Abstract:
A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface includes a base portion for movement along a surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. Additionally the apparatus includes a solution tank, a recovery tank, both removable mounted to a handle, and a suction source. The solution tank supplies a flow of cleaning solution and the recovery tank receives dirt and liquid thorough fluid communication with the base portion and a suction nozzle secured to the base portion and in fluid communication with the suction source to generate the suction. The solution tank has a fixedly secured carrying handle and the apparatus further includes a latch pivotally connected to the tank carrying handle and releasably connected to the handle for releasably latching the solution tank to the handle. Simultaneously grasping the latch and the tank carrying handle unlatches the solution tank from the handle.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an lift off tank handle latch for an extractor. 
     2. Background Information 
     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. Some of these extractors have arrangements that allow the extractor to be used for above the floor cleaning. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,933,912 discloses a wet extractor that is converted between a floor cleaning mode and an attachment cleaning mode. U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,442 discloses an extractor that may be converted from the floor cleaning mode to an above the floor cleaning mode for cleaning upholstery, stairs, spots on carpet, or the like. These extractors use an accessory hose with an accessory tool, such as an upholstery wand, attached to the distal end of the accessory hose. This hose remains connected to the extractor for both the floor cleaning mode and the above the floor cleaning mode. 
     Often, the length of the accessory hose is relatively large in order to clean hard to reach areas such as ceilings. Yet, such a large accessory hose is more difficult to store on the extractor since it requires more storage area on the extractor and can also become easily entangled. Also, for cleaning areas close to the extractor, such a large hose is more difficult to manipulate and is also subject to kinking. 
     Hence, it is at least one object of the present invention to provide such a cleaning apparatus that overcomes the above-mentioned problems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus includes a base portion for movement along a surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. The apparatus further includes a solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface. The solution tank is removably mounted to the handle. The apparatus further includes a recovery tank removably mounted one of the handle and the base portion and a suction nozzle secured to the base portion and in fluid communication with the recovery tank. The apparatus still further includes a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank and a tank carrying handle fixedly secured to the solution tank. The apparatus yet further includes a latch pivotally connected to the tank carrying handle and releasably connected to the handle for releasably latching the solution tank to the handle. Simultaneously grasping the latch and the tank carrying handle unlatches the solution tank from the handle. 
     In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface. The apparatus includes a housing and a suction nozzle operatively secured to the housing. The apparatus further includes a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through the suction nozzle. The apparatus yet further includes a tank operatively attached to the housing and having a handle portion defined thereon. The apparatus yet further includes a tank carrying handle fixedly secured to the tank and a latch pivotal relative to the handle portion. Simultaneously grasping the latch and the handle portion unlatches the tank from the housing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the attached drawings, of which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a carpet extractor embodying the present invention; 
         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; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the upper portion of the base assembly illustrating the principal elements thereof; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the base assembly of the extractor with the wheels removed for illustrative purposes; 
         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; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram showing the electrical circuit for the suction motor and pump used in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         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; 
         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; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the lower portion of the handle assembly of the carpet extractor of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a fragmentary rear perspective view of the carpet extractor of  FIG. 1  showing the conversion valve assembly and related elements; 
         FIG. 11  is rear and right side perspective view of the carpet extractor of  FIG. 1  with the accessory hose assembly on the caddy; 
         FIG. 12  is a partial sectional view taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 1  with the brush assembly removed; 
         FIG. 13A  is a partial sectional view taken along line  13 A- 13 A of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13B  is a view similar to  FIG. 13A  except that the handle assembly is in the inclined use position; 
         FIG. 14  is a rear exploded view of the solution tank and cleaning solution reservoir assembly; 
         FIG. 14A  is a view taken along the line  14 A- 14 A of  FIG. 14  showing the tank handle in the latched position; 
         FIG. 14B  is a view similar to  FIG. 14A , but showing the tank handle in the unlatched position; 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded view of the recovery tank assembly and related elements for the carpet extractor of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a partial sectional view along lines  16 - 16  of  FIG. 11  with the accessory hose assembly and base assembly removed for illustrative purposes; 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded view of the upper handle assembly; 
         FIG. 18  is a top view of the accessory tool for the carpet extractor of  FIG. 1 ; 
         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; 
         FIG. 19B  is a view similar to  FIG. 19A  but showing the stop valve in the open position; 
         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 ; 
         FIG. 21  is an alternative arm and lever arrangement of the conversion valve assembly of the carpet extractor of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 21A  is a second alternative arrangement similar to that shown in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a sectional view taken along line  22 - 22  of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a sectional view taken along line  23 - 23  of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the conversion valve assembly positioned in the upholstery or above the floor cleaning mode of the carpet extractor of  FIG. 1  with portions broken away for illustrative purposes; 
         FIG. 24A  is a view similar to  FIG. 24  but with the conversion valve assembly being positioned in the floor operating mode; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a portion of the accessory hose assembly; 
         FIG. 26  is a partial section view taken along line  26 - 26  of  FIG. 25 ; 
         FIG. 26  A is a view similar to  FIG. 26 , but showing the accessory hose assembly in the stretched position; and 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a portion of the accessory hose assembly in an alternative embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, a specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     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 assembly  252  and a lower handle body shell  254  ( FIG. 9 ) with a front body shell faceplate  253  ( FIG. 9 ) mounted to it. The base assembly  64  includes a brush assembly  70  ( FIGS. 2  and  4 ) 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  below the solution tank  76  in a stacked arrangement. 
     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  FIG. 8 . 
     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 having bristles  69 . 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 . 
     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 . 
     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 . 
     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. 
     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. 
     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 . 
     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. 
     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 R 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. Alternately, the speed of the brush assembly  70  could be controlled by controlled in response to a control signal from the CPU  845  (See  FIG. 21A ). 
     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 . 
     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. Moreover, the solenoid pump  152  could be activated in response to a control signal generated by a CPU  845  in response to a sensor  841  detecting the removal of a free end  638  of the accessory hose  632  from the holster  618  (As shown in  FIG. 21A ). 
     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 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 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 . Optionally, the side portions  182  can be translucent such that the brush assembly  70  can be viewed through them as seen in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, the rear plate and hood can be translucent so that the brush assembly can be view through them, or alternatively, the rear plate and hood can have front transparent window portions so that the brush can be viewed through them. 
     Each side portion  182  includes a recessed portion  184  ( FIG. 3 ) that receives complementary 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 . 
     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. A plurality of flow ribs  179  are integrally molded to the underside of the front nozzle plate  178  and extend down to the rear nozzle plate, when the front nozzle plate  178  is mounted to the rear nozzle plate  180 . The flow ribs  179  slow down the flow of liquid laden air impinging upon them, thereby aiding separation of the air from the liquid. The flow ribs  179  further produce a more uniform distribution of suction across the suction inlet  187 . 
     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 ). 
     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). 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the lower portions of the lower body shell  254  ( FIG. 9 ) and a front body shell face plate  253  ( FIG. 9 ) of the handle assembly  62  together form a pair of opposite side extensions  256 L,  256 R depending downwardly therefrom. 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 . 
     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 . 
     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 . 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 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a shroud  278  is mounted on the hood  82  and motor cover  230  and surrounds the exposed top portion of the motor cover  230  and floor recovery duct  222 . When the handle assembly  62  is in the upright position as seen in  FIG. 1 , the recovery tank  80  is positioned upon or spaced slightly above the shroud  278  to cover the top portion of the motor cover  230  and floor recovery duct  222 . The shroud  278  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. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 9 , a lateral tongue  462  is integrally molded to the front body shell faceplate  253  and extends forwardly to support the recovery tank  80 . Specifically, the recovery tank  80  includes a complementary rear recess  464  ( FIG. 15 ) formed on the underside of bottom wall  318  that slidably receives and rests upon the tongue  462 , when the recovery tank  80  is mounted to the tongue  462  and face plate  253 . The tongue  462  also guides the recovery tank to the faceplate  253  and in combination with the recess  464  laterally supports the tank from side to side, thereby preventing or substantially minimizing side by side movement of the recovery tank  80 . Since the tongue  462  is a smaller support member than the commonly used platform or shelf, it is more cost effective and also allows more room on the handle assembly  62  to accommodate a larger size recovery tank  80 . 
     A pair of latches  468 L,  468 R releasably latches the recovery tank  80  to the handle assembly  62 . In particular, as seen in  FIG. 16 , each of the latches  468  include upper and lower clips  470  formed at the center of the latch  468  that snap onto and pivotally receive a pin  472  integrally molded on the lower body shell  254 . The front end of each of the latches  468  defines an inwardly curved tang  476  that is inserted into a corresponding notch  478  formed in flange  330  of top wall  322  of the recovery tank  80 , upon depression of the front portion  474  of the latch  468 . To disengage the tang  476 , from the notch  478 , a user depresses the rear portion  480  of the latch  468  to pivotally move the tang  476  outwardly away from the notch  478 . Thus, when the tangs  476  of both latches  468  are disengaged from their respective notches  478 , the recovery tank  80  can be easily slidably removed from the handle assembly  62  without the need to pivot or additionally manipulate the recovery tank  80  from the handle assembly  62 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 9 , the floor recovery hose  228  is captured between the faceplate  253  and lower body shell  254  and fluidly connected to a vertical floor inlet  482  of a conversion valve assembly  484  via sleeve connector  302 . The conversion valve assembly  484  is in fluid communication upstream with the recovery tank  80  via horizontal entrance passageway  486 . The conversion valve assembly  484  is in fluid communication downstream with the recovery tank  80  via the exit passageway  488 , when the recovery tank  80  is mounted to the handle assembly  62 . A corrugated air exhaust hose  300  is captured between the faceplate  253  and lower body shell  254  and fluidly connected to outlet  490  of the conversion valve assembly  484  via a sleeve connector  308 . Each of the sleeve connectors  236 ,  302 ,  308  use a male and female snap type connection to their respective elements  234 ,  482 ,  490 . 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. 
     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 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 contour of the face plate  253  and lower body shell  254 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , the recovery tank  80  comprises bottom wall  318 , an upstanding sidewall  320 , and a top wall  322  welded upon the upper end of the sidewall  320 . Opposite side recesses  492  ( FIGS. 1 and 11 ) are formed in the sidewall  320  to allow a user to grasp opposite side portions of the top wall  322 . A curved upstanding flange portion  330  is integrally formed with the top wall  322 . The recovery tank  80  includes lid  324  removably secured upon the flange portion  330  to define a manifold  331  ( FIG. 9 ) together with the flange  330  and top wall  322 . Specifically, the lid  324  includes a pair of rear hooks  332  that slide under and pivotally receive respective lateral pins  334  extending across cut out portions of the flange  330 . To remove the lid  324 , a user grasps the front portion  335  of the lid  324  and pivots the lid  324  upwardly and rearwardly until the hooks  332  are positioned over the pins  334  to allow the lid  324  and hooks  332  to be simply lifted off the pins  334 . Upstanding peripheral walls  336 ,  338  separate the manifold  331  into entrance and exit compartments  340 ,  342 . An elastomeric seal  337  is secured between the lid and peripheral walls, 
     The entrance compartment  340  has a horizontal inlet opening  344  and a vertical exit opening  346  formed in the top wall  322 . The inlet opening  344  is in fluid communication with the entrance passageway  486  of the conversion valve assembly  484 , when the recovery tank  80  is mounted to the handle assembly  62 . A step  348  is formed adjacent the exit opening  346  to slow the fluid down thereby aiding separation of the air and liquid. The exit compartment  342  has an entrance opening  350  to the tank  80  and a side exit opening  352  in fluid communication with the exit passageway  488  of the conversion valve assembly  484 . A curved upstanding baffle  354  is secured to the bottom wall  318  of the tank and is spaced very slightly from the rear portion  356  of the sidewall  320  but at about an inch from the front portion  357  of the sidewall  320  and to permit passage of the extracted liquid. The baffle  354  acts to limit the degree of fluid sloshing during the forward and reverse push-pull operation of the extractor  60  in the floor cleaning mode and assists in separation of liquid from the working air as described further below. 
     In addition to its function as an anti-slosh baffle, baffle  354  also serves to prevent the establishment of a “short circuited” working airflow from exit opening  346  of entrance compartment  340  directly to entrance opening  350  of exit compartment  342 . The baffle  354  acts to disburse the incoming working air over that portion of the recovery tank&#39;s volume upstream of the baffle  354  by forcing the working air to pass through the small space between the baffle  354  and front portion  357  of the sidewall  320 . Thus, the velocity of the air as it passes through tank  80  is slowed to a minimum value and the time that the working air spends within tank  80  is at a maximum thereby providing for more complete liquid precipitation. 
     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 , floor inlet  482 , and entrance passageway  486  of the conversion valve assembly  484  and to the manifold  331  of the recovery tank  80 . The recovered soiled liquid laden air enters the inlet opening  344  of the entrance compartment  340  and is directed by the wall  336  to the step  348  and exit opening  346  as seen by the arrows in  FIG. 16 . The liquid collects and flows through the space between the baffle  354  and front portion  357  of the sidewall  320  until it enters the entrance opening  350  to the exit compartment  342 . 
     A float  358  is provided within a suitable float cage  360  secured to the top wall  322  and aligned under the entrance opening  350  to choke the flow of working air through the entrance opening  350  when the reclaimed fluid within recovery tank  80  reaches a desired level. A screen  362  with seal  364  is secured to the top of the float cage  360  to filter out large objects. The float cage  360 , seal  364 , and screen  362  are angled slightly rearwardly and downwardly so that they are positioned vertically and also closer to the higher portion of the liquid level, when the handle assembly  62  is inclined rearwardly. This orientation keeps the liquid from rising to a level that is in close proximity to the entrance opening  350  of the exit chamber  342  and possibly entering the motor area. This orientation also prevents the float  358  from prematurely choking the flow of working air through the entrance opening  350 . To assemble the cage  360  to the top wall  322 , tabs  366  integrally formed on the top of the cage  360  are inserted through complementary apertures  368  in the top wall  322  and then engage the top wall  322  upon the cage  360  being turned a sufficient distance, defining a “twist lock” arrangement. The air flows through an exit opening  352  of the exit compartment  342  and through the exit passageway  488  ( FIG. 9 ) and outlet  490  of the conversion valve assembly  484  ( FIG. 9 ). 
     After traveling through the air exhaust hose  300 , the working air then travels through the standpipe  312  ( FIG. 20 ) 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 . 
     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. 
     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 rear 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  350 . 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 . 
     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  and the accessory hose. 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. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a support shelf  460  for supporting the solution tank  76  is mounted by screws to the front body shell faceplate  253  and extends forwardly. A cleaning solution reservoir  494  is received in a recess  500  formed in the support shelf  460  and faceplate  253 . The reservoir  494  receives and holds a quantity of cleaning solution from the solution tank  76  for distribution to supply tubes  496 ,  498  ( FIG. 17 ) as further described below. Upon assembly of the faceplate  253  to the lower body shell  254 , the forward half of the reservoir  494  protrudes through the recess  500  aligning with the top surface of the support shelf  460  such that the support shelf  460  is generally planer with the top surface of shelf  460 . The solution tank  76  is removably mounted upon the support shelf  460  of the handle assembly  62 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 14 , the solution tank  76  comprises a deeply hollowed upper body  502  and a relatively planer bottom plate  504  which is welded about its periphery to the upper body  502 . A skirt  506  extends around the forward end of the bottom plate  504 . The bottom plate  504  is provided with suitable recess areas  508 , which index upon and receive therein corresponding raised projections  510  ( FIG. 9 ) on the support shelf  460 , when the solution tank  76  is placed upon the shelf  460 . Side portions  512 L,  512 R ( FIG. 11 ) of the tank body  502  are scalloped to expose opposite ledge portions  514 L,  514 R ( FIG. 11 ) to provide a holding area for the hands of a user when filling the solution tank through opening  594 . As seen in  FIG. 9 , a u-shaped cavity  516  formed in the faceplate  253  just above the support shelf  460  receives a detergent measuring cup  518  removably stored therein. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , the cleaning solution reservoir  494  includes a bottom basin  520  having the two supply tubes  496 ,  498  exiting therefrom. The supply tube  496  provides a direct supply of cleaning solution through discharge port  525  from reservoir to the accessory tool  700 , while supply tube  498  provides a valved release of cleaning solution from reservoir  494  to the cleaning solution distributor  107  ( FIG. 5 ) 
     Cover plate  526  is welded to basin  520  and thereby forms a reservoir volume  528  which solution tank  76  floods with cleaning solution through inlet port  530 . Extending axially upward through inlet port  530  is pin  532 , which acts to open supply valve  541  ( FIG. 14 ) of the solution tank  76  as the tank  76  is placed upon the support shelf  460  ( FIG. 9 ) and secured in place. An upstanding cylindrical boss  588 , integrally formed on the top cover  526 , surrounds the pin. Two O-rings  590  are fitted around the boss  588  to seal the reservoir to the solution tank  76 , when the solution tank  76  is mounted to the handle assembly  62 . 
     Cleaning solution is released upon operator demand into tube  498  through solution release valve  540  which comprises a valve seat  542  positioned in basin  524  of bowl  544  integrally formed with top cover  526 . The basin  524  of bowl  544  extends across discharge port  546  such that valve seat  542  is aligned to open thereinto. An opening  548 , within the wall of bowl  544 , permits the free flow of cleaning solution from reservoir  528  into bowl  544 . An elastomeric valve member  550  comprises an elongate piston  552  extending through valve seat  542  having a bulbous nose  554  at the distal end thereof within discharge port  546 . The opposite end of piston  552  includes a downwardly sloped circular flange  556 , the peripheral end of which frictionally and sealingly engages the upper circular rim of bowl  544  thereby preventing leakage of cleaning solution thereby. Flange  556  acts to bias piston  552  upward thereby urging nose  554  into sealing engagement with valve seat  542  preventing the flow of cleaning solution from bowl  544  into discharge port  546  and tube  498 . 
     The solution release valve  540  is operated by pressing downward upon the elastomeric release valve member  550  by push rod  558 , thereby deflecting the center of flange  556  downward urging nose  554  downward and away from valve seat  542  permitting the passage of cleaning solution therethrough into discharge port  546  and tube  498 . Energy stored within flange  556 , as a result of being deflected downward will, upon release of the force applied to push rod  558 , return the valve to its normally closed position as illustrated in  FIG. 9   
     The push rod  558  articulates and extends upwardly through handle assembly  62 . The push rod  558  is positioned within the handle assembly  62  by means of integrally molded spacer  564  dimensioned and located as necessary. The upper end  566  of the push rod  558  is pivotally attached to trigger  568 . Integrally molded onto the lateral sides of the trigger  568  is a cantilever spring  569 . Trigger  568  is pivotally attached to the handle at pivot  570 ; thus cantilever spring  569  urges trigger  568  and the attached articulated push rod  558  towards the valve closed mode. A looped hand grip  560  captures the push rod  558  and trigger  568  to the upper handle body  572 . 
     Cantilever spring  569  is engineered to support the weight of the push rod  558  such that no force is applied to elastomeric valve member  550 . Upon the operator squeezing the hand grip  560  and trigger  568 , cantilever spring  569  yields thereby permitting counterclockwise rotation of trigger  568  about pivot  570  with a resulting downward movement of push rod  558  thereby opening solution release valve  540  causing gravitational flow of cleaning solution from reservoir  528  to tube  498 . Upon release of trigger  568 , energy stored in the system returns valve  540  to the closed mode. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 14 , removably mounted into bottom plate  504  of the solution tank  76  is a solution release valve  541  comprising valve seat  574  having an elongate plunger  576  extending coaxially upward therethrough. Plunger  576  having an outside diameter less than the inside diameter of valve seat  574  is provided with at least three flutes  578  to maintain alignment of plunger  576  within valve seat  574  as plunger  576  axially translates therein and permits the passage of fluid therethrough when plunger  576  is in the open position. 
     An open frame housing  580  is located atop valve seat  574  having a vertically extending bore  582  slidingly receiving therein the upper shank portion of plunger  576 . An elastomeric circumferential seal  584  circumscribes plunger  576  for sealingly engaging valve seat  574 . Seal  584  is urged against valve seat  574  by action of compression spring  586 , circumscribing plunger  576 , and positioned between frame  580  and seal  584 . Solution release valve  541  is normally in the closed position. However, as solution tank  76  is placed upon support shelf  460  of handle assembly  62 , pin  532  of the cleaning solution supply reservoir  528  aligns with plunger  576  and is received within flutes  578 , thereby forcing plunger  576 , upward compressing spring  586 , and opening valve seat  574  permitting cleaning solution to flow from solution tank  76  into reservoir  528 . Upon removal of solution tank  76  from support shelf  460 , the energy stored within compression spring  586  closes valve seat  574 . A threaded cap  592  is threadily secured on a boss  594 , integrally molded on the bottom plate  504 , to removably mount the solution release valve  541  to the bottom plate  504  of the solution tank  76 . 
     A check valve  596  in the form of an elastomeric umbrella valve is provided in the top of the solution tank  76  to assure that the ambient pressure within tank  76  remains equal to atmospheric, as cleaning solution is drawn from tank  76 . A multiplicity of air breathing orifices  598  are formed in the top of the tank and extend to the umbrella valve  596 . As the ambient pressure within tank  76  drops, by discharge of cleaning solution from therein, atmospheric pressure acting upon the top side of umbrella valve  596  causes the peripheral edge of the umbrella valve  596  to unseat from the underside surface of the top of the tank  76 , thereby permitting the flow of atmospheric air into tank  76  until the ambient pressure therein equals atmospheric. Once the pressure on both sides of the umbrella valve  596  equalize, the energy stored by deflection of the umbrella valve causes the peripheral edge to reseat itself against the underside surface thereby preventing leakage of cleaning solution through orifices  598  during operation of the extractor  60 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 14 , integrally formed at the top of the solution tank  76  is a carry handle  600 . A solution tank latch  602  releasably secures the solution tank  76  to the upper handle body  572 . The plate like latch  602  is pivotally connected to the underside of the carrying handle  600  and biased downwardly by a torsion spring  604  provided between the latch and carry handle. Specifically as shown in  FIG. 1 , the torsion spring  604  receives a pin  605 , integrally formed on the center of the carry handle  600 , and includes an upper end leg  607  ( FIG. 14 ) abutting against the under side of the carry handle  600  and a lower end leg  609  ( FIG. 14 ) abutting against the top surface of the latch  602 . The latch  602  includes a pair of arcuate surfaces  606  that pivotally receive complementary pins  608  ( FIG. 9 ) on the handle  600 . A front flange  610  extends upwardly and partially over the front portion  612  of the carrying handle  600 , and acts as a stop or limit to prevent the latch  602  from pivoting below a horizontal plane. The latch  602  includes a ring member extending from its rear end that defines a catch  614 . The catch  614  receives an upstanding tongue member  616  ( FIG. 17 ) integrally formed on front side  573  of upper handle body  572  to secure the solution tank  76  to the upper handle body  572 . 
     To remove the solution tank  76  from the upper handle body  572  and face plate  253 , a user grasps the carrying handle  600  and latch  602  and pushes upwardly on the rear portion  618  of the latch  602  a sufficient distance to clear or disengage the catch  614  from the tongue member  616  and then pulls the solution tank  76  away from the upper handle body  572  and face plate  253 . It should be appreciated that one skilled in the art could utilize same type of handle and latch on a recovery tank if the recovery tank  80  were positioned on the shelf  460 . The rear of the solution tank  76  abuts against the generally flat or planar front side  573  of the upper handle body  572  and flat or planar upper front portion  255  of the front body shell face plate  253 . In essence, the projections  510  and recesses  508  connection, and the latch  602  and tongue member  616  connection adequately secure and support the solution tank laterally. Thus, there is additional room to accommodate a solution tank  76  that is larger in size than that needed to fit into the area if it was recessed to form a forward cavity for laterally supporting the solution tank. As seen in  FIGS. 1 and 11 , the parting line  671  between the solution tank  76  and handle assembly  62  is aligned with the parting line  673  between the recovery tank  80  and handle assembly  62 , and the two parting lines together form a substantially straight line. This produces a stacked arrangement of the solution tank  76  above the recovery tank  80  in which the tanks are in alignment with each other. Optionally, the solution tank  76  or recovery tank  80  can also wrap partially around the handle assembly  62  in a saddle type arrangement. 
     The arrangement for above the floor or upholstery cleaning will now be described. Referring to  FIGS. 24 and 24A , the conversion valve assembly  484  includes an accessory inlet  620  that leads to accessory passageway  624 . A rotary valve  628  member is pivotally connected to the valve body  630  of the conversion valve assembly  484  and selectively pivots between two positions for either floor cleaning or above the floor cleaning. An upstanding boss  629  is attached to the valve  628  and abuts the underside of the valve body  630  to support the valve  628  horizontally and prevent it from flexing. An accessory hose assembly  632  ( FIG. 11 ) is fluidly connected at its proximal end to the accessory inlet  620 . An accessory tool  700  ( FIG. 11 ) is selectively fluidly connected to the distal or free end  638  of the accessory hose assembly  632 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 18 ,  22 , and  23 , the accessory tool  700  includes an extractor nozzle  702  and one vertical axis rotary scrub brush  704  that is driven by an air powered turbine  706 . The extractor nozzle  702  has a narrow, elongated nozzle inlet  703  for extracting liquid from a surface to be dried or cleaned and is fixed to a first end  707  of a suction tube  708 . The second end  709  of the suction tube  708  is mounted to distal hose end  638  of the accessory hose assembly  632 . The power nozzle accessory tool  700  is released from the hose end  638  by depressing a retaining nub  712  extending from a resilient tab  714  integrally formed with the second end  709  of the suction tube  708 . A typical on-off trigger operated valve  634  ( FIG. 11 ) is provided on the hose end  638  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 turbine  706  and the brush  704  are mounted to the suction tube  708  adjacent to the nozzle  702  by screws or other suitable fastening means. The turbine  706  includes a relatively flat generally disc or pancake shaped turbine housing  718  defining a generally disc or pancake shaped turbine chamber therein. A generally disc shaped turbine rotor  720  is rotatably mounted in the turbine housing  718  on an axle  722 . The turbine housing  718  is defined by an upper end wall  728  and a lower end wall  734  connected by a peripheral wall  719  enclosing the turbine chamber. 
     A plurality of turbine inlet openings  724  pass through the peripheral wall  719  of the turbine housing  718  and a turbine outlet opening  726  passes through a center of the upper wall  728  of turbine housing. The turbine outlet opening  726  communicates an eye  729  of the turbine  706  with a turbine exhaust opening  730  passing through a lower side of the suction tube  708 , such that when suction is applied to the suction tube  708 , as indicated by arrow A, ambient air is drawn in through the turbine inlet openings  724  through turbine blades  732  on the turbine rotor  720  and out through the turbine outlet opening  726 , thereby driving the turbine rotor  720 . Screens are preferably mounted in the turbine inlet openings to prevent dust, lint and other debris from being drawn in the inlet openings and fouling the turbine. 
     The terms upper and lower are used in relation to the accessory power nozzle tool  700  as illustrated in  FIGS. 18 ,  22  and  23  with upper meaning toward the suction tube  708  and lower meaning toward the brushes  704 . Likewise, the term forward means toward the nozzle  702  and rearward means toward the hose end  638 . It can be appreciated that the orientation of the accessory tool  700  changes during use. As such, the terms upper, lower, forward and rearward, as used in the description and the appended claims, are only intended to describe the parts of the nozzle when the nozzle is in the orientation illustrated in  FIGS. 18 ,  22  and  23  with the brushes  704  and nozzle inlet  703  facing down. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 22 and 23 , a portion or first end of the turbine axle  722  extends through the lower wall  734  of the turbine housing  718  ( FIG. 18 ) and drives the brushes  704  via a gear train  735 . The gear train is preferably a conventional gear reduction. The portion of the axle outside the turbine housing has helical gear teeth formed integrally therewith forming a gear shaft  736 . The helical teeth on the gear shaft  736  engage helical gear teeth on an outer periphery of a reducing or idler gear  738 , such that the reducing gear  738  is driven by the turbine rotor  720 . A reduced diameter portion  740  of the idler gear  738  engages and drives a spur gear  742 . A drive shaft  744  is integrally formed with the spur gear. The drive shaft  744  has a non-circular cross section that is non-rotatably received in a correspondingly sized and shaped central opening in an idler gear  745 . The idler gear  745  has teeth that mesh with teeth on recess  741  formed on top  743  of the spur gear  742  for the brush  704  for rotationally driving the brush  704 . 
     In order to rotatably mount the turbine rotor  720  in the turbine housing  718  with minimal friction, the axle  722  is mounted in the lower end wall  734  in a sleeve bearing  748  and a thrust washer  750  is mounted over the axle  722  between the rotor  720  and the sleeve bearing  748 . Furthermore, a pin  752  formed of wear resistant material extends down from a turbine exit shroud or baffle  760  to make a substantially point contact with a top end of the axle  722  when the rotor  720  is drawn upward by the suction A applied to the tube  708 . In addition, the direction in which the helical teeth on the gear shaft  736  twist about the shaft  736  is selected such that the engagement of the gear shaft  736  with the idler gear  738  creates a downward force on the shaft  736  and therefore on the turbine rotor  720  under load. This downward force counterbalances the upward force applied to the rotor  720  by the suction A in the suction tube. More particularly, the turbine  732  blades on the rotor  720  are designed to cause the rotor  720  to spin clockwise in top view and the helical teeth on the gear shaft  736  have a right hand or clockwise twist, such that clockwise motion of the rotor  720  causes the idler gear  738  to apply a downward force on the gear shaft  736 . 
     The turbine rotor  720  is preferably somewhat bell shaped. The bell shape facilitates the flow of air through the turbine  706  and out the turbine outlet opening  726  by smoothly guiding the flow of air upward and out the turbine outlet opening  726 . The bell shape also minimizes distortion of the rotor  720  under load. An additional benefit of the bell shape of the turbine rotor  720  is that it provides a recess  749  in a lower side  754  of the rotor as viewed in  FIG. 22 . The sleeve bearing  748  supporting the turbine axle in the lower end wall  734  is preferably located in a central raised portion  747  of the lower end wall  734 , such that the top end  756  of the bearing is received in the recess  749  in the lower side of the turbine. Locating the sleeve bearing partially in the recess in the rotor decreases the vertical height required to mount rotor  720  and axle  722  in the housing  718  and provides a relatively compact construction. Locating the top end of the bearing above the lower end wall  734  also helps prevent any liquid pooling on the lower end wall  734  from entering the bearing  748 . Any liquid that pools on the lower end wall  734  will run out the turbine inlet openings  724  when the suction being applied to the suction tube is turned off. 
     The brush  704  has bearing and brush mounting stem  781  integrally formed therewith. The brush bearing and mounting stem  781  is received in hollow cylindrical brush mounting post  782  extending down from a wall  783  separating the brush chamber from the gear chamber. In order to provide a compact brush assembly, the brush  704  has an annular recess  784  surrounding the stem  781  for receiving the mounting post  783  therein. The brush  704  is retained in place on the mounting post  782  by a lower brush retaining wall  786 . The end of the stem  781  on the brush  704  abuts against an inner end surface  788  inside the mounting post  782 . Thus, the brush  704  is held axially in place between the end surfaces  788  and the retaining wall  786 . Bristles  715  on the brushes  704  extend out brush opening  790  in the retaining wall  786 . 
     In operation, suction is applied to the suction tube  708 , thereby applying suction simultaneously to the suction nozzle  702  and the air powered turbine  706 . Thus, air is drawn simultaneously in through the suction nozzle inlet  703  for extracting liquid from a surface to be dried or cleaned and in through the turbine inlet openings  724  for operating the turbine  706  by driving the rotor  720 , which in turn, drives the scrub brush  704  via the gear train  735 . 
     An operator preferably simultaneously presses the suction inlet  703  and the scrub brush  704  against a surface to be cleaned and then depresses the trigger  634  while pulling the extractor nozzle accessory tool  700  in a rearward direction. Upon depressing the trigger  634 , the spray mechanism sprays cleaning solution onto the carpet or other surface to be cleaned. The brush is then used to distribute the solution on the carpet or fabric and work the solution into the carpet or fabric with a scrubbing action. Further details of the accessory tool are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,134,746; the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11 ,  25 ,  26 ,  26 A and  27 , the accessory hose assembly  632  has a suction hose  800  that is corrugated and form of a suitable elastic material to allow it to extend its length. The solution tube  496  is placed inside the suction hose  800  in a helical coiled arrangement in order to allow it to also extend and retract in response to the suction hose  800  extending and retracting to a desired length. Referring to  FIG. 26 , the suction hose  800  is formed from a helically coiled support member  801  such as a steel wire, and an extruded or helically wound outer jacket  803  formed from a suitable flexible material, such as vinyl. This arrangement allows the outer jacket  803  to move as the support member  801  is extended and contracted, forming a stretch hose in which the length of the hose can be adjusted. One example of the outer portion of the stretch hose is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,486,532, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Although a steel wire and vinyl type stretch hose is preferred, a one-piece corrugated hose member could be used as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,572,393 and 5,395,278, which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     As illustrated, the stretch hose uses an outward convoluting stretch suction hose  800 , in which the support member  801  defines the inner diameter of the suction hose  800 , while the excess material of the outer jacket is displaced outwardly in the form a ring  805  from the support member  801  when the suction hose  800  is retracted, as shown in  FIGS. 26 and 26A . Alternately, the stretch hose may use an inward convoluting stretch suction hose  800 , in which the support member  801  defines the outer diameter of the suction hose  800 , while the excess material of the outer jacket is displaced inwardly in the form a ring  805  from the support member  801  when the suction hose  800  is retracted the It is also preferred to orient the helical coils of the solution tube  496  opposite the orientation of the helically coiled support member  801 . The solution tube  496  is not bonded to the outer jacket  803  of the suction hose  800  and is significantly shorter in straightened length than the straightened length of the helically coiled support member  801 , to facilitate priming with cleaning solution. However, the solution tube could be bonded to the outer jacket or could form the support member  805 . The solution tube  496  enters and leaves the suction hose  800  at rigid cuff member  807  in the perpendicular or radial direction. Alternatively, the solution tube  496  enters and leaves the suction hose  800  at cuff member  809  tangentially to reduce clogging in the suction hose  800  as depicted in  FIG. 27 . The solution tube  496  may or may not be bonded to the suction hose  800 . 
     In the stretched position, shown in  FIG. 26  A, it should be noted that the hose has increased in length by a factor of four hundred percent (400%) over the compressed position shown in  FIG. 26 . It should be noted that most suction hoses with a solution tube will not expand much over twenty five percent (25%) of the original length. Therefore, the present invention allows stretch configurations that are capable of expanding to 50%, 100%, 200%, 300%, 400% and greater. This large expansion ratio allows for a more compact suction hose in the storage position ( FIG. 26 ) to have a greatly enhanced length when used ( FIG. 26A ). 
     The accessory hose assembly  632  is routed down from the accessory inlet  620  of the conversion valve assembly  484  and extends through an enclosed portion  802  of a hose retainer  804 . The hose retainer  804  is mounted to the rear of the lower body shell  254  at a location near the bottom of the lower body shell  254 . Such a location provides for a very low center of gravity at the connection of the accessory hose assembly  632  and hose retainer  804 , thereby preventing the extractor unit  60  from tipping when the accessory hose assembly  632  is being used. The hose retainer  804  also includes a clip portion  806  extending outwardly and downwardly for releasably retaining a section of the accessory hose assembly  632  or accessory tool  700  if desired. The accessory hose assembly  632  wraps around a hook  808  integrally molded to the upper hand body. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11 and 17 , a retainer assembly  810  is mounted to the rear portion of the upper handle body  572  and includes a pair of retaining clips  812 L,  812 R located on opposite side ends to releasably retain the accessory hose assembly  632  to the rear side of the handle assembly  62 . The retainer assembly  810  includes an integrally molded tongue  814  extending upwardly and outwardly, which is selectively inserted into the suction tube  708  of the accessory tool  700  to store the tool  700  on the extractor  60 . The retainer assembly also includes an integrally molded carry handle  817  for carrying the extractor unit  60 . An upper cord holder  820  is mounted to the retainer assembly  810  and upper handle body  572  and a lower cord holder  821  is integrally molded to the lower handle body shell  254 . The distal hose end  638  is slidably received in a pocket member or holster  816  secured to the rear portion of the handle assembly  62  when it is stored on the unit. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 24 and 24A , a manual lever  818  is connected to the rotary valve member  628  to selectively pivot the valve member  628  between the two positions. An arm  822  is connected to the lever  818  and reciprocates or moves back and forth in response to pivotal movement of the lever  818 . As seen in  FIGS. 9 through 11 , a cover  824  for the conversion valve assembly  484  is mounted to the rear portion of the lower handle body shell  254 . The cover  824  includes a first lateral slot  826  in which the lever  818  extends therethrough for access by the user and a second lateral slot  827  ( FIG. 9 ) in which the arm  822  extends and retracts therethrough. When the carpet extractor  60  is operated in the floor mode as seen in  FIG. 11 , the hose end  638  is received in the holster  816  and the lever  818  is at the position in the slot  826  furthest away from the holster  816 . This places the valve member  628  over the outlet  621  of the accessory passageway  624 , thereby partially blocking suction to the accessory passageway  624 , accessory hose assembly  632 , and accessory tool  700  as seen in  FIG. 24A . The remaining suction through the accessory passageway  624 , accessory hose assembly  632 , and accessory tool  700  is blocked or shut off by bottom wall  828  of the holster  816 . Thus, 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 , entrance passageway of the conversion valve and to the lid assembly  324  of the recovery tank  80 . 
     To operate the carpet extractor  60  in the upholstery or above the floor cleaning mode as depicted in  FIGS. 10 and 24 , a user removes the distal hose end  638  of the accessory hose assembly  632  from the holster  816  and mounts the accessory tool  700  to the hose end  638 . The user then moves or rotates the lever  818  counterclockwise (as viewed from the top) to the other end  838  of the slot  826 , which in turn rotates the valve member  628  away from the outlet  621  of the accessory passageway  624  and over the outlet  830  of the floor passageway  832  to partially or substantially block suction through the floor recovery duct  222 , floor recovery hose  228 , and floor suction nozzle  174 . Yet, suction is created in the flowpath through the accessory passageway  624 , accessory hose assembly  632 , and accessory tool  700 . Thus, suction generated by the motor draws dirt and liquid through the accessory tool  700 , suction hose  800 , accessory passageway  624 , entrance passageway  486  and into the recovery tank  80  as seen by the arrows. Also, movement of the lever  818  to the upholstery mode position causes the arm  822  to extend through the slot  827  ( FIG. 9 ) partially over the bottom wall  828  of the holster  816  as seen in  FIG. 10 . In this position, the arm  822  prevents the hose end  638  from being inserted into the holster  816  until the lever  818  is moved back to the slot end  836  furthest away from the holster  816  to retract the arm  822  and position the valve member  628  over the outlet  621  of the accessory passageway  624  for operation in the floor mode. 
     As seen in  FIG. 21 , an alternative arm and lever arrangement is designed such that the hose end  638  cams against arm  840 , when inserted in to the holster  816 , to retract the arm  840 , which causes lever  842  to position the valve member  628  over the outlet  621  of the accessory passageway  624  for operation in the floor mode. In particular, the arm  840  is pivotally attached to the handle assembly  62  at its proximal end  848 . The distal end  844  of the lever  842  is attached to the outer end of gear  846 , which is rotatably connected to the handle assembly  62 . Rotation of the gear  846  causes the lever  842  to reciprocate. The gear  846  includes teeth  850  which intermesh with teeth  852  formed on the proximal end  848  of the arm. A spring  834 , attached between the handle assembly  62  and the arm  840 , biases the arm  840  upwardly and causes the lever  842  to position the valve member  628  over the outlet  830  of the floor passageway  832 . When the hose end  638  is inserted in the holster  816 , it cams or pushes down on the arm  840  causing the arm  840  to retract which causes the lever  842  to position the valve member  628  over the outlet  621  of the accessory passageway  624  for operation in the floor mode. When the hose end  638  is removed from the holster  816  for upholstery or above the floor use of the carpet extractor  60 , the spring  834  urges the arm  840  upwardly and positions the valve member  628  over the outlet  830  of the floor passageway  832 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 21A , a second alternative arrangement is shown to sense when the hose end  638  is moved into and out of position within the holster  816 . In particular, the sensor  841  senses the presence of the hose end  638  and sends control signals to the CPU  845 . The sensor  841  may be any one of a micro switch, hall effect sensor, infared sensor, optical sensor or any other suitable sensor that may detect the presence of the hose end  838  within the holster  816 . The CPU  845  contains logic which may be used to (1) control an actuator  843  to actuate the lever  842  and control airflow to the floor nozzle, (2) control the speed of the motor/fan unit  90  if it is desirable to increase or decrease fan speed when the accessory tool is being used, (3) start the pump  152  to start and stop the flow of cleaning fluid to the fluid conduit  496  when the accessory hose is in use, (4) control the speed of the brush assembly to stop the brushes when the accessory hose is in use, or (5) control some other operation that is only desired when the hose end  638  is removed from the holster  816 . It should be noted that the CPU control of features is not presented here in great detail, but should readily be implemented by one skilled in the art of designing floor care appliance. 
     In use, the carpet extractor  60  distributes the cleaning solution on the carpet  74  upon squeezing of the trigger  568  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 or include a heater for heating the cleaning solution. Also, a tablet composed of fragrance emitting material can be placed within the solution tank  76  and mixed with the cleaning solution to produce the desired fragrance after cleaning the carpet. Further, the bristles  69 ,  715  of their respective brushes  72 ,  704  may be composed of anitmicrobial material. Such a tablet and antimicrobial bristle material is disclosed in co-pending patent application having Ser. No. 10/714,808; the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. 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. 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.