Patent Abstract:
A bare floor cleaner has a foot with a dry suction nozzle and a handle assembly pivotally connected to the foot assembly. A diverter mounted in the working air conduit between the foot assembly and the handle assembly is movable by movement of the handle assembly between a dry suction position and a wet mop position for selectively at least partially blocking working air flow from the dry suction nozzle to a collection assembly. A fluid delivery system includes a user operated trigger for actuating the fluid delivery system to distribute fluid in the wet mop position and deactivating a motor/fan assembly. A trigger lock prevents cleaning solution from being distributed when the handle is in dry mode position. The fluid delivery system includes a heating element to raise the temperature of the cleaning solution before it is distributed to the surface to be cleaned. Support glides on the foot reduce the surface area contact between the foot pad and the surface to be cleaned.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/743,457, filed Mar. 10, 2006, and is related to PCT Application No. PCT/US2004/026952, filed Aug. 20, 2004, published as WO2005/018402, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention relates to cleaning bare floor surfaces. In one aspect, the invention relates to a bare floor cleaner that performs dry pickup. In another aspect, the invention relates to a bare floor cleaner that selectively performs dry vacuuming and wet mopping by convenient movement of a manipulating handle. In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a bare floor cleaner having a diverter for selectively blocking a dry nozzle opening, wherein the diverter is actuated by movement of a handle assembly. In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a bare floor cleaner wherein cleaning solution is prevented from being deposited on the surface to be cleaned when in a dry vacuuming mode and a dry vacuuming motor is shut off when cleaning solution is deposited on the surface to be cleaned. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    The common procedure of cleaning a bare floor surface, such as tile, linoleum, and hardwood floors, involves several steps. First, dry or loose dust, dirt, and debris are removed, and then liquid cleaning solution is applied to the surface either directly or by means of an agitator. Motion of the agitator with respect to the bare surface acts to loosen the remaining dirt. The agitator can be a stationary brush or cloth that is moved by the user, or a motor-driven brush that is moved with respect to a base support by a motor. If the agitator is absorbent, it will remove the dirt and collect a portion of the soiled cleaning solution from the floor. 
         [0006]    Cleaning a bare floor commonly requires multiple cleaning tools. For example, the first step of removing dry debris most often employs a conventional broom and dustpan. A user sweeps dry debris into a pile and then transfers the pile to the dustpan for disposal. However, the broom and dustpan are not ideal for removing dry particles because it is difficult to transfer the entire debris pile into the dustpan. Additionally, the user typically bends over to hold the dustpan in place while collecting the debris pile. Such motion can be inconvenient, difficult, and even painful for some users. Dust cloths can also be used, but large dirt particles do not sufficiently adhere thereto. Another option is vacuuming the dry debris, but most homes are equipped with vacuum cleaners that are designed for use on carpets and can damage bare surfaces. 
         [0007]    Tools for applying and/or agitating cleaning solution have similar deficiencies. The most common cleaning implement for these steps is the traditional sponge or rag mop. Mops are capable of loosening dirt from the floor and have excellent absorbency; however, when the mop requires more cleaning solution, it is placed in a bucket to soak up warm cleaning solution and returned to the floor. Each time more cleaning solution is required, the mop is usually placed in the same bucket, and after several repetitions the cleaning solution becomes dirty and cold. As a result, dirty cleaning solution is used to remove dirt from the bare surface. Furthermore, movement of the mop requires physical exertion, and the mop head wears with use and must be replaced periodically. Textured cloths can be used as an agitator, but they also require physical exertion and regular replacement. Additionally, cloths are not as absorbent as mops and, therefore, can leave more soiled cleaning solution on the floor. 
         [0008]    Some household cleaning devices have been developed to eliminate the need for multiple cleaning implements for cleaning a bare floor and alleviate some of the problems described above that are associated with the individual tools. Such cleaning devices are usually adapted for vacuuming or sweeping dry dirt and dust prior to application of cleaning solution, applying and agitating the cleaning solution, and, subsequently, vacuuming the soiled cleaning solution, thereby leaving only a small amount of cleaning solution on the bare surface. Common agitators are rotating brushes, rotating mop cloths, and stationary or vibrating sponge mops. A good portion of the multifunctional cleaning devices utilize an accessory that is attached to the cleaning device to convert between dry and wet cleaning modes. Others are capable of performing all functions without accessories, but have complex designs and features that can be difficult and confusing to operate. 
         [0009]    An example of a dry suctioning and wet mopping floor cleaner is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0139572 to Kisela, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, which discloses a dry suctioning and wet mopping device wherein a solution distributor is affixed to a dry suction nozzle that is rotatable relative to a foot assembly of the device so that the dry suction nozzle can be placed in contact with or away from the surface to be cleaned at the user&#39;s discretion. 
         [0010]    Examples of multifunctional bare floor cleaners are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,622,254 and 6,101,668 and in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2003/0051301, 2003/0051306, 2003/0051308, 2003/0051309, and 2003/00513010, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The &#39;254 patent discloses an apparatus for cleaning bare and carpeted floors and comprises several independently adjustable cleaning implements, such as a squeegee attached to a suction pipe, a scrubbing roll, and a sweeping roll. The apparatus can accomplish wet pickup through the suction pipe, wet scrubbing by means of the scrubbing roll, and dry pickup with a dust collecting nozzle disposed adjacent the sweeping roll. 
         [0011]    The publications listed in the above paragraph are a family of patent applications that disclose a bare floor cleaner having independently adjustable nozzle and brush assemblies. The nozzle assembly comprises a single nozzle opening that is surrounded by an overmolded squeegee and through which both wet and dry debris can enter. The cleaner operates in a wet pickup mode with the nozzle assembly in contact with the surface to be cleaned. The nozzle assembly is raised to a position above the surface to be cleaned for operation in a dry pickup mode. 
         [0012]    The &#39;668 patent is an example of a cleaner that can accomplish all the steps required to clean a bare floor with the assistance of an attachment. The cleaner has a cleaning head equipped with a nozzle having squeegees on the front and rear sides thereof and a vertically adjustable scrubbing pad through which cleaning solution can be dispensed. When a cover is attached to the bottom of the cleaning head, the entire cleaning head, including the squeegees, nozzle, and scrubbing pad, are raised from the floor to permit dry pickup. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    According to the invention, a wet/dry bare floor cleaner comprises a base, a handle pivotally connected to the base for movement between a dry mode position and a wet mode position, a recovery system for collecting dirt when the handle is in the dry mode position, a fluid delivery system comprising a source of cleaning fluid and a fluid distributor in fluid communication with the source of cleaning fluid for dispensing cleaning fluid onto a surface to be cleaned and an interlock coupled to the fluid delivery system that prevents cleaning fluid from being dispensed to a surface to be cleaned when the handle is in the dry mode position. 
         [0014]    The interlock can comprise a mechanical interlock. The mechanical interlock can comprise a movable element that moves under gravity to a first position when the handle is in the dry mode position and to a second position when the handle is in the wet mode position. The handle can be at an acute angle with respect to the vertical in a first direction in the dry mode position and the handle in at an acute angle with respect to the vertical in a second direction in the wet mode position. 
         [0015]    The recovery system can include a disabling mechanism for disabling the recovery system when the fluid distributor is dispensing cleaning fluid onto the surface to be cleaned. The recovery system can comprise a motor/fan assembly mounted to one of the handle and the base, and the motor/fan assembly is deactivated when fluid is being dispensed. The recovery system can include a diverter valve movable between an open position when the handle is in the dry mode position and a closed position when the handle is in a wet mode position. The fluid delivery system can include a trigger operably connected to a switch that controls the supply of electrical energy to the motor/fan assembly. The trigger can be positioned on one side of a hand grip for convenient operation by a finger of a user in the wet mode position and for inconvenient operation in the dry mode position. The hand grip can be an elongated shaft that is gripped by the user by wrapping one hand around the shaft in both the dry mode and wet mode positions. 
         [0016]    The wet/dry bare floor cleaner can further comprise a suction nozzle on one side of the base. The fluid distributor can be positioned on another side of the base. The wet/dry bare floor cleaner can further comprise a cleaning pad mounted to the underside of the base. The fluid distributor can include a spray nozzle for projecting cleaning fluid onto the surface to be cleaned laterally of the base. The wet/dry bare floor cleaner can further comprise a heating element to raise the temperature of the cleaning fluid to be dispensed to the surface to the cleaned. 
         [0017]    Further according to the invention, a wet/dry bare floor cleaner comprises a base, a handle pivotally connected to the base for movement between a dry mode position and a wet mode position, a recovery system for collecting dirt when the handle is in the dry mode position and a fluid delivery system comprising a source of cleaning fluid and a fluid distributor in fluid communication with the source of cleaning fluid for dispensing cleaning fluid onto a surface to be cleaned. The recovery system includes a disabling mechanism for disabling the recovery system when the fluid distributor is dispensing cleaning fluid onto the surface to be cleaned. 
         [0018]    The handle can be at an acute angle with respect to the vertical in a first direction in the dry mode position and the handle in at an acute angle with respect to the vertical in a second direction in the wet mode position. The recovery system can comprise a motor/fan assembly mounted to one of the handle and the base, and a deactivator mechanism coupled to the motor/fan assembly to deactivate the motor/fan assembly when fluid is being dispensed. The deactivator mechanism can include a trigger operably connected to a switch that controls the supply of electrical energy to the motor/fan assembly. The recovery system can include a diverter valve movable between an open position when the handle is in the dry mode position and a closed position when the handle is in a wet mode position. 
         [0019]    Still further according to the invention, a wet/dry bare floor cleaner comprises a base having a plurality of support glides to reduce the surface area contact between the base and the surface to be cleaned, a handle pivotally connected to the base, a recovery system for collecting dirt when the handle is in the dry mode position, a fluid delivery system comprising a source of cleaning fluid and a fluid distributor in fluid communication with the source of cleaning fluid for dispensing cleaning fluid onto a surface to be cleaned and a cleaning pad mounted the base, between the support glides and the surface to be cleaned. The support glides can include a plurality of bristles. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    In the drawings: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a bare floor cleaner according to the invention, comprising a foot assembly and a handle assembly. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the bare floor cleaner handle assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a partial front view of a lower portion of the handle assembly of the bare floor cleaner shown in  FIG. 1  with a front enclosure removed for clarity. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the lower portion of the handle assembly shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a switch assembly of the base floor cleaner. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of a solution delivery system of the bare floor cleaner shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the foot assembly of the bare floor cleaner shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a fluid distributor shown in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 9A  is a sectional view of a support glide shown in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 9B  is a sectional view of an optional pad for the foot assembly. 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is a partial view of the handle assembly of the bare floor cleaner of  FIG. 1 , illustrated in a dry suction mode configuration. 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a sectional view of the foot assembly of the bare floor cleaner of  FIG. 1 , illustrated in the dry suction mode configuration. 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a partial view of the handle assembly of the bare floor cleaner of  FIG. 1 , illustrated in a wet mop mode configuration. 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a sectional view of the foot assembly of the bare floor cleaner of  FIG. 1 , illustrated in the wet mop mode configuration. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0035]    Referring to the drawings and to  FIGS. 1 and 2  in particular, a bare floor cleaner  10  according to the invention comprises a handle assembly  12  pivotally mounted to a base or foot assembly  14 . The handle assembly  12  can pivot from an upright or vertical position, where the handle assembly  12  is substantially vertical relative to a surface to be cleaned, to either a first or second lowered position, whereby the handle assembly  12  is respectively moved in an forward or rearward direction relative to the foot assembly  14  and is angled relative to the surface to be cleaned. 
         [0036]    The handle assembly  12  comprises an upper handle assembly  16  and a lower handle assembly  18 . The upper handle assembly  16  comprises a hollow handle tube  20  having a grip assembly  22  fixedly attached to a first end of the handle tube  20  and the lower handle assembly  18  fixedly attached to a second end of the handle tube  20  via screws or other suitable commonly known fasteners. The grip assembly  22  is essentially an elongated handle shaft that is gripped by the user by wrapping one hand around the shaft; however, it is within the scope of the invention to utilize other grips commonly found on other machines, such as closed-loop grips having circular or triangular shapes. The grip assembly  22  comprises a right handle half  21  that mates with a left handle half  23  and provides a user interface to manipulate the bare floor cleaner  10 . Additionally, the mating handle halves  21 ,  23  form a cavity  26  therebetween. Referring to  FIG. 2 , wherein the right handle half  21  of the grip assembly  22  is removed for illustrative purposes, a trigger  24  is partially mounted within the cavity  26 , with a portion of the trigger  24  projecting outwardly from the grip assembly  22  where it is accessible to the user. The remainder of the trigger  24  resides in the cavity  26  formed by the handle halves  21 ,  23  and communicates with a push rod  25  that is positioned within the hollow interior of the handle tube  20 . The trigger  24  is pivotally mounted to the handle halves  21 ,  23  so that the trigger  24  can rotate relative to the grip assembly  22  in a conventional manner. 
         [0037]    The lower handle  18  comprises a generally elongated rear enclosure  28  that provides structural support for components of the bare floor cleaner  10  contained therein. A front enclosure  29  mates with the rear enclosure  28  to form a central cavity  36  therebetween. A first recess  32  is formed above the rear enclosure  28  and a second recess  34  is formed below the front enclosure  29 . A lower end of the lower handle assembly  18  comprises a generally rectangular conduit  31  that defines a working air inlet to the handle assembly  12  and is in fluid communication with the foot assembly  14 . 
         [0038]    A dirt bin assembly  50  is removably mounted in the second cavity  34 . The dirt bin assembly is preferably constructed, at least partially, of a translucent material. A suitable dirt bin assembly is more fully described in PCT Application No. PCT/US2004/026952, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The dirt bin assembly  50  is in fluid communication with the conduit  31  when it is mounted in the second cavity  34  such that working air from the foot assembly  14  is drawn through the dirt bin assembly  50  by a motor/fan assembly  33 . Dry debris entrained in the working air will be separated and collected by the dirt bin assembly  50 . 
         [0039]    The motor/fan assembly  33  is mounted in the cavity  36 , and is vertically located between the first recess  32  and the second recess  34 . The motor/fan assembly  33  creates airflow in a conventional manner, which moves debris from the surface being cleaned into the cleaner  10 . The motor/fan assembly  33  is powered by a commonly known rechargeable battery pack  37  that is also located within the cavity  36 . The battery pack  37  is selectively connected to the motor/fan assembly  33  through an electrical on/off switch  38  operable through a switch aperture  39  in the front enclosure  29  via a switch button  41 . Alternatively, the motor/fan assembly  33  can be mounted to the foot assembly  14  in a commonly known fashion. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the lower handle assembly  18  further comprises a transfer rod  52  that is slidably secured therein via a pair of cutouts  54  surrounding corresponding screw bosses that partially secure the rear enclosure  28  to the front enclosure  29 . A solution valve assembly  56  is fixedly mounted in spaced relation to a valve assembly engagement surface  58  on one end of the transfer rod  52 . A trigger stop pivot  60 , located adjacent to the cutouts  54 , extends from a side surface of the transfer rod  52  and pivotally mounts a trigger stop  62  on a pin  63  extending therefrom. A mechanical stop  64  is located on the trigger stop pivot  60  to limit rotational movement of the trigger stop  62 . A stop rib  66  is integrally formed on the rear enclosure  28  in close proximity to one end of the trigger stop  62 . A resilient spring arm  72  protrudes from a side surface of the transfer rod  52 , and the free end of the spring arm  72  engages with a corresponding spring support  74  integrally formed in the rear enclosure  28 . The spring support  74  can further be a screw boss used to secure the rear enclosure  28  to the front enclosure  29 . The trigger stop  62  further comprises a bearing surface  68  that rotates about the pin  63  as well as a stop rib engagement surface  70  that makes selective contact with the rib stop  66  depending upon the orientation of the handle assembly  12  relative to foot assembly  14  as will be discussed in more detailed herein. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a rigid switch interface arm  76  extends orthogonally from a front face of the transfer rod  52  and selectively engages an upper surface of the switch button  41 . The switch button  41  further comprises a pair of switch button bosses  80  to which the on/off switch  38  is attached by a pair of screws  81 . Specifically, the on/off switch  38  comprises a commonly known switch body  85  containing a slideable switch actuator  84  that can be moved by the user to open or close the electrical circuit. The switch body  85  is fixedly attached to the bosses  80  of the switch button  41  for movement therewith. This configuration holds the switch actuator  84  stationary while the switch body  85  is moved. The switch button  41  therefore controls the position of the switch actuator  84  since the switch button  41  is directly coupled to the switch body  85 . The switch interface arm  76  is dimensioned so that a portion overlaps the upper switch button boss  80 . A switch bridge  82  is rigidly attached to an inside surface of the front enclosure  29  via a pair of screws  83 A received in screw bosses  83 B. The switch bridge  82  further comprises a generally central aperture  96  that receives the switch actuator  84 . 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 6 , a solution tank assembly  40  is removably mounted to the lower handle  18  such that it partially rests on the rear enclosure  28  and is partially received by the first recess  32 . The solution tank assembly  40  comprises a tank to hold a predetermined amount of cleaning solution which comprises a liquid, such as water, cleaning detergent, or a mixture thereof. As shown schematically in  FIG. 6 , when the solution tank assembly  40  is mounted to the lower handle  18 , it is in fluid communication with a commonly known receiver  43 . A first solution conduit  42  fluidly communicates between the receiver  43  and a solution valve assembly  56 . A second solution conduit  35  fluidly communicates between an outlet of the solution valve assembly  56  and a solution tee  44  located in the foot assembly  14  as will be described in more detail below. Each of a pair of distribution conduits  67  fluidly communicates between the solution tee  44  and a corresponding pair of solution distributors  112 . Optionally, a heating element  90  can be provided between the solution valve assembly  56  and the fluid distributors  112  to heat the cleaning solution prior to distribution onto the surface to be cleaned as is more fully disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,237 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The heating element  90  can be powered through the battery pack  37  in a commonly known manner. A suitable solution tank assembly and fluid distribution system is more fully described in the above referenced &#39;952 PCT application. 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the foot assembly  14  comprises a top enclosure  86  mounted to a base platform  88  to define therebetween a cavity that houses several components of the foot assembly  14 . The base platform  88  provides structural support for several of the foot assembly components, including a handle pivot  98 , the solution distributors  112 , solution conduits  67 , solution tee  44 , a plurality of support glides  46 , a plurality of lower pad attachment devices  47 , and a pair of upper pad attachment devices  48 . The base platform  88  also forms an integral dry suction nozzle  92  near one edge thereof. 
         [0044]    The handle pivot  98  pivotally mounts the handle assembly  12  to the foot assembly  14  and comprises a barrel  100  with a longitudinal inlet aperture  102  formed in a sidewall thereof to create a working air path from the dry suction nozzle  92  to the dirt bin assembly  50  through a conduit  104  that is integrally formed with the barrel  100 . The conduit  104  is in fluid communication with conduit  31  and can be at least partially received within conduit  31 . A suitable handle pivot is more fully described in the above referenced &#39;952 PCT application. 
         [0045]    A working air passage  106  is substantially integrally formed between the dry suction nozzle  92  and the handle pivot  98 . However, to simplify the manufacturing process, the base platform  88  can also accept individual pieces such as a working air cap  110  to complete the working air passage  106 . One advantage of incorporating removable parts into the working air path is that access can be gained to the air path for cleaning out occasional clogs. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the solution distributors  112  each comprise a hollow body  114  mated to an outlet manifold  1   16 . The hollow body  114  further comprises a conduit barb  118  to fluidly communicate with the aforementioned solution conduits  67 . The outlet manifold  116  further comprises a plurality of orifices  122  to deliver solution to the surface to be cleaned. The orifices  122  can be angled relative to each other so that fluid distribution can be spread in any desired pattern, such as a fan-shaped pattern. A solution conduit  67  is attached to the conduit barb  118  on one end. The other end of the solution conduit  67  is attached to a conduit barb on the solution tee  44 , placing the solution distributors  112  and the solution tee  44  in fluid communication. The solution distributors  112  are securely positioned in corresponding recesses  113  in the base platform  88  by a mounting feature  120  that extends from the hollow body  14 , and are oriented on a side of the foot assembly  14  opposite the dry suction nozzle  92 . 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 9A , the support glides  46  are secured to the base platform  88  and comprise a retaining portion  124 , a retaining wall  126 , and a support surface  128 . The support surface  128  can comprise a plurality of support bristles. The retaining portion  124  is secured to the base platform  88  by pushing the retaining portion  124  through a corresponding aperture in the base platform  88  so that the retaining wall  126  deforms as it passes through the aperture and snaps into place. The support surface  128  protrudes beneath the base platform  88  so that the weight of the bare floor cleaner  10  is supported solely through the support glides  46 . This minimizes the surface area contact between the bare floor cleaner  10  and the surface to be cleaned, resulting in lower frictional forces and easing the push force required to be supplied by the user as the foot assembly  14  is moved across the surface to be cleaned. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the lower pad attachment devices  47  are located on a bottom surface to the base platform  88  and the upper pad attachment devices  48  are located on a top surface of the base enclosure  86 . The attachment devices  47 ,  48  are preferably made of the hook portion of a commonly known hook and loop fastener material, such as Velcro®, and are secured to the base platform  88  and base enclosure  86  with adhesive. A mop cloth  130  is wrapped over the support glides  46  ( FIG. 9 ) and secured to the foot assembly  14  via the pad attachment devices  47 ,  48 . 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 9B , optional non-skid pads  132  can be secured to the base platform  88  in place of or in addition to the support glides  46  to achieve a different result. The pads  132  comprise a retaining portion  134  and a support portion  136 . The retaining portion  134  has a retaining wall  138  and is secured to the base platform  88  by pushing the retaining portion  134  through a corresponding aperture in the base platform  88  so that the retaining wall  138  deforms as it passes through the aperture and snaps into place. The support portion  136  protrudes beneath the base platform  88  so that the weight of the bare floor cleaner  10  is supported solely through the non-skid pads  132 . The non-skid pads  132  are typically made of a rubber or elastomeric material that has a high coefficient of friction and provide a high friction surface area contact between the bare floor cleaner  10  and the surface to be cleaned, increasing the push force required to be supplied by the user as the foot assembly  14  is moved across the surface to be cleaned. The non-skid pads  132  discourage use of the bare floor cleaner  10  when no mop cloth  130  is present, thus minimizing the possibility of the bare foot assembly  14  causing damage to the surface to be cleaned. 
         [0050]    The bare floor cleaner  10  can be selectively operated in a dry suction mode, in which dry dirt and debris from the surface to be cleaned is collected in the dirt bin assembly  50  via the dry suction nozzle  92 , or a wet mopping mode, in which solution is distributed onto the surface to be cleaned from the solution distributors  112  and scrubbed using the mop cloth  130 . Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the dry suction mode is described wherein the handle assembly  12  is in a first lowered position, in which the handle assembly  12  is generally oriented over the solution distributors  112  such that the dry nozzle assembly  92  is positioned ahead of the handle assembly  12  relative to the solution distributors  1   12 . In this position, the trigger  24  is oriented on an upper portion of the grip assembly  22  and out of convenient reach of the user. The inlet aperture  102  of the handle pivot  98  is aligned with an aperture  109  in a pivot cradle  108  formed in the base platform  88 . As a result, a working air path extends from the dry nozzle assembly  92 , through space  115  between the base platform  88  and the working air cap  100 , through the conduit  104  that projects from the pivot barrel  100 , and through conduit  31  to an inlet of the dirt bin assembly  50 . A suitable air path is more fully described in the above referenced &#39;952 PCT application The motor/fan assembly  33  can be activated and de-activated by the user via the switch button  41 . The switch button  41  position, and hence whether the motor/fan assembly  33  is activated or deactivated, can be changed by the user regardless of the handle orientation. 
         [0051]    No solution is intended to be distributed during dry suction mode. As previously mentioned, the trigger  24  is out of convenient reach of the user to minimize activation. Furthermore, with the handle assembly  12  in the first lowered position, the trigger stop  62  rotates about the pin  63  under force of gravity and comes to rest on the inside wall of the rear enclosure  28  in close proximity to the trigger stop rib  66 . Therefore, even if the trigger  24  is inadvertently engaged by the user, the trigger stop  62  prevents the transfer rod  52  from moving. 
         [0052]    Referring now to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , a wet mop mode is described wherein the handle assembly  12  is in a second lowered position, in which the handle assembly is generally oriented over the dry nozzle assembly  92  such that the solution distributors  112  are positioned ahead of the dry nozzle assembly  92  relative to the handle assembly  12 . When the handle assembly  12  is in the second lowered position, the barrel  100  blocks the aperture  109  and no air is drawn into the dirt bin assembly  50 . 
         [0053]    When the handle assembly  12  is in second lowered position, the trigger  24  is on an underside of the grip assembly  22  and within convenient reach of the user. Referring to  FIG. 12  and the schematic in  FIG. 6 , cleaning solution can be selectively dispensed from the solution tank assembly  40  via depression of the trigger  24 , which engages the push rod  25 . As the push rod  25  moves, an engagement surface  77  on one end of the push rod  25  contacts a push rod engagement surface  78  on the transfer rod  52 . Since the handle assembly  12  is inclined, the trigger stop  62  falls, under the force of gravity, away from the stop rib  66  and comes to rest on the mechanical stop  64  on the transfer rod  52 . With the trigger stop  62  in this position, the transfer rod  52  can move in response to the force from the push rod  25 , whereby the solution valve assembly engagement surface  58  contacts a transfer rod engagement surface  71  on the solution valve assembly  56 , thus opening the solution valve assembly  56 . Subsequently, cleaning solution flows by gravitational feed from the solution tank assembly  40  sequentially through the receiver  43 , through the fluid conduit  42 , through the now open solution valve assembly  56 , through the second solution conduit  35 , through the solution tee  44 , through the distribution conduits  68 , and finally to the fluid distributors  112 , where cleaning solution is dispensed in the desired pattern onto the surface to be cleaned. 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 ,  12 , and  13 , movement of the transfer rod  52  further causes the spring arm  72  to deflect against the spring support  74 , creating an opposing force to the trigger  24  and tending to return the transfer rod  52  to an at rest position. Additionally, as the transfer rod  52  moves, the switch interface arm  76  contacts the upper switch button boss  80  forcing the switch button  41  and switch body  85  down. As the switch body  85  moves down, the switch actuator  84  is held stationary by the switch bridge  82 , thus moving the on/off switch from an “on” position to an “off” position. Therefore, with the cleaner  10  in the wet mop mode, cleaning solution can be applied to the surface to be cleaned and the motor/fan assembly  33  is automatically turned off. It is desirable to turn off the motor/fan assembly  33  during the wet mode because the dirt bin assembly  50  of the cleaner  10  is not designed to perform wet extraction and the battery life of the cleaner  10  can be extended. 
         [0055]    When the trigger  24  is released, the spring arm  72  biases the transfer rod  52  back to the normal position, a spring  94  on the solution valve assembly  56  closes the solution valve assembly  56  and the flow of cleaning solution from the solution tank assembly  40  is stopped. The user can then move the foot assembly  14  over the dispensed cleaning solution and use the mop cloth  130  to agitate debris on the surface and absorb excess cleaning solution. The motor/fan assembly  33  remains deactivated and will remain so until the user manually actuates the switch button  41 . Since the weight of the bare floor cleaner  10  is fully supported by the support glides  46 , surface contact between the bare floor cleaner  10  and the surface to be cleaned is minimized and friction is reduced, resulting in a low push force required to manipulate the bare floor cleaner  10 . Since the support glides  46  are always indirectly in contact with the surface to be cleaned through the mop cloth  130 , lower push forces are encountered in both the wet mop and dry suction modes. 
         [0056]    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 combination are possible with the scope of the foregoing disclosure without departing from the spirit of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0