention, the solution tank  46  has a protectant solution therein. The protectant solution can be a stain-resistant composition, such as Scotchgard™ protectant, a mildew-resistant composition or can alternatively be a miticide solution. The protectant solution is mixed with clean water in the mixing valve  42  and pumped through pump  58  through the valve  70 , through line  76  and to the spray wand  78 . Alternatively, the protectant solution can be mixed with water and placed directly in the clean water tank  72  and passed through the mixing valve which is set to close off the input port from solution line  54 . The mixture of water and protectant can then pass undiluted through line  56 , pump  58 , line  60 , line  68 , through valve  70  and to the spray wand  78 . In an alternate embodiment, a liquid miticide composition can be added to the solution tank  46  and mixed with water and protectant in the clean water tank  32  by means of the mixing valve  42  and passed to the spray wand  78  for spraying on the carpet.  
         [0092]    While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the scope of the foregoing description and drawings without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8